What is Ruby on Rails & Why Use it for Web Application?

Ruby on Rails is open-source software that is used to build a web app. Rails is basically a server-side web app development framework written in Ruby programming language. It can be simply defined as a packaged library called RubyGem.

Ruby on Rails application is a library that has ready solutions for tasks that are considered to be repetitive. They can be creating tables, forms or even menus on the website. Developed by David Heinemeier Hanson, Rails also combines with other languages such as JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. It is considered to be a back-end or server-side web application development platform. Through the Ruby on Rails software development framework, you can carry out a custom app development process that excels in agile development to create a product in a fast and predictable way.

Why Use Ruby on Rails (RoR)?

1. Ruby on Rails is primarily used for creating high-performance web platforms. 
2. It is always a suitable option for programming a wide range of tasks for a web application. 
3. As Ruby on Rails uses a concise amount of code, which makes it easier to detect and rectify any errors. 
4. Ruby on Rails had conventions that make it easier for developers, as there are standard structures and coding practices that are followed.  
5. It is also popular for its Rapid Application development and can easily be modified with required changes. 
6. Ruby has a strong focus on testing activities. It definitely has a great testing framework for developers.

What Does Rails Do?

Rails is a framework for web application development written in Ruby. It provides a structure to web developers for all the codes. It is manufactured to ease web application programming by predicting what every developer needs to begin with. Rails requires less code but provides more capabilities than any other language or framework.

Rails is an opinionated software. It assumes and brings out the best way to do something, and it is designed to promote that way. If you do it the Rails way, you will realize your productivity is increasing.

How Rails Works?

Let’s begin from scratch. For example, you run to a web browser to read this article; the web browser blends three kinds of files; HTML, CSS and JavaScript to display web pages. A web server provides files to a web browser; the web server can either be remote ( connected by the internet ) or on your computer ( if you are into development ). HTML is a language used to create an essential combination of content and generic design elements. CSS is a style sheet language used to enhance the unique appearance of design elements.

JavaScript is a text-based programming language used to add interactive features to the structures created by HTML and CSS. A web server delivers HTML, CSS and JavaScript either from static files or an “application server”. Application servers make dynamic files using programming languages such as Ruby.

A web application is a software program written in Ruby and organized using Rails convention. Rails amalgamates Ruby programming language with HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create web applications. To dynamically combine HTML, CSS and JavaScript files from component files Rails uses Ruby programming language.

Related read: Successfully Installing Ruby on Rails (RoR) on Windows 11: A Dev Team’s Journey

Overview of Ruby on Rails Architecture

Rails is designed on the basic MVC architecture. MVC or Modal View Controller is a software design pattern for developing web applications. It is made up of three parts –

1. Modal- It is the lowest level of the pattern that is responsible for maintaining data.
2. View- It is accountable for displaying a portion of or all data to the viewer.
3. Controller- It is the software code that administers interactions between Modal and View.

MVC detaches the application logic from the user interface layer and assists the severance of concerns. The controller is the centre that receives the requests for the application and then performs with Modal to generate the required results which are then in turn displayed by View.

What is Ruby And Rails Used For

1. Ruby on Rails is best used for creating online stores with decent and sophisticated browsing and purchasing options.
2. Ruby on Rails can also be used for creating efficient stock marketing platforms.
3. It is also beneficial to use Ruby on Rails to create Social Networking sites.
4. Ruby on Rails can be a good choice while creating Non-standard complex projects.
5. Due to Ruby on Rails’ easy building features using it for creating Saas solutions is the optimum choice.

Benefits of Using Ruby on Rails

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions