What is Ruby on Rails? A Perfect Introduction to Ruby on Rails

Quick Run-Through: Have you heard about the Ruby on Rails framework? Or are you completely new to Ruby on Rails development and want to learn more about the different concepts of the technology? If you’re wondering what is Ruby, what is Rails, what is Ruby on Rails, why and when it’s used, and its features, advantages, limitations, and future, this is the perfect blog for you.

There are new and modern tools and technologies introduced every other week for efficient software development. Any technology, tool, or framework buzzing right now might become old-fashioned within a year. Digital transformation is leading to more technical advancements rapidly.

Now, how to select –

• Which technology to utilize for your next web project?
• Which tool or framework, or technology to learn?
• Which domain to chase as a career?

Let’s answer this with a bold statement. Are you ready?

We believe that Ruby on Rails (RoR) is the answer to all your questions. So, utilizing the Ruby on Rails framework is one of the finest approaches for beginners to play their hearts out with code and programming. With the help of Ruby on Rails web development, they can create their own unique, full-stack, fully functioning websites as rapidly as possible.

Wondering why so bold?

There are ample different approaches to learning coding and many other web development frameworks and languages to opt from, with every individual having their thoughts and opinions on the best, easy to learn, or fastest to implement.

Build Top-Notch, Functional Software Solutions Utilizing Ruby on Rails Framework

Get in Touch

Ruby on Rails (RoR) is a hot and sizzling topic in software development. Web developers worldwide can barely converse without bringing the Ruby on Rails framework at least once. No wonder, the fact that Ruby on Rails is named among the top 10 most utilized frameworks in the United States, all due to its significance in the web development world and its popularity. We can also say that Ruby on Rails popularity adds fuel to the fire (but in a safe way). Nothing to get startled by as Ruby on Rails (RoR) has several unique features and functionalities, making it a robust tool for your next software development project. Or, we must say, for your next Ruby on Rails project.

But what is Ruby? What is Rails? What is Ruby on Rails? Are they both different frameworks or the same?

Lots of confusion, right? But nothing to fear when we’re here.

This blog is all for you! Here, we’ll discuss how an open-source framework built on Ruby repeatedly helps the web era bloom. In this blog, we will also make a specific case on why to start with the Ruby on Rails framework by answering all your questions about it and discussing all the essential aspects of RoR. Moreover, stick around to find out how Ruby on Rails web development can benefit your business. And we bet you’ll also enjoy reading this Ruby on Rails tutorial apart from learning different concepts.

Come on, then, why wait?

What is Ruby?

Before jumping directly on Rails, or Ruby on Rails, you require a little knowledge of Ruby. So, what is Ruby? Ruby is a general-purpose, open-source programming language for building web apps, automation, data processing, and many more. You can run Ruby on every operating system due to its higher portability and flexibility. And its rising demand made it rank among the top 5 positions in the highest-paying programming languages in Stack Overflow’s list.

Ruby was created by Yukihiro ’Matz’ Matsumoto in the middle of the 1990s. Like C or Java, Ruby is also a general-purpose language, best known for its several benefits in web programming.

As the saying goes – ‘Ruby is effortless with its knight in shining armor called Rails.’

But why? See, it's a known fact that nobody would be enlightened about the benefits of Ruby if it were not for Rails (Ruby on Rails) itself. In simple words, Ruby would be unimportant without the Rails.

Now we have more reasons to know about what is rails and why it’s so important in the world of web development.

What is Rails (or Ruby on Rails)?

Wondering what is Ruby on Rails?

Rails is a software library that helps expand the Ruby language. It was called Ruby on Rails (RoR) by its creator, often called Rails. So, the Ruby on Rails framework is software code developed on top of Ruby. In technical terms, it is also defined as a package library known as Ruby Gem, whose installation takes place with the help of the command line interface of the operating system. Therefore, Ruby on Rails is an open-source, efficient web development framework. It provides Ruby developers with a time-saving option to create code. It is a set of code libraries that offers ready-to-use solutions for recurrent activities like creating tables, menus, or forms on the website.

It Integrates JavaScript, CSS, and HTML with Ruby programming language for web app development for executing them on a web server. And since it operates on the web server, Ruby on Rails is also known as the server-side or backend web application development framework. Moreover, Ruby on Rails is among the most popular backend frameworks.

Wanna know about some best Ruby on Rails examples? Let’s have a look.

Some prominent Ruby on Rails examples include GitHub (Whoa!), SoundCloud, Shopify, Airbnb, Fab, Hulu, Etsy, SlideShare, CrunchBase (Wikipedia for startups), and many more.

Help your Business to Scale and Grow while Utilizing Best RoR Software Solutions

Choose Best RoR Development

You must be thinking - who created Ruby on Rails? So, here comes the exciting topic.

