Picking a framework for your software development can be burdensome. Especially while selecting backend frameworks where the main task is to maintain user data and create libraries and APIs. In this piece of information we will compare Ruby on Rails vs Node.js from head to toe.
By the end of this article you will come to know about pros and cons, features, and when to use which framework from Node.js and Ruby on Rails. So, let’s begin with the article and understand which one’s better- ROR or Node.js?
What is Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails aka “Rails,” is the open-source web app platform written in Ruby. It was made back in 2003 by David Heinemeier Hansson; and has become a well-known alternative for developing web apps due to its features like ease of use, good convention over configuration structure, and strong simplicity and quick productivity.
Here are the key characteristics of Ruby on Rails:
- Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture: ROR has the strong MVC architecture that separates the app or project into three different components: the model that consists of data and database logic, the view which has a user interface, and the controller that handles updates the model and user requests.
- Scaffolding: This platform has an in-built feature called scaffolding. It helps in generating a basic CRUD function (Create, Read, Update, Delete) interface for any project. This can save a lot of time during the prior stages of development.
- Agreement over configuration: This platform has a collection of agreements that makes it quicker to develop apps easily without spending a lot of time on various configurations. For instance, Rails automatically maintains URLs to controller actions and maps database tables to model classes.
- Active Record: This platform uses a strong Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) structure known as Active Record, which makes it super easy to handle the databases. Active Record then assists developers to communicate with the database with the help of Ruby objects rather than writing SQL queries.
- Testing: ROR has a strong grip on testing by using in-built support for automatic testing using tools like Cucumber and RSpec. This makes it easy to ensure that an app is functioning as needed and holds errors early in the software development process.
What is Node.js?
Node.js is an JS runtime, open-source and cross-platform environment that allows Node.js developers to run JS code even outside the web browser. This framework was developed in 2009 by Ryan Dahl and has become a distinguished choice for developing server-side web apps due to its scalability, high performance, and huge collection of libraries and modules.
Here are the Node.js key features:
JS everywhere: Node.js framework helps developers to use JS on both sides- the client and server-side, which quickens the development process and reduces the requirement for context switching between various programming languages.
- Non-blocking I/O: This framework has the feature of non-blocking I/O, an event-driven model, that helps the platform to handle huge numbers of requests at one time without blocking other functions and requests. This makes it highly efficient and scalable, making it a well-known alternative for developing various real-time apps.
- Huge library of modules: You will find a large and growing library of modules in Node.js, that consists of reusable codes that can be easily integrated into different applications. This makes it easy to add functionality like database connections, authentication, and various payment processing to an app without writing the code from scratch.
- Quick and smart performance: Node.js is built on the Chrome V8 JS engine. This suggests that Node.js apps have quick performance and can manage a large number of requests without slowing down.
- Cross-platform support: Node.js is cross-platform that means it can run on different operating systems like Linux, Windows, and Mac. This makes it uncomplicated to deploy and develop apps in different environments.
- Easy to learn: Node.js uses JavaScript, a language that many programmers are already familiar with, which makes it easy to learn and get started with. Additionally, its simple API and event-driven architecture can make it easier to build applications quickly.
Ruby on Rails vs Node.js- Pros and Cons of both frameworks
Pros of Ruby on Rails
- Rapid development
- Scalability
- Clean and readable code
- Active community
- Security
- Flexibility
Cons of Ruby on Rails
- Interrupted performance
- Steeper learning curve
- Limited Support
Pros of Node.js
- Speedy performance
- Scalability
- Large Community
- Cross-Platform
- JavaScript and TypeScript support
- Easy development of real-time applications
- Microservices
- Asynchronous Programming
Cons of Node.js
- Single-Threaded
- Lack of Built-in Security
- Too much Reliance on Third-Party Libraries
- Memory Leaks
- Lack of Strong Typing
Ruby on Rails vs Node.js- Which one’s better?
The choice of Ruby on Rails vs Node.js depends on the various requirements of your project and the skills of the project development team. Both platforms have their own pros and cons, and each one may be a good alternative for certain apps or use cases.
Here are the facts to keep in mind when selecting from Ruby on Rails vs Node.js:
- Community and Ecosystem: Both technologies have large and active communities, but Node.js has a larger ecosystem of libraries and modules due to its popularity and versatility.
- Performance: Node.js generally is faster and more efficient than Ruby on Rails, especially for apps that require real-time heavy data processing or interactions.
- Ease of Development: Ruby on Rails is often considered easier to learn and use than Node.js, thanks to its well-defined conventions and built-in features.
- Scalability: Both Ruby on Rails and Node.js are highly scalable, but Node.js is often considered more scalable due to its non-blocking I/O model and ability to handle large numbers of connections.
- Language and Syntax: Ruby on Rails uses Ruby, a highly readable and expressive language, while Node.js uses JavaScript, which is widely used and easy to learn for many developers.
- Tooling and Debugging: Ruby on Rails has strong built-in tooling and debugging capabilities, while Node.js relies heavily on third-party tools and libraries for these features.
Node.js vs Ruby on Rails- Which one to choose when?
Here are certain cases depending on which you can pick Node.js or Ruby on Rails easily:
- Application Type: keep in mind the application type you are building. Ruby on Rails is a good choice for developing web apps that need CRUD functionality, content management, and big database queries.
Meanwhile, Node.js is a good choice for developing real-time web apps, chat apps, and apps that need to hold a lot of Input / Output operations. - Project development time: Considering the project timeline and delivery date; if you are working on a software with a tight deadline, Node.js can be a good pick because it has an easy learning curve and helps developers with rapid development.
Ruby on Rails can take longer in setting up the software and getting started with. - Project scalability: Both frameworks- Node.js and Ruby on Rails are scalable, but have different approaches to scalability. Node.js is popular for its feature to handle high volumes of connections and requests which makes it an amazing choice for building scalable, real-time apps.
Ruby on Rails, on the other hand, scales efficiently for content-heavy apps that need caching. - The project development team: Check the skills along with the experience of your development team. If your team is experienced with JS and event-driven programming, Node.js can be a great choice.
If your team is comfortable with OOP (object-oriented programming) and Ruby, then Ruby on Rails may be a better choice.
Concluding Words
At last, if you own a business and want to make a software for your own, you can pick any one from Ruby on Rails vs Node.js. The decision depends on various factors that you read previously in this article. Also, you should be thorough with your project requirements and business needs, before giving a contract of software development. Still if the confusion between ROR and Node.js prevails, you can ask for appropriate guidance from your software development partner. For more such informative articles, stay tuned with us and happy reading!
