Learn Ruby the Hard Way
FreeA free, open-source Ruby tutorial with hands-on exercises
FreeFree tier
About Learn Ruby the Hard Way
Learn Ruby the Hard Way is a free, open-source online book by Zed Shaw that teaches the Ruby programming language through a series of practical exercises. The book follows a hands-on, drill-based approach designed to help beginners build a solid foundation in Ruby by writing code from the start. It covers basic syntax, data structures, functions, file handling, and object-oriented programming concepts, all while emphasizing good habits and debugging skills.
Key Features
Practical, exercise-driven learning approach
Covers Ruby syntax, data structures, functions, OOP
Free and open-source (Creative Commons licensed)
Emphasizes debugging and good programming habits
Structured progression from basics to advanced topics
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free with no registration required
- Well-structured exercises build confidence gradually
- Focuses on writing real code from the first lesson
- Open-source, so readers can contribute improvements
Cons
- Text-based format without interactive coding environment
- Pacing may feel slow for learners with prior programming experience
- No video or multimedia content for visual learners
Best For
Learning Ruby from scratch as a beginner programmerTeaching introductory programming in RubySelf-paced study for coding bootcamps or university courses
FAQ
Is Learn Ruby the Hard Way really free?
Yes, the book is available online for free under a Creative Commons license. You can read and exercise directly from the website.
Do I need prior programming experience?
The book is designed for beginners. It assumes no prior programming knowledge and starts with the very basics.
Is the book still maintained and up-to-date?
While the core content remains relevant, the original edition dates back to 2010. Some modern Ruby features may not be covered. However, it remains a popular resource for learning Ruby fundamentals.