Totally lost in learning Ruby

[Robert Klemme]

What I want to create is a database that can measure the performance of
all entities in a school district. The closest software that exhibits
some semblance is that of Microsoft Access. Where, as I understand it,
the input entry of a single data can be housed and then derived, through
a set of queries, then further analyzed =A0through/by Microsoft Solver
software.

Microsoft Access gives you a database with application code in a
single file. You can even have a GUI to enter data. This is very
convenient for small applications. However, it's best when used by a
single person at a time - it's concurrency facilities are somewhat
limited - at least that's what it was last time I checked. It would
seem that you could cook something similar with Open Office (or Libre
Office) Base which has the advantage not to be tied into Microsoft
OS's. If you need something that can be used by multiple users
concurrently chances are that Access is not the best choice.

The difference with my proposal would be that based on selected
indicators [which will be dynamically influenced by changed event(s) and
policy(ies], which would be able to measure success. I have been exposed
to a statistical software named SPSS and having worked as an economist,
has influenced my outlook on creating an approach/database/software
which would indicate in real time, measured results.

What exactly does "real time" mean in your context? I figure, human
beings need to give this system some input data before it can spit out
any new information.

As you can tell, =A0there is an element of nervousness regarding saying
too much. But on the other hand, if not much is said, not much help can
be given. So it's a "catch 24", where since the last 20 years I have
been improving on a systems that would be able to measure defined
academic output, vis-a-vis, financial constraints etc..

What does "system" exactly mean here? Is it a mathematical model that
you want to implement in software? Is it a software system that you
need to improve / extend?

Mike Stephens recommended Mendix as a possible solution to my woes. Do
you know of such arena?

Therefore, I figured that, doing it all by myself may be the best
solution. =A0However, some of my concerns are: "Why reinvent the wheel?',

Good question. It's usually a bad idea.

How can I create a sustainable system that does not compromise quality?,
What curriculum structure should I follow that will meet my needs
without, straying from my goals?

Therefore, this is my dilemma, which seems to be going in circles. Any
suggestions.

Clarify your requirements *first*. Write down a list of things that
your system needs to do, e.g. things like "someone in every school in
the district needs to be able to enter course grades" or "I want to be
notified immediately if some metric X changes". Then we can start
about thinking how such a solution might look like and finally we can
help you develop a curriculum for your training so you can build what
you want. I do assume though that it will take you in the order of
months to arrive there if you do not have an IT background.

Kind regards

robert

--=20
remember.guy do |as, often| as.you_can - without end
http://blog.rubybestpractices.com/

 

[Shadowfirebird]

Clarify your requirements *first*. Write down a list of things that

your system needs to do, e.g. things like "someone in every school in
the district needs to be able to enter course grades" or "I want to be
notified immediately if some metric X changes". Then we can start
about thinking how such a solution might look like and finally we can
help you develop a curriculum for your training so you can build what
you want. I do assume though that it will take you in the order of
months to arrive there if you do not have an IT background.

I second that. Work out exactly what you want the product to do. Then work out the smallest set of functionality that would make the product at all meaningful: cross off all the bells and whistles, then look at what's left and pick out the most important part; then cross off everything else. That's the bit you want to make first.

Three reasons for not making it all at once: first, you want to get to a point where you can test what you have done as fast as possible; second, you get something that you can show others, which might be important.

Third and most importantly, it's an unpleasant fact that you will almost certainly get to the testing stage and realise that with what you know now, you would have done many things differently. You may have to start over. I would say, don't try and learn how to make the product at the same time as making it. But there is no point in that - the truth is you will learn as much in making your first attempt as you do beforehand.

Personally, I'd start by designing the database, but others will tell you to design the interaction with the users first. I'm not sure there is one correct way; do what feels right.

 

[Hilary Bailey]

Robert Klemme wrote in post #980210:

What I want to create is a database that can measure the performance of
all entities in a school district. The closest software that exhibits
some semblance is that of Microsoft Access. Where, as I understand it,
the input entry of a single data can be housed and then derived, through
a set of queries, then further analyzed through/by Microsoft Solver
software.

Microsoft Access gives you a database with application code in a
single file. You can even have a GUI to enter data. This is very
convenient for small applications. However, it's best when used by a
single person at a time - it's concurrency facilities are somewhat
limited - at least that's what it was last time I checked. It would
seem that you could cook something similar with Open Office (or Libre
Office) Base which has the advantage not to be tied into Microsoft
OS's. If you need something that can be used by multiple users
concurrently chances are that Access is not the best choice.

