Ruby on Rails is the programming language and framework combo platter that effortlessly brings ideas to life. Whether you’re looking to build the next greatest application or a new website, this is the application millions use to streamline and simplify their projects.
This blog answers the questions: what is Ruby on Rails, what it’s used for, and how Coding Dojo can help you start a new career path in tech.
What is Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails (RoR) is open-source full-stack framework software specifically to build different web applications. Ruby on Rails has two parts:
Ruby- The general-purpose programming language that’s super versatile.
Rails – Frameworks for creating websites, apps, and systems. It’s almost like an entirely user-friendly default structure, making it convenient to build anything.
Clever, right?
Ruby on Rails code works seamlessly alongside HTML, JavaScript, and CSS, ideal for developing complex web applications. With such versatility and over one million platforms that use it, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the it’s a popular framework.
What is Ruby on Rails Used For?
eCommerce platforms
Many people don’t know that Shopify, that’ right Shopify, uses Ruby on Rails for its infrastructure. The reason is simply that Ruby on Rails has tons of gems (plugins or extensions) made specifically for eCommerce platforms. If you’re looking to add features like a help desk, payment gateways, and email campaign platforms, these things can all be built-in without coding knowledge. Perfect for beginners!
Social Networking Apps
Between being so easy to use and tons of gems (plugins and extensions), Ruby on Rails is a top choice for building any social networking app. By having to do little to no coding, along with tons of reliable features that are tried and true, using Ruby on Rails is a no-brainer.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
Ruby on Rails is the answer for anyone looking to create a content-focused website. With so much information available, anyone can quickly build their website with ready-to-go features that are great for creating and distributing content with the help of libraries full of different gems (plugins and extensions).
Ruby on Rails Architecture: Model-View-Controller (MVC)
Model
The model component handles all database communications and business logic (information exchanged between the database and website interface). This component is linked to a database, usually containing an application, such as showing what orders a customer has pending.
View
The view component presents all the user interface graphics containing presentation logic. In this part, the focus is only on displaying pages on the website; none of the code here deals with retrieving or storing information from within a database. The view component’s work is officially complete once the user can see the data; it’s just that simple.
Controller
The controller component looks after the user interface and application. In this part, the controller is like glue between the application’s data (model), the presentation layer (view), and the web browser. The controller is responsible for gathering all information from the web browser request and then updating data in the model component.
The Ruby on Rails Design Philosophy
Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY)
The first design philosophy for Ruby on Rails is “Don’t Repeat Yourself” (DRY), which emphasizes not writing repetitive code. That way, the infrastructure is always maintainable, scalable, and easy to debug.
Convention Over Configuration (CoC)
Ruby on Rails is always about convention over configuration, focusing on whatever makes the programmer’s life easier. These conventions make it easier for anyone with little to no coding experience to create a website independently, while RoR handles everything.
Why Use Ruby on Rails?
Cost-Effective
Ruby on Rails uses an open-source framework and is free to use for anyone, also, from a developer’s standpoint, it’s super easy to use. Plus, with so many gems available for add-on features, it’s perfect for saving time while tailoring your website or application.
Easy to Learn
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and intimated when you’re first learning how to code, especially when you’re still trying to wrap your head around new concepts. When it comes to Ruby on Rails, Ruby, the programming language, is super readable and similar to the English language.
Secure
Ruby on Rails framework has default settings for all the necessary security features. While you use Ruby on Rails, you’ll be following a secure development process without even knowing it.
Readable
What makes Ruby on Rails stand out compared to other programming languages is its structure similar to the English language. Ruby on Rails makes the process more streamlined and easier for anyone looking to build in features to their website or application.
Flexible
The flexibility of Ruby on Rails simplifies the frontend and backend, making the creation of web applications more accessible. Typically, a web application might need to use Rails on the backend, but it can easily use another programming language on the frontend. These capabilities give developers the freedom to harness Ruby on Rails based on what suits their needs, seamlessly blending different coding languages.
Scalable
Ruby on Rails is super scalable; developers can run the same code on different platforms. The scalability of Ruby on Rails gives applications or websites the power to handle more web traffic while operating perfectly, ideal for social media networks or streaming services.
Helpful Community
With Ruby on Rails being open-source software, there’s a massive amount of other developers out there who are willing to share their code, saving you time and the headache of starting from square one. Anyone just starting on their coding journey can relax knowing that there’s a network of experienced developers ready to help out.
Web Apps Built with Ruby on Rails
Airbnb
Airbnb’s the world’s number one choice when it comes to connecting travelers with spots for lodging, built using Ruby on Rails. This web application started in 2008 and has services available in 65,000 cities worldwide in over 191 countries.
GitHub
GitHub is the top choice for source code management. This platform lets developers host and review code, share past projects, and swap code for web applications with colleagues worldwide. GitHub’s platform uses Ruby on Rails to let developers share their work and collaborate, currently with over 66 million ongoing projects.
Shopify
When it comes to e-Commerce websites, Shopify’s a leading choice. This software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model uses Ruby on Rails as its base programming language. It lets anyone effortlessly design their online store and even offers marketing and SEO support.
Zendesk
Zendesk’s customer support software works off of Ruby on Rails, making it convenient for clients to contact a customer support representative for specific companies. Zendesk’s clients are Shopify, Airbnb, Uber, and Tesco (a UK grocery chain similar to Costco).
Hulu
Hulu’s one of the top video streaming services available, established in 2008, boasts over 12 million US subscribers. With a wide selection of different shows, movies, and content, this streaming service is a top pick for many; it might be surprising to learn that Hulu works off of Ruby on Rails.
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is the go-to platform for any company seeking funding for a new project or product with over 150,000 successful past campaigns. With the combination of a user-friendly interface, it might be surprising that such a popular website uses Ruby on Rails for its foundation.
Is Ruby on Rails Dead?
The short answer: no. The best part of learning Ruby on Rails is that it takes out a lot of the guesswork and troubleshooting that can go along with other coding languages. In contrast, Ruby on Rails code has standard default settings, making life easier.
Ruby on Rails can be the answer you’ve been looking for to break into the world of tech.
What Is the Future of Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails might not be the new kid on the block, but it’s far from dying out. As one of the top programming languages available, Ruby on Rails has proven to be a solid option for that next web application. Between its ability to be highly scalable, a vast library of gems, and cost-effectiveness, this programming language will probably continue to be a top choice for developers everywhere.
Should You Learn Rails?
If you’re new to coding and the tech scene, Ruby on Rails can be a great programming language to learn to get your feet wet.
Learning to code can seem daunting at first; the benefits of Ruby on Rails are that it uses a human-friendly design, making it a great starting point for beginners.
In no time, you’ll go from wondering “what is Ruby on Rails?”, to an expert.
Don’t Wait, Get Started Today!
Ever wonder what is Ruby on Rails? Maybe you’re looking to break into tech? In just 14 weeks, you can become an experienced Ruby on Rails developer with the help of Coding Dojo’s online bootcamp. Get started today and apply today.
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