History of Ruby on Rails

To understand the crux, it's essential to know the history of Ruby on Rails. So, who created Ruby on Rails? David Heinemeier Hansson created Ruby on Rails in 2004. Hansson pulled Rails from the codebase of his organization’s, Basecamp, a project management tool to make it effortless for other software developers to do web app development with Ruby. Rails' first public appearance (or release) was in July 2004.

Ruby on Rails popularity is easily visible due to its rising developer adoption rate. It has achieved around 52,000 GitHub stars, the most extraordinary evidence of Ruby on Rails popularity. The high number of stars and the dynamic nature of the repository are the best indications of the consistent popularity and relevance of the Ruby on Rails framework.

We bet now you must have a basic understanding of - What is Ruby? What is Rails? And what is Ruby on Rails? Now, in the following section, we’ll talk about the significant differences between Ruby vs Ruby on Rails. Knowing about it will help you grasp the other Ruby on Rails development concepts seamlessly.

Ruby vs Ruby on Rails (For Better Clarity)

Ruby is a programming language, whereas Ruby on Rails is a web framework developed on top of Ruby.

But what’s the difference? What is the point of the Ruby vs Ruby on Rails debate?

So, here’s the deal: Ruby helps convert the source code, including Ruby on Rails programming, into something your computer system can comprehend. Rails is like a layer on top of the Ruby programming language—a layer that assists any web app development company with the seamless development of web applications. However, Ruby is a powerful programming language that can do many things by itself. Still, it requires Rails sometimes

So, the key takeaway is that Rails makes Ruby a robust and reliable platform for building efficient web apps. So, together they both form a robust ecosystem.

‘We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.’ – J.K. Rowling

The quote fits best in the situation. Ruby and Rails working together can do wonders. Don’t believe us? See for the popularity of the Ruby on Rails framework yourself.

Enjoy the Power of Ecommerce and ROR by Enhancing Your Business’s Digital Presence

Choose Ecommerce Development

As moving forward with the Ruby on Rails tutorial, now is the perfect time to understand the working of the Ruby on Rails framework. But to understand its working, you need to understand the Ruby on Rails architecture.

Let’s seize the perfect time.

Ruby on Rails Architecture

So, you can think of a Ruby on Rails framework like Blocks or Legos (that we used to play with in our childhood, in fact, now also, yes!). With the Ruby on Rails framework, you receive pre-built “Legos” of code and programs that you can integrate, match, and alter to develop a custom web application. This eliminates the work of creating everything from scratch (which saves time, effort, and resources). The main reason why major backend development services providers opt for Ruby on Rails development.

Ruby on Rails architecture means utilizing the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern. It is one of the famous architectural patterns in development used by several web frameworks. The MVC architectural pattern isolates a web app’s program or codes into three coordinated components, these are:

• Model - It helps to hold the complete data structure of the application.

• View - The View represents the visual element of the web application as web page templates.

• Controller - It helps with the data connection to the View and consists of the web application's business logic.

This pattern makes Ruby on Rails architecture precious and flexible for different types of web applications. Ruby on Rails programming is used for developing various kinds of web apps. You can also use it to create other web apps that stretch both the frontend and backend.

Regarding frontend and backend, we suggest you read our blog on frontend vs backend. This will help you understand the fundamental difference between both, and you’ll never get confused again. And you can thank us later!

Returning to the topic, the Model and Controller are known as the backend component of the application. The View manages the frontend part of the app and generates the web pages visitors see in the browser, consisting of JavaScript and HTML. You can also utilize Ruby on Rails development to produce APIs or web services that return JSON for utilization by other applications.

Key Features of Ruby on Rails Framework

Let’s now walk through some best Ruby on Rails features:

• Action Controllers - The classes maintain and manage the View and Model data flow. Their primary responsibility is to receive requests from the clients, process them, and give back a response. Action Controllers are also accountable for processing the application’s logic, such as authorization and authentication.

• Action Views - Action Views is one of the influential Ruby on Rails features, and its primary responsibility is to render the views of the web application. They are also utilized to demonstrate the information from the Model to the client. Moreover, you can write them in several programming languages, including Ruby, JavaScript, and HTML document.

• Action Dispatch - Action Dispatch is a crucial Ruby on Rails feature responsible for routing requests to the ideal Action Controller. Action Dispatch utilizes a routing table to guide URLs to Controllers and Actions, enabling developers to seamlessly map URLs to their app's suitable Controllers and Actions.

• Scaffolding - Scaffolding is a Ruby on Rails feature that enables developers to rapidly-produce a boilerplate code for their apps. Developers use scaffolding to generate the fundamental structure of a Ruby on Rails application, consisting of Models, Views, Controllers, and database transfer. This is the best time saver for developers, allowing them to start quickly without writing and generating many boilerplate codes. And, to make your work smoother, you can also hire backend developers.