The difference with my proposal would be that based on selected
indicators [which will be dynamically influenced by changed event(s) and
policy(ies], which would be able to measure success. I have been exposed
to a statistical software named SPSS and having worked as an economist,
has influenced my outlook on creating an approach/database/software
which would indicate in real time, measured results.

What exactly does "real time" mean in your context? I figure, human
beings need to give this system some input data before it can spit out
any new information.

As you can tell, there is an element of nervousness regarding saying
too much. But on the other hand, if not much is said, not much help can
be given. So it's a "catch 24", where since the last 20 years I have
been improving on a systems that would be able to measure defined
academic output, vis-a-vis, financial constraints etc..

What does "system" exactly mean here? Is it a mathematical model that
you want to implement in software? Is it a software system that you
need to improve / extend?

Mike Stephens recommended Mendix as a possible solution to my woes. Do
you know of such arena?

Therefore, I figured that, doing it all by myself may be the best
solution. However, some of my concerns are: "Why reinvent the wheel?',

Good question. It's usually a bad idea.

How can I create a sustainable system that does not compromise quality?,
What curriculum structure should I follow that will meet my needs
without, straying from my goals?

Therefore, this is my dilemma, which seems to be going in circles. Any
suggestions.

Clarify your requirements *first*. Write down a list of things that
your system needs to do, e.g. things like "someone in every school in
the district needs to be able to enter course grades" or "I want to be
notified immediately if some metric X changes". Then we can start
about thinking how such a solution might look like and finally we can
help you develop a curriculum for your training so you can build what
you want. I do assume though that it will take you in the order of
months to arrive there if you do not have an IT background.

Kind regards

robert

What I want to create is a product that is computer accessible, that is
similar to a teacher's Grade Keeper, but goes farther by adding defined
info from principals, guidance counselors, lunch provision for students,
etc.. The reason for this approach is that this will now allow more
complete view of a what impacts a child.

Therefore, the daily entry of data from all participants (teachers,
principals, security, janitors, etc...) will give an analyzer a wider
set of defined parameter inputed data to access, then analyze. The
problem is where to start. I read a book on Ruby, some say that my next
step is to play with scripts, alter some commands and then test such
adjustments. The problems is to follow a logical sequence of learning.
For example, since i use Windows 7, have installed Ruby 1.9.2 p.136 and
Rails, Vim7.2, and LibreOffice 3.3. and saved info to htmldog.com from
which HTML & CSS can be learned.

I know very well that it will take me some time, however, now where do I
start? Should I star with htmldog tutorials, then open Rails along with
vim7.2, then the next stage will be to explore SQlite, then MYSQL, while
having LibreOffice Base as a source of reference?

In terms of distribution, giving it away free will not be taken
seriously by current educational administrators and policy makers. It
suits me to market it and if successful, support this community plus
other social causes of choice.

So based on all that have been said, where, specifically (if possible)
go from here in creating such a product.

 

[Abhijit]

[Note: parts of this message were removed to make it a legal post.]

You could try RubyMine from JetBrains. They are offering personal license
for RubyMine for just 29$. A editor plugin which provides VIM emulation is
available in RubyMine plugin repository.



Thanks,
Abhijit


--
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary
and those who don't.

Robert Klemme wrote in post #980210:

What I want to create is a database that can measure the performance of
all entities in a school district. The closest software that exhibits
some semblance is that of Microsoft Access. Where, as I understand it,
the input entry of a single data can be housed and then derived, through
a set of queries, then further analyzed through/by Microsoft Solver
software.

Microsoft Access gives you a database with application code in a
single file. You can even have a GUI to enter data. This is very
convenient for small applications. However, it's best when used by a
single person at a time - it's concurrency facilities are somewhat
limited - at least that's what it was last time I checked. It would
seem that you could cook something similar with Open Office (or Libre
Office) Base which has the advantage not to be tied into Microsoft
OS's. If you need something that can be used by multiple users
concurrently chances are that Access is not the best choice.

The difference with my proposal would be that based on selected
indicators [which will be dynamically influenced by changed event(s) and
policy(ies], which would be able to measure success. I have been exposed
to a statistical software named SPSS and having worked as an economist,
has influenced my outlook on creating an approach/database/software
which would indicate in real time, measured results.

What exactly does "real time" mean in your context? I figure, human
beings need to give this system some input data before it can spit out
any new information.

