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Ruby is not the most popular programming language, which is why people do not talk and write about it as often as about other well-known languages (such as Python). It does not mean that it is inferior or suitable for low-quality technology only. On the contrary! Ruby has its loyal supporters and a promising future. I invite you to read my short analysis of the Ruby programming language.
The Ruby programming language is generally considered to be a niche one. There is some truth in such statements. This is not a first-choice language, but the fact remains-– it has many supporters. I am talking especially about people who have already had some contact with Ruby. The general level of familiarity with this programming language, if compared to other languages, can be assessed as rather low. As a result, people do not know how many advantages this technology has to offer and do not realize that it can be helpful in building their product.
Based on reports prepared by Stack OverFlow in the recent years, I traced the popularity of Ruby. As can be seen in the graph below, the interest in this programming language in the last six years remains at a comparable level as the fluctuations are very small. Which conclusions can we draw from this? First of all, Ruby has its loyal supporters who value such features as the relatively low entry threshold for the developer, higher programming comfort and the possibility of a much shorter product development time (MVP).
Someone could argue that, based on the data presented above, Ruby is growing very slowly. However, this is not such an obvious inference. When analyzing this graph, we should bear in mind that the Ruby developer community is still relatively small. In some countries, it is very difficult to find qualified professionals; for this reason, many companies outsource its software development. On the plus side, however, the Ruby programming language community is very active, which is best confirmed on GitHub.
Ruby is undoubtedly one of the leaders among the highest-paid programming languages. StackOver Flow data shows that in 2018 this technology was ranked 10th with an average salary of $ 64,000. In 2019, this amount increased to $ 74,500, which gave Ruby the 6th position. The statistics provided by Glassdoor look similar. They report that the average salary of a Ruby developer amounts to $ 74,500.
As for the hourly rate, one of the lowest ones can be found in the CEE. The amounts reach around $ 40-60 per hour of work. In Western Europe, this amount can reach up to $ 100. It is even more expensive in the USA.
On some markets, it is difficult to find real specialists using this language. I experienced it at conferences in Spain and Lithuania. It turns out that these regions very often either lack professionals or their skill level is not very high. This forces local companies to outsource and establish cooperation with specialized software houses. Where to look for them? Europe is certainly a good direction. In the linked article, you can find out why it is profitable to look for Ruby programmers in Poland.
Ruby is most often used to build web applications, but… not only! It is gaining popularity due to the fact that MVPs are very often developed with the help of this technology. Ruby and its most popular framework, Rails, are famous for their great flexibility, security and short development period.
In addition, the list of Ruby’s main features includes functionalities such as Object orientation, Mix-ins, Dynamic typing and Duck typing, Method names, Singleton methods or Garbage collector.
Ruby is doing well and I expect that this will not change in the coming years. Although it is not the most popular programming language, many people use it daily. In addition, it is regularly developed. I have no doubt that if you are looking for a proven backend technology for planning or developing your product, Ruby will be a good choice.
In conclusion, Ruby, as a true object-oriented language, holds a unique place among many programming languages. Despite its perceived niche status and lesser familiarity compared to others, it remains a potent tool for developers worldwide. The simplicity of Ruby code, coupled with its elegant and simple syntax, make it a fantastic language to learn. Aspiring programmers looking to learn Ruby will find a simple language that enhances programmer productivity while also fostering a deep understanding of the big picture in software development.
The consistent popularity of Ruby, as shown in Stack OverFlow reports, underscores its strong and loyal community. This community consists of many developers who value its features like a low entry threshold, higher programming comfort, and shorter product development time. These benefits make writing Ruby scripts an appealing task for beginners and experienced developers alike.
Ruby developers also enjoy competitive salaries, ranking among the highest-paid in the industry. Although it can be challenging to find skilled professionals in certain regions, the global and active nature of the Ruby community offers a solution. Companies can outsource and establish remote collaborations to get their Ruby programs written and maintained.
Moreover, Ruby’s versatility sets it apart. It’s primarily used in web applications, web servers, and web pages. However, with the Rails framework, it can also be employed to build MVPs, thanks to the framework’s flexibility and security. The ability to install Ruby on any operating system further boosts its versatility.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Ruby. Though not the most popular language, it’s widely used and continues to evolve. Open source and general-purpose, it has been employed to build an array of applications. The best way to get started with Ruby is to dive right in and explore its feature-rich environment, whether you’re looking to build a simple script or a complex web application. Many resources are available to help beginners learn Ruby and get started on their programming journey.
The active development of Ruby, the scripting language, combined with the vast amount of software already written in Ruby, ensures that it will remain relevant in the tech landscape. As a great language that balances practicality and productivity, Ruby continues to attract many developers worldwide. Its open-source nature and robust community support guarantee its evolution and application in the future, promising a bright horizon for all who choose to embrace it.
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