What is Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails, often simply referred to as Rails, is a web application framework written in the Ruby programming language. It emphasizes the use of convention over configuration (CoC) and the don’t repeat yourself (DRY) principle. This means that, rather than configuring and setting up every tiny detail, Rails provides sensible defaults to quickly scaffold applications, allowing developers to write less code and reduce redundancy.
At its core, Rails is built on the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architectural pattern, which segregates application logic into distinct layers, facilitating code organization and maintainability. “Models” handle data and business logic, “Views” present data to the user, and “Controllers” manage the flow between Models and Views.
Another standout feature of Rails is its rich ecosystem. With its integrated package management system called “RubyGems,” developers can easily incorporate “gems” (libraries) to extend the functionality of their applications. ActiveRecord, a built-in Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system in Rails, simplifies database interactions by allowing developers to interact with databases using Ruby code instead of writing SQL queries.
Moreover, Rails places a strong emphasis on testing, encouraging developers to maintain high-quality code and promoting the Test-Driven Development (TDD) methodology. Overall, Ruby on Rails is designed to make the development process smoother, more intuitive, and more productive, enabling developers to bring ideas to life with fewer hurdles and in less time.