What is Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails, often simply called Rails, is an open-source web application framework written in the Ruby programming language. It emphasizes convention over configuration (CoC) and the DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself) principle, making web development easier and more efficient.
Key Features
- Convention over Configuration: Rails comes with sensible defaults, allowing developers to focus on building their applications without worrying about configurations.
- Rapid Development: Thanks to its built-in tools and libraries, Rails allows developers to prototype and develop applications quickly.
- RESTful Architecture: Rails promotes the use of REST principles, which helps in creating a clear and organized structure for web applications.
- Active Record: This feature simplifies database interaction by allowing developers to work with database records as objects.
Community and Ecosystem
Ruby on Rails has a vibrant community and ecosystem, providing numerous gems (libraries) that extend its capabilities. This facilitates the integration of various functionalities, enhancing the development process.
Use Cases
Rails is commonly used for building web applications, including content management systems, e-commerce platforms, and social networks. Many famous websites, including GitHub and Shopify, are built using Ruby on Rails.