Able's contribution at the Ministry of Social Development was twofold - to train Java developers in the use of Ruby on Rails, and to contribute to the redevelopment of an existing application using these these new technologies.
Ruby on Rails training
Able were asked to contribute by peer programming with an experienced Java developer. Although we aware of Peer Programming, this was the first time that Able had actually participated in it. We found it to be a very effective way of transferring the required Ruby on Rails knowledge. Although starting with almost zero experience with Ruby on Rails, the Java developer was contributing positively within a week. By week three, the developer was at a stage where he could independently build his own components.
Able continued to peer-program with this developer for five months. By the end of this period, he was trained to a sufficient level that he could lead his own project.
Development
Able lead a project to replace an existing Java based application with a Ruby on Rails replacement. Interesting aspects to this application include:
- Deployed on top of JRuby
- Integrated with corporate LDAP for authentication and authorisation
- Complex workflow between front and back office
- Used at all MSD service centres
- Export reports to Microsoft Excel
Visit MSD.co.nz »