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What is the best way to learn web programming (I'd prefer Ruby)? What do I start with? What are the next steps?

To learn web programming, especially if you are interested in using Ruby, here is a structured approach to help you get started and progress through the various stages.

Initial Steps: Core Web Technologies

Before diving into Ruby, it's essential to understand the core web technologies that are foundational for all web development:

HTML: Learn the basics of HTML to create the structure and content of web pages. Resources like W3Schools, Codecademy's "Learn HTML: Fundamentals," and other online tutorials can be helpful1 4.
CSS: Understand how to style web pages with CSS. Cover topics up to CSS Grid and responsive design. W3Schools and Codecademy's CSS courses are good starting points1 4.
JavaScript: While Ruby is your focus, having a basic understanding of JavaScript can be beneficial. Codecademy offers several JavaScript courses4.

Learning Ruby

Once you have a grasp of the core web technologies, you can start learning Ruby:

Ruby Basics: Start with interactive tutorials like RubyMonk, which provides a fun and engaging way to learn Ruby. The Ruby documentation is also a complete reference for beginners3.
Ruby on Rails: After mastering Ruby, move on to Ruby on Rails. Resources like "Rails For Zombies" and the "Ruby on Rails Tutorial: Learn From Scratch" are highly recommended. "Metaprogramming Ruby by Paolo Perrotta" is a good book for a deeper understanding of Ruby and Rails, though it's more advanced3.

Next Steps: Building and Deploying

Build Projects: Create projects or contribute to open-source work to build your portfolio. This will help you apply what you've learned and showcase your skills to potential employers5.
CMS and Static Site Generators: Familiarize yourself with Content Management Systems (CMS) and static website generators to understand different ways of building and managing websites2.
Deployment and Hosting: Learn about site hosting and domain registrars. Understand how to deploy your applications, which includes knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and DevOps principles2 5.

Advanced Concepts and Specialization

Advanced Ruby on Rails: Dive deeper into Ruby on Rails by learning about advanced topics such as metaprogramming, and using tools like Active Record and Action Cable.
Front-End Integration: Learn how to integrate your Ruby on Rails backend with front-end frameworks like React.js or Vue.js, if you choose to build more dynamic user interfaces2 4.
Web Security and Best Practices: Understand web security practices and follow best coding practices to protect your applications5.

Continuous Learning and Career Development

Networking and Community: Engage with developer communities, attend events, and connect with other developers for growth and opportunities5.
Stay Updated: Continuously learn new technologies and best practices to remain competitive in the field. Follow blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums related to web development and Ruby on Rails5.

By following this roadmap, you can build a solid foundation in web programming using Ruby and set yourself up for a successful career in web development.