Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript: Which one to Use in 2025

Quick Summary: Ruby on Rails and JavaScript are leading web technologies. They are often integrated within the same tech stack, satisfying different development requirements, yet their alliance unlocks endless opportunities. Hence, this blog is about understanding their various aspects and differences, focusing on Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript. We hope you enjoy our blog!

Since the last decade, organizations have focused on investing in different tools and technologies. And why not? It's a digitization era, and businesses can experience significant advantages from these next-gen technologies. According to the top tech trends by Forbes , the digital and physical world are bridging their gap. And just think again - who doesn't need and use technologies today? It has become an important part of our lifestyle. Therefore, following all the modern technology trends will make your business operation effortless and seamless.

Keeping these trends and technologies in mind, businesses should concentrate on web application development more, as it's the need of the hour. Most individuals use apps in today's fast-tech world as it makes their life easier and more comfortable. But every business owner's main question is how to start the development process. And the most important one - Which technologies to use? No worries!

To help you with these questions, we'll be discussing two popular web technologies. Any guesses? They are - Ruby on Rails and JavaScript. Ruby on Rails and JavaScript are often integrated within the same tech stack, satisfying different development requirements, yet their alliance unlocks endless opportunities.

Disclaimer: Ruby on Rails is used for backend development, and JavaScript is used for both frontend development and backend development. Here we'll dive deeper into the specifics of these two web technologies since they are frequently used within one tech stack. It is also essential to understand that Ruby on Rails and JavaScript are complementary, not alternative technologies.

Therefore, in this article, we'll discuss - what is JavaScript? and What is Ruby on Rails? We will also dive into the individual aspects of Ruby on Rails and JavaScript, providing a fresh perspective and making you understand how these two powerhouses can help your businesses grow and succeed. And most importantly, we'll discuss the subject - Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript.

So, let's take this fascinating yet knowledgeable ride together.

Let's dive into the basics first. Starting with – What is JavaScript?

What is JavaScript?

Wondering what is JavaScript? (It's the most basic yet most important question)

JavaScript is an object-oriented programming language that helps software developers worldwide design and develop dynamic HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) pages and interactive website features and effects for better user engagement. JavaScript programming language is the popular choice both for frontend and backend development. It was created by Brendan Eich in 1995.

This scripting language allows them to access auto-complete text suggestions, interactive forms, photo slideshows, and animated graphics features. Some common yet significant JavaScript examples include faster-loading Facebook pages, Google's search results, etc. In addition to that, it also enables efficient full-stack development, allows developers to integrate complex functionality, and helps integrate it with other programming languages. This is the reason JavaScript popularity is rising sharply. Moreover, various huge companies use JavaScript and have loved it since then.

JavaScript is the first name that comes to any developer's mind when considering web-based applications and web browsers. That's not it! JavaScript is also used for embedded hardware controls, software, and web server. Moreover, it has a moderate learning curve. You can go through JavaScript documentation, opt for online courses, or listen to some podcasts. Now, talking about podcasts - Begin to Code with JavaScript - is one of the best podcasts you’ll hear to begin with JavaScript.

Do listen and thank us later!

We now understand – what is JavaScript. So, let's discuss another important aspect. See, there are several advantages of JavaScript; however, there are some disadvantages too. Come on then, time to discuss the significant JavaScript advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of JavaScript

Used by 64.6% of developers on the global level, JavaScript certainly comes with a plethora of benefits, including:

1. Speed - JavaScript is an interpreted language that takes less time than other coding languages in execution. The higher execution speed assists in client-server scripting, enhancing the JavaScript performance.

2. Easy to Learn - Learning and implementing JavaScript is easy and more flexible. Why? All due to its simple structure that is much easier to comprehend. Moreover, you can find various resources and take the help of JavaScript documentation to learn or understand different concepts.

3. Popularity - You know most browsers support JavaScript, which has been sailing in the market for more than 25 years, making it a significant advantage of JavaScript. It can run on different devices and does not require an environment setup. This is one of the crucial reasons for JavaScript popularity among developers.

4. Full Stack Capability - Developers use JavaScript to build backend and frontend applications, i.e., it is the best choice for full-stack development. You can use NodeJS or Ruby on Rails for the backend, and for the frontend, there are JS-based libraries and frameworks such as AngularJS and ReactJS.

5. Minimal Overhead - JavaScript also helps enhance web page or website performance by fewer code requirements and providing in-built functionalities to handle DOM (Document Object Model) access, among many other things.

6. Extended Development Support – It's one of the significant advantages of JavaScript. You can expand JavaScript functionality with the help of various add-ons, such as Greasemonkey, which eases JavaScript programming.

Let's now discuss the other part of the story and understand some disadvantages of JavaScript.

Disadvantages of JavaScript

The following are some significant disadvantages of JavaScript:

1. Less Secure - JavaScript security is among some significant disadvantages of JavaScript. Wondering why? Because end-users can look at the JavaScript codes, it is vulnerable to attacks, assaults, and hacking. It allows hackers to alter the code (minimizing its integrity) and steal essential data from the web app or website.

