Ruby on Rails v/s Node.js: A Thorough Analysis

Getting started with a web development project is not an easy feat. A lot of planning and decision-making needs to be done before embarking on creating a customer-centric website or app.

Some of the key stakes lie in the choice of frameworks, methodologies and back-end development languages you make.

On that note, Node.js and Ruby on Rails are two such leading backend languages that have been making the rounds and giving developers a tough time in deciding which to choose to build robust websites and apps.

What is Node.js?

Node.js is an open-source back-end JavaScript runtime environment that runs on the V8 engine, a useful tool to build fast and scalable server-side networking applications. It is an ideal language for developing small-size projects.

Node.js supports backend development for various online programs such as:

• Browser Games — Browser-based games are probably the most exciting application of the real-time web. In the presence of Node.js, no longer do users need to open up Flash, Java, or other programs such as Shockwave applet to play games.
• Chat Rooms — These days most people use phone-based apps or social media platforms to chat with friends. Node.js can help create such chat rooms very easily.
• Collecting Data — Large quantities of data in a database usually create a bottleneck as database access is a blocked operation. With the use of Node.js, massive amounts of data can be collected and made more efficient.

Advantages of using Node.js:

1. Fast: Being built on the JavaScript engine of Google Chrome V8, the Node.js library is quick in executing its code.
2. Single-threaded But Highly Scalable: Node.js uses a single-threaded model with an event loop. The event mechanism helps the server respond in a non-blocking manner and makes the server highly scalable compared to traditional servers which create limited threads to handle requests.
3. No Buffering: Node.js applications never buffer data. These applications simply generate the data in chunks.

What is Ruby On Rails?

A beloved open-source software used by developers to build web applications, Ruby on Rails (RoR) is the preferred choice of many when it comes to creating robust online stores, stock marketing platforms, and social networking sites.

Rails, which is a server-side web app development framework written in Ruby programming language, can also be defined as a packaged library called RubyGem.

It has been consistently ranked as one of the most used and sought-after programming languages among the likes of Python, Java, and PHP.

Advantages of using Ruby On Rails:

1. Flexibility: One of the most revered aspects of Ruby on Rails is the flexibility it has to offer to both the developer and the client. Its adaptability has made it a top choice among startups and scale-ups alike. The development process is so streamlined and seamless that you can make iterations and additions such as adding or removing modules, and modifying or expanding parts of the application throughout the development process. This added flexibility gives developers the freedom to choose the right elements for their app as and when needed.
2. Speed: With Ruby’s lean code base and fewer lines of code in totality, developers experience a more accelerated pace of development in comparison to other languages and frameworks. Ruby on Rails is crystal clear with its easy-to-understand code, simple logic, object orientation, and modular design, making it a fan among developers. It also has to offer myriad ready-to-use elements that fasten the process. This means no need to build infrastructure, configure files for setup, or select defaults.
3. Easy Maintenance: Being open-source, Ruby on Rails has no licensing costs, making it a treasure trove for businesses. Even developers benefit from this as it aids them in cutting down on time and costs and focusing on the core activity that is creating an app. Having weathered the market and its dynamic needs and changes, Ruby on Rails has matured over the years. It is easier to maintain and support than any upcoming language in the market as it favours convention over configuration. Its clean code and default conventions make it easy to troubleshoot for even a novice.

Which to choose?

Both Node.js and Ruby On Rails have to offer almost the same benefits and advantages to their users when it comes to backend development but there are differences between them nevertheless.

Looking at the bigger picture, Node.js caters to high-performance development projects, being a highly responsive language.

Ruby On Rails on the other hand is known for its superior build and design and better code quality than Node.js. It prevents developers from repeating unnecessary codes throughout the development process and helps save time.

Unlike Node.js, it can not handle workload well enough and might end up having frequent server crashes.

After analyzing the above information, you can make an informed decision and decide if you want to hire a Node.js developer or a Ruby on Rails developer.