Exploring Ruby on Rails Framework: Key Features and Benefits
Introduction
Have you ever heard of RoR or Ruby on Rails?
Well, if not, we are jam-packed with all the general information about Ruby on Rails, including its features, benefits, limitations, and others in this blog.
So if you are new to the topic, this blog is perfect for you, and for seasoned professionals, it won’t hurt to brush up your knowledge once in a while.
Must be wondering what’s the hype for RoR, trust us and it will make sense in the end when you’ll get to know about the advantages of using RoR for application development . For starters, let us discuss a little about Ruby on Rails.
Overview: Ruby on Rails Framework
For those unaware, Ruby and Rails both are separate entities, which when combines became Ruby on Rails, one the oldest yet the most efficient framework one can start their coding journey with.
Ruby is a programming language used for automation, building web apps and much more. On the other hand, Rails is a software library that is known to extend Ruby. Ruby on Rails framework is always considered a fresh topic when it comes to software development, all thanks to its simplicity and ease of use.
Another thing that concerns people nowadays is the validity and worthiness of Ruby on Rails in 2023. Well, this is quite easy to answer: despite being one of the oldest frameworks, RoR still holds an enormous market value, which makes it a highly recommended framework for software development purposes.
You’d be surprised to know that the websites of leading companies, such as Airbnb, Github, Shopify, Fiverr, Dribble, and many others have deployed Ruby on Rails. This should’ve cleared your doubt about using RoR in 2023. That was just the general discussion, let’s move on to the key features of Ruby on Rails.
Key Features of Ruby on Rails
You must know the fact that Ruby on Rails is the only framework that covers both frontends as well as backends, while other languages like Java, CSS, and HTML cover either. Let’s look at the key features of RoR
1. Convention over Configuration
This is the most important feature of RoR, which saves an enormous amount of time for the developer. It allows the person working on this framework to not repeat themselves like other frameworks. In RoR, the developers don’t require multiple configuration files, allowing them to keep up their flexibility, thus saving time.
2. MVC Architecture
RoR uses MVC architecture, which includes three components, which are Model, View, and Controller, all having different functions. Here, the model maintains the relationship between the database and the object, the view represents data in a particular format, and the controller merges the model and the view together.
3. Active Record
Active record is a powerful and robust library of RoR, that helps the developers in designing the database interaction queries. It acts as a bridge between the database and the application, allowing the developer to use Ruby code instead of complex SQL queries. You can also build APIs in ROR, read our blog on how to build RESTful APIs in Ruby on Rails for more information.
4. Simple Testing Tool
There are many simple testing tools in RoR, that allow users to test and ensure their code works as expected. One such testing framework is RSpec, allowing developers to write tests for their applications in an organized manner. RSpec testing has 3 parts, first, where the developer enters the situation, second triggers the app to take action, and third where the outcome is displayed.
5. Scaffolding
This is a powerful feature in Ruby on Rails, as it allows developers to automatically generate basic codes that perform various operations, without writing everything from scratch. It can also set up routes in the application so that the pages can be accessed via URLs.
6. Simple Programming Language
Ruby on Rails is known as the simplest-to-use framework, owing to its simple syntax. Its syntax is nearly identical to English, which makes it easier for developers to add code without thinking much about the language. RoR uses simple and easy-to-understand language to write its code, without using the semicolon like some other languages.
Benefits of Utilizing Ruby on Rails
1. High Performance
Every custom software development company relies on a programming language, that provides high performance while building web applications. RoR framework is widely popular for its high performance, making it a great choice for web development. Code optimization, convention over configuration, and don’t repeat yourself principles save a lot of developer’s time.
2. Automated Testing
In order to save developers from the cumbersome process of testing after development, RoR provides an automated testing option. It tests the complete code prior to the implementation and saves precious time.
3. Cost-effective Framework
Budget and long development time concern every business looking to expand its operations, thankfully none of it matters if you choose a reliable Ruby on Rails development company like Protonshub, that has multiple engagement models as per your requirements. Moreover, it’s an open-source framework, which is available at zero cost.
4. Flexible Development
RoR is a highly flexible framework. Rails can be consistently updated, allowing companies to upgrade their applications as per the technical requirements. On top of that developers can add or remove different elements as well as redefine them as needed.
Furthermore, Ruby itself has many modules including a clean syntax that is easy to understand by developers during the development process.
5. Diverse Applications
RoR has the potential to develop information portals, e-commerce websites, as well as CMS software through its versatile framework. Almost four lakh websites around the world are powered by Ruby on Rails, making it a popular choice among developers.
6. Safe & Secure
Safety and security are one of major concerns for businesses worldwide, which is eliminated if you go with Ruby on Rails. It works on test-driven development as well as behavior-driven development. Along with that, RoR has multiple in-built security features, which makes it a safe framework for website and application development.
Limitations of Ruby on Rails
1. Inflexibility
It’s weird how an advantage can also be a limitation, but this is the case with RoR. RoR framework is flexible due to its ready-made structures and elements but it also provides inflexibility to developers as they are not able to play much with the code, as there is not much scope for creativity.
2. Slow Performance
This is a matter of discussion among the developers, but usually, it is believed that the RoR applications have a slower run-time compared to the applications built with other frameworks. However, it is also believed that only the large application developed with RoR lags that too not every time.
3. Constantly changing
They say evolution is necessary to keep going in a seamless way, but this fact keeps getting harder with Ruby on Rails. Other frameworks have evolved in enormous ways from the COVID times, but RoR couldn’t do that much. Moreover, it is said that any framework should be in touch with a community with regular updates to keep up with the technology.
4. Aging Infrastructure
This can be a topic of debate, as some developers think that the RoR framework needs a major overhaul, while others think that it is completely fit for many purposes. Now, being one of the oldest frameworks, it is common to come in the middle of such controversies, but the truth needs to be told, and it favors continuous change.
5. Mistakes are Setbacks
As mentioned earlier, RoR isn’t very flexible, which makes it a sensitive framework. You may have to write the whole code instead of overwriting your mistake, which can consume a lot of your time. There is no scope for mistakes while working with Ruby on Rails, as it may cost you a hefty loss.
Wrapping Up
Ruby on Rails is a perfect choice for developers who want to build a robust and scalable website. A less complex website with all the required features that too within very less time is not more than a dream, but it is possible. You might have heard that RoR won’t be effective in the coming future, but that’s not true, given the data above.
You can also build an app or website using RoR by hiring Protonshub Technologies, a Ruby on Rails development company in Germany, USA, and India. Contact us today to book a free consultation call with our experts.
