Ruby is an object-oriented programming language that is general-purpose and dynamic. It has English-like syntax that even someone who isn’t familiar with coding can comprehend Ruby code to a certain extent.
However, developing new software with only Ruby is a time-consuming task. This is why Rails, a specialized tool for optimizing the development process, was created. Rails is a web development framework compiled in the Ruby programming language introduced approximately a decade after Ruby’s initial release. It was designed to make web app development easy, assisting in developing websites of any complexity. It also marked the emergence of Ruby’s as a massively popular tool.
Ruby on Rails is an Ideal Framework for Web Applications
Ruby on Rails was designed specifically for the development of web applications. This is noticeable in the framework’s numerous code libraries (referred to as ‘Gems’ within the Ruby community) that make free, open-source code available. Developers use them to fulfill specific needs for a website or app – thereby keeping costs down and project development moving at an appreciable pace.
Devise, for example, is a favored Ruby code library. It offers user authentication functionality for developing websites and apps, such as user registration, sign-in, and password recovery. These ready-to-use key components allow developers to focus on the core challenges they attempt to solve for clients rather than coding for basic functionality.
Practical Applications of Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a versatile tool that can create innovative types of applications in projects from diverse fields.
E-commerce application development
E-commerce businesses use the framework because it provides a variety of tools. The Shopify platform is perhaps the most vivid example of how Ruby on Rails gets used. Etsy is another example of Ruby on Rails getting used for e-commerce.
Social-media applications
Among the most widely used communication apps to date, Twitter was initially built by using the Ruby on Rails framework. Dribbble and Basecamp are two other well-known examples. These and previous Ruby on Rails app examples dispel any doubts about the app’s ability to scale up to business needs. The Couchsurfing platform illustrates that Ruby on Rails is still relevant in this industry.
In the Fintech sphere
Fintech may not be the first thing that springs to mind when evaluating the usage of Ruby on Rails. However, Ruby on Rails eliminates the most challenging programming issues and speeds up the delivery of a complicated project. Squareup’s payment system and Fundera’s lending platform are prime examples of how the Ruby on Rails framework could be used in the fintech industry.
For SaaS projects
Software as a Service projects is a noteworthy mention regarding the practical application of Ruby on rails. If you contemplate developing such a solution, it is worth looking into Ruby on Rails development. In this regard, Basecamp and Zendesk are excellent examples.
Live-streaming apps
Live-streaming applications are more popular than ever before these days. Twitch, the most popular gaming live-streaming service, exemplifies Ruby on Rails development’s full potential in this industry.
News, trading, and data analytics
Ruby on Rails serves as the foundation for all of its web applications. Ruby on Rails is the way to go if your application concept revolves around news, data analytics, or combined fields. Bloomberg is the most well-known Ruby on Rails example in this case. And, as you may be aware, Bloomberg is an authoritative provider of financial data.
Reasons for Ruby on rails popularity
Ruby on Rails’ popularity among developers and business owners continues to multiply despite being around for a while now. Let us delve into the reasons for its popularity.
Fast programming
When you’re into a startup, you always need to build products quickly. With its built-in development tools and readymade modules, Ruby allows you to speed up the development process and focus on your core business. The speed of MVP development in Ruby is much higher than that in similar languages such as PHP or Python.
Robust Ecosystem and High Compatibility
Being an open-source framework, Ruby on Rails offers very mature technology, having a great set of features such as multi-platform compatibility, object-oriented programming, many free plugins (gems), and good compatibility with other frameworks. Ruby will also work great for start-ups that prefer to deploy their apps on a SaaS service because of their lower adoption costs.
Savings on development costs
Rails technologies substantially reduce project budgets, which is especially beneficial for start-ups. The “don’t repeat yourself” principle saves time and money on code development and testing. Furthermore, there are no costs associated with using, modifying, copying, or distributing Ruby on Rails.
Easy Scalability
Start-ups can create a working prototype in a short time with Ruby on Rails without spending a lot of money. This prototype could later be developed into a full-fledged application with fewer efforts.
Ruby is perfect for Agile Projects
Agile projects are characterized by repeated scope changes. The modular design of Ruby on Rails enables these changes to be reflected quickly while maintaining code quality. The Product Owner can provide immediate feedback and frequently releases new versions. Rails framework automated tests help ensure the absence of bugs during code modification and do not require additional documentation.
Community support
The Ruby on rails community is fantastic – Ruby developers can get free online tutorials, ask and answer questions on forums, and get help quickly. The framework is always kept up to date by the large Ruby developer community. Every day, hundreds of Ruby developers create new modules. You can also be confident that applications and plugins have been thoroughly tested for security before release.
Automation of Processes
Ruby on Rails is popular among developers. This framework automates so many manual tasks that developers can concentrate on the project’s core features. It ensures that the development process is highly efficient, making business owners adore Ruby on Rails.
Last but not least, the built-in Ruby on Rails testing framework provides inexpensive, fast, and reliable testing, making it a developer’s dream. Ruby on Rails’ popularity can be attributed to its ease of use, exceptional support, and automated features.
Conclusion
Multitudes of companies worldwide use Ruby on Rails for web application development, providing support and shaping the way the framework is developed.
This technology does not have a specific scope of application. It can be used to build various projects and includes a plethora of gems that help speed up the development process.
Ruby on Rails is rapidly evolving. As more start-ups emerge daily, the demand for a tool that provides a way, or rather many ways, to create a new project from scratch in the shortest amount of time will only grow.