Mike Bowler

Gargoyle Software Inc.

Ruby for Java Programmers

One of the advantages of learning a new language is being exposed to new idioms and new approaches to solving old problems. In this talk, we will introduce the Ruby language with particular focus on the idioms and concepts that are different from what is found in Java.

We will introduce concepts such as closures, continuations and meta programming. We will also examine powerful techniques that are practically impossible in Java due to its compile time binding of types.

No experience with Ruby is assumed although an understanding of Java would be helpful.

Ruby on Rails: Beyond the Hype

Ruby on Rails is the killer app that is propelling the Ruby language into the spotlight. It is a web application framework that takes the HTTP request/response model that we've all become familiar with and simplifies it to a point most people didn't think was possible.

Rails takes an innovative approach to many things and ideas that originated here are now being applied in many other languages and frameworks. Even if you don’t plan to use Ruby or Rails for your own project, it’s worthwhile looking at them to get exposure to ideas that you might be able to use elsewhere.

Rails has a large number of extremely vocal supporters and a fair bit of hype has evolved around it. In this presentation, we will take a look beyond the hype to see what Rails is capable of and where it is most suited.

A basic understanding of Ruby is assumed.

Mike Bowler is the founder of Gargoyle Software Inc., a Canadian consulting company specializing in improving the development process through Agile methodologies and technical mentoring. He’s been using Java for the bulk of his programming since 1996 although he also uses a variety of other languages like Ruby, Perl, and Smalltalk. Mike is the author of Literary List, a Rails-based site for tracking books. He is also the original author of HtmlUnit, an open source testing tool written in Java. Email: mbowler@GargoyleSoftware.com