Ruby On Rails Dying: Is It A Myth Or Reality?
Today, numerous tools and technologies are available to use to build applications. But there were times when ruby on rails had made a place for itself that no other technologies like Python, Javascript, Java, PHP, and others had gotten the chance to stand by Ruby on Rails.
There were areas where Rails was tough to beat. Though technologies have evolved, including RoR, and Python and Javascript have made a distinct for themselves. In the midst of Python and allied technologies, there are talks like Ruby on Rails is dead in 2019 or dying.
Though the rumors are spreading like wildfire, still the framework has secured a place in StackOverFlow Developer Survey Results
2019.
So, in the following blog post, we are taking an opportunity and discuss whether RoR is dying, or is it just a myth?
The Notion Around Ruby on Rails
If you talk to ruby on rails developers that why would they like to work on this framework and not on others? One of the most common answers you get to hear is ‘fast project development.’
RoR is a go-to technology for startups and companies thinking of releasing an MVP. RoR simplifies and quickens project development. It is said that that an RoR developer can build applications about 40% faster than developers of other stacks.
Added Convenience For Business logic implementation
It is quite natural for developers to build API quickly on the RoR framework. It further adds convenience in implementing complex business logic in the apps. All a developer need is to make use of the viable front-end frameworks such as React and Vue, and your web app is good to go.
It Has A Vast Library, Literary Vast
RoR libraries are known as ‘gems.’ These gems are the backbones of the framework as it let developers focus on actual logic without caring about minor but sometimes necessary implementations. Gems are ready to use components that simplify or act as ‘bridges’ between app and external services. The most exciting thing is most of the gems are free to use.
The ready-to-use gems of RoR make developers’ lives struggle free and significantly reduces required time-to-market.
The Ideal Business Scenarios To Implement RoR
Right now, we have many technologies available that do the same or similar work as RoR does. No one can deny the fact that such varied options make it challenging to choose the right one for the project development. However, there are areas and nature of businesses where ruby on rails is still stood as a right choice for the tech stack.
Have a look at several categories where ruby on rails is a right choice.
Regular web application — This ruby based framework is still an ideal solution for regular web applications. Regular web apps are the solutions when businesses don’t expect millions of users and a massive traffic. Ruby on Rails has already proved its worth and is considered reliable technology choice for many regular web apps regardless of its downsides.
E-Commerce — Did you know the world’s renowned e-commerce platform — Shopify is based on Ruby on Rails framework? We also have other popular names on the list, such as Spree Commerce. The framework also has a number of gems essential in eCommerce, therefore RoR makes it easy to set up and begin an eCommerce operations in no time. Whether it’s setting up a payment gateway, help desk, or marketing email campaign, ruby on rails renders a one-stop solution.
Database Service- Today’s companies have innovative business models, thus requires an advanced database that could support the innovations. Ruby on rails supports all such advanced database structures due to having features like Object Relational Mapping, called ActiveRecord. The feature enables developers to manipulate database easily without requiring SQL and even integrate DMS like PostgreSQL.
Content Management — Ruby on rails ecosystem also supports several SEO-friendly tools. By using the tools, one can generate content and manage conveniently. It makes Ruby on Rails an ideal platform to choose for website or app development dedicated to Content Management.
If Your App Ideation Is Still Not Clear — RoR is a highly popular choice among startups. Why? Because you can modify the app depending upon the future needs and requirements by leveraging RoR platform. With this framework, you can begin the app development without requiring everything planned.
When You Need A Quick Prototype — The ready-to-use gems of RoR allow developers to build bare-bones features and usabilities in no time to present a prototype in a short time. As the frameworks also support MVP, it helps developers quickly identify and test what users want and what not to focus on what precisely needed and should be focused on.
Areas Where Framework Not Match To The Requirements
Till now, we discussed the good side of the ruby on rails, but the framework has some downside as well. Let’s recognize the downside of the RoR and understand why this innovative and highly productive framework is losing its popularity. Beware some of the points may not amuse you, but there are some pointers that may not even be a deal-breaker for you. Let’s know them:
Performance
For all who are into application development need to understand rails is not a speed demon. Though the framework might not be a right fit for your project if it has to deliver high operational speed and requires to support the app in a low server resource consumption. However, this is an edge case, and in the most project, the app don’t need that much speed, especially in cases of startups and MVP. Still, an app developed on the RoR platform is considered more useful, secure, and intuitive.
Scaling
In the past, we already encounter debate between Twitter and Rails. “Rails is not scalable” to surface came as a result of the debate, but is it true?
But what about the opinion who argued that Ruby on Rails scale? They are right at their place as RoR is scalable in some case scenarios i.e., you have to upgrade the server Rails is on or spare the load to multiple servers and tools.
Such extra efforts also involve cost investment to achieve the scalability that Node.js or Phoenix offers. Therefore, in comparison to other tools, RoR is not considered a scalable tool for web application development.
Not really flexible — opinionated
RoR is considered as a highly opinionated platform. If you are familiar with the framework, then you probably understand that there are a lot of defaults, set objects. Though the gems enable developers to build apps in no time, but leaves not much space for developers’ creativity. Therefore, developers have to decide between one whether they would sacrifice development time or originality.
Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are the needs of the hours today. Many applications have already started integrating ML and helping users with tedious tasks. But, you may be disappointed to know that RoR sucks here. For AI and ML, Python is the world’s best programming language and is faster than RoR.
As AI and ML are significant trends and its impact is that no business can ignore. Unfortunately, your beloved language doesn’t support this significant trend due to lack of needed libraries.
In a nutshell, Ruby on Rails is a well-established framework of Ruby. Although there are project requirements where using RoR is not feasible simultaneously, there are projects RoR fits perfectly.
So RoR has no plans to disappear. All the rumors that Ruby on Rails dying is false — they are simply an exaggeration of RoR’s shift from peak popularity to a more stable, sustainable programming language.
As a top application development company, we understand that selecting the right technology stack never been easy. But it becomes if you consult with an experienced company as they help you understand project requirements, the importance of frameworks, cost association, and time to market, thus simplify the application development processes and enhances your experience.
