The increasing need for responsive and robust web applications has elevated the visibility of Ruby on Rails companies. The RoR framework remains an excellent choice for web application development, known for its maturity, productivity, scalability, and ease of maintenance.
According to the Stack Overflow 2023 Developer Survey, Ruby ranks as the 14th most popular programming language among developers. More importantly, Ruby on Rails powers over 1 million websites globally, including many high-traffic platforms.
Considering this data, we can ask ourselves: Is Ruby on Rails dying? Despite debates about its declining popularity, Ruby on Rails maintains a robust and active community, with the RubyGems repository hosting over 170,000 gems.
Major companies like Shopify and Airbnb continue to use Ruby on Rails, demonstrating its viability for large-scale applications.
While Ruby on Rails may not be as dominant as it once was, it remains a viable and powerful framework for web development.That’s why, in this blog, we’ll dive into the top Ruby on Rails companies of 2024 and answer some questions about their features, benefits, and common uses for developers and companies.
What is Ruby on Rails (RoR)?
Ruby on Rails (RoR) is an open-source web application framework written in Ruby. It follows the model-view-controller (MVC) architectural pattern and emphasizes the use of well-known software engineering patterns and principles, such as convention over configuration (CoC), don’t repeat yourself (DRY), and the active record pattern.
Ruby on Rails, introduced in 2004, remains a key player in web development due to its:
- Rapid Development: Convention over configuration speeds up application building.
- Robust Ecosystem: Extensive gem library accelerates development tasks.
- Scalability: Powers high-traffic sites like Airbnb and GitHub.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Efficient framework reduces development costs and time-to-market.
Ruby on Rails development services attracts companies with its rapid prototyping capabilities, robust community support, and proven success in web application development.
Why Use Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails is a popular choice for web application coding because it has many benefits for both companies and developers. Its rapid development capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and robust ecosystem are just a few factors why many opt for this framework.Here are some reasons why to use Ruby on Rails:
RoR for Companies:
- Cost-Effective: Faster development cycles can lead to reduced project costs.
- Scalability: Rails can handle high-traffic applications.
- Flexibility: Suitable for various types of web applications, from simple websites to complex platforms.
- Security: Built-in security features help protect against common web vulnerabilities.
- Long-term Stability: Mature framework with a track record of successful, large-scale deployments.
RoR for Developers:
- Rapid Development: Rails’ convention over configuration principle allows developers to build applications quickly.
- Clean and Readable Code: Ruby’s syntax promotes writing expressive and maintainable code.
- Rich Ecosystem: Access to a vast library of gems for various functionalities.
- Testing Support: Built-in testing frameworks facilitate test-driven development.
- Active Community: Extensive community support for problem-solving and knowledge sharing.
These advantages make Ruby on Rails an attractive choice. Its combination of rapid development, scalability, and robust ecosystem continues to make it a valuable tool in the web development landscape.
Top 10 Ruby on Rails Companies in 2024
Here’s a list of the top 10 Ruby on Rails companies in 2024, known for their innovative use of the framework and significant contributions to the Ruby on Rails ecosystem:
1. Shopify
A leading e-commerce platform that powers over 1 million businesses worldwide. Shopify’s scalable architecture demonstrates the framework’s ability to handle high-traffic and complex applications. RoR is used to encapsulate measurements and their units with the Measured repository, or to build Shopify apps using the Rails engine. All of which can be accessed from Shopify GitHub.
2. GitHub
The world’s largest code hosting platform, GitHub relies heavily on Ruby on Rails for its backend infrastructure. The GitHub Docs site was originally a Ruby on Rails web app, but is currently a Node. web server.
3. Airbnb
While effective for complex bookings and user interactions, Airbnb has faced challenges, such as implementing a custom Zookeeper client pool. Despite this, Airbnb’s use of Rails showcases the framework’s scalability and adaptability. For enhanced security, Airbnb and other Rails applications often use tools like Brakeman, a security vulnerability scanner designed for Ruby on Rails, after many challenges Airbnb also decided to migrate to Node.
4. Basecamp
The company behind Ruby on Rails itself, Basecamp continues to use the framework for its popular project management and team communication tools.
5. Cookpad
Cookpad’s development ecosystem revolves around Ruby and Ruby on Rails, supplying the foundation for their main application, assisting tools, and internal libraries. They use Ruby to create custom gems and create API. Additionally, their widespread use of RSpec highlights a strong emphasis on thorough Ruby code testing.
6. Hulu
This popular streaming service uses their GitHub repository to show Ruby tools and libraries. Hulu may use Ruby for internal tools and integrations.
7. Dribbble
Dribbble, a popular platform for designers, extensively utilizes Ruby on Rails in its technology stack. The framework is employed for core platform development, API creation and maintenance, database management through ActiveRecord, testing and quality assurance, and custom gem development.