As you can tell, there is an element of nervousness regarding saying
too much. But on the other hand, if not much is said, not much help can
be given. So it's a "catch 24", where since the last 20 years I have
been improving on a systems that would be able to measure defined
academic output, vis-a-vis, financial constraints etc..

What does "system" exactly mean here? Is it a mathematical model that
you want to implement in software? Is it a software system that you
need to improve / extend?

Mike Stephens recommended Mendix as a possible solution to my woes. Do
you know of such arena?

Therefore, I figured that, doing it all by myself may be the best
solution. However, some of my concerns are: "Why reinvent the wheel?',

Good question. It's usually a bad idea.

How can I create a sustainable system that does not compromise quality?,
What curriculum structure should I follow that will meet my needs
without, straying from my goals?

Therefore, this is my dilemma, which seems to be going in circles. Any
suggestions.

Clarify your requirements *first*. Write down a list of things that
your system needs to do, e.g. things like "someone in every school in
the district needs to be able to enter course grades" or "I want to be
notified immediately if some metric X changes". Then we can start
about thinking how such a solution might look like and finally we can
help you develop a curriculum for your training so you can build what
you want. I do assume though that it will take you in the order of
months to arrive there if you do not have an IT background.

Kind regards

robert

What I want to create is a product that is computer accessible, that is
similar to a teacher's Grade Keeper, but goes farther by adding defined
info from principals, guidance counselors, lunch provision for students,
etc.. The reason for this approach is that this will now allow more
complete view of a what impacts a child.

Therefore, the daily entry of data from all participants (teachers,
principals, security, janitors, etc...) will give an analyzer a wider
set of defined parameter inputed data to access, then analyze. The
problem is where to start. I read a book on Ruby, some say that my next
step is to play with scripts, alter some commands and then test such
adjustments. The problems is to follow a logical sequence of learning.
For example, since i use Windows 7, have installed Ruby 1.9.2 p.136 and
Rails, Vim7.2, and LibreOffice 3.3. and saved info to htmldog.com from
which HTML & CSS can be learned.

I know very well that it will take me some time, however, now where do I
start? Should I star with htmldog tutorials, then open Rails along with
vim7.2, then the next stage will be to explore SQlite, then MYSQL, while
having LibreOffice Base as a source of reference?

In terms of distribution, giving it away free will not be taken
seriously by current educational administrators and policy makers. It
suits me to market it and if successful, support this community plus
other social causes of choice.

So based on all that have been said, where, specifically (if possible)
go from here in creating such a product.

 

[Robert Klemme]

What I want to create is a product that is computer accessible, that is
similar to a teacher's Grade Keeper, but goes farther by adding defined
info from principals, guidance counselors, lunch provision for students,
etc.. The reason for this approach is that this will now allow more
complete view of a what impacts a child.

I consider it an interesting question (although completely off topic
here) whether all these aggregated figures can give clear information
which school works good and which works bad. I'd say you need a *lot*
of data from various sources to even get close to this goal. And
before you reach your goal you might hit some privacy legislation
wall...

Therefore, the daily entry of data from all participants (teachers,
principals, security, janitors, etc...) will give an analyzer a wider
set of defined parameter inputed data to access, then analyze.

OK, so a web based solution is probably most appropriate since it
avoids having to install software on a lot of systems. But don't
forget to write the complete requirements list!

The
problem is where to start. I read a book on Ruby, some say that my next
step is to play with scripts, alter some commands and then test such
adjustments. The problems is to follow a logical sequence of learning.
For example, since i use Windows 7, have installed Ruby 1.9.2 p.136 and
Rails, Vim7.2, and LibreOffice 3.3. and saved info to htmldog.com from
which HTML & CSS can be learned.

I know very well that it will take me some time, however, now where do I
start? Should I star with htmldog tutorials, then open Rails along with
vim7.2, then the next stage will be to explore SQlite, then MYSQL, while
having LibreOffice Base as a source of reference?

Start with the basics. If you are new to programming, you need to
learn to program (incidentally this is the title of a tutorial by
Chris Pine). After you understood that you can tackle HTML (and CSS -
web design in general) and finally SQL basics (and the relational
model and data modeling). Then you can pull it all together and look
at Rails (or any other web framework).

With this order you will be able to write programs first, then write
programs showing HTML pages and learn how the web browser interacts
with the web server. Then you will know how to model persistent data
and can use that with Rails et al.

