Ruby For Kids For Dummies

Introduction

Ruby For Kids For Dummies is an introduction to the basics of coding using the Ruby programming language. In each chapter, I walk you through a step-by-step set of instructions to create a Ruby program for your Mac or Windows computer. You don’t need to have any programming experience to understand this book, but you do need to have a sense of curiosity and adventure!

The Ruby programming language has been around since the mid-1990s and has become very popular with web application programmers. It can be used for so much more than just web apps. In this book, you’ll see that you can use Ruby for small “command line” tools and calculations; larger programs for home, work, or school; or even graphical games (and I’ll show you a lot of games).

Ruby was designed by its creator Yukihiro Matsumoto to be both fun and productive. My hope is that as you explore the projects in this book, you’ll definitely have fun and be inspired to continue to use Ruby (or any other programming language) to realize your own coding ideas.

Programming in general is similar to sports, music, or even creative arts. It’s hard to just absorb a book on the subject and expect to understand it completely or start to gain mastery of the topic. Instead, you need to have keyboard time and practice. Even professional coders continue to practice throughout their careers.

By exploring and playing around with the projects here, you’ll be taking the first steps down a really interesting Ruby-colored road. ...