Ruby is a programming language created in the year 1995 by Yukihiro Matsumoto. In the early 2000’s David Heinemeier Hansson made some improvements to Ruby and created the framework known today as Ruby on Rails.
Ruby on Rails is software code built over Ruby. It can be defined as a package library called RubyGem, installed using the command line interface of the operating system. It is an open-source web development framework, which provides Ruby developers with a time-saving alternative to developing code. Ruby on Rails is an open-source web development framework, which provides Ruby on Rails Developers a time-saving alternative to writing codes. Rails is a collection of code libraries, which can be used as a ready-made solution for regular tasks like developing tables, forms or menus, etc.
Rails combine the Ruby programming language with JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to develop web apps that execute on a web server. The latest Rails 6 webpacker makes it easy to use Rails 6 jquery. Since Ruby on Rails runs on the web server, it is categorized as a server-side web application development platform.
According to similartech.com, currently, over 390,300 websites are using Ruby on Rails with over 252,210 unique domains. The demand for RoR programmers is touching the sky. But what skills does it take to become a part of the Ruby on Rails developers community? Let's discuss a few top skills Rails developers must carry with them.
1. Knowledge of Ruby: A very obvious but necessary skill that an aspiring or good Ruby on Rail developer must have is command over Ruby. Ruby is a high-level language and thus is easier to use than low-level languages. It automizes parts of the program building process and uses natural language for some of its elements.
Example project on Rails that developers can add to their resume -
2. Knowledge of Web Functions: Tons of web developers do not have a basic idea of how the web works. To be a good Ruby on Rails developer, basic knowledge of how URL functions are also very important. The things developers could work on are TCP/IP, DNS framework, HTTP convention which also includes the cookies and headers.
3. Databases: When the overall objective is to design secure and dependable database-supported applications over the web, you need to know everything about the database. All the data is stored in databases so, it is necessary to create and handle these databases to run the business. Good knowledge of databases will help you in composing intelligent, shorter and quicker Ruby code.
4. Frontend: Rails is essentially a backend server-side code. However, Ruby on Rails programmers must have an insight into the frontend of the web application. No, Ruby on Rails developers do not need in-depth knowledge of JavaScript or CSS but having enough skills to understand frontend developers and collaborate with them is an added advantage.
GitHub- It is a well-established web-based code hosting platform for version control and collaboration. It enables developers to work together on projects from any location. It allows all contributors to upload their code to their GitHub account while other members can use that program by creating several versions of it.
Developers of Rails must have the knowledge to use GitHub optimally to their advantage. They can use it for accessing code repositories, managing code with unit test and GitHub version control, using Capistrano for easy deployment, etc.
5. Soft Skills- Apart from technical skills, soft skills are very vital for smooth collaborations between various RoR programmers in a software development company. A decent amount of teamwork calls for the necessity of good communication skills. Therefore, hire Ruby on Rails developers who have good interpersonal communication skills.
Apart from that, having unconventional analytical and logical skills allows programmers to create conceivable concepts, without frequently starting from scratch.
6. Alternate Frameworks- The scope of Rails is so wide that it overwhelms the developers sometimes. All regular Rails developers must act smart and run it with Grape, Sinatra or old Rack applications.
With experience with Rail, developers can become more innovative and perhaps consolidate some non-Rails approaches into your Rails applications.
Many developers see their future in Ruby on Rails. On the other hand, more and more organizations need software development for business growth. More and more web applications are being designed using ROR. The increase in demand for Rails developers.
An increasing number of Ruby on Rails developers for hire. What should you do before selecting the right team/ candidate?
1. Track Record- While hiring the best Ruby on Rails developers, trying to analyse the past track record and experience of the developer will help you to entrust them. However, before you go about interviewing any developer, make sure what you are looking for in a potential developer for you.
2. Cost- Every team has a budget for a project according to which they go about hiring resources for it. Look for developers who can bring value and quality of work at a reasonable price.
3. Involvement in Developer Community- Innovative and good developers are often found highly engaged in developer communities. If the developer is a regular contributor to the developer community, the technical expertise of the developer is already established.
4. Methodology of the Programmer- Interview the developers and enquire about their software development approach. Ideally choosing a company operating on an agile model for enterprise software development saves you from many problems that may arise from other software development methodologies.
By now you know the best and essential skills that you need to become a valuable Ruby on Rails Developer. Often developers get lost in the complexities of the programming language and forget to take into account the basic nature of language and framework. So never forget the basics.
