Is Ruby on Rails dead?

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Is Ruby on Rails dead?

Many developers worldwide think of Ruby on Rails, a gem of a framework, as a dead one. But, no, it’s still an excellent choice for building web apps. Even though RoR is over 15 years old, it is still very much alive and well in the programming world.

Let’s explore why Ruby on Rails is still a viable option and why developers believe it is dead. 

Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails is an MIT-licensed open-source server-side web application framework. It is a framework, not a language, even though it’s written in Ruby, a dynamic, general-purpose programming language from Japan. 

Many entrepreneurs and non-developers get the two mixed up, thinking Rails when they hear Ruby and rarely the other way around. It could be because most Ruby developers use the Ruby on Rails framework for development. Ruby took off as a programming language after the release of Ruby on Rails.

Ruby on Rails in the Web Developer World

When RoR came into the market in 2005, it brought an innovative approach to creating Web applications. Rails introduced the convention-over-configuration software design paradigm. It simplified developer work on many levels, including eliminating boilerplate code.

The MVC pattern and best development practices, such as the DRY principle, became more accessible. This Rails web development strategy allows developers to concentrate on the key features and application logic. It frees them from the complexities of programming. It also improved productivity and allowed developers to deliver MVPs and startup apps more quickly.

Why Ruby on Rails is Considered Dead

Now it’s time to dissect the reasons why Ruby on Rails is considered dead by many developers. Check out the main reasons behind this misconception. 

  • Slow Performance
  • Scalability Problems
  • Mature and Boring

1. Slow Performance

Although Rails is slower than Node.js or Golang in terms of runtime, this is only noticeable with large-scale products and traffic. Even if it isn’t an extensive application with many requesters and users, Rails isn’t always to blame for the slow speed. There are also the server architecture and database to consider.

Even large applications or parts written in Rails can be extremely fast with a well-thought-out structure and infrastructure. Basecamp, Airbnb, and GitHub are a few instances of large-scale RoR applications.

So are you wondering about the negative comments on Ruby on Rails? 

Inexperienced developers are likely to write lousy code because Rails offers so much. The performance will significantly suffer from incorrectly written code. These issues are being addressed in Ruby, as are the inherent performance issues that RoR faces. 

2. Scalability Problems

To begin, it is not appropriate to blame only the framework for issues with scalability and the inability to meet the demands of a large number of users. Every component of the server’s infrastructure–not just the backend for the web application, must be appropriately set up to handle requests for the application to be able to respond promptly.

  • After Twitter switched from Rails to Scala, Ruby on Rails was criticized for being hard to scale. It probably sparked the discussion about RoR’s scalability.
  • It’s essential to remember that the traffic volume in question is comparable to that of Twitter. 
  • Available scaling options for Rails are code optimization, service-oriented architecture, and horizontal scalability. 

3. Mature and Boring

When a new framework, particularly an innovative one, is introduced, it quickly spreads, and hundreds of users and contributors appear worldwide. After a few years, the initial excitement fades, and what was modern loses some of its fascination, excitement, and appeal.

  • A mature codebase can be maintained even if it’s not written with the latest framework.
  • The latest trends in technology aren’t always a good idea. Switching to something popular may result in the opposite of what was planned and could lead to higher costs.

When used by skilled developers who are accustomed to creating Rails apps, RoR’s maturity, along with excellent tooling, libraries, and community support, makes solving the most pressing problems a comparatively easy task.

Why Ruby on Rails is Far From Dead

You don’t just have to believe us when we say that Ruby on Rails is still very much alive. Here are a few reliable indicators to prove the health and longevity of any technology, such as:

  • Updates and maintenance 
  • Community 
  • Use cases 

Let’s take a look at Ruby on Rails’ future. 

1. Updates and Maintenance

Any technology needs routine maintenance and updates. A framework is in good shape if it is getting updates and maintenance. It indicates that people are interested in it and want to ensure that it is updated with innovations and other changes. 

Any technology, whether hardware, software, programming language, or framework, dies when it stops receiving regular updates and maintenance. Continuous updates are made to Ruby on Rails. 

  • The framework is being updated with the help of the Ruby on Rails team and developers worldwide. 
  • Ruby on Rails would be unable to maintain web applications without updates and upkeep. 
  • Because so many people are still working to enhance and maintain this web development framework, you can be sure that Ruby on Rails is not extinct. 

2. Community 

Ruby on Rails is a free and open framework. It has a sizeable online developer and enthusiast community. For various reasons, open-source technologies rely on community support. Still, an active and engaged community is a sure sign that technology is alive and well. 

  • Numerous Rails forums are available online, including Github, Reddit, and StackOverflow. 
  • This community is an excellent resource for troubleshooting, finding help for advanced tasks, and exchanging information and ideas. 

Technologies that are dying have either no community support or a tiny community that is constantly shrinking in size. Ruby on Rails is not dead, as the Rails online community grows yearly. 

3. Use Cases

It is generally effortless to tell when a framework no longer has any practical value or use. Business is the best indicator. Businesses, particularly technology firms, are often the first to adopt new technologies and abandon those that no longer provide a clear benefit. 

Ruby on Rails has a wide range of applications. There are a ton of Ruby on Rails use cases you could explore. 

  • But the fact that businesses like SoundCloud, Shopify, Github, and Airbnb rely heavily on Ruby on Rails says a lot. 
  • It is the most convincing proof that Ruby on Rails is still alive. 
  • It represents support for the technology platform from some of the industry titans. 

To sum up, a lot has changed in the Ruby on Rails community over the past few years. There are some revolutionary changes, improvements, and small steps that will hopefully be continued in the coming years.

Interesting Links: 

More information about Ruby on Rails 

What is Ruby on Rails used for?

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