Introduction
Ruby on Rails or also known as rails is a server-side web application development framework that is written in the Ruby programming language, and it is developed by David Heinemeier Hansson under the MIT License. It supports MVC(model-view-controller) architecture that provides a default structure for database, web pages, and web services, it also uses web standards like JSON or XML for transfer data and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the user interface. It emphasizes the use of other well-known software engineering pattern and paradigms like:
Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY): It is a principle of software development to reducing the repetition of information or codes.
Convention Over Configuration (CoC): It provides many opinions for the best way to do many things in a web application.
Key Characteristics of Ruby on Rails
Most of the programming languages like JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and SQL don’t cover both back-end and front-end. However, Ruby on Rails programming language encompasses both ends and allows the developers to build a complete web application. Based on the Ruby programming language, Rails has revolutionized the web development world through its practical approach. With Ruby on Rails, every function, which you want for app development is at your fingertips – you can extract what you require to proceed ahead. Let us explore some key characteristics of Ruby on Rails that makes it unique from other languages and frameworks:
- MVC Architecture
Ruby on Rails is based on the Model, View and Controller pattern, the widely used web application architecture. Hence, developers who are familiar with other frameworks using MVC patterns can find ease using Ruby on Rails. With this architecture, it separates codes of different functions, i.e. presentation layer, data layer and maintaining a resource layer.
- Active Record
Ruby on Rails relies on the robust and powerful library called active record, which makes it easy for developers design the database interaction queries. This is because they are writing the query in Ruby programming language itself, which is then automatically converted into a SQL query, that receives the output and returns an object. The active record library can accomplish most of the task; hence, it is very rare to develop a query in SQL.
- Convention over Configuration
Ruby on Rails avoids configuration files to spare conventions, reflection as well as dynamic runtime extensions. The idea behind the “Convention over Configuration” is assigning value automatically without user intervention. Some software systems, including Java web application frameworks, require multiple config files, each with several settings which is very tedious. The convention feature increases productivity since you don’t need to spend time setting up config files. It saves you from spending time on thinking about where stuff goes & what name to assign.
- Simple Testing Tool
Ruby on Rails also comes with a unit testing setup called RSpec, which is very easy to learn. Since it is plain Ruby, you can use it to test the functions employed in the application by separately calling them. It helps you to ensure your application has been tested properly.
- Automated Deployment
Ruby on Rails includes libraries to allow the code to proceed to production with less efforts & reduced time. With just an initial one-time setup, it deploys every change you have done to the production with just a single line on command interface.
- Simple Programming Language
The Syntax of Ruby on rail is simple, concise, closer to English language & flexible. Ruby is an object-oriented programming language, which allows you to create virtual objects in your code.
Cost-effective: Ruby on Rails is a 100% free and open-source framework. From a developer’s point of view, it is easy to use, and with the add on advantage of tons of gems, the developer can save plenty of time and effort.
Secure: The framework is by default, installed and enabled with some security measures. When you use Ruby in Rails, you are following a secure development process.
Flexibility: While creating web applications in Rails, it uses frontend and backend abilities; these are simpler and easier to create. A single-page web application uses Rails at the backend and maybe any other framework like Angular for the front end. This makes the application depend on Rails for the best qualities.
Productivity: Employing Ruby to create your web application permits you to develop features extremely fast. This happens because Ruby effortlessly combines the 3rd party software libraries. It is amongst the most productive programming languages.
Consistent: Ruby on Rails helps keep a project organized and decipherable as the developers have to follow standardized file storage and programming conventions. Plus, it saves a lot of time.
Let’s take a closer look at the projects that are best suited for Ruby on Rails framework.
Startups
Ruby on Rails is one of the most suitable technologies used by startups. The framework is applied when building prototypes and for MVP web development, that makes Rails be highly prized.
Such popular platforms as GitHub, Twitter, Airbnb, Dribbble were primarily created with Ruby on Rails.
Needless to say, startups want to enter the market at the earliest opportunity. With a lot of gems provided, the development of web applications with Ruby on Rails becomes more speedy and cost-efficient.
E-commerce
One of the vital framework benefits is the ability to build a secure web app by default. That is of high importance when we speak about e-commerce platforms.
The previously mentioned gems can help you implement almost any feature your e-commerce platform may require: from payment gateway to a help desk. With this framework, you will have your online marketplace up and running in no time.
Besides, you need to carefully protect payment data and personal information of both buyers and sellers to build trust in the platform. At the end of the day, your ability to secure sensitive information of your clients can significantly boost customer experience. That’s when Ruby on Rails for web development becomes the right choice.
Shopify, Fiverr, Groupon, and Etsy were originally based on Ruby on Rails.
SaaS
When building SaaS products/applications, security becomes one of the primary concerns. Ruby on Rail is the right technology for keeping your web product safe. There are lots of precautions that make your sensitive information protected within this framework. They include using numerous gems for authentication and increasing password length, multiple built-in encryption libraries, skipping forgery requests and strong parameters usage.
Basecamp, Zendesk, and GitHub are amongst the most well-known SaaS apps built with the technology.