Ruby vs Ruby on Rails: Key Differences Explained

When it comes to Ruby and Ruby on Rails, many people mistakenly use these terms interchangeably. However, it’s important to understand that Ruby and Ruby on Rails are not the same thing. In fact, they have key differences that set them apart.

Ruby is a general-purpose programming language that offers simplicity, speed, and the ability to build online applications quickly. On the other hand, Ruby on Rails is a web application development framework that is primarily used to build database-driven web apps. It was released in 2005 and has gained popularity among companies like Bloomberg, Airbnb, and GitHub. Currently, over 745,000 websites use Ruby on Rails. 

So, what exactly distinguishes Ruby from Ruby on Rails? In this article, we will take a closer look at the key differences between these two technologies. Whether you’re a beginner exploring programming languages or an experienced developer, understanding these differences will help you make informed decisions when choosing the right tool for your projects.

What is Ruby?

Ruby is an open-source, object-oriented scripting language created by Yukihiro Matsumoto in 1995. It is widely regarded as one of the best programming languages due to its simple and intuitive syntax, and it is currently the fourth top-paying technology according to research from Stack Overflow. Here are some of its features:

Features	Description
Simplicity	Ruby has a straightforward syntax that is easy to read and write.
Productivity	Extensive libraries and frameworks enable developers to write code more efficiently.
Speed	Ruby is designed to be fast and efficient.
Object-oriented	Ruby supports encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
Dynamic typing	Variables are assigned types at runtime, providing flexibility in development.

What is Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails is an open-source web application development framework based on the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture. It was programmed in Ruby and released in 2005. Ruby on Rails consists of various active modules that provide a flexible architecture for web development. It is widely used by companies like Bloomberg, Airbnb, and GitHub, and is very popular among web application developers. Here are some of its features:

Key Features	Benefits
1. MVC Architecture	Ruby on Rails follows the MVC pattern, which separates the application’s data, logic, and presentation, leading to more organized and maintainable code.
2. Convention over Configuration	Ruby on Rails adopts the principle of convention over configuration, reducing the need for explicit code and customizations, resulting in faster development.
3. Active Record	Ruby on Rails utilizes object-relational mapping through Active Record, simplifying database operations and providing an intuitive interface for interacting with the database.
4. Gems and Plugins	Ruby on Rails has a vast ecosystem of gems and plugins that extend its functionality, allowing developers to quickly add new features and integrate third-party tools.
5. Developer-friendly	Ruby on Rails prioritizes developer productivity by providing intuitive syntax, automated testing frameworks, and built-in debugging tools, resulting in faster and more efficient development.

The Differences Between Ruby and Ruby on Rails

When it comes to understanding the differences between Ruby and Ruby on Rails, it’s essential to grasp their fundamental dissimilarities. This knowledge will enable you to make informed decisions about which tool to use for your projects.

Programming Language vs Web Development Framework

Ruby is a versatile, general-purpose programming language renowned for its simplicity, speed, and ability to create online applications quickly. On the other hand, Ruby on Rails is an open-source web development framework built on Ruby that follows the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture. While Ruby is a language that can be used for various purposes, Ruby on Rails is specifically designed for web application development.

Project Use

Ruby can be used for a wide range of projects, including static website development, creating web servers, creating automation tools, and performing data analysis tasks. In contrast, Ruby on Rails is primarily used for developing database-driven web applications, such as e-commerce platforms, informational portals, stock exchange systems, and SaaS solutions.

Development Speed & Script Maintenance

Ruby is known for its development speed and script maintenance capabilities. Its simplicity and extensive library ecosystem allow web developers to build applications rapidly. Ruby on Rails, as a framework, further enhances development speed by providing pre-built modules and conventions for common web development tasks. It streamlines the development process and simplifies script maintenance, resulting in significant time savings.

Syntax

When it comes to syntax, Ruby has a more straightforward and more readable syntax compared to many other programming languages. Its focus on simplicity and readability makes it easier to write and understand code. Ruby on Rails, as a framework built on Ruby, inherits its syntax and maintains a similar level of simplicity and readability.

