Another Social Network Question!

You could build this using Ruby and Rails easily. I recommend taking the ODOT course here first, then moving on to the building social features with the Treebook courses.

Start with something small and slowly build on to it, learning as you go. That's really the best way to learn to code.

I would also add that it depends... Are you trying to learn to code or are you trying to build a business? Learning to code is one thing and building what you have in your head is a good way to start as Brandon mentioned. However, building a successful startup is not only about having a killer product but knowing the market and timing and executing your entry very well (among a thousand other things).

If you're serious about building a business, I say wireframe the product instead, get it in front of users, figure out your model, test all your assumptions and then either build it yourself (assuming you know how) or hire talent to help. It can save you a ton of money and time this way.

Knowing to code never hurts but if you're talking about building something you really think has a chance, then make sure you don't neglect the business strategy behind the launch.

Even great products fail without the right timing and strategy.

If you're using BMC, you're already 20 steps ahead of most in terms of business strategy. Well done.

It sounds like you've been mapping this out for a bit. Other than validating assumptions with real users, I say get your hands dirty with some code and see what happens. Rails is great for this type of work since you can build so fast.

Good luck!

Stick with Rails. I think overall, the conventions can make you a better coder and get you up and running faster. Just my .02.

Kei,

Treehouse had a GREAT series of 3 courses that guided you through every step of making a great social networking site in Rails. It had most of the features you described and even more. Unfortunately it's so outdated that you can't really do most of the stuff with the newest versions of Rails and other gems unless you work hard on "translating" these things into current technologies. In fact, that is exactly what I am doing right now - rewriting the whole Treebok application to use the newest Rails (with a different theme) and adding some better interactivity through JavaScript (right now I'm getting better at using JS inside Rails and testing it ). My code is open for everyone, so if you ever want to get any code inspiration or see how to implement something, don't hesitate: https://github.com/mczuchnowski/treebook

How it actually looks like and works, feel free to play around: https://peaceful-tor-6610.herokuapp.com

It's far from being finished, though, but if you were wondering if Rails is good for the job, then this is what you can make pretty easily in a few days.