8. Twitch
While the main Twitch platform is not entirely built on Rails, the company employs Ruby for specific tools and services. These include the Twitch CLI (Command Line Interface) for developers, which is partially written in Ruby, and other internal tools that leverage the language’s simplicity and efficiency.
9. Zendesk
The company maintains numerous Ruby-based projects, including core components of their customer service platform, API clients, and various tools and libraries. Their use of Ruby extends to both backend services and developer tools, highlighting the language’s versatility in supporting Zendesk’s complex, customer-centric applications.
10. Instacart
A leading online grocery delivery platform, extensively utilizes Ruby on Rails for various critical components of their infrastructure. They have developed numerous Ruby gems and libraries to enhance their development workflow, including tools for database management, API integrations, and performance optimization.
Why Companies Choose Ruby on Rails
Many companies choose Ruby on Rails over other frameworks due to several key advantages.
The framework’s rapid development capabilities, enabled by Rails’ convention over configuration principle, allow for faster development cycles and reduced time-to-market for new products and features.
This efficiency often translates to cost-effectiveness, resulting in lower development costs and quicker return on investment.
Ruby on Rails also offers impressive scalability, as demonstrated by high-traffic applications like Shopify and GitHub. Its rich ecosystem, featuring a vast library of gems (pre-built modules), allows developers to add functionality without reinventing the wheel. The framework benefits from strong community support, with an active Rails community providing ongoing assistance, resources, and frequent updates.Furthermore, Rails’ flexibility makes it suitable for various types of web applications, from simple websites to complex platforms.
Ruby on Rails Companies by Industries
Ruby on Rails has proven its versatility across various industries, powering some of the world’s most innovative and successful companies. To illustrate this diversity, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of notable Ruby on Rails companies, categorized by industry sectors:
E-commerce and Retail
The rapid development of scalable online stores made Ruby on Rails a hit in eCommerce and retail. Its security features, eCommerce gems, and payment gateway integration make it ideal for businesses expanding online such as:
- Shopify: Leading e-commerce platform powering millions of online stores.
- Etsy: Global marketplace for unique and creative goods.
- Groupon: Deal-of-the-day website offering discounted gift certificates.
Travel and Hospitality
The travel and hospitality sector has embraced Ruby on Rails for its robust capabilities in managing complex booking systems and large user databases, like payment processing and mapping.
- Airbnb: Online marketplace for lodging and tourism experiences.
- Couchsurfing: Social networking service for travelers.
- Hotels.com: Online accommodation booking website.
Technology and Development
The tech sector widely uses Ruby on Rails for its RoR’s convention over configuration principle and its vast gem library facilitates rapid prototyping and agile development.
- GitHub: World’s largest code hosting platform.
- Basecamp: Project management and team communication tool.
- Heroku: Cloud platform as a service supporting Ruby on Rails.
Entertainment and Media
Ruby on Rails’ quick development cycle enables fast feature implementation, crucial in this dynamic industry. The framework excels at handling large data volumes, making it ideal for extensive media libraries and UGC management.
- Hulu: Popular streaming service.
- Twitch: Live-streaming platform for gamers.
- SoundCloud: Online audio distribution platform.
Food and Recipe Services
Ruby on Rails rapid development enables quick implementation of features like recipe management, ingredient parsing and nutritional calculations.
- Cookpad: Global recipe-sharing service.
- Instacart: Online grocery delivery and pick-up service.
- Blue Apron: Ingredient-and-recipe meal kit service.
Professional Networks and Job Platforms
Ruby on Rails has become popular for professional networks and job platforms due to its ability to handle complex interactions and large databases efficiently.
- Dribbble: Community for designers to share their work.
- AngelList: Website for startups, angel investors, and job-seekers.
- Fiverr: Online marketplace for freelance services.
Customer Service and Support
Ruby on Rails offers robust tools for ticketing systems, live chats, and self-service portals.
- Zendesk: Customer service software company.
- Intercom: Customer messaging platform.
- Freshworks: Customer engagement software provider.
How to Hire Ruby on Rails Developers
Hiring skilled Ruby on Rails developers is crucial for companies looking to leverage this powerful framework. Here are some effective strategies for finding and hiring top RoR talent:
- Online Job Platforms: Utilize popular job boards and tech-specific platforms such as: LinkedIn, Stack Overflow Jobs, GitHub Jobs, Ruby on Rails-specific job boards (e.g., RubyNow, Ruby Inside).
- Developer Communities: Engage with Ruby on Rails communities to find passionate developers.
- Staffing Services and Recruitment Agencies: Consider partnering with specialized staffing services like DistantJob, which can streamline the hiring process and provide access to a global pool of pre-vetted Ruby on Rails developers.
- Assessing Ruby on Rails Talent: When evaluating potential hires, consider the following:
- Technical Skills: Evaluate Ruby, Rails, and related tech proficiency.
- Portfolio: Examine past RoR projects and open-source contributions.
