startupi

Here at Startupi we have talked about many web startups and their software apps. We often get more excited about their features, usage scenarios and business models than the technology “under the hood” which makes them work, despite it being the advancement of these technologies that makes their development possible.

Among the main tools for developing web applications is Ruby on Rails (RoR), a programming framework that - among other innovations in its design - incorporates principles of agile development methodologies, and which has become the tool of choice for various web projects like Twitter, and (in Brazil) Blogblogs and Brasigo (both belonging to Grupo Abril).

Another fundamental characteristic of Ruby on Rails is the fact that it is open source. This means that your code - your “secret formula” - is open to others who want to study it, even modify it or create additional components for it.

Added to the other qualities, this characteristic has created a real community of developers, users, and creators of modifications and new related tools, which together play a role in filtering the best additions and changes to the technology.

The Rails Summit, which happens this week in São Paulo (on October 13-14, at the Convention Center in Anhembi), is one of the biggest events in the world aimed at this community, and the biggest in Latin America. There are two days of speakers and sessions where participants can present their ideas and projects.

The conference, conceived and organized by Locaweb (pioneer and leader in IT hosting services in Brazil), is intended not just for those directly involved with Ruby on Rails, but also for IT professionals and interested parties who want to better understand the technology, the developers, the technology leaders, professors and students and even project managers and IT decision makers.

It is an excellent opportunity for businesses to meet the best programmers in the market, as well as an important way to strengthen relationships within the community or become part of it. The Rails community is known to be very welcoming.

Some of the biggest names in the international community will be giving presentations at the event (including some Brazilians, such as José Valim, who with the backing of the Rails community leaders rewrote one of the main component of the framework this year). The interaction between speakers and participants is one of the highlights of the event, which is in its second year.

The 13th the event runs from 8:50am to 8pm. There are translators available (Portuguese-English and vice versa) in both rooms and sessions of the event. At the end of the day there is an unconference; that is, a chance for people other than the official speakers to share their knowledge with the public.

To participate in the unconference, all you have to do is suggest topics directly related to Ruby, Rails or Agile Methods. You have 10-15 minutes for your presentation. Bring your slideshow on your laptop and don’t forget your VGA adapter for the projector.

Wednesday the event runs from 8:50am to 7 pm.

Follow the Rails Summit on Twitter, and follow participants at the event in real time on livestreams on Blogblogs and trendtime.

This post was written with input from Mário Nogueiro Ramos, who uses Ruby on Rails for social applications at Amanaiê, and who cofounded PageStacker, built with RoR.