• Active Record - Active Record framework is an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) library. They enable developers to better database interaction utilizing Ruby classes instead of writing raw SQL. This makes it effortless for developers to work with database operations and allows them to concentrate on the business logic of their web applications rather than stressing about database interaction.

Create a Resilient App Backbone with the Help of Expert Backend Developers

Need Experts Help

That was all about the best Ruby on Rails features. Let’s now try to answer another critical question – what is Ruby on Rails used for?

What is Ruby on Rails Used for?

So, all the Ruby on Rails features mentioned above are remarkable, but the main question is, which types of apps can you develop with the help of the Ruby on Rails framework?

Ruby on Rails development is reliable and versatile. You can create a variety of Ruby on Rails applications like the following:

• FinTech Development - Ruby on Rails development assists you in eliminating several coding complexities in terms of payment services, insurance, transactions, and overall banking services. However, with the safety and testing capabilities RoR provides, developers can quickly develop robust FinTech solutions. You can also navigate large, challenging Ruby on Rails projects with strict time limits and budgets with its vast community support.

• Social Networking Sites - Several web applications and social networking sites utilize the Ruby on Rails framework. Therefore, you can develop large-scale social media sites and web apps using the Ruby on Rails framework. It provides developers with efficiency, scalability, and client request handling speed, which helps you develop a social networking site for your business domain considering different Ruby on Rails trends. Believe us when we say backend developers at Radixweb swear by the seamless approach of Ruby on Rails development.

• Ecommerce App Development - Regarding eCommerce website development, Ruby on Rails is always the first choice for every developer. With reliability, scalability, reusability, and security, the RoR framework tends to be the best choice for building reliable and efficient eCommerce web apps. Additionally, it is straightforward to develop eCommerce websites with Rails because of the availability of several Ruby Gems. You can easily attract clients with a user-friendly web store that helps secure payments and supports numerous concurrent users.

Opt for the Best Web App Development Services Utilzing Ruby on Rails Tech-Stack

Enjoy Next-Gen Web Apps

You must be thinking that there are several backend frameworks in the market, then why Ruby on Rails (RoR) only? We have an apt answer to this question.

Why Ruby on Rails?

So, why Ruby on Rails? This is a valid question and should strike everybody’s mind. Did it cross your mind too? If yes, you must be eager to know the answer. Following are the reasons directly from expert developers at Radixweb why choosing Ruby on Rails (RoR) is worth it. Let’s have a look:

• Rapid and Secure - The Ruby on Rails framework helps make your web app more rapid and secure by providing in-built support for usual web development operations and following the MVC architectural pattern.

• Faster Web Application - Ruby on Rails (RoR) is a full-stack framework with several built-in features and functionalities. RoR also provides good developer experiences, such as utilizing a templating engine, allowing developers to release web apps rapidly, handle routing, connect to a database, and many more.

• Cost-Efficient - Ruby on Rails development allows you to rapidly develop web applications with minimal code, eventually saving money and resources. With its help, you can also get your app to market faster at affordable rates.

• Easy and Low Maintenance - As we all know from above, Rails follows Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, which makes it straightforward to function and manage your code. This also assists in preventing data migration problems that you might encounter with other frameworks.

• Utilize Metaprogramming - Ruby on Rails frameworks also utilize metaprogramming strategies, enabling you to write programs with minimal code and more flexibility. Therefore, with the help of Rails, you can write more productive and manageable code.

• Seamless Updating - Ruby on Rails web development makes it seamless and effortless to update or modify your application with the latest features and functionalities by providing a clear-cut and consistent code structure. There’s no wonder why Ruby on Rails (RoR) is among the leading backend technologies.

We’re pretty sure that now you must’ve got the apt and best answer to why Ruby on Rails.

Redefine Your Software’s Architecture with Radixweb’s Backend Development Services

Choose Backend Development Services

We’ve tried to integrate every critical aspect in this Ruby on Rails tutorial, or you may also say Ruby on Rails guide. And the following sections are an essential part of this Ruby on Rails tutorial. Reading them will help you better understand the Ruby on Rails framework.

In the following sections, we’ll review Ruby on Rails advantages and disadvantages and its future scope. By all means, we’ve tried to integrate every vital aspect in this Ruby on Rails tutorial, or you may also say Ruby on Rails guide. And the following sections are an essential part of this Ruby on Rails tutorial. Reading them will help you better understand the Ruby on Rails framework. In the following sections, we’ll go through the Ruby on Rails advantages and disadvantages and its future scope.

