Learn Ruby 

from the shiny-gems dept.

If you're interested in learning computer programming topics, consider my advice.  Learn Ruby.  If you are new to programming or are already proficient in one programming language, it may seem confusing to learn a new language.  I agree, this is difficult.  But having learned Ruby, such as I have, on top of already having been proficient in Java for years, again such as I have, I can say that my skill in both languages have been improved, such as it is.

Java and Ruby are have similarities and differences (though if they could talk, neither language would admit the similarities).  It also turns out that learning Ruby has helped me think differently about Java.  Sometimes I am envious about a particular construct in Ruby that is not available to me in Java.  Sometimes I am envious about a particular library in Java that's not available to me in Ruby.  This is healthy and beneficial.

I make most of my money with Java.  I learned Ruby mainly because I got excited about Ruby on Rails.  Turns out, this is actually a very common situation.  If you're interested in the subject, I recommend the following links:

• Why's (Poignant) Guide to Ruby
• try ruby! (in your browser)