Flexibility

Ruby is a flexible programming language that allows developers to choose from multiple implementations and platforms. This flexibility ensures that Ruby can be utilized in various environments. Ruby on Rails, while offering flexibility in certain aspects, is more opinionated due to its conventions and integrated components. These conventions promote standardization and streamline the development process but may limit flexibility in some cases.

Ruby Strengths and Weaknesses

Ruby has its own set of strengths and weaknesses that make it suitable for certain projects but less ideal for others.

Strengths

• Good memory management: Ruby automatically handles memory allocation and garbage collection, reducing the risk of memory leaks. That being said, Ruby applications tend to use more memory despite having automatic memory management.
• Dependency management: Ruby has a robust package manager called RubyGems, which allows seamless integration of third-party libraries and frameworks.
• Instant gratification: Ruby’s concise and readable syntax enables developers to quickly write code and see the results.
• Extensive libraries: Ruby has a vast collection of open-source libraries, known as gems, that provide ready-made solutions for common programming tasks.
• High-level security: Ruby has built-in security features, such as safe navigation operators and string sanitization methods, that help prevent vulnerabilities.

Weaknesses

• Performance: Ruby is often criticized for its performance, especially when compared to compiled languages like C or C++ and even some other interpreted languages. This is primarily because Ruby sacrifices execution speed for developer productivity and ease of writing code. For CPU-intensive or high-performance applications, this can be a significant drawback.
• Concurrency: Ruby’s standard implementation, MRI (Matz’s Ruby Interpreter), uses a Global Interpreter Lock (GIL), which makes true parallel execution of Ruby code challenging. This can be a limitation when building highly concurrent systems, such as real-time applications or applications that require heavy use of multi-threading. While there are ways around this, such as using JRuby or Rubinius, or designing your architecture around this limitation, it’s an added complexity for developers.
• Memory Usage: Ruby applications tend to consume more memory than applications written in some other languages. This is partly due to Ruby’s object-oriented nature and its dynamic type system. High memory usage can lead to increased costs for hosting and can affect application scalability and performance, especially in large or complex applications.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Ruby is essential for making informed decisions about using the language in your projects. While it offers simplicity, extensive libraries, and good memory management, developers should be aware of its potential complexities and performance limitations when working with databases.

Ruby on Rails Strengths and Weaknesses

Ruby on Rails (RoR) has gained popularity in the web development community, with over 3.7 million active websites using Ruby on Rails as a framework. However, like any technology, it has its own set of weaknesses to consider. Let’s explore the pros and cons of Ruby on Rails:

Strengths

• Security: Ruby on Rails prioritizes security and provides built-in measures to protect against common web vulnerabilities.
• Versatility: RoR is suitable for a wide range of web application development projects, from small startups to large-scale enterprise solutions.
• Cost-effectiveness: The open-source nature of Ruby on Rails makes it an affordable option, eliminating the need for expensive licensing fees.
• Simplified development: Ruby on Rails follows the convention over configuration principle, reducing the need for manual setup and allowing developers to focus on application logic.
• Integrated testing tools: RoR comes with testing frameworks like RSpec and Capybara, making it easier to write automated tests and ensure code quality.
• Automated deployment: Ruby on Rails streamlines the deployment process with tools like Capistrano, enabling efficient and seamless deployment of web applications.

Weaknesses

• Runtime speed and performance limitations: Ruby on Rails may experience performance issues when handling high traffic or complex calculations, leading to slower response times.
• Limited flexibility: While Ruby on Rails provides a structured framework, it may not be as flexible as other technologies in certain customization scenarios.
• Expense in development: Despite being cost-effective in terms of licensing, the specialized skills required to develop and maintain Ruby on Rails applications can result in higher development costs.

Understanding the pros and cons of Ruby on Rails can help you make an informed decision when choosing a web development framework for your projects. Consider your specific requirements and prioritize the features that align with your goals and resources.

Use Cases for Ruby and Ruby on Rails

Both Ruby and Ruby on Rails have distinct use cases that make them valuable tools for different types of projects. 

