We've been working very hard over the past couple of months to get our first source code release ready. I'm happy to announce today the first drop of the IronRuby source code. IronRuby is licensed under very liberal terms as set out by the Microsoft Permissive License. We're also happy to announce that we will be accepting source code contributions into the IronRuby libraries. Right now we have a lot of logistical work that we still need to do, but we fully intend on getting IronRuby onto Rubyforge by the end of August.

Last week I launched a new initiative for Ruby here in Canada. The Vancouver scene is growing, more and more businesses around town are picking up the technology and the growing demand for talent is increasing as well. Demand is up, but is the supply?

From what I have heard, lots of interest from other developers has been stirring to get on the Rails train and learn the language, but few have taken the steps needed to make it happen.

One of the great things about working with Ruby on Rails while at your current job is really quite simple, you can explore the langauge, and not have to be pressured on deadlines. So the time really hasn't been better to pick up this langauge. Even more so, a number of the businesses I have seen posting opportunities sometimes have been seeded by an experienced Rails developer that this is the way to go, so much so that they are even willing to train you on the job.

Excert from my personal blog...

In December I will l be presenting about Ruby on Rails to create AJAX applications. Following the presentation we'll have round-the-room introductions and then open the floor for networking. Be sure to bring your business cards and a story or two to share.

The event happens on Wednesday, December 6, 2006, 7:00 PM at UBC Robson Square C440. RSVP is required, so please visit the VanDev.org website.

37 spaces are left as of writing this post

Update: The date has been changed to Friday, September 8th, in light of the Labour Day weekend. Nathaniel Brown will be teaching a full day Ruby on Rails workshop in Vancouver, BC. This workshop will be an in depth guide covering all of the core Ruby on Rails gems. The cost is only $195 for this full day - 9 hour workshop which will be held in the BCIT downtown campus at 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. We recommend the Hotel LeSoleil for accomodations.

Canada on Rails presents, Riding the Rails Workshop on May 27th and 28th.

This is a two day intensive workshop for those eager to get into Ruby on Rails. Alex will drive you through the principles behind Ruby on Rails, such as MVC, convention over configuration, Code Generators, and the other core principles driving Ruby on Rails to be the most celebrated technology advancement in web development.

This course is meant for those who have not yet worked with Rails, and want to get comfortable with the functionality so they can rapidly deploy Ruby on Rails applications.

These core areas will be covered in this workshop:

• Comprehensive list of Ruby and Rails resources
• Installing and configuring your first Ruby on Rails application
• Ruby on Rails Opinions
• Using the code generators
• Understanding Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture
• Customizing your Rails MVC
• Introduction to Gems, Plug-in’s, and Engines

I just came across an excellent slideshow on the Ruby mailing lists which goes over a number of the core features of Ruby, and alot of the syntax.

For those that haven't yet tried Ruby, and are interested in seeing what a beautiful language it is, please do read on. 

I have just launched the new Canada on Rails website. It is redesigned with the all fancy Ruby on Rails framework, built with two very sweet engines I plan to announce in a month or so (once I get my MacBook pro and can do some demos).

BCIT Downtown Campus has been chosen, with a maximum capacity of 300 people. We already have over 50% of the seats filled, so be sure to register soon or you might miss out on one of the most exciting technical events to come to Vancouver. This is 2x the size of the last Open Source Event I put on last June, and with 4 times the amount of speakers. All for only $250 right now for early bird.

15 Expert Ruby on Rails developers will be flown into Vancouver, BC for two days PACKED full of presentations.

We at Canada on Rails originally only planned for 10 speakers to be flown in, but pre-registrations have been going so well, and honestly, we just had to pick all of these remarkable speakers and get them into Vancouver for this sure to be amazing - first ever in the world - Ruby on Rails conference.

So, before I tell you who these guys (and gal) are, you might want to go purchase that ticket online first. You have exactly 21 hours and 30 minutes to get your ticket for only $175 CAD. We are expecting a sell-out crowd for the event, and you can be sure it's going to be the biggest turnout Open Source Events has seen yet.

Ruby on Rails, the premier framework for developing web applications just announced the 1.0 release milestone. This marks 15 months of hard work being invested by several hundred contributors and many more devoted users to this major evolutionary step in software development.

Along with this release announcement, they have redesigned the main site showcasing some of the most credible and popular web applications built with Rails. You will see by visiting each, which are in my constant watch these days, how they all share one pattern. Simplicity.