Complete the following setup procedure before beginning any exercises. This initial configuration will ensure you have a clean, personalized workspace for the entire tutorial series.

Topics Covered in This Ruby on Rails Tutorial:

Setting up Your Class Files

Tutorial Setup Requirements

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Why Create Copies

Working with duplicated files allows you to experiment freely without risk of corrupting the original class materials. This is a fundamental best practice in development workflows.

Creating Your Own Copy of Class Files

Throughout this comprehensive workbook, you'll be working with carefully curated class files that serve as the foundation for your Ruby on Rails learning journey. Rather than modifying the original templates—which you'll want to preserve as reference materials—you'll create your own dedicated workspace. This approach follows industry best practices for project management and ensures you can experiment freely without compromising the base materials.

This setup process takes just a few minutes but establishes the organizational structure you'll rely on throughout the course:

  1. Clear your workspace by minimizing or hiding any open windows so you can see the Desktop clearly.
  2. Locate and open the Class Files folder on your system.
  3. Click once on the Rails Class folder to select it—you'll see it highlighted to confirm your selection.
  4. Press Cmd–D (on Mac) or Ctrl–D (on Windows) to create a duplicate of the entire folder structure.
  5. Rename the duplicate folder to yourname-Rails Class (replacing "yourname" with your actual name for easy identification).
  6. You now have your own isolated set of class files to modify, experiment with, and reference throughout the course. This personal workspace will become your Rails development playground.

File Duplication Process

1

Clear Your Desktop

Minimize or hide any open windows so you can see the Desktop clearly and access the Class Files folder

2

Locate Class Files

Open the Class Files folder and locate the Rails Class folder that contains all the tutorial materials

3

Select and Duplicate

Click once on the Rails Class folder to select it, then press Cmd-D to create a duplicate copy

4

Rename Your Copy

Rename the duplicate folder to yourname-Rails Class to create your personal workspace

Setup Complete

You now have your own set of class files to use throughout the class. This personal workspace will be your safe environment for all tutorial exercises.

Next Steps

Ready to Learn

With your personal copy of class files set up, you're ready to begin the Ruby on Rails tutorial exercises. Each lesson will build upon this foundation.

Safe Experimentation

Feel confident to modify, test, and experiment with the code. Your original class files remain untouched as a backup reference.