Programming Phoenix (Pragprog)

Don’t forget you can get 35% off the ebook using the code ‘devtalk.com:023:

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Does anyone know if the only major difference between the current version of the book and Phoenix 1.3 is Contexts?

If so I think I am going to start on this book next :003:

Also for those of you who have read it, how long did it take you to read? What did you think of it?

It took me 4-5 days to complete, but I red it during all my work hours (8 hours day), and skipping some exercises. :grimacing:

I found the book a lot helpful! Every now and then I get back to some chapters for examples. Also, the app built from scratch on the book is very interesting and complete for study purposes.

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There are other minor subtle differences you’ll find besides v1.3 contexts and related directory structure changes.

I think the book was published in April 2016 so it actually targets Phoenix v1.1.x and Ecto v1.x so some of the frequently used functions (such as Ecto.Changeset.cast/4) are deprecated or changed. Also the book doesn’t cover current best practices such as not calling Repo in your controllers, the use of models rather than schemas, etc.

With your experience I’m sure you will be able to easily work through the differences but newbies would struggle a bit more. For their sake (and to see new intermediate level material) I’m really looking forward to seeing the updated book published.

All of that said, it’s certainly an excellent book which took me (as a newbie only having read PragDave’s book first) ~5 days to work through.

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Ah right, thanks… I think in that case I might hold off. I generally only read a book once and so I think I’d prefer to wait until it’s updated. I also hope to blog about learning Elixir and Phoenix at some point so it makes sense to cover an up to date version.

I wonder if @chrismccord could give us a status update please? Is a release imminent or is there quite a bit of work still left to do Chris?

Targeting EOY for the next edition release

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Thanks Chris - if your plans change please let us know :lol:

I wonder if I might be able to get away with the guides for now… actually I’ll post a separate thread to save this one going off topic :slight_smile:

The Programming Phoenix book seems to be a great way to get a high-level overview of the framework and make good choices right out of the gate, but it looks the publication of the 1.3 version’s been pushed back again. Any recommendations as to whether I should wait or work through the old version in the meantime? Thanks!

For learning resource Programming Phoenix is great. I really loved it.

Once you go though the book with all the examples + explanations I suggest you go directly with 1.3. You wouldn’t lose too much and you can understand the basic concepts about phoenix just with the old book.

How do you know it’s been pushed back?

Chris said it should be ready around the end of the year:

I may have brought it up:

PragProg is listing a release date of 2018-Jun-10.

Hopefully the site is wrong and Chris can put our minds at rest :lol:

https://media.pragprog.com/newsletters/2018-04-11.html

Coming Up Next:
Programming Phoenix ≥ 1.4: Productive |> Reliable |> Fast, in beta

It’s not in beta yet … but it’s coming

To manage expectations:

  • Build Reactive Web Sites with RxJS: Master Observables and Wrangle Events, in beta
  • Docker for Rails Developers: Build, Ship, and Run Your Applications Everywhere, in beta

were first listed end of February here
https://media.pragprog.com/newsletters/2018-02-28.html

Docker for Rails Developers went beta today while Build Reactive Web Sites with RxJS: Master Observables and Wrangle Events is still on the list.

So it doesn’t mean next week

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Any news on beta or early access to this book?

Thanks,
bml

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You just have to know where to look:

https://media.pragprog.com/newsletters/2018-05-23.html

Edit:
Beta now available for purchase from pragprog.

Check for the 80% off coupon if you purchased the previous version from pragprog.
(on the “my_account” page, below “Bookshelf” but above “Order Details”)

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Perfect timing! Can’t wait to start reading it.

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Great news!

I think I will start reading it after finishing Learn Functional Programming with Elixir (Pragprog) :003:

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I’ve just started reading this but wanted to quickly say that the preface and opening chapter (everything up to the beginning of ‘Part 1’) is not only one of the best openings of any book I’ve read, but also does one of the best jobs to sell the idea of a piece of technology - ever!!

I was going to suggest PragProg consider making it a free download - because I reckon it will do a phenomenal job of helping drive adoption of Elixir and Phoenix …which in turn will mean significantly more potential customers/readers - so a win win for everyone :003: but guess what? It’s already available as a free download!! (Get the preface here and the introductory chapter here.)

Well done Chris, José, Bruce, Jacquelyn, PragProg and anyone else who made that chapter what it is :023: whenever anyone now asks “Why Elixir?” I’ll definitely be including this resource and I can’t wait to read to the rest of the book!

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Programming Phoenix 1.4 (eBook) has recently been updated.

Changes in This Release

  • We added a new chapter: Chapter 8, Testing MVC. This chapter completes part 1 of the book. We’ll circle back and address new features that readers identify as important but for now we’ll move on toward addressing channels.
  • Addressed errata. Thanks for all of your help and keep them coming!
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You literally just beat me to it :003:

Anyone know if there is a log of changes? I’d love to know if anything I have read so far has been changed.

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