Is it feasible to create a mobile application with Ruby on Rails?
It’s highly probable that those who thrive in the mobile industry will eventually take over the technology field as a whole.
Mobile operating systems’ app stores exemplify the robust need in the mobile industry, with projections indicating that downloads are anticipated to surge from 140 billion in 2023 to 218 billion by 2024.
This number is astounding, and it’s growing at a rapid pace.
Microsoft couldn’t compete with Android and iOS in the smartphone industry because they had insufficient support for the same quantity of apps.
To put it simply, the future of the mobile industry hinges on mobile applications.
To enhance their market share and accomplish their long-term objectives, it’s crucial for companies to create mobile applications that provide exceptional features and an unforgettable user interface.
We reckon that Ruby on Rails’ potent set of features and gem support render it a feasible alternative for building premium mobile applications.
However, what specific attribute of Ruby on Rails makes it so appealing for mobile app creation? Also, what benefits does it have to offer?
In this post, we will shed light on these inquiries. We will delve into the benefits of Ruby on Rails mobile app development, why it’s an excellent backend option, and how to make your current Ruby on Rails web applications compatible with mobile gadgets.
Reasoning for Opting for Ruby on Rails
Ever since its release, Ruby on Rails has been the frontrunner in web application frameworks.
Furthermore, it was the framework that raised awareness about Ruby and its application in web development.
Programmers have grown fond of the latest Rails versions for the intricate website development they offer, thanks to the inclusion of capabilities like Gems, metaprogramming, Rails migration, and Active controllers.
Thus, it swiftly overtook JavaScript and Node.JS to become the primary framework for constructing websites.
It’s clear that incorporating contemporary technologies yields a plethora of advantages for mobile and online app development. Not only does it deliver an array of tools for forging high-performing applications on iOS and Android, but it also offers a competitive edge for those exploiting the latest technologies.
If