Ok, let’s cut right to the chase: Ruby on Rails is not dead. It isn’t even on life support. As a Ruby on Rails development company, we’re here to tell you the full-stack framework remains highly relevant in 2023—and we don’t expect that to change any time soon.
Honestly, what’s not to love about Ruby on Rails? Scalable, cost-effective, and time-efficient, it’s an excellent framework when you want to build high-quality web apps. It’s suitable for multiple operating systems and includes a rich toolkit that’s practical for front and back-end concerns.
For these reasons and more, Ruby on Rails outsourcing is one of the best ways to ensure your product is faster to develop, quicker to launch, and more secure.
What is Ruby on Rails Used For?
Designed specifically for building web apps, Ruby on Rails is prized for its easy-to-read and concise code, suitability for SaaS web apps, and perfect balance of function and imperative programming (the step-by-step process for a program’s execution). The dynamic, open-source language, which was released in 2004, focuses on simplicity and productivity and is typically used for:
· Social networking sites that require complex user interactions like messaging and notifications.
· Online marketplaces such as Etsy and Airbnb.
· Business apps that manage workflows, data, and other resources.
· Building and managing content-rich websites that feature blogs and forums.
· eCommerce platforms, including shopping carts, payment processing, and inventory management.
It’s also ideal for those times you want to streamline and automate app installations and configuration. And with a bit of help from Python, Ruby on Rails can also help clean, transform, and validate data.
5 Reasons Ruby on Rails is Not Dead
Once in a while you’ll hear someone ask, “Whatever happened to Ruby on Rails?” Nothing! Yes, Python and JavaScript “rule the world,” but Ruby is no relic of the past; its present and future relevancy remain strong.
We’ve put together this list of reasons why Ruby on Rails isn’t dead, not so much to convince anyone it’s still alive and kicking, but rather to illustrate why it’s not going anywhere.
1. eCommerce, baby.
Many experts agree that Ruby on Rails is still the best framework out there for creating eCommerce apps. Its dynamic functionality and flexibility, they say, make it far easier to update an app with additional features as needs and customer demands evolve.
2. A buzzing community.
One of Ruby on Rail’s most attractive characteristics is its far-reaching community. When developers want to find solutions to annoying problems, learn something new, or unearth some cool gems, they turn to fellow Ruby enthusiasts.
3. Consistent updates and maintenance.
It’s a good sign when a framework receives regular updates and maintenance, as it indicates continuing demand. Developers and the Ruby on Rails team routinely update the framework, adding key features and fixing bugs to ensure its relevance and stability; Rails 7.0.4, 6.1.7, and 6.0.6 were released in late 2022.
4. Supreme flexibility in agile development.
Because Ruby prioritizes convention over configuration, it’s a terrific choice for agile development and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs). Engineers can use the framework to develop stunning web apps much more cost efficiently. And since it’s scalable, your business’s digital assets can grow quickly when the need arises.
5. Full stack functionality.
Because it’s a full-stack framework that allows for performing both front and back-end solutions, developers can use Ruby on Rails to build an entire web application.
It’s worth addressing why some people assume Ruby on Rails is dead. Mostly, it comes down to greater competition. When Ruby was introduced nearly two decades ago, it was a one-of-a-kind product. But as new solutions with similar or superior features began to appear, it lost some of its luster.
Most criticism of Ruby on Rails centers on:
· Slow performance (but fast in terms of development speed).
· Complex syntax, which shouldn’t be confused with simple architecture.
· It isn’t AI or ML-friendly. That’s why there’s Python!
The bottom line? Just because Rails isn’t as popular as it used to be (it ranks 14th with professional developers), it doesn’t mean the technology is dying or dead. It’s still a perfect choice for startups and small businesses and extremely convenient for development teams. And it’s why it still lands in the top 20 most-used programming languages.
What Companies Use Ruby on Rails?
Major players using Ruby include:
1. Airbnb. Used by more than 150 million users worldwide for over one billion booked stays, the online marketplace uses Ruby for its payment stack.
2. GitHub. Developers use GitHub to collaborate, manage, and share their projects. Today, more than 100 million GitHub projects are frequently modified and updated.
3. Shopify. Used by some of the world’s biggest brands, the eCommerce platform uses Ruby on Rails as its primary server-side application programming language.
4. Ernst & Young. The Big Four accounting firm has Rails as a significant element in its website architecture.
5. Hulu. Ruby on Rails was used to build the video streaming platform, which has nearly 50 million subscribers in the U.S.
And the list goes on. Etsy, Crunchbase, Basecamp, Coinbase, and Kickstarter are some of the largest companies using Ruby on Rails. But the framework is also a popular choice for startups and small businesses who benefit from its low cost of entry and rapid development capabilities. In fact, it’s estimated that over 434,000 websites in the science and education, arts & entertainment, gaming, and technology sectors use Ruby.
Why Outsource Ruby on Rails Development to Zibtek?
When it comes to building high-performing web apps, Ruby on Rails is an excellent choice. However, not all software development companies have the expertise, experience, or resources to handle Ruby on Rails development.
Zibtek’s proven reputation as a world-leading Ruby on Rails development company means you get to tap into a pool of highly skilled and experienced engineers without having to build an internal team. We shape your product team to fit your current needs and match you with developers who blend seamlessly with your company’s culture and existing staff. And, thanks to our open communications policy, everyone involved is always kept in the loop.
Outsourcing your Ruby on Rails development to us helps you save time and money and allows you to focus on other core business priorities. Schedule a meeting with us to learn more.