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I find that I learn the best with a book that has a number of exercises at the end of each chapters. A great example of this is C++ Primer Plus by Stephen Prata or Scientific Programming with Python or the Horstmann Java books. All of those books have a number of programming exercises at the end tailored to that specific chapter. I love the styles of those book and was wondering if there is anything similar for Ruby.

I've extensively searched google for this and people have been suggesting different stuff like different websites like Ruby Koans and LRTHW but honestly, I've tried those and they aren't for me. I taught myself Python with the the Hard Way book and to be honest, it's not for me.

Now, forgive me if I'm blunt but does anyone have a Ruby programming BOOK (i.e. not a website), that has EXERCISES in it? I do NOT want a website, unless the book is only or is freely available online by the author, similar to the Hard Way books. I would say that I'm a intermediate level programmer with only some Ruby experience but if you know of a beginner book on Ruby, that is fine too.

Thanks in advance, I would really really appreciate the help.

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closed as not constructive by JeffO, gnat, Walter, Jarrod Roberson, Yannis Rizos♦ Jun 15 '12 at 18:49

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2 Answers

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my first post here so I do my best. ;)

Although you say you don't like Websites I have one that might be interessting. Do you know "The Bastards Book of Ruby" ( http://ruby.bastardsbook.com/ ) ?

It's still a work in progress but as far as I can see it's very practicaly oriented with examples and little exercieses. So may be that's something for you. Good luck. I'm also "learning" Ruby a bit and I'm currently coding on my first bigger web app using Ruby, Passenger, Sinatra and co.. ;) Good luck and happy coding.

For Quickreference Infos this might help you: http://www.zenspider.com/Languages/Ruby/QuickRef.html - can also be downloaded as PDF.

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Bastards Book looks pretty interesting, thanks for the tip! – thesunneversets Jun 14 '12 at 14:01
Thanks. Even though it's not quite what I'm looking for, the Bastards book does look interesting. I'll try and read it tonight, thanks. – watabou Jun 14 '12 at 18:33
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Programming Ruby, like most Pragmatic Bookshelf releases, is a really good choice.

Here's a sample chapter on regular expressions.

And even though you didn't have good experience with website guides, this book is a real perl: Why's Poignant Guide to Ruby.

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Thanks for helping but none of those books have exercises. You might think I'm like a little child but I really really love books with exercises. I learn faster and I remember important concepts better that way. Hope you can understand :) – watabou Jun 14 '12 at 18:29

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