Advantages of Ruby on Rails

Following are some of the most significant advantages of the Ruby on Rails framework:

1. Availability of Libraries - Rails has a vast and active community of software developers who develop and share reusable code snippets in the form of Ruby Gems. Developers can easily integrate these Ruby Gems into a Ruby on Rails application, saving developers time and effort when deploying standard features and functionalities. And as per our suggestion, to experience seamless and hassle-free web development, you can also hire Ruby on Rails developers.

2. Best Tooling Facilities - Being a full-stack framework, Ruby on Rails consists of various tools and libraries that assist developers in implementing more features and functionalities in less time. Compared with other frameworks, RoR includes inbuilt support for testing, routing, and database management, eventually saving time and effort.

3. Enables Automated Testing - The Ruby community follows higher standards on testing, and Rails helps us with an inbuilt testing framework that makes it effortless for developers to write and execute automated tests. Wondering why this is necessary? It helps ensure that an app is stable, reliable, and bug-free.

4. Better Productivity - Rails is designed to be user-friendly and has a lower learning curve than other frameworks. This enables software developers to become more productive and develop robust and efficient applications. Moreover, it also makes the application development life cycle seamless. And our developers are proficient in creating the best web solutions with the help of the Ruby on Rails framework.

When discussing the advantages of Ruby on Rails, it’s also essential to know about the other side of the story and learn about the disadvantages of Ruby on Rails as well.

Disadvantages of Ruby on Rails

Like every other technology, RoR also has some disadvantages. So, let’s explore some significant disadvantages of Ruby on Rails:

1. Documentation Issues - When looking for good documentation for Ruby on Rails, it's a real challenge. It is specifically challenging for less popular Ruby Gems and libraries using mix-ins heavily. This can make it complex for RoR developers to comprehend how to utilize certain features, eventually leading to delays in the web development process.

2. Runtime Speed - The runtime speed is one of the significant disadvantages of Ruby on Rails. And compared to other technologies like Golang, the runtime rate of Ruby code is relatively slow. This proves to be a significant limitation drawback, specifically when working on Ruby on Rails projects that need higher productivity and lower latency.

Enjoy Vetted Expertise of Ruby on Rails Developers to Achieve Your Business’ Goals

Talk to RoR Experts

That was all about Ruby on Rails advantages and disadvantages. Let’s move towards the last yet essential topic of our Ruby on Rails tutorial, i.e., the future of Ruby on Rails.

Future of Ruby on Rails

There has been constant back talking on the internet for a while, claiming that the relevancy and popularity of the Ruby on Rails framework is diminishing.

But why such claims?

Well, there can be multiple grounds for this claim. Still, the tackiest and noisiest accusations are that the RoR framework is not the latest enough and doesn’t provide all the features and functionalities software developers require in the current fast-tech times.

Everything change, right? Ruby on Rails also took a U-turn.

On a brighter note, things transformed dramatically with the release of Ruby on Rails 5, which helped to address some of these issues. The RoR developer community has guaranteed that this release is packed with new and modern features to make it futuristic and exciting. The Ruby on Rails framework is ready to flourish and embrace the tech-fast world.

Ruby on Rails trends are growing fast, with several developments ahead. Due to the open-source nature of the Ruby on Rails development framework and the increasing participation of the community, there’s no way that the Ruby on Rails programming framework will doze off.

In the future, Ruby on Rails trends will continue to be one of the most thrilling and creative frameworks any developer will know and work in. And let’s note that software developers at Radixweb are thrilled to use the Ruby on Rails framework and love working with all the latest Ruby on Rails trends.

‘The Ruby language focuses on developer happiness, and programmers seem to agree; it’s surged in popularity in the latest TIOBE index. Don’t let its ease of use fool you though; this expressive language powers more than a few of the top 500 websites.’ – Richard Schneeman

Now, How can Radixweb Help?Ruby on Rails is today's most affordable, reliable, and popular framework. RoR allows developers to develop products rapidly and helps save money by minimizing your IT expenses over time. In this blog, we discussed different aspects of Ruby on Rails, like what is Ruby on Rails, what are its features, advantages, disadvantages, why Ruby on Rails, its future, etc.Feeling confused about how to make the Ruby on Rails development seamless?Don’t worry!The only key is to find, choose and hire the right Ruby on Rails development company to help unlock your business’ possibilities and growth potential. Unity is strength! So, you can turn your dream into reality by joining hands with expert developers. Here’s where Radixweb comes into action.Radixweb is a reputable software development company that helps businesses while developing state-of-the-art software solutions utilizing cutting-edge tools and technologies. Our expert developers are proficient in building, scaling, and accelerating innovation to outdo the competition and transform your business with Ruby on Rails development. We provide top-notch Ruby on Rails development services to create new and modern functionalities for existing systems or scalable solutions for driving business innovations. Therefore, we deliver custom, enterprise-grade, functional Ruby on Rails solutions for web and mobile-based apps.Contact us to learn more about Ruby on Rails development and our services.