Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript: A Detailed Comparison

Ruby on Rails vs JavaScript: which is better? How do they compare?

This is the perpetual debate. And it's an important question, given the way technologies often compete with each other. That's why we've prepared a detailed comparison between Ruby on Rails and JavaScript.

Ruby on Rails is a web development framework mainly used for back-end or server-side development. It helps web developers design the skeleton for desktop and web applications, helping them create a solid basic structure. It is an excellent backend framework, although it is not used exclusively on the server side.

JavaScript is a programming language used to design and build dynamic and interactive web pages. It is useful for front-end and back-end development. JavaScript is often recommended for web applications that need interactive functionality, features, and effects to improve user engagement.

Now, let's dive into the comparisons.

Understanding Ruby on Rails

Created by David Heinemeir Hansson in 2004, Ruby on Rails (RoR) is essentially a web framework best suited for server-side development. The framework is built on top of Ruby and is preferred by developers for its ability to provide web applications and websites with a solid basic structure and the ability to add functionality to them.

Compatible with the Model View Controller framework pattern, RoR includes data stores (Models) and mediators (Controllers), while the View presents information. The framework is often considered the best backend framework as it adds simplicity, extensibility, and portability to any website or web application development project.

The availability of Convention over Configuration (CoC), Don't Repeat Yourself (DRY), active registry standards, and plug-and-play gems make everything even more efficient. This helps developers build large-scale applications while making the most of continuous creation of database tables, view frameworks, migrations, and more.

Advantages of Ruby on Rails

Here are the main advantages of Ruby on Rails:

• Convenient: With a readable syntax, endless built-in solutions, Gems, and principles like CoC and DRY, Ruby on Rails facilitates fast and convenient web development.
• Community support: The Ruby on Rails framework continues to evolve, which also helps grow the size of its highly dedicated online developer community, especially on platforms like Dev and Stack.
• Content Management Systems: RoR helps you build content management systems with easy navigation and convenient content uploading, storing, reviewing and publishing features because it runs on the MVC framework.
• Front-end compatibility: Ruby on Rails can be used with other development frameworks like Angular.js, React.js, and Vue. This front-end compatibility helps developers reduce the effort and time required to develop applications.
• Industry standards: Ruby on Rails follows industry standards and practices to develop and implement complex, well-maintained, structured and manageable code, adhering to methodologies such as CoC and DRY.
• Cost-effective: The open source nature of Ruby on Rails makes it convenient for developers to access gems, improve code construction and maintenance, and ensure high quality and strong performance without companies having to invest more money.
• Best for long-term projects: RoR can be quite useful when building long-term projects because it simplifies the process of making changes to the data model without compromising code stability.
• Increases productivity: Developers using RoR tend to deploy code quickly because they are equipped with numerous third-party libraries. Couple them with RoR documentation and your team will enjoy productive web development.

Disadvantages of Ruby on Rails

Of course, there are also disadvantages to using RoR.

• Difficult dependencies: Starting the project requires configuring routing, database migrations, framework templates, and other steps. Predefined modules are not enough to develop unique web applications.
• Slow runtime performance: RoR has several performance constraints that make the code difficult to scale. The restrictions are server or database based and are triggered by the skill level of the programmers.
• Continuous evolution: Although evolution in the framework is not necessarily a bad thing, it can cause problems when implementing the code. The RoR community is always releasing new releases to ensure rapid development of the framework, making it difficult for developers to keep their applications updated.

Understanding JavaScript

JavaScript is a well-known programming language created by Brendan Eich in 1995. Did you know that the fundamental structure of the World Wide Web is built on JavaScript? This high-level dynamic programming language has a huge following due to its many qualities. For example, it facilitates bracket syntax, prototype-based object orientation, dynamic typing, and other important features.

JavaScript developers often use the language to build client-side websites. It is natively supported by modern browsers, allowing the development of interactive applications and websites. It is an interpreted language used primarily for web browsers, web-based applications, embedded hardware controllers, and other software. JavaScript is generally the language of choice when front-end and back-end development is required.

It is important to note that the Node runtime environment is used to facilitate the use of JavaScript in back-end development.

Let's discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using JavaScript.

Advantages of JavaScript

What makes JavaScript such a sought-after language? Here are the advantages of using JavaScript:

• Simple and easy to learn: The simplicity of the JavaScript structure makes it easy to understand. It is less time-consuming to use and more flexible. There is also extensive documentation to help refine your JavaScript code and debug
• High runtime performance: JavaScript offers faster execution speed, less time-consuming coding, and high-speed client-server scripting.
• Excellent for full-stack development: JavaScript is an excellent choice for full-stack development, as Node.js can be used to support back-end development, and the JavaScript libraries Angular and React can be used to assist with front-end development. end. Javascript also works in conjunction with other frameworks and languages.
• Effective data validation: JavaScript enables server-side independent data validation when running client-side applications. In other words, updating a specific web page component does not require reloading the entire page.
• A Commonly Used Language: Since JavaScript can be used to develop cross-platform apps, desktop web apps, and more, it has become a go-to programming language.
• Used for versatile applications: Availability of core JavaScript tools, libraries, and universally interpreted language makes JavaScript an ideal language for creating client-side and server-side web applications.

Disadvantages of JavaScript

Here are the disadvantages of using JavaScript:

• Runs security risks: The JavaScript codebase is easily accessible and attackers can use it to make changes or even leak sensitive data.
• Callback hell/pyramid: JavaScript development can lead developers to have multiple callbacks nested within callbacks. This makes the code difficult to interpret and more prone to errors.
• Forced Types: Type coercion rules in JavaScript are complicated and can make it difficult for developers to conveniently apply values ​​from one data type to another, leading to errors and inconsistencies.

