I have programming computers since 1981 when as an eleven year old I borrowed a friends ZX81. I have programmed in all the major languages (C, C++, C#, various BASICs, Java, Pascal, LISP and COBOL plus a little machine code). It doesn't matter how hard or how simple a programming language is, the key to being good at it is the training provided. If the materials you are given are not up to scratch then learning will be hard and tedious. A very obtuse language and a good teacher can make you an expert.

I have been developing a Rails app for a while now but I was being hampered by my lack of Ruby which was down to the books I have read already. But this book is different - it doesn't assume that you have ever programmed before and this a plus because it breaks your conscience connection to other programming languages you may have used and makes your concentrate on Ruby. Add to that the fact that book is so well written and you have a winner on your hands.

I want to add a class to my Rails app that does an MX record lookup to test that the domain part of a persons email address is valid - this book covers things like that and gives you the confidence to search out Gems and other goodies.

Ruby really is a simple language but the syntax can be confusing to old school hackers like my self who are always thinking: this is too easy. And that is the main theme of the book, Ruby is easy and powerful so be careful.

I can not recommend this book highly enough. Read it once and then use it as a reference as every thing you need is in there.