Ruby on Rails is picking up speed in 2016.
When Ruby on Rails, a web application framework written in the Ruby programming language, was first released as open source back in July 2004, it stumbled to rise in the rankings as one of the top programming languages. But in 2006, Apple announced that it would be shipping Ruby on Rails with their Mac OS X v10.5 “Leopard” and Ruby soon became known and used by many. So much so, that the TIOBE index, a measure of the popularity of programming languages, named Ruby the “Programming Language of 2006.” However, due to some scalability issues and the release of other exciting new tools, such as Node.js and AngularJS, Ruby started to lose its popularity and by 2008 it seemed as if it was on its way out.
But Ruby was down, not out. In early 2015, Ruby’s popularity began to grow as more companies were adopting the programmer-friendly language and web framework. And now, in May 2016 Ruby reached their best position ever, according to the TIOBE index, as it’s jumped 7 spots, from last year and has it’s highest ranking since 2001. Could it be that Ruby on Rails is ready to solidify themselves in the market as a top programming language, for good this time?
Why is Ruby on Rails So Popular?
Ruby on Rails has become the ideal web application framework and one of the hottest technical trends of 2016. With its ease of use, flexibility, accelerated web process, efficient content management, customization, and low cost (It’s free!), it’s easy to see why so many companies are using this framework. What you may not know is some of your favorite websites, such as Airbnb, GitHub, Hulu, Groupon and Kickstarter, all use Ruby on Rails to create fully functional web applications and quickly and efficiently get their large scale sites up and running. And, as of January 2016, its estimated that more than 1.2 million web sites are running Ruby on Rails.
One of the most attractive features of the RoR framework is that it truly puts the developer first. It was developed by Yukihiro ‘Matz’ Matsumoto to so called “keep programmers happy.” It allows for higher productivity and efficiency and has the ability to iterate product ideas quickly. Ruby on Rails is also ideal for agile software development, and since most tech companies and start-ups apply the agile methodology, Ruby on Rails has become the perfect fit.
Become a Ruby on Rails Developer.
With the growing amount of companies using RoR it means more job opportunities for Rails developers. A Ruby on Rails developer can earn an average salary as high as $112,000 in some markets. PayScale reports that Ruby on Rails developers with less than a year of experience have a higher median salary than Java developers, showing even at a novice level there is high potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that software developers’ job outlook is projected to grow 22%, between 2012 through 2022, which is significantly faster than the average.
So whether you’re a beginner coder or a veteran programmer, learning Ruby on Rails and Agile Development techniques will teach you highly valued skills and set you up for success in the resilient Ruby on Rails community.
Get started today with UC Berkeley’s Agile Development Using Ruby on Rails XSeries.
