Beginning Rails 3 is the practical starting point for anyone wanting to learn how to build dynamic web applications using the Rails framework for Ruby. You'll learn how all of the components of Rails fit together and how you can leverage them to create sophisticated web applications with less code and more joy. This book is particularly well suited to those with little or no experience with web application development, or who have some experience but are new to Rails. Beginning Rails 3 assumes basic familiarity with web terms and technologies, but doesn't require you to be an expert. Rather than delving into the arcane details of Rails, the focus is on the aspects of the framework that will become your pick, shovel, and axe. Part history lesson, part introduction to object-oriented programming, and part dissertation on open source software, this title doesn't just explain how to do something in Rails, it explains why. * Learn to create Rails web applications from scratch * Includes a gentle introduction to the Ruby programming language * Completely updated to include the features of Rails 3 What you'll learn Rails 3 includes the combined power of Rails and Merb. Beginning Rails 3 will get you started in learning this technology and creating dynamic web applications in next to no time. * Install Rails on a Mac, Windows, or Linux system * Understand the Model-View-Controller architecture * Learn the value of databases and how to set up MySQL in Rails * Get instant feedback on your work by testing in the Rails Console * Add Ajax and visual effects to create rich user interfaces * Use and create your own Rails plug-ins Who this book is for Web developers who want to harness the power of Rails 3 to quickly build dynamic rich Internet applications. Anyone who hasn't used Rails before will be able to learn the basics from this book. Table of Contents * Introducing the Rails Framework * Getting Started * Getting Something Running * Working with a Database: Active Record * Advanced Active Record: Enhancing Your Models * Action Pack: Working with the View and the Controller * Advanced Action Pack * Improving Interaction with Ajax * Sending and Receiving E-Mail * Testing Your Application * Internationalization * Extending Rails with Plug-ins * Deploying Your Rails Applications * Ruby, a Programmer's Best Friend * Databases 101 * The Rails Community * Git