Good luck!

robert

 

[Mike Stephens]

Robert Klemme wrote in post #980520:

I consider it an interesting question (although completely off topic
here) whether all these aggregated figures can give clear information
which school works good and which works bad.

I agree the propostion is somewhat spurious. We in the UK have a lot of
this target/metrics-orientation and it naturally leads to distortion,
obfuscation, lies and game-playing. The idea that people would reliably
self-report on items of major importance to their school's, or their own
personal future standing and funding, is perhaps naive.

The overall topic however is valid because it touches upon the issue of
how Ruby (or other alternatives) fit in to the World of a non-IT
professional building relatively straight-forward applications.

If you are a Ruby expert, you could knock up something like this in a
morning, based on a 15-20 minute chat. If you are new to programming,
it's a task that may take months or more.

Personally, I think Ruby (or Rails) is like the latest Airbus airliner.
It has all sorts of fantastic features to make it dead easy to do
difficult things in bad weather at bad airports, but you have to be a
trained pilot before you set foot in the simulator.

It's odd that we can't agree what other platform should be recommended
in these circumstances.

 

[Hilary Bailey]

So Mike,
Since a database seems to be the bulk on the creation of a my intended
Ed web application/software, should I consider the SQLs or just use the
LibreOffice Base along with its Spreadsheet, and then use further
analysis from the OpenSource statistical program PSPP to integrate
aspects of a)data entry b)other operational skills that (I think) many
not be offered Base, and then c)further statistical crunching?

Therefore, is it possible to use available OpenSource softwares to piece
together a web application/software? I know that I have to acquaint
myself with Base and the others, but should I design around the SQLs or
Base? Also, just in case anyone reading along or would like to provide
their expertise, I am not afraid of "getting my hands dirty" while
learning. So I prefer going the properly logically sensible way, without
having to reinvent the wheel.So please, I will greatly appreciate ANY
AND MANY more comments as they have certainly help clarify a lot of
questions regarding programming.

Mike Stephens wrote in post #980543:

 

[Jeremy Bopp]

Therefore, is it possible to use available OpenSource softwares to piece
together a web application/software? I know that I have to acquaint
myself with Base and the others, but should I design around the SQLs or
Base? Also, just in case anyone reading along or would like to provide
their expertise, I am not afraid of "getting my hands dirty" while
learning. So I prefer going the properly logically sensible way, without
having to reinvent the wheel.So please, I will greatly appreciate ANY
AND MANY more comments as they have certainly help clarify a lot of
questions regarding programming.

Hi, Hilary,

As you're sure to have gathered by now, doing what you want to do takes
quite a bit of knowledge and experience, especially if you want to do it
all yourself. Even stating the problem you want to solve with your
software isn't easy once you try to go beyond the high level and delve
into the details.

Would you feel comfortable building a new wing for your local elementary
school all by yourself based only on the discussions you have with
employees at a nearby hardware store or construction site? Even if the
materials and tools are free, your time is not, and you probably
wouldn't have the greatest faith in the quality of what you built as
your first project anyway.

Given your apparent inexperience in this field, you should probably
consider doing one or more of the following before going much further:

* Take some computer programming classes from your local community
college or continuing education institutions.
* Perform simple, proof-of-concept tasks using the tools you have
discussed so far.
* Request quotes from a few contracting or consulting firms to write
your software directly.

The goal is for you to have: 1) a foundation upon which to build your
skills, 2) some experience using the necessary tools, and 3) an idea of
what it costs in time and money to perform this work professionally.

You may find that you don't like this level of software development in
the end. It's not for everyone. As an analogy, I don't mind fixing my
fence when part of it breaks, but I'll either hire someone else to build
a new fence from scratch or learn to do without one. ;-)

Good luck and happy learning!

-Jeremy

 

[Mike Stephens]

Hilary Bailey wrote in post #981001:

So Mike,
Since a database seems to be the bulk on the creation of a my intended
Ed web application/software, should I consider the SQLs or just use the
LibreOffice Base along with its Spreadsheet.

I think what the essence of your application is, is to get people to
submit various data, and then you want to aggregate that to a) detect
correlations and b) measure individuals/groups against all or some other
individuals or groups.

This is the bread-and-butter of corporate life and the Sofware King in
this domain is Excel, or perhaps The Software Capo di tutti Capi.

They don't use Java. They don't use C#, and they certainly don't use
Ruby.

