Ruby on Rails, also known as RoR, or simply ‘Rails,’ is an open-source framework built on the Ruby language that can be used with several other languages such as XML and JavaScript. The framework was released in December 2005. Although there are a set of other quite popular and widely used technologies in the industry , ROR stays popular among developers across all domains .
What is Ruby on Rails?
It is an open-source framework with an object-oriented programming (OOP) structure, known as an efficient web development tool. It has a multi-layered functional structure with the Model, View, and Controller components similar to those of many other web development frameworks. It is well known for its speed in the development process. Besides, excellent serve performance can be achieved by using Ruby on Rails.
Who uses Ruby on Rails?
Rails makes a perfect match for experts and novices alike. It equips developers with a set of unique features , suitable to address complex problems of experts with the help of simplified solutions. Although RoR has a steep learning curve, it is relatively easy to master for newbie developers. Anyone who learns and uses RoR can benefit from this resourceful and unique framework. Ruby on Rails is widely applied by large organizations, such as Scribd, GitHub, and Hulu as well as starts and community projects that just begin their path in their industry.
The Ruby on Rails review below will unveil the main benefits, drawbacks and pitfalls of using this framework in projects of different complexity.
What Does Ruby on Rails (RoR) Do Exactly?
Ruby on Rails can do a bunch of amazing things. RoR has made coding much simpler for developers. Otherwise, why use Ruby on Rails when there are numerous other frameworks? With its outstanding and unique features, this technology has shown programmers how to make coding smart. It handles complex things and makes programming easy for everyone. There are a lot of things RoR does to save our time and effort. It is a friend by your side who understands you and performs a variety of programming activities for you even before you ask for it. RoR does all these with the application of out-of-the-box features such as integrated automated testing, ‘convention over configuration’ methodology, scaffolding, and advanced caching methods.
Key Features of Ruby on Rails
Here are some Ruby on Rails features that make it stand out from the IT crowd
- Convention over configuration. It helps to create the corresponding advanced components by automatically sensing simple conventional elements.
- Automated Testing. RoR runs its own set of tests on the code you write. You can save time and effort in quality assurance.
- Localization. The localization feature helps you integrate your pre-designed code into the RoR framework for a bigger project.
- Scaffolding. This feature allows the programmer to define how the application database should function. After that, the framework automatically generates the required code according to it. The scaffolding technique creates interfaces automatically.
- Libraries. RoR has a lot of vast libraries to equip a developer with all the necessary tools to produce high-quality product AJAX library, Database access library, and Common tasks library are some of the few that RoR comprises in its collection.
Benefits of Ruby on Rails
Speedy software development. RoR coding speed is attributed to its unique features and signature philosophies described above. RoR is fast as it saves plenty of time by simplifying a lot of tasks, thus accomplishing the goals faster. That’s how it does more in less time without compromising on quality. This benefit is important when it comes to agile development y. Scaffolding, convention over configuration, and automated testing are some of the valuable RoR features that save a lot of time and effort.
Excellent logic implementation. RoR handles complexity in logic well and presents with precision, thus helping to generate excellent code targeting the exact result.
Reliable and accurate. It has a test-driven methodology owing to its integrated automated test feature. The latter helps achieve better consistency and fewer discrepancies. RoR is thus highly reliable and easy to maintain.
Easily scalable with quality output. Ruby on Rails scalability is a feature that helps developers handle tougher and bigger responsibilities. Even if you are on a smaller project, it can be increased in magnitude easily, without compromising on quality. RoR is meant for high quality at less cost.
Efficient developer community. You always have a sufficient number of skilled and experienced developers who are experts in Ruby on Rails and can help resolve some issues, consult in problematic areas, and troubleshoot.
What is Ruby on Rails used for?
Ruby on Rails applications are the most common in the following areas of web development:
- Projects involving a wide range of complex functions;
- Large projects requiring drastic transformations;
- Long-term projects that pass through continuous variations in parameters;
- Projects that have heavy traffic;
- Little, quick projects to develop prototypes & MVPs.
When not to use Ruby on Rails?
There are no rigid rules here, but some developers do not recommend Ruby on Rails in the following cases:
- No drastic transformations in the project;
- A project with limited functionality and uniform operations;
- No need for quick decisions;
- Your project requires low resource consumption.
Rails vs. Other Frameworks
With a plethora of programming languages, frameworks, platforms, and development environments, one cannot do away with comparing one with the other. RoR is often compared with other frameworks and environments due to its multi-capability and versatility. It often blurs the lines between conventional categories like languages and frameworks providing specialists with a handful tool to create scalable and high-quality products.
Ruby on Rails vs Python
Python is a general-purpose programming language. Some think of Python as an all-purpose language, able to meet any need of the coder and requiring no external tools. In contrast to Python, Ruby on Rails is not a language; it’s a framework built upon the Ruby language and specifically used for web development.
Ruby on Rails vs PHP
PHP is a language with an object-oriented programming (OOP) structure used for scripting. It is applied in software development , whereas RoR is the framework used for web development. This comparison would not be accurate as Ruby on Rails is not a language. However, there can be many instances where Ruby on Rails or PHP may be used in the same project.
Ruby on Rails vs Java
Java is one of the oldest and widely used languages. It is specifically known as a language to develop applications for a variety of operating systems. This technology is especially well-known as being a top language for developing Android apps. In contrast to Java, RoR is commonly used for web development purposes Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript
JavaScript is one of the most popular front-end programming languages, widely used in developing useful user interfaces for web applications for different devices. It is also used with many other tools add functionality to the software. However, such a comparison will be inaccurate as RoR is only a framework, while JavaScript is.
Ruby on Rails vs Node.js
Unlike RoR, Node is not a framework. It is a development environment functioning as a server-based entity. It executes JavaScript outside web browsers.
RoR vs Laravel
Although both Laravel and Ruby on Rails are frameworks, the former is a PHP framework, while the latter is written in Ruby. These technologies use a Model-View-Controller component structure and make use of relational databases. Though Laravel is comparatively new, both are equally popular.
Hopefully, this Ruby on Rails’ overview has provided you with enough information about Ruby on Rails as a leading technology and its position in the software development industry. Projects for which RoR development suits the best include e-commerce platforms, social networking websites, and CMSs.
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