Ruby For Kids For Dummies
For Kids For Dummies Series

If you don?t have the chance to take coding classes at school or in camp?or if you just want to learn on your own?Ruby For Kids gears you up to expand your technology skills and learn this popular programming language. Written in a way that?s easy to follow?and keeping the super tech?heavy stuff to a minimum?it quickly and easily shows you how to use Ruby to create web and mobile applications with no experience required.

Ruby is considered one of the best and simplest languages to start with when you?re learning coding. This fun and friendly guide makes it even easier. Broken down into simple projects designed to appeal to younger programmers, Ruby For Kids gets you up and running with core coding concepts in no time. Before you know it, you?ll be tackling hands?on projects, enjoying the support of a vibrant community, and feeling a sense of accomplishment as you complete projects.

• Navigate the basics of coding with the Ruby language
• Use Ruby to create your own applications and games
• Find help from other Ruby users
• Offers tips for parents and teachers helping kids learn Ruby

So what are you waiting for? Ruby For Kids has everything you need to get in on one of the most popular topics around!

Introduction 1

Part I: The Most Basic Building Blocks 7

Project 1: Getting Started with Ruby 9

Project 2: Big Numbers 33

Project 3: Bigger Hello World 47

Part II: Programmers Are Lazy! Stop Typing So Much! 69

Project 4: Shapes 71

Project 5: Simple Adventure 95

Project 6: Number Guessing 117

Part III: Working with Lots of Your Own Data 143

Project 7: Short Straw 145

Project 8: Code Breaker 169

Project 9: Acey Deucey 195

Part IV: Using Shared Code to Get Graphical 223

Project 10: A–maze–ing 225

Project 11: Tower 255

Project 12: Game of Life 281

Index 307

Market demand: The current demand for this topic is growing and traditional avenues of education are scrambling to keep up. One in ten schools in the U.S. offer computer science in their curriculum. Only 2% of students go into computer science programs in college. Meanwhile coding camps are seeing record growth in enrollment, online sources like code.org and Codecademy are adding new users by the millions, and book proposals like Hello Ruby are driving six–figure Kickstarter campaigns.

Who are we targeting: Ruby For Kids For Dummies helps students who want to learn coding using a simple, no–cost language heralded as the simplest way to learn coding. It walks readers through basic projects that teach core coding concepts. The book should also capture the attention of parents who want to help their children understand this topic and teachers who need a reference on how to add the topic to their curriculum.

Christopher Haupt is a computer scientist, game designer, and startup advisor who loves teaching and mentoring kids. Active in his regional school district and community, he supports STEM programs, science fairs, and other opportunities for kids to creatively explore technology.