The great thing about Excel (or OpenOffice) is that everyone knows how
to use it. If not, they can ask the person sitting next to them.

To be honest, it's not really a database problem. Obviously a database
can play a part but you are not maintaining complex relationships and
business rules. You are looking for patterns.

I am developing multi-million international web sites. They are written
by a team of highly trained .NET programmers. There's not a spreadsheet
to be seen in the applications but underneath, that's where at least
some of the data came from originally.

So I guess Step 1 is to build your model in an office suite. It would be
quite ambitious to just launch something without prototyping the model.

Unfortunately I doubt it's easy to 'publish' your app either as a GUI or
Web product. You'd need to start again. Which brings us back to
something like Rails, an app generator like Mendix, or going on the
Internet and getting somebody to write it for you in India.

I wouldn't be on this channel if I didn't think Ruby was as easy as
other full-strength platforms to do a proper web site. My obsession in
life is to do the least possible in any context.

I'll give you an analogy - I think you're wanting to go on holiday to
Hawaii but assuming you first need to become a trained commercial pilot.
Consider letting someone/something else do the delivery, leaving you to
plan the content.

 

[Robert Klemme]

Hilary Bailey wrote in post #981001:

I think what the essence of your application is, is to get people to
submit various data, and then you want to aggregate that to a) detect
correlations and b) measure individuals/groups against all or some other
individuals or groups.

This is the bread-and-butter of corporate life and the Sofware King in
this domain is Excel, or perhaps The Software Capo di tutti Capi.

They don't use Java. They don't use C#, and they certainly don't use
Ruby.

That might be true for analysis...

The great thing about Excel (or OpenOffice) is that everyone knows how
to use it. If not, they can ask the person sitting next to them.

Unfortunately many Excel sheets look exactly like that: people who
think they know how to use spreadsheets create amazingly complex
things that could be made much simpler and break at the first change.
I am constantly amazed at how many people build macros into their
sheets for things that can be solved with cell functions - which I
believe is the primary tool for in Excel and the like.

To be honest, it's not really a database problem. Obviously a database
can play a part but you are not maintaining complex relationships and
business rules. You are looking for patterns.

... but having several people entering data into a single Excel sheet
(or even worse: several Excel sheets) is a nightmare right from the
start.

I am developing multi-million international web sites. They are written
by a team of highly trained .NET programmers. There's not a spreadsheet
to be seen in the applications but underneath, that's where at least
some of the data came from originally.

So I guess Step 1 is to build your model in an office suite. It would be
quite ambitious to just launch something without prototyping the model.

Getting a clear idea of the model is certainly reasonable. But to get
that one needs at least moderate understanding of data modeling, how
those models are represented (UML is still no subject in schools, I
guess) and how they are built to satisfy various criteria. I think
for someone not knowledgeable in IT some basic training must come
first. Without that chances are that what is prototyped in Excel or
any other tool with nice graphical user interface won't work properly.

Unfortunately I doubt it's easy to 'publish' your app either as a GUI or
Web product. You'd need to start again. Which brings us back to
something like Rails, an app generator like Mendix, or going on the
Internet and getting somebody to write it for you in India.

I wouldn't be on this channel if I didn't think Ruby was as easy as
other full-strength platforms to do a proper web site. My obsession in
life is to do the least possible in any context.

I'll give you an analogy - I think you're wanting to go on holiday to
Hawaii but assuming you first need to become a trained commercial pilot.
Consider letting someone/something else do the delivery, leaving you to
plan the content.

Until now it was never mentioned that there is actually a team or that
"someone else" you mentioned. So at least for the moment it seems
this is not an option.

Cheers

robert

 

[Michael J. Welch, Ph.D.]

On 2011-01-21 04:13:47 -0600, Hilary Bailey said:

I am a school teacher

No offense meant, but creating a programming project like you are
describing is very complex. You need Ruby, MySQL, HTML, CSS, Rails, and
probably a few other technologies just to start a project like that. I
suggest you hire professional help, or plan to spend a year learning the
basics of programming and web building. I would suggest reviewing
existing projects and products for school administration.

Also, programming is like math. You can't learn it by reading a book and
skimming over the detail. You have to get in and do the problems. In
programming, you read the book(s) just to find out where the information
is, then you start working on your own program. As you need stuff, you
go back to the book(s) for explanations and examples. As you solve each
little thing that comes up, your skills improve. You can't learn
programming without doing it, and it doesn't take just a few days, it
takes months or years. I know; I used to teach programming at the
college level. Some people just "get it," and some never "get it."