2. Missing Support for Debugging - Yes, it is a harsh truth! There is no practical debugging choice in the JavaScript language. As an outcome, it becomes challenging for the JavaScript developers to identify the issue.

3. No Multiple Inheritances Support - JavaScript web technology only and only supports single inheritance. It can be the biggest disadvantage of JavaScript when any application needs object-oriented behavior.

That's all about the significant JavaScript advantages and disadvantages. Now we'll learn about some critical JavaScript use cases.

JavaScript Use Cases

Several companies are using JavaScript language in one way or the other. So, let's now run through some significant JavaScript use cases:

• Mobile Applications

The JavaScript code of any mobile app enables product owners to handle the fundamental client-side functionality. They support it because of its offline and frontend capabilities.

• Frontend Web Development

JavaScript programming language enables end users to add content directly to the document without the need to refresh the entire web page. Numerous sites use different JavaScript frameworks to validate and help external programs, including Flash apps, widgets, and PDF documents. Some of the world's leading conglomerates use JavaScript to enhance user experience and efficiency.

• Web Games

JavaScript and HTML5 provide product owners ample advantages by allowing them to develop exceptional web games (a collaboration of tech-savvy and game freaks - we're among them). Moreover, the JavaScript Easel package contains better graphics for high-quality game development.

We're sure you'd now answer the question – what is JavaScript? – in a pinch. Well, well, congratulations! The first part of our blog has ended; we're sure you now know the distinct aspects of JavaScript. And believe us when we say this, software developers at Radixweb swear by JavaScript programming both for frontend and backend development.

Returning to our topic - Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript, we first need to understand - what is Ruby on Rails?

So, why wait? Let's dig in.

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What is Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails (RoR) is a web framework built on top of Ruby for server-side or backend development. It is used for desktop and web applications. Developers prefer using the Ruby framework. Wondering why? It is a skeleton for a web app or website development that provides a solid fundamental structure and optional functionalities. David Heinemeier Hansson created Ruby on Rails in 2004.

RoR complies with the MVC (Model View Controller) framework pattern where the models are data storehouses, the view presents it, and the controller works as a mediator and manages them. Rails runtime environment is an enclosed system of Ruby interpreter and other helper programs, libraries, and scripts.

The Ruby on Rails framework is among the best backend frameworks, designed to be adjusted according to the client's specific needs focusing on efficiency, simplicity, extensibility, and portability. RoR framework also consists of Gems (not the real one, though), which are modules and libraries of Ruby programs arranged into a standard installation format to be used as plug-and-play.

That was all about – what is Ruby on Rails? Now, we'll discuss another important aspect, i.e., the pros and cons of Ruby on Rails. So, let's first start with the advantages of Ruby on Rails.

Advantages of Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails, often referred to as Rails, is a popular choice for backend development, all thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness. Following are some of the significant advantages of Ruby on Rails:

1. Fast and Time Efficient - Although Ruby on Rails has a modest learning curve, Radixweb experts claim you can enhance the development speed by 25% to 40%. Whoa! Also, developers use Ruby on Rails documentation to learn different technical aspects.

2. Large Community - Since Ruby on Rails is an open-source framework, it has a vast and active community, boosting Ruby on Rails popularity steadily.

3. Tooling - The Ruby on Rails tooling system allows developers to explore and provide more features and functionalities in less time.

4. Libraries - It provides a typical framework for developing web applications that handle all the regular patterns. The community also drives better JavaScript performance and ensures a Gem for each product functionality. You can read about all these libraries and patterns in Ruby on Rails documentation.

5. Code Quality - Contrary to NodeJS and PHP equivalents, Ruby on Rails acquires unique higher-quality code.

6. Efficiency - Ruby on Rails is highly efficient compared to other top backend technologies. Hence, it is very productive.

That was all about the advantages of Ruby on Rails. It's the time to flip the coin and talk about the other side of the story, too, i.e., the disadvantages of Ruby on Rails.

Disadvantages of Ruby on Rails

The following are some significant disadvantages of Ruby on Rails:

1. Runtime Speed - Ruby on Rails is a bit slower when compared** to Golang and Node.js.

2. Lack of Flexibility - Ruby on Rails' strict interdependence between models and components makes it the perfect choice for backend developers building common web apps. However, it can be challenging to customize and add specific app functionalities.

3. Documentation - Finding good Ruby on Rails documentation can sometimes be challenging for libraries relying on mixins and less popular gems.

Coming to the last subject of the Ruby on Rails framework, we'll discuss diverse ways organizations can use the framework. And not this, there are several companies using Ruby on Rails globally. So, let's talk about some famous Ruby on Rails use cases.

Ruby on Rails Use Cases

Following are some of the best Ruby on Rails use cases:

• Complex Software Development

The Ruby on Rails' Convention over Configuration technique for developing web apps allows developers to work with classic programming principles, helping them align the process and minimize vulnerabilities.

