Should I Have a Plan to Learn Ruby on Rails or Node.js?

As a web developer, maintaining your skills and keeping up with the latest technologies is crucial. In this article, we will compare Ruby on Rails and Node.js to help you decide which framework to learn in 2023. Both frameworks are widely used in web development, but their popularity and suitability have shifted in recent years.

Declining Popularity of Ruby on Rails

Over the past year or two, the popularity of Ruby on Rails has declined significantly. This decline is not due to any inherent limitations of the language or ecosystem; instead, it is a testament to the relative strengths of newer frameworks like Node.js.

Although Ruby on Rails was once a preferred choice for building powerful web architectures, it is now often seen as less optimal for modern web development. The reasons for this decline are multifaceted:

The language and ecosystem of Ruby on Rails have limitations that make it less flexible compared to Node.js. JavaScript-powered frameworks like Node.js offer more scalability and are more easily deployable on major cloud providers. Almost all web companies use JavaScript at some level, making it the de facto standard for web applications.

In summary, for a new web development project, it is generally recommended to choose Node.js and frameworks like Express over Ruby on Rails, as they provide better scalability and easier deployment options.

Including Ruby on Rails in Your Learning Plan

However, if you already have experience with Ruby and Rails, learning the server-side runtime for JavaScript (Node.js) might be a more practical choice. Many web developers today are primarily familiar with JavaScript for front-end development, and Node.js offers a powerful alternative for back-end development.

It is essential to keep in mind that the best choice for you will depend on your current skill set, the requirements of your projects, and the job market in your area. While Ruby on Rails is still a valuable skill, its future relevance is questionable. Learning Node.js will better equip you for a variety of web development tasks and is a more future-proof choice.

Benefits of Node.js and Ruby on Rails

Whether you choose to learn Node.js or Ruby on Rails, both frameworks offer significant benefits for web developers:

Rapid Development: Both frameworks enable quick prototyping and deployment, allowing you to build applications faster and with more agility. Open Source: Being open source, these frameworks are freely available, and developers can contribute to and benefit from a vast community of users and contributors. Large Community Support: Both frameworks have extensive communities providing support, tutorials, and resources to help you overcome challenges and stay up-to-date with the latest developments.

Ultimately, as a web developer, it is crucial to have a plan to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies. Node.js and Ruby on Rails are excellent choices for this, and including them in your learning plan can greatly enhance your skills and career prospects.