What is Ruby?
In recent years, there’s been increasing chatter about “Ruby is dying”. This debate stems from claims that the usage of Ruby has been steadily declining. But is it really? If so, why are globally renowned companies like Airbnb, GitHub, Shopify, etc., still using Ruby? Twitter and Twitch initially utilized Ruby in their development as well. Ruby’s creator, Yukihiro “Matz” Matsumoto, underscores the importance of Ruby, “Ruby is just an option, but once you choose it, there’s no turning back.”
Ruby is a general-purpose programming language predominantly used for web development with the Rails framework. While some might confuse Ruby with a woman’s name or an exquisite gemstone, the word “Ruby” does capture an essence of elegance. As a programming language, Ruby, like any other, provides means for writing precise code down to the smallest detail.
Features of Ruby
Ruby’s biggest selling points are its flexibility and efficiency, allowing developers to cope with a complex and powerful development environment. Furthermore, Ruby can maintain compatibility with other languages and platforms. As a result, code written in Ruby can be simple yet wield strong functionalities. Yet, Ruby has its drawbacks. For instance, some people perceive Ruby as having a slower execution speed. This was a valid argument a decade ago, but recent years have seen significant improvements.
Why Ruby Still Matters
The reason why Ruby is not dead lies in its utility and practicality. Learning the Rails framework can be highly beneficial for web development. As long as Ruby is in use, it will persist. Moreover, Ruby is said to be easy to learn but hard to master. However, this very challenge can yield great trust and accomplishments once you understand and can wield Ruby efficiently.
Ruby and Me
The reason why I love Ruby is because Ruby brings joy. Its simplicity intertwined with complexity seems as natural as our bodies. Ruby’s virtue reflects in my work. When mentoring new hires or interns, I allocate time for them to comprehend the allure of Ruby and harness its power.
In conclusion, Ruby is not dead. As long as there are people who continue to use Ruby, it will persist.