• E-commerce Platforms

Ruby on Rails provides different tools and functionalities that help develop robust web applications. It also consists of tools that deliver a world-class experience and simplify other operational processes.

• Entertainment Platforms

If your business is increasing and requires speedy programming, then Ruby on Rails is the best choice. It provides proper application security, which attracts end users.

Now you can quickly answer the question – what is Ruby on Rails?

Coming to the heart and soul of our article, we'll now discuss – Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript.

Are you ready? We hope it's a big YES.

Let's get it started!

Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript: Understanding the Differences

Web development is boosting like anything, as every aspect of our lifestyle depends on technology. You won't believe it, but there are 1.12 billion websites in the market (to be precise, 1,115,422,029). And this figure will snowball by the time you read this.

Ruby on Rails and JavaScript are widely used for backend and frontend development. Therefore, comparing both these technologies is another thing, and understanding their difference is another (as they are not each other's cutthroat competition). The main question to answer is Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript, which will help you to meet your specific business requirements.

Therefore, in this section, we'll majorly focus on understanding the difference between Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript.

• Coding Speed

There are several development toolkits widely used in the coding universe. However, it's important to remember that the modern framework Ruby on Rails is used for the backend. While the most popular classic programming language JavaScript is preferred for frontend and backend development.

You can find Ruby on Rails use cases in many next-gen IT solutions due to its easy code delivery. It contains rich libraries that help ease the overall development process. The RoR developers can quickly solve any issues coming in between the process.  On the contrary, JavaScript developers might face specific challenges caused by additional language functionalities involving HTTP requests, operators, syntax, and event queues. Its nature is asynchronous, allowing simultaneous code execution.

• Documentation

You can visit Ruby on Rails documentation and learn about various valuable features it suggests for web developers. However, there are certain times when it's challenging for libraries that require less-prominent gems, and you’ll not find much. JavaScript documentation is also incredibly sophisticated and needs good developer experience to master the programming language.

So, all in all, when discussing Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript, we can conclude that newbie and expert developers can use both these frameworks.

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• Security

Security is the most crucial factor for successful web development. This is why you can consider Ruby on Rails development, as it is safer and more sound than JavaScript development. Why? RoR is an open-source framework with various inbuilt tools for fighting off different vulnerabilities and threats. On the other hand, JavaScript is subject to security loopholes, particularly on the client side.

Words of Wisdom - Always be ready and prepared for some sort of attack, irrespective of your chosen language, and take care of all the preventive measures. Forever go by the quote:

'Prevention is better than cure.' - Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus

• Performance

The performance of any framework or programming language plays a vital role in the project's overall success. It's like a savior for businesses (if your product performs well, you’ll earn well).

Regarding JavaScript performance, it is used both on the client (frontend) and server-side (backend) and is a single-threaded and event-driven model. Moreover, JavaScript is an ideal web technology for creating low-latency applications, as there is no requirement to wait for the functions to finish. On the other hand, Ruby on Rails doesn't support asynchronous code and has a bit slower CPU (Central Processing Units) processing time. Moreover, it demands developers to be well-versed in achieving concurrency.

It is a fully interpreted runtime framework making RoR a weaker and slower tool than JS. Hence, also impacting Ruby on Rails performance.

• Popularity

We'll provide real-time data about RoR and JavaScript popularity to get a clear picture. For a better understanding of some popular trends, it's always best to resort to Google Trends. And in this report, we can quickly notice the undeniable frequency of JavaScript over Ruby on Rails popularity. However, it's only a matter of time, and trends can change within seconds. Instead of focusing on popularity, the organization must focus on its needs and requirements.

• Community

Whether a framework, or programming language, it must boast a community of experts who help each other and beginners working in the specific domain. These professionals also ensure the enhancement of technology. Therefore, to appropriately measure the community built around technology, the apt option is to visit GitHub and note each tool's number of commits and contributors. However, when comparing Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript, we can conclude that they have solid and energetic communities.

That's all for the Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript subject. We've seen the most important distinguishing parameters, and we're sure it will help you understand which one to pick and when.

ConclusionSo, from the Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript section, we can understand that Ruby on Rails is a popular web framework used for backend development. On the contrary, JavaScript is a client-side scripting language used for backend as well as frontend development. Hence, when you keep the details mentioned above in mind, you will notice that these two popular web technologies are not competing at all and can be used as a complement to one another.In fact, developers stand by the point that both Ruby on Rails and JavaScript have benefits and limitations that organizations can choose to opt for or reject for their business app development. You'll undoubtedly need a strong command of the backend and frontend to develop rapid applications.Feeling stressed already? No worries at all!At Radixweb, a trusted software development company, we have versatile web developers for building Ruby on Rails and JavaScript solutions. They'll help you convert your dreams into a dynamic reality. You can use our knowledge best as our experts are well-versed in next-gen tools and technologies. Whether you opt for Ruby on Rails or JavaScript, we'll provide state-of-the-art services and solutions.Curious to know more about our services? Contact us ASAP!