In my first and second post on the idea of learning Ruby through writing tests, I showed the basics of learning a language using the TDD tools. Since that start, I’ve found some great work others have done along these lines that you can use to play with the skills you’re learning and test yourself against some real problems.

First, the Ruby Koans by Jim Weirich are a comprehensive set of ‘learning tests’ that can teach you or quiz you on what you’ve learned of Ruby so far. Each time you pass a test, it points you to the next thing you need to fix. Truly TDD learning!

I was a bit put off when I first found this set, since it seems so much like a shortcut, but there’s no reason I can’t play with Jim’s tests as well as write my own, now is there?

Second, there’s the Ruby Quiz, which looks to be a great place to get a graduate education in your Ruby skills. The quiz isn’t being added to anymore, but the challenges are just awesome and they have reference solutions from people who have solved them before you. Once you’ve solved one, you can find so many ways of learning a better way. Talk about erudition!