Youth Incorporated Magazine

Computer systems dominate a large part of our lives today. These systems have made our lives easier. They are enabling us to perform even the most complex tasks with greater ease and efficiency within just a few minutes. The reason behind this was the effective way in which computer experts communicated with the computers using computer/programming languages like Python. Today, those wanting to pursue a career which is technology-driven must know atleast one programming language. While programming languages like Python, Javascript, C and C++, SQL, HTML, CSS, etc are some common ones, a new programming framework is surfacing among programmers named Ruby on Rails. 

Ruby on Rails is a programming language which is said to be the best way for beginners to start coding and build their own websites easily without any hassles. This language framework is known to speed up the web development process. 

Ruby on Rails was developed by  David H Hansson in 2004. It is an add-on to Ruby which is originally a programming language developed in the 1990s and is similar to Python. Rails on the other hand is a software library, an extension of the Ruby language. Among the developer circle, “Ruby on Rails” is often just called “rails”.  

The main work of RoR is to simplify the development of web applications. The reason why Ruby on Rails is more of a framework than just a language is that it creates default structures for your code, your application’s database and the web page. It offers a library of codes that act as ready-made solutions for repetitive tasks like developing tables, forms or menus on the website. 

Ruby on Rails is more advantageous than other programming languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS as it supports front-end and back-end development of applications and websites. Further, is it based on the Model, View and Controller pattern which ensures the seamless operation of RoR. 

Although developed many years back, Ruby on Rails is a mature technology. According to Similartech.com, over 390,300 websites are using Ruby on Rails currently. Many major websites like Twitter, GitHub, Airbnb, Basecamp, Crunchbase, etc use RoR. 

Why must students and professionals alike learn and use Ruby on Rails?

As Rails provides you with quick shortcuts already written in Ruby, it enables building web applications really quickly. Thus, it allows you to build a website in less timeframe than too from scratch. 

If you work on RoR, you by default become a full-stack developer. This is because it covers both the front- and backend. 

The biggest USP of RoR is that it is beginner-friendly. For example, Ruby uses simple English which is readable and easy to understand especially for those approaching code for the first time.

One of the greatest advantages of learning Ruby on Rails is that it allows developers as well the beginners to make mistakes and is forgiving. For example, developers need not stress themselves with spaces and tabs when using Ruby. Unlike languages like JavaScript, users don’t need to end lines of code using semicolons.

The rails skill is in demand. Considering a majority of websites present on the web servers are developed and run using Ruby on Rails is a testament to its relevance in the present times. This makes it a useful skill for all developers to learn and master. Not only are big companies using this language but also many other startups and firms are. Such organisations are thus ready to pay those who hold the RoR skills. 

Last but not least, the rails framework has a thriving and active online community of developers who are always ready to help the newbies and provide the needed technical support. You can approach these developers and seek their help when needed. 

All these reasons are enough to convince aspiring developers and students to equip themselves with the most basic and necessary programming languages as Ruby On Rails. This will give them an edge over other developers and act as leverage to help them level up in their career.