RubyMonk helps ambitious developers learn Ruby. The application is an interactive learning platform that covers a number of areas to familiarize the user with this popular programming language. The user can work through lessons, solve hands on problems and explore Ruby idioms. The site currently offers six lessons, with a seventh on the way. These begin with basic concepts, such as arrays and iteration and move on to building classes, loops and Ruby hashes. The problems include simple instructions and a multiple choice system that utilizes attractive tags rather than plain radio buttons or check boxes. Others provide the user with a request that they must complete to solve the problem (such as building a calculator). The site is growing its resources and plans to add a complete Ruby primer in the near future.

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RubyMonk was developed by the team of developers with C42. The application was intended to be a valuable learning resource for passionate programmers interested in expanding their knowledge. The site is designed to give the user a way to learn at a pace that is comfortable for them. The user can move through each lesson as quickly or slowly as they like. The RubyMonk system has earned the site a number of praises, including mentions on a handful of sites including LifeHacker.

RubyMonk is one of the few applications available that give users a way to learn a programming language in a comfortable setting. The site contains a wealth of knowledge as well as exercises that allow the user to test what they know and push themselves. The site is very easy to use and displays content in a way that’s fun as well as informative. The user can step into RubyMonk’s nurturing environment and grow their understanding of a very popular programming language at their own pace.

RubyMonk has enhanced its offerings by providing a lighthearted, friendly setting for users to learn within. The monk concept features hand drawn images of exotic monasteries and robe-clad monks escorting their pupils. The design works well as a learning tool because the user never feels intimidated. There is just enough color and style to keep the site visually interesting without distracting from the valuable lessons and challenging problems.

A new user can dive right into RubyMonk’s collection of lessons and problems by clicking the “Start Learning Ruby Now!” button found near the center of the homepage. Users can also register by mousing over the blue “Sign In” ribbon in the upper, left hand corner of the homepage. The ribbon stretches downward and lets the user choose from three registration options. New users can create an account using their Google, Twitter or GitHub credentials.

RubyMonk is available to all users for free. There are no subscription fees and the user can jump right into the first lessons as soon as they arrive on the homepage. The site is currently in an alpha status, so it is possible that changes may be made later on that include fees. The site mentions the addition of a complete Ruby primer in the near future, which will also be a free resource available to users.

RubyMonk is a great starter tool for anyone who is interested in learning or perfecting their understanding of the Ruby programming language. The application starts simple and lets the user work up from the basics at their own pace. The best part is that the user can access lessons and problems from anywhere at any time as long as they have an internet connection. The application provides users with a cost-free way to grow their abilities as developers.

• All visitors can access lessons from the RubyMonk homepage
• Email subscribers receive notification when the free Ruby primer is available
• Users can register with a Google, Twitter or GitHub account
• Practice problems challenge users to test their Ruby knowledge
• Each lesson can be worked through at the user's pace

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