--Dr. Mike

 

[Hilary Bailey]

EiNZTEiN wrote in post #981023:

I don't know if anybody else already said this but=E2=80=A6 did you rea= lly go
through those books and don't understand the basic concepts of Ruby and=

are looking for a compiler? Gosh=E2=80=A6

-E

Dear E(Dr. Gosh...,
This point has already been clarified. It is not a matter of trying to =

find an easy way out, but rather accessing and working with a community =

that is not afraid to inform and guide anyone ( including experts like =

yourself).

I find it very exiting that there actually exits a community that =

challenges then notion that the Microsofts of this world are the one and =

ONLY approach to technology and innovation. Therefore Dr. Gosh...and to =

the many that seems to be caught-up in their own brilliance......you =

don't have to respond to novices like myself. As a teacher I am just =

trying to decipher how to approach a dream, that one day, I will be able =

to create something new via computer languages. Now, to me, this is =

exiting!!!

-- =

Posted via http://www.ruby-forum.com/.=

 

[Hilary Bailey]

Mike Stephens wrote in post #981041:

Hilary Bailey wrote in post #981001:

I think what the essence of your application is, is to get people to
submit various data, and then you want to aggregate that to a) detect
correlations and b) measure individuals/groups against all or some other
individuals or groups.

This is the bread-and-butter of corporate life and the Sofware King in
this domain is Excel, or perhaps The Software Capo di tutti Capi.

They don't use Java. They don't use C#, and they certainly don't use
Ruby.

The great thing about Excel (or OpenOffice) is that everyone knows how
to use it. If not, they can ask the person sitting next to them.

To be honest, it's not really a database problem. Obviously a database
can play a part but you are not maintaining complex relationships and
business rules. You are looking for patterns.

I am developing multi-million international web sites. They are written
by a team of highly trained .NET programmers. There's not a spreadsheet
to be seen in the applications but underneath, that's where at least
some of the data came from originally.

So I guess Step 1 is to build your model in an office suite. It would be
quite ambitious to just launch something without prototyping the model.

Unfortunately I doubt it's easy to 'publish' your app either as a GUI or
Web product. You'd need to start again. Which brings us back to
something like Rails, an app generator like Mendix, or going on the
Internet and getting somebody to write it for you in India.

I wouldn't be on this channel if I didn't think Ruby was as easy as
other full-strength platforms to do a proper web site. My obsession in
life is to do the least possible in any context.

I'll give you an analogy - I think you're wanting to go on holiday to
Hawaii but assuming you first need to become a trained commercial pilot.
Consider letting someone/something else do the delivery, leaving you to
plan the content.

Distinguish community,
Thanks again for such comments. I already build an Excel model which
consist of many files.I also wrote a layman methodology which includes a
graphical representation, explaining the relationship between and among
different contributors, the reporting system, defined the contributors,
what kind of information can be entered, who to target, red flags as
warning signs, and many other parameters. Over the years (20 years) I
have been using a smaller component of this creation, but now, after
seeing what my school district, and other districts use as a source of
information/data management, I think that my written model surpasses
their presentation tools.

Now it is time to role up my sleeves and get to work. I am not afraid of
spending countless hours working on learning. Secondly, I am not trying
to find a cute shortcut to creating a program. My great concern is where
to start, and having started, knowing the possible steps to take
(different tools such as Vim, HTML, SQLs) to have the understanding. As
I mentioned, many moons gone by, I do not have the finance to pay for
such expertise, also I am aware that due to the USA financial mess,
seeking private grants is almost virtually impossible. For others who
are fortunate to have the financial resources, good for them, my reality
is a bit different.

Therefore at this point I think that I have gathered a whole lot of
valuable information from a great community. My approach will be to
attack my dream with the following curriculum:
a)as described by Phillip G -Pick up the necessities of HTML,
CSS, and JavaScript - Learn about application security (this is very,
very important on the internet!)- Learn about deployment options for
Rails.
b) as mentioned by Shern - Check out <http://htmldog.com
c) as noted by Guecker928 - (during the learning process),
seek-out a marketing\legal\strategic plan.
d) As the whole community have said - take time and avoid
shortcuts.

Finally, I am very impressed with this board. And as I follow this guide
(2/3 year guide) the community will keep providing novices like myself
the tools necessary to learn, build and someday add to the support of
this OpenSource environment.

Respectfully,

Hilary