- Problem-solving: Assess through coding challenges and interviews.
- Communication: Verify ability to explain technical concepts clearly.
- Cultural Fit: Ensure alignment with company values and work culture.
Hiring Ruby on Rails Developers by Industry
When hiring Ruby on Rails developers, keep in mind that there are specific development needs for each industry.
So, to ensure you find the right talent, we’ve put together a list of things you should consider.
E-commerce and Retail
When hiring Ruby on Rails developers for e-commerce and retail, prioritize payment gateway experience and scalability knowledge.
Seek candidates proficient in integrating various payment systems and building robust platforms that can handle high traffic, especially during peak seasons.
Travel and Hospitality
Expertise in API integration is a must when bringing in Ruby on Rails developers for the travel and hospitality industry.
Moreover, place a strong emphasis on real-time booking capabilities. This expertise is vital for creating user-friendly interfaces that can handle instant reservations, live updates on availability, and dynamic pricing – all critical features in the fast-paced travel and hospitality industry.
Technology and Development
When hiring Ruby on Rails developers for technology and development projects, prioritize candidates with strong version control skills, particularly in Git, and experience with collaborative development practices.Additionally, value developers who actively contribute to open-source projects within the Ruby community, as they often bring valuable insights and best practices to the team.
Entertainment and Media
In this case, it is crucial to prioritize experience in streaming technology and content management systems (CMS). Candidates must be familiar with video streaming, content delivery networks and CMS development, essential skills to create robust and efficient platforms in this field.
Food and Recipe Services
When it comes to hiring Ruby on Rails developers for food and recipe services, prioritize candidates with strong database optimization skills to efficiently manage large recipe databases.You should also look for experience with geolocation features, which are essential for implementing delivery services and location-based functionality in food-related applications.
Professional Networks and Job Platforms
When recruiting in the professional networking and employment platform sector, prioritize developers with experience in search algorithms and user authentication systems.
These skills are critical to implementing and optimizing complex search functionalities, ensuring strong security measures, and effectively managing user accounts.
Competence in these areas is essential to creating efficient and secure professional networking platforms.
Customer Service and Support
Finally, for customer service and support, focus on candidates with real-time communication experience and data analysis skills.Look for developers with experience implementing chat systems and real-time updates, as well as those capable of creating systems to track and analyze customer interactions.
Pros and Cons of Ruby on Rails
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of Ruby on Rails it helps in making informed decisions about whether the framework aligns with their project requirements and long-term goals.
To provide a comprehensive view of Ruby on Rails for companies, let’s examine its pros and cons in a comparative table:
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
| Development Speed | Rapid development and prototyping | Performance can be slower compared to some other frameworks |
| Configuration | Convention over configuration principle saves time | It can be overkill for simple, static websites |
| Community Support | Large, supportive community | Steep learning curve for beginners |
| Ecosystem | Extensive library of gems (plugins) | Upgrading between major versions can be challenging |
| Testing | Built-in testing frameworks | Not ideal for real-time features without additional tools |
| Startup Suitability | Good for creating MVPs and startups | Scalability issues may arise with massive applications |
| Database Operations | Active Record ORM simplifies database operations | Less control over low-level operations compared to other frameworks |
This comparison highlights that while Ruby on Rails offers significant advantages in terms of development speed and ease of use, companies need to carefully consider their specific project requirements and long-term goals when deciding to use this framework.
As we’ve seen, the key to success for Ruby on Rails companies is understanding its strengths and limitations and using its capabilities to meet the project’s specific needs.
For companies considering Ruby on Rails for their next project, it’s essential to hire skilled developers who not only understand the technical aspects of the framework, but also have experience in your specific industry.This combination of technical expertise and domain knowledge can significantly impact the success of your RoR-based application.
How DistantJob Can Help You Hire Top Ruby on Rails Developers
When it comes to hiring skilled Ruby on Rails remote developers, DistantJob offers a unique and efficient solution that can significantly streamline your recruitment process:
We’re not just another recruitment agency. We’re your partners in finding the perfect Ruby on Rails talent for your team.
First off, we cast a wide net. Our specialty is remote hiring, which means we’re not limited by geography. We can find you amazing Ruby on Rails developers from any corner of the world.
We carefully screen and vet each candidate to ensure they’re not only technically proficient but also a great fit for your specific needs and industry.
Likewise, we know that time is money. That’s why we handle all the initial legwork of recruitment. This way, you can focus on what you do best – running your business – while we find you the perfect developer.
And let’s not forget about culture. We know that technical skills are just part of the equation. We make sure our candidates will mesh well with your company culture and thrive in a remote setting.By partnering with DistantJob, you can focus on your core business while we handle the complexities of finding and hiring the best Ruby on Rails talent tailored to your specific needs and industry requirements. Or, if you need a place to demonstrate your programming skills, visit our IT remote job page.
