Rails Girls Guides

Using a Cloud Service

This guide is a part of the Rails Girls workshop main guides. Make sure you follow the numbered guides in order before continuing.

Instead of installing Ruby on Rails and an editor on your computer, you can use a webservice for development. All you need is a browser and an internet connection. This guide explains how to get started with replit.com. If you’re using a different service, they may use a different wording, but the process is usually pretty similar.

1. Create an account

Go to replit.com and sign up for free.

You will need to confirm your email and then fill in your details.

Log in screen

2. Create a Ruby on Rails Repl

The Ruby on Rails Repl has all the software we need for the workshop already preinstalled.

To create one, log into replit.com and click on ‘Create’.

Dashboard with the Create button pointed to by arrows

In the field under Template, type in rails.

Search dialog for Repl templates

  1. Select the Rails option from Templates.
  2. It generates a name for your Ruby on Rails app but you can change it in the Title field (maybe to “RailsGirls”).
  3. Click the + Create Repl button

Create the Rails Repl dialog

3. Coding with your project

Run button highlighted to start the Rails app

Rails app running

Shell

4. Returning to your project

When you log out and log back in to replit.com, you can find your RailsGirls app in the middle of the dashboard. Just click it to go back into the project.

Dashboard showing button to return to Rails project

If you’re ever stuck during a guide, please ask your coach for help and also consult this handy cheatsheet for Ruby, Rails, the console, the Text Editor etc.

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