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Discussion on: Using Ruby for projects that are not Rails related.

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ghost profile image
Ghost • Edited

I have written several large projects using Ruby in the console including an application to manage the robotic delivery of parts to a production line, controlling PLC's based on database values in a steel manufacturing plant, and of course, a myriad of micro-services all still running out in the wild. On a personal note, I have built a ruby based weather station (using a raspberry pi and a Sparkfun sensor kit) that uploads the current conditions at our flying field to the club's website. Also, I write various console utilities to help me do my work during the day. I enjoy writing Ruby, it is such a versatile language.

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Alex Kharouk

Wow Mike, that sounds very impressive. Just goes to show how little I know the language can do at this beginner stage.

Regarding your weather station, that sounds very creative. How long did it take you to work on it? How were you even able to begin the thought process of creating something so elaborate?

Super curious stuff. Thanks for sharing.

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ghost profile image
Ghost • Edited

Hi Alex,

The Raspberry Pi has a bus that you can get the data from the sensors easily. Once you get that worked out it's just a matter of dealing with the data (in this case writing it out to a JSON file that gets uploaded every 15 minutes. It actually was a fairly simple application to write. There are several gems out there that help you deal with the bus and FTPing. Been toying with the idea of making the application open source but have not had much time to get it all cleaned up and optimized. My advice for finding a project you can practice your Ruby skills with is to look for problems around the house, school, or job that you can solve with automation and dig in!

Good luck,