A LIST Apart: For People Who Make Websites

No. 257

April 22, 2008

The why and how of Ruby on Rails.

Creating More Using Less Effort with Ruby on Rails

The "why" of Ruby on Rails comes down to productivity, says Michael Slater. Web applications that share three characteristics—they're database-driven, they're new, and they have needs not well met by a typical CMS—can be built much more quickly with Ruby on Rails than with PHP, .NET, or Java, once the investment required to learn Rails has been made. Does your web app fall within the RoR "sweet spot?"

Getting Started with Ruby on Rails

The "how" of Ruby on Rails: Hivelogic's Dan Benjamin prepares non-Rails developers, designers, and other creative professionals for their first foray into Rails. Learn what Ruby on Rails is (and isn't), and where it fits into the spectrum of web development and design. See through the myths surrounding this powerful young platform, and learn how to approach working with it.

A List Apart explores the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on web standards and best practices. Explore our articles or find out more about us.

Editor’s Choice

originally ran: March 7, 2006

Getting Started with Ajax

In this excerpt from O'Reilly's Web Design in a Nutshell, 3rd Edition, ALA's production editor would like to take you aside for a little chat about the birds and the bees. Or maybe about Ajax.