In the programming community, user groups form support networks for people interested in certain topics. They are a great place to increase your skills and network with other programmers. User groups are informal and their structure varies from group to group. Anyone can form their own group and set their own rules and schedule
Ruby User Groups
If you want to get together with other Ruby programmers, a local user group may be just the thing. Ruby user groups are entirely devoted to Ruby. They typically feature monthly meetings, a mailing list, a website, and if you’re lucky, frequent hacking sessions (meetings devoted to giving people a chance to write Ruby code).
Information about Ruby user groups can be found on various websites:
- Ruby Meetup Groups on meetup.com. A substantial number of Ruby User Groups have chosen to make Meetup their home. Meetup provides a number of tools for user groups, including: private forums, a place for announcements, automated meeting reminders, and a nice RSVP system.
- rubyconferences.org/meetups now has a list of Ruby Meetup events from around the world.
- There is a Google Group for Ruby Meetup Organizers
- OnRuby - A number of user groups can also be found at OnRuby. OnRuby is an open source platform written in Ruby that can be used to organize meetups. It is available on GitHub.
Organizing Your Own Group
If you are interested in forming your own group, be sure to find out if there is already a Ruby user group in your area. Try the meetup organizers group if you’re looking for advice on how to start your own group.