Ruby On Rails - Why Developers Still Prefer it

Ruby on Rails has existed for years and continues to attract developers. The success of Ruby on Rails is attributed to both its major components, i.e.,  Ruby language and Rails framework. Combined, these two components make RoR a popular name in software development. 

Why is Ruby the Developers’ Choice?

Ruby came into existence way back in 1993! This famous quote from the creator of Ruby is the best description of how the language was born and its main merits:

As a language maniac and OO fan for 15 years, I really wanted a genuine object-oriented, easy-to-use scripting language. I looked for but couldn’t find one. So I decided to make it.

- Yukihiro Matsumoto

However, over the years, many more languages have developed with similar qualities. There are many object-oriented languages in the market. However, certain characteristics of the Ruby language make it the top choice of Ruby on Rails developers. So, let’s understand the reasons why!

Cross-Platform

Ruby is a very simple and portable language that can run on all operating systems. It is widely used for cross-platform development. So, developers looking for a cross-platform solution need not look any further. 

Consistent

Consistency makes Ruby language very convenient to learn and understand. The learners or developers can go easy with the language. They do not get caught up with code jargon and complications. It is easy to remember.

Easy Code Maintenance

As the code is simplistic and the syntax resembles the English language, maintenance of the code is easy. Also, the code is readable, eliminating the need for complex documentation explaining each fragment separately through comments. Clean coding also facilitates easy code changes making it flexible for learners. 

So, this was about Ruby. Let’s now understand Rails! RoR gathers its strength from the framework Rails. Further reading will help you understand the Rails framework and how it has contributed to the popularity of RoR among developers.

Rails Framework

Rails framework reinforces the strength of the Ruby language and makes the combination ideal for full-stack application development. This further motivates developers to select the language for a complete development project. They do not have to look for different solutions for frontend and backend or bother about their compatibility. 

Architecture 

Ruby on Rails is a very old framework for development. It has evolved over the years now, offering quick development capabilities in an era of complex languages and frameworks. It is based on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture that most experienced software developers can understand and use easily. The framework and its components are easy to grasp.

Full-stack Framework

RoR is an open-source full-stack framework for web development using Ruby language. So, it is suitable for most projects involving both frontend and backend development. 

Ready-made Plugins and Third-Party Modules Available 

Loads of third-party components and modules are available with RoR. So the developers do not have to develop code from scratch for basic requirements and modules of the project. For simple usage, these can be used directly and integrated easily into your existing code. Or, for specific requirements, these plugins can be customized based on your project. The customization, modification, or reuse of ready plugins is convenient and does not require much effort due to the good readability of the language. 

Ready plugins help reduce the development time, saving both time and costs for developers and the project overall.

Scalability

Many languages that are easy for development fail to offer the end solution scalability. So, if and when scaling is required, developers have to go for redevelopment. However, the products developed using Ruby on Rails are easily scalable to meet the increasing needs. 

Suitable for Varied Applications

Being a full-stack framework, it is suitable for developing a wide range of applications. The simplicity, ease of use, and cost-saving make RoR an ideal choice for developing a minimum viable product (MVP). Or, if you need to develop a quick web application, RoR is your solution. 

However, it is equally suitable for complex applications such as social networking applications, e-commerce applications, educational apps, etc.   

Integrated Testing Functionality

RoR allows integrated testing while developers are developing the application. This saves a lot of time and effort later. Also, this ensures fewer bugs and issues at later stages. Thus, developers can prevent serious hassles that come with complex languages at later stages of development.  

Security

Applications developed using RoR are secured. The built-in security features of Ruby on Rails make it capable of handling issues and vulnerabilities concerning many other popular languages and frameworks. RoR gems (libraries) scan the code and detect web application threats. The best RoR developers are experienced with leveraging these security gems to make robust and secure RoR applications.

Supportive Community

Like many other popular open-source frameworks and languages, RoR has a huge fan base. This makes it easy for developers to seek and find support from the vast RoR community. Developers worldwide who keep trying more challenging projects share their expertise and experience with RoR making the community a significant resource for both newbies and those experienced who are trying to develop out-of-the-box solutions. 

RoR developers can find ready code for standard applications and specific modules. So, instead of inventing the wheel, they can directly move to the complex nitty-gritty of the application without wasting time and money. And, if they are stuck with some part of the project, the tech geniuses from the community are there to help.

RoR Development Challenges

Like any other language, Ruby on Rails developers also face some challenges. These challenges are, however, minor and can be overcome with ease. 

Fast Updates

RoR framework, tools, and libraries keep upgrading at a fast pace. Fast updating technology is a benefit yet a challenge for the developers who have to keep upgrading their skills regularly to keep up with the change. It is a good idea to be a part of the community and keep track of all that’s happening with RoR. 

Busy developers, or those working with many languages, can’t always spend so much time on research or further learning of a language, which can limit their growth in RoR development. However, developers doing dedicated RoR development get ample opportunity to learn the new updated concepts and don’t take it as a challenge.    

Don’t Make Mistakes

Yes, you read it right! Mistakes can be really costly when you are developing with Ruby on Rails. If you are not cautious at early and different stages of development, the mistake that you have made can reduce the application performance significantly. As we all know, if mistakes go unnoticed, developers have to spend considerable time later rectifying mistakes made at early stages.   

Summary!

RoR has been used by developers for a long time now. It is a full-stack development solution that has evolved over the years into a very portable, easy to learn, and time-saving option for developers.  

Just simple challenges to overcome and much more to offer, RoR is still a preferred language for developers. If you have made up your mind and are looking for RoR for your next project, Goodtal is here to help you with a list of the best Ruby on Rails developers!