Comparing Ruby on Rails and JavaScript

To give you a better understanding of Ruby on Rails and JavaScript, let's take a closer look at their key differences, including applications, programming style, speed and performance, community and support, learning curve, job market, and more.

Main differences between RoR and JavaScript

Here are the main differences between Ruby on Rails and JavaScript:

Application

RoR is a web framework used for backend development. It is best used for complex software development because it runs on Convention over Configuration technique. CoC helps developers rely on classical programming principles and makes it easier to align modules while minimizing risks and vulnerabilities.

JavaScript, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for front-end projects. It is widely used for client-side application development. It can also be used as a server-side programming language with the help of Node.js. JavaScript use cases include mobile app development to improve client-side functionalities, front-end web development to validate external programs on a website, web game development with the Easel JavaScript package, and more.

Programming style

RoR uses Ruby, a general, object-oriented scripting programming language with the MVC architecture. This backend architecture allows RoR to facilitate convenient content creation and management, making it easier for users to add, upload, review, and publish content. RoR also runs on Convention over Configuration and Don't Repeat Yourself methods, helping developers use classic programming conventions to significantly reduce errors.

JavaScript does not force developers to stick to a specific architecture – it can be used in multiple paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. It uses a bracket syntax, prototype-based object orientation, dynamic typing, and first-class functions.

Speed ​​and performance

RoR's use of modern tools contributes to rapid coding and delivery of code. Its extensive libraries allow for rapid development and at the same time solve many programming problems. However, the framework does not fully support asynchronous code, resulting in slow processing speed. Additionally, RoR code is interpreted at runtime, making it less effective.

JavaScript can detect issues related to syntax, event queue operators, HTTP requests, and their additional functions. It supports asynchronous coding, which makes it easier to execute code instantly. JavaScript, unlike RoR, does not provide developers with a simple solution to fix errors. When it comes to performance, JavaScript is best suited for low-latency applications.

Community and Support

Both RoR and JavaScript have a large developer community. However, JavaScript has a more extensive community as it is used to develop more than 95% of websites today.

Ruby on Rails has a vibrant community on GitHub, promoting CoC and a standardized framework for web development. For support, RoR aficionados have RubyGems, which provides a vast collection of easily embeddable gems. JavaScript has a rich ecosystem of libraries, tools, resources, tutorials, and a highly active online community of developers.

Learning curve

RoR has a modest learning curve – developers find its framework quite easy to use. It is also considered one of the easiest programming languages ​​to learn as it comes with a well-maintained and pre-configured structure. CoC and DRY principles help in easy code development.

JavaScript, on the other hand, has a fairly moderate learning curve. It has extensive documentation to offer, and developers can make the most of its online forums, communities, and modules, which make learning the language simpler. Once developers have an idea, implementing JavaScript becomes easier.

Job market

Both JavaScript and RoR developers are well respected and recognized in the market. However, developers with JavaScript skills are generally paid more than those with RoR skills. The average salary for developers with Ruby on Rails skills is $95,617 per year, while that for developers with JavaScript skills is around $116,435 per year .

Of course, there are many different factors to consider when choosing the right technology for your project's specific goals and requirements.

Choosing between Ruby on Rails and JavaScript

Both Ruby on Rails and JavaScript are programming tools with unique personalities. The pros, cons, and other attributes we discussed are a testament to how different they are. So, it all comes down to developers’ requirements and preferences.

When developers need to work with MySQL, SQL, PostgreSQL, DB2 or Oracle, Rails is an excellent choice. Ruby on Rails can get the job done if you need to develop an e-commerce website, require complex software development, or develop entertainment platforms.

JavaScript development has a wide range of applications related to the language and is best suited for developing web applications, games, and mobile applications. This is possible because JavaScript has the unique ability to function as both a front-end and back-end language.

Both JavaScript and Ruby on Rails have their main audiences. That's why we suggest that beginners and startups prioritize their specific needs and then choose tools and technologies that complement them.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between RoR and JavaScript depends on the project specifications, goals, and requirements.

RoR is more of a backend-specific programming framework, while JavaScript is a client-side scripting language useful for both backend and frontend development.

RoR and JavaScript complement each other. The best way to move forward is to find out the specific requirements of the project. However, we recommend that readers try both tools to determine the best one for their project.

Common questions

Can Ruby on Rails work with JavaScript?

Yes, Ruby on Rails and JavaScript can work together perfectly when building a web application. Developers can use Ruby on Rails for back-end web application development while taking full advantage of JavaScript for front-end development. When used together, RoR and JS can help facilitate a robust web experience.

Are there performance differences between Ruby on Rails and JavaScript?

Yes, Ruby on Rails enables high-speed coding and delivery when developers use its modern IT tools, extensive libraries, and documentation . However, the asynchronous nature of your code results in slow processing speed. JavaScript supports asynchronous coding to enable fast code execution. JavaScript is 20 times faster than RoR because it has a highly optimized engine.

Is Ruby on Rails or JavaScript better for beginners?

Beginners should look for ease of use when deciding between Ruby on Rails and JavaScript. When it comes to learning curves, RoR has the upper hand as the framework is very easy to use, making it easier for developers to get used to the development process. To achieve the same, JavaScript prepares excellent documentation. However, beginners may find it difficult to understand it.