June Phoenix Rails Users Group - Alternative Ruby Web Frameworks
Tonight Jade and I gave a presentation on Alternative Ruby Web Frameworks at the Phoenix Rails Users Group. He kicked us off by showing how easy it was to build an application in Camping. I then followed up by showing off my new favorite framework, Merb. Both frameworks were a hit, and led us into a great conversation afterwards about when you might want to consider using an alternative to Rails.
While I don’t have any slides to upload, I do have a few resources which I found useful. The first of which is Ezra’s slides on writing custom Mongrel Handlers. I had the opportunity to see this presentation at SVRC which is what really turned me on to this framework. He does a great job explaining some of the weaknesses of Rails as well as why the need for Merb exists.
Once you’ve drank the kool-aid you’ll want to check out the development site. Here you’ll be able to keep up with all the latest changes as well as get instructions on how to check-out and build your Merb GEM from source (very important with a framework thats changing as fast as this one). Also, while you’re here be sure to download and check out the Merb sample app, mrblog.
After you’ve installed Merb you’re going to want to walk through Zack Chandler’s excellent tutorial and example app. He does a great job walking you through everything you need to know to hit the ground running.
If you get through all that and still have questions, which you probably will, hop onto #merb on Freenode. The channel is active and the community is quite friendly and willing to help.
Thanks again to everyone who came out to support the local Rails scene. Please join us next month where we’ll be talking about the Joys and Pains of ActiveScaffold!
