Workshop 1: Setting up the model railway

Topic objectives

1. Install Ruby on Rails on your computer (InstantRails or Locomotive);
2. Learn about the Model View Controller (MVC) approach to Web application design;
3. Revise database techniques with MySQL
4. Learn how to use the Ruby on Rails development environment
5. Set up a focus group (like a study group for peer learning) to work on the Ruby on Rails workshops via Interact tools

To do:

1. Download iTunes from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ and subscribe to the “Learning Rails” Podcasts from http://www.buildingwebapps.com/podcasts

2. Install Ruby on Rails on your computer by using the material and downloads from http://www.rubyonrails.org/

3. Rather than get Ruby on Rails running manually, you use the pre-packaged solutions. These include everything in one bundle: Web server, database, Ruby, Rails, the works.

a. For OS X, there's Locomotive.

b. For Windows, there's Instant Rails.

Recommended time: 1-4 hours.

Challenge Problems:

1. Make a list of all programming languages and Web development tools used by you in prior experiences. Describe what you know about Web application frameworks before we begin.
2. Ruby is “an interpreted scripting language” for quick and easy object-oriented programming”. Find out about the Ruby language and discover what this means.
3. What is Rails and how does it work with Ruby?
4. What is meant by “convention over configuration” in regards to the use of Rails in Web application development?
5. When did Model-View-Controller begin and where is it used?
6. Describe the steps involved with the MVC design approach.