Learn to achieve sustainable productivity with Rails from a team of experienced instructors.
You'll gain hands-on experience with Rails with ample one-on-one learning opportunities. So whether you're coming from another language, or you're brand new to coding, you'll walk away with practical experience and with confidence in your ability to use Rails effectively.
Topics we'll cover include
- Configure and install Ruby and Rails
- Learn the basics of the Ruby language
- Build a Rails application using iterative, test-driven development (TDD)
- Leverage ActiveRecord with migrations, associations, validations, and callbacks
- Build flexible layouts with rich forms
- Use routing to create friendly URLs
- Build interactive apps with Ajax with RJS
- Find and use plugins
- Send emails with ActionMailer
- Understand deployment options with Capistrano
- Effortlessly add RESTful web services with resources
- Understand Rails' opinions and how to embrace or override them
Speakers
Brandon Keepers
Brandon has been teaching on Ruby and Rails across the US and Australia. When not teaching Ruby on Rails, Brandon codes it professionally for Collective Idea. He also posts helpful articles on his widely-read blog.
Daniel Morrison
Daniel turned Collective Idea into a Rails-focused development company when he realized that it was saving him large amounts of time and money. Working with Rails every day since before it was cool, Daniel knows the ins and outs of the framework and tries to speak (and blog) about Rails at every opportunity.
Schedule
Daytime
Training will run from 9am–4pm each day. From 4–5pm, you can ask one-on-one questions, get feedback on personal projects, or head out on the town. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Evenings
Each evening we'll have casual (and optional) get-togethers with the class, and with local developers. You'll have chances to explore the nearby beaches, restaurants, shopping, or the next-door microbrewery.
Location
CityFlats Hotel
The Ruby on Rails training will be held at the CityFlats Hotel located in downtown Holland, Michigan.
Recently certified LEED Gold, CityFlats is a beautiful and comfortable venue for the week.
Bring the family; stay the weekend. There's lots to do, and plenty of free WiFi.
CityFlats is offering a great rate of $109/night, discounted from $189, for the training. We'll contact you after you register to tell you how to get the discounted rate. There are several other options nearby.
Holland, Michigan
Located just off of Lake Michigan, Holland is a picturesque town with a lot to offer. The vibrant downtown featuring a farmers' market & street performers during the summer months. Beaches, golfing, hiking and biking are just some of the what you can find outdoors. Many fun activities are happening when you'll be here.
Holland is only 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, and 3 hours from Chicago and Detroit.
How to get here
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Air
We're a short ride from Grand Rapids International Airport (GRR). A free shuttle is available.
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Road
Less than 3 hours driving from Chicago or Detroit.
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Rail
Amtrak trains depart daily from Chicago and arrive 2 blocks from the hotel.
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Water
Ferries run from Milwaukee, WI to nearby Muskegon, MI. If you're bringing a yacht, we can help arrange docking.
Things to bring and take home
A Laptop. Any OS will do. We use Macs, but are friendly towards Windows, Linux, or whatever else you may have. We'll help you get set up before you come.
The first day, we'll give you a book of everything we'll cover in the training. You'll also get access to all the source code we use in examples.
Friends & Family
We warmly welcome you to bring your family or significant other (we've even had roommates and pets). They're welcome to join us at our evening events, and there is lots to do within walking distance during the day. We're glad to give suggestions. So whether you stick with the group or go off on your own, you'll enjoy your stay.
Weather
May weather in Michigan, while usually beautiful, can go either way, so bring shorts and a jacket. Averages range from 69°F down to 46°F at night.
