Merb is the next evolution for Rails—a micro, ultralightweight Ruby–based web application development framework that, along with Datamapper and HAML, could give Rails a “run for its money” and perhaps even more so. Merb is gaining popularity because it’s easier to learn and lets you build lighter, faster, better–performing Ruby–based web applications.

Beginning Merb enables you to learn and use the Merb–Datamapper–HAML web application development stack as a realistic alternative to Ruby on Rails. The book starts with the very fundamentals of Ruby and moves into advanced topics such as using Merb and HAML for web services and syndication.

This book uses a news content management system (CMS) application throughout that you create from the ground up. Along the way, you learn best design practices such as Agile principles and Behavior–Driven Development (BDD) as applied to “living” code samples for use in your own real–world work.

What you’ll learn

• Use Merb along with Datamapper and HAML as a more lightweight solution and alternative to Rails in learning to build a CMS application from scratch.
• Work with the MVC design pattern as you learn to build your web application with Merb.
• Integrate with web services to allow other applications to access your site’s content (RSS and XML–based output for use in GUI applications or other web applications).
• Work with BDD to prevent hidden problems with the code.
• Use Ajax to ease server load and improve the user experience.
• Protect your web applications with user authentication systems that can have visitors sign up to your CMS site.
• Insert threaded commenting, using parent posts and helpers to generate a complex comment block.
• And more…

Who is this book for?

This book is primarily for Ruby and Rails developers looking for a more agile, very lightweight alternative to Rails in Merb, a micro–web application development framework.

About the Apress Beginning Series

The Beginning series from Apress is the right choice to get the information you need to land that crucial entry–level job. These books will teach you a standard and important technology from the ground up because they are explicitly designed to take you from “novice to professional.” You’ll start your journey by seeing what you need to know—but without needless theory and filler. You’ll build your skill set by learning how to put together real–world projects step by step. So whether your goal is your next career challenge or a new learning opportunity, the Beginning series from Apress will take you there—it is your trusted guide through unfamiliar territory!