[ctrager]

I would say yes, because I don't know of a better learning resource for "learning web develeopment", especially for somebody starting at zero, teaching oneself, than the Rails Tutorial: https://www.railstutorial.org/book.

Rails aside, what would be the best tool for "learning web development" starting from zero?

I ask because people ask me and so far I've been sending beginners to the Rails Tutorial.