Businesses worldwide are continuing to transform, and are embracing modern digital solutions like web and mobile applications. These solutions help businesses both reach and nurture potential customers.
There are numerous web development frameworks available for developers to transform business visions into reality. Out of all web development frameworks, Ruby on Rails programming and Django stand out from the crowd due to their ability to build feature-rich and futuristic web and mobile applications.
Despite their popularity, there is always discussion about their adoption and prominence. As a leading web app development company in Tampa, USA, we always discuss before embracing an app development framework.
In a recent Zoom call conversation about client requirements, two of our app development experts debated the following:
- Django is one of the best web development frameworks as it offers easy and understandable code. — Satya Tenneti
- Ruby on Rails programming offers an expeditious development experience, giving it an edge. — Surya N.
If you are planning to develop a web application, you would probably have similar debates in your mind. Am I right?
Here, this blog will explain the differences between the Ruby on Rails framework and the Django framework, and talk about the top factors you should consider before opting for a web development framework.
Have a look now.
What is the Django framework and its purpose?
Django is a python-based web framework primarily used for python application development. Like many other web application frameworks, Django is an open-source, general-purpose, and free framework. Since it was designed to simplify the creation of complex and database web applications, it is one of the most loved by developers.
This framework encourages rapid and customized application development with a neat and pragmatic design.
Ruby on Rails web application framework:
Ruby on Rails is a sophisticated and popular web programming language introduced in the mid-90s. Rails framework is a software code built on top of Ruby. As it is open source and easy to understand, many developers would love to embrace the RoR platform to develop web and mobile applications.
Ruby on Rails programming vs. Django: Top 8 factors to compare between RoR and Django
1. Language:
Django uses Python programming language, while Rails is developed using Ruby.
Python is one of the top web programming languages and is well-known for its clarity and readability of the code. On the other hand, Ruby on Rails programming is known for its flexibility and its simplified syntax.
2. Architecture
When it comes to architecture, both Django and Ruby on Rails have similarities. Django has MVT architecture, while the RoR framework has MVC architecture.
In Django, the Model represents the database that describes the data structure. The view is the regular expression-based URL dispatcher which controls what the users are supposed to see. Finally, Template signifies a web templating system that merges with Django Template Language (DTL).
In the Ruby on Rails programming framework, the Model denotes the data of the database such as comments, pictures, posts, etc. ActiveRecord of the RoR framework will take care of all the functionalities. Here, the View covers the data in the HTML template and then sends it to the Controller, which is then later handled by ActiveView. The ActionController connects Model and View and handles requests while also sending responses to the web browser.
3. Speed and performance:
Speed and performance are vital in choosing any web app framework. When comparing Ruby on Rails programming and Django, the RoR framework is faster than Django.
Ruby on Rails has the advantage of a rich set of libraries and plugins to enhance speed and performance. Similarly, Django ensures an expeditious development process and better performance.
Django REST framework delivers convenience in the form of authentication modules, JSON serializers, de-serializers, etc.
Compared to Django, the Ruby on Rails programming framework comes with built-in testing tools, ensuring a secured and error-free code.
4. User interface:
The user interface is crucial to application development. Any disturbances and unclear navigation experiences will deter users and impact the overall experience.
Since both these web development frameworks are modern and sophisticated, you can develop applications with exceptional user interface features.
5. Stability:
Creativity and stability are two parallel elements that play a major role while choosing a web app framework.
In the case of Ruby on Rails, you have a Convention over Configuration approach that lets you reuse the code to eliminate dependencies. It will also free up developers from any additional efforts.
Django uses Python that relies on a more conventional approach by sticking to any proven method to solve the problems at hand, ensuring stability.
6. Scalability:
Though the Django web framework inherits scalability from Python, it still lags compared to the Ruby on Rails programming language.
The latest Ruby 3.0 version comes with scalability and compatibility features, making it a winner in this area.
7. Maturity of the platform:
Django was first introduced in 2005, and since then, it has been in the race to prove itself as a leading web development framework. You will get the latest updates and features every year as it becomes a more and more sophisticated platform.
The Ruby on Rails programming is well-known for its updates and having large community support. Its latest version, Ruby 3.0, comprises numerous updates and features, making the platform even more mature.
8. Web servers:
For Django, NGINX using WSGI, Apache, Gunicorn, and Cherokee are the main web servers. The database servers include SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Oracle.
The Ruby on Rails web framework uses NGINX, Apache (running Phusion Passenger Module), and WEBrick as main servers. Database servers for Rails include PostgreSQL and MySQL.
Comparing Ruby on Rails and Django: Which framework to choose?
Well, Django is undoubtedly one of the best web frameworks available to build scalable applications. However, if you are wanting a quick launch and then are planning to work on the details of the web application, then Ruby programming language is ideal.
As Ruby on Rails programming comes with automation and code reusability, it could save you time and effort. This further makes it the best choice for SMEs to build a scalable, secured, and futuristic web/mobile application.
How to evaluate and hire Ruby on Rails developers?
With our years of experience in RoR app development and sourcing Ruby developers, we created a checklist to evaluate an RoR developer before hiring.
Here it is.
Top 5 skills of Ruby on Rails developers:
If you are all set to hire a Ruby on Rails developer, have this checklist with you. Apart from these skills, check the candidate’s adaptability and analytical, reasoning, and communication skills.
- Experience in HTML and CSS
- OOPS concepts in Ruby
- Knowledge in MySQL and PostgreSQL
- API as a concept and JSON format
- Testing and validation skills
Top responsibilities of Rails developers:
- Setting up the development environment
- Handling requests and managing database
- Work with ActiveRecord and design patterns
- Metaprogramming and database modeling
- Identify performance bottlenecks and issues
You have three potential ways to hire a qualified and skilled Ruby on Rails developer.
- Inhouse hiring
- Hiring through an IT staffing company
- Collaborating with an experienced RoR development company
On average, hiring an RoR developer would cost you around $75,000 per year. If you have enough budget and time, you can opt for in-house hiring.
On the other hand, you can collaborate with a tech IT staffing or web app development company. This will help you minimize the hiring life cycle and save time.
If you are planning to hire a Ruby on Rails developer, Amzur can help you with customized tech IT staffing solutions and establish a dedicated remote development team.
Wrap it up:
We know it is still hard to decide between Ruby on Rails and Django. If you have questions and want an expert’s suggestion, Amzur is here to help you with pleasure.
We have been in the application development industry for more than 16 years and helping businesses achieve their goals. As a leading RoR app development company in Tampa, Florida, USA, we offer web and mobile app development services that could greatly optimize your marketing efforts and eventually improve your business.
Amzur’s Ruby on Rails development services:
As a leading Ruby on Rails development company in the USA, we offer end-to-end RoR development services including,
- Ruby on Rails migration
- Ruby on Rails CMS development
- RoR optimization and integration services
- RoR app development for SMEs and enterprises
- Advanced RoR programming
- Ruby on Rails e-commerce application development
We are customer-centric while understanding your requirements and pragmatic while infusing features.
Are you in search of a web app development company in the USA? Let’s discuss and collaborate to build your dream web app using the RoR framework.
Author: Venkat Bonam
Director – Global Delivery
Driving innovation and leading high-performance teams to create impactful digital solutions that drive business growth and exceed customer expectations.
