In addition to the videos, you can also download the source code for each episode so you can follow along and experiment on your own.

• Episode 1: A Tiny Web App (36 minutes)

  Sinatra makes it easy to write simple web applications in a hurry. In this episode, we’ll write a URL shortener application to learn the essential Sinatra features, test the application, and deploy it to a production server. You’ll learn how to:

  • Create a simple web application with Sinatra
  • Write handlers and ERB templates
  • Handle form parameters
  • Use multiple files and custom Ruby libraries
  • Define arbitrarily complex routes
  • Write helper methods
  • Create a layout file and use static assets
  • Write and run tests
  • Make a Rackup file
  • Deploy Sinatra apps using Passenger and Capistrano
• Episode 2: A REST Service (26 minutes)

  Sinatra is also great for writing (lots of) small REST services. In this episode, we’ll write a simple REST service that lets us create, read, update, and delete quips and quotes. You’ll learn how to:

  • Create a basic REST service with Sinatra
  • Write handlers to create, read, update, and delete resources
  • Use Active Record with Sinatra for database persistence
  • Respond to requests with XML or JSON formats
  • Use the RestClient library to interact with the REST service
  • Make an Atom feed
  • Protect resources with basic HTTP authentication
  • Use the last_modified helper to improve performance
  • Define a custom 404 and error handler

Audience

These screencasts are ideal for web developers who are new to Sinatra and REST concepts. Basic Ruby code is used throughout. No prior experience with Rails or Capistrano is required.