Use Cases for Ruby

Ruby, as a general-purpose programming language, can be used in various scenarios such as:

1. Static Website Development: Ruby’s simplicity and ease of use make it a great choice for developing static websites, blogs, and personal portfolios.
2. Web Servers: Ruby can be used to build lightweight web servers, allowing you to quickly deploy and run your applications.
3. Automation Tools: With its flexible syntax and powerful scripting capabilities, Ruby is a popular choice for creating automation tools that streamline repetitive tasks.
4. Data Analysis Tasks: Ruby’s extensive libraries and support for mathematical operations make it well-suited for data analysis projects.

Use Cases for Ruby on Rails

The Ruby on Rails framework excels at building dynamic web applications. Some common use cases for Ruby on Rails include:

• E-commerce Projects: Ruby on Rails provides robust features such as shopping cart functionality and secure payment gateways, making it an excellent choice for building online stores.
• Informational Portals: Ruby on Rails offers an efficient way to create content-rich websites with user-friendly interfaces, making it ideal for informational portals and content management systems.
• Stock Exchange Platforms: The speed and scalability of Ruby on Rails make it a popular choice for developing stock exchange platforms that require real-time data processing and high performance.
• SaaS Solutions: Ruby on Rails provides a flexible architecture that enables the development of scalable Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, allowing businesses to quickly deliver their products to customers.

Furthermore, Ruby’s server-side scripting capabilities make it a suitable choice for developing desktop applications when combined with frameworks like Shoes or Shoes4.

Conclusion

Ruby and Ruby on Rails serve distinct purposes in the world of programming. Ruby is a versatile general-purpose language, while Ruby on Rails is a powerful framework specifically designed for web application development. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, making the choice between them dependent on the unique requirements of your project.

When considering Ruby vs Ruby on Rails, it is important to understand that Ruby provides a scalable and flexible programming language, favored for its simplicity, speed, and ability to rapidly build online applications. On the other hand, Ruby on Rails, built on top of Ruby, offers a robust set of tools and conventions that streamline the development of database-driven web applications.

To make an informed decision between Ruby and Ruby on Rails, it is crucial to assess your project’s needs. While Ruby excels in areas such as desktop application development, web servers, automation tools, and data analysis, Ruby on Rails shines when creating interactive web applications, e-commerce platforms, informational portals, and SaaS solutions.

If you are looking for help with a web application or leveraging Ruby on Rails for your business, read more about Flatirons’ Ruby on Rails development services.

FAQ

What is the difference between Ruby and Ruby on Rails?

Ruby is a general-purpose programming language, while Ruby on Rails is a web application development framework. Ruby can be used for various tasks like static website development, web servers, automation tools, and data analysis. Ruby on Rails is primarily used for building database-driven web applications.

What is Ruby?

Ruby is a general-purpose programming language created by Yukihiro Matsumoto in 1995. It is known for its simplicity, speed, and ability to quickly build online applications. Ruby uses dynamic typing and has multiple implementations and platforms it can run on.

What is Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails is an open-source web application development framework based on the Model View Controller (MVC) architecture. It was programmed in Ruby and released in 2005. Ruby on Rails provides a flexible architecture for web development and is widely used by companies like Bloomberg, Airbnb, and GitHub.

What are the key differences between Ruby and Ruby on Rails?

The key differences between Ruby and Ruby on Rails include the following: programming language vs web development framework, project use, development speed & script maintenance, syntax, and flexibility.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Ruby?

Ruby has strengths such as good memory management, dependency management, simple syntax, extensive libraries, and high-level security. However, it can be syntax complex, and database connections can impact performance. The language strictly follows standards and may have outdated documentation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails offers advantages like security, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It simplifies web app development, has integrated testing tools, and supports automated deployment. However, it may have runtime speed and performance limitations, lacks flexibility in certain cases, and can be expensive in terms of development.

What are the use cases for Ruby and Ruby on Rails?

Ruby is commonly used for static website development, creating web servers, developing automation tools, and data analysis tasks. Ruby on Rails is primarily used for web applications, including e-commerce projects, informational portals, stock exchange platforms, and SaaS solutions. Ruby is better suited for desktop applications due to its server-side scripting capabilities.