Web development would not be the same without the existence of Ruby on Rails. Ruby on Rails has stayed at the top for a long time in the ever-changing realm of web frameworks. But everything comes with its own set of limitations. So, we present to you some of the best alternatives to Ruby on Rails.
Now, there is nothing wrong with Rails. It works just as amazing as before. But with new technology comes exciting new frameworks that surpass all expectations. Several full-stack open-source frameworks have been developed in recent years that make development a pleasurable experience.
Frameworks like Hanami, Django, and Ruby on Rails have changed the way developers work. Elegant coding, reduced development time, and over-the-top plugins are some innovative features introduced in them. We present to you some of our best recommendations of alternate frameworks you can explore.
Table of Content
Ruby On Rails – A Brief
Ruby on Rails (RoR) is an open-source web development framework based on the Ruby programming language. Many people generally get confused between Ruby and Ruby on Rails. Rails is a server-side framework for developing websites and web applications using Ruby, a high-level programming language.
Developed in 2004, it functions on the MVC (model-view-controller) architecture. It is an interpreted scripting language that provides built-in functions and libraries to make working with Ruby easier. It is used extensively for developing web applications, web pages, and databases.
It employs good software development practices, such as the Don’t repeat yourself (DRY), Convention over Configuration (CoC), and the Active Record Pattern, making it an ideal choice for an adaptable coding environment.
Advantages of Using Rails
Let’s discuss some aspects of Ruby on Rails that make it a widely sought-after web framework even after all this time.
Open-Source Mature Framework
With so many years and a committed team of contributors to its name, Rails is a mature framework. It has smoothened out almost all the issues after numerous updates and has an extensive range of solutions. A mature framework equals stable and refined code, and being open source ensures a steady stream of contributors.
Convention Over Configuration
Ruby on Rails employs the Convention over Configuration software engineering paradigm. There are existing conventions that remove the need for configuration of files at startup, thus saving time. The developers can build robust applications in a short time.
Time Efficiency
Rails is the perfect framework when you are working under a strict deadline. It takes the most straightforward path. Always. You can focus on writing clear, concise code without worrying about background details. Plus, there is a massive array of gems for all kinds of common tasks that can save you some valuable time.
Gems
The list of products you can build with Ruby is very long due to the ever-growing number of Gems. Ruby on Rails Gems are pre-written solutions for several problems that streamline the development process. These Gems could be an add-on, plugin, library, or software snippet that can be installed with just a few lines of code.
CRUD
CRUD stands for Create, Read, Update and Delete in databases. Most web applications would require CRUD operations. Rails is, without any doubt, the perfect framework to use when working with large databases, especially if it is CRUD-based.
Disadvantages of Using Rails
Although Ruby on Rails is one of the most famous Ruby-based web application frameworks, it also comes with its fair share of problems and limitations. Let’s look at some of the disadvantages of using Ruby on Rails as a framework.
Scalability
The scalability of Rails has been in question since the infamous switch of Twitter. There are a lot of improvements with recent versions and many practices that can improve the scalability of the code, like code optimization or vertical and horizontal scaling. But RoR apps are just not comparable to other frameworks in terms of scalability.
Flexibility
To provide a time-efficient developing environment, Rails uses a lot of default structures and set objects. This makes it challenging for developers to execute creative solutions or build out-of-the-box applications. Ruby on Rails can be very opinionated, and you would have to either sacrifice creativity or development time.
Performance
Ruby on Rails application is high performing in most cases. But if you are expecting millions of users and require high operating speeds and low load on servers, you should choose one of the other alternatives. Such high traffic is not a worry for MVPs or startups, but social sites should avoid using Rails.
Machine Learning Algorithms
Ruby on Rails does not support many of the advanced Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies. Many applications have started integrating ML/AI to provide a better user experience. Automated tasks, advanced security (biometrics, Iris scanner), virtual assistants are all thanks to Machine learning. Due to the lack of gems for these techniques, working with Rails on modern apps is tricky.
Although Ruby on Rails has many exceptional functionalities, it is not an ideal choice in all cases. It can be robust and too heavy for simple operations. If you are working on a smaller scale and not battling with strict deadlines, you should use one of the below mentioned alternatives for ruby on rails.
Ruby on Rails Alternatives
With such extraordinary technological growth in recent years, it is easy to find a lot of alternatives to ruby on rails. Here, we have created a list of some alternative frameworks that you can use.
Many of the below-mentioned frameworks are based on other high-level programming languages like PHP, JavaScript, and Python. So, you can also explore some of these alternatives to Ruby programming language as well as the Ruby on Rails framework.
| Frameworks | Pros | Cons | Use it For |
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| Sintara |
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| Hanami |
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| Django |
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| Yii |
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| Laravel |
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| ASP.NET MVC |
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Hanami is the closest to Rails in terms of working and is considered to be an improved version of Rails. If you want something like Rails in terms of functionalities and performance but more lightweight and scalable, you should use Hanami.
Sinatra, on the other hand, is a minor version of Rails. If you want to create simple and small applications without the need for fancy features and designs, we would recommend Sinatra. We advocate using Asp.net MVC if you’re going to build lightweight Windows-based applications and require comfortable testing conditions and HTML customization.
Django is to Python what Rails is to Ruby. If you are looking for an alternative of Ruby, maybe something that works cross-platform, consider shifting to Python. Python is easier to use and is quite flexible too. If you decide on Python, Django is your go-to framework. You can also consider Flask, a micro framework.
Finally, if you decide to use PHP language, you should opt for either Laravel or Yii. If you are developing large-scale heavy applications, you should use Yii because of its intuitive tools and MVC architecture. For smaller-scale applications or websites that require handling of vast datasets, we would suggest Laravel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ruby on Rails worth using in 2021?
Yes. Although there has been a decline in Rails users over the past few years, it is still one of the top web development frameworks. If you are using Ruby, Rails is a framework you will have to use regardless of the alternative frameworks available. Check out our blog, Why Ruby On Rails is the Best Choice, for a more detailed analysis.
Is Ruby better than PHP and Python?
All three are equally good high-level programming languages. If you want to build robust business and E-commerce apps, we would suggest using Ruby. Python will support you every step of the way when you are developing complex web apps. PHP is recommended when designing server-side applications and content management systems (CMS).
Conclusion
We have discussed some alternative choices to Ruby on Rails in this blog. All types of frameworks have their own pros and cons, including Ruby on Rails. While Rails can be great at robust apps, Hanami would be better for a more lightweight app, and Sinatra would be ideal for small-scale websites.
Your web framework choice depends mainly on the language your developers prefer to work in, your business logic model, the kind of application you require, and time and budget constraints for your project. It is a lengthy but essential process as it defines your product in the long term.
We, at Monocubed, can assist you in finding your ideal framework for your project. Our team of web developers is here to serve you with the most suitable solution. You can contact us for any development-related queries. Do drop in comments below your favorite framework to work with.
To get more information, check out our blogs, Ruby on Rails VS PHP and Ruby on Rails VS JavaScript, for a more in-depth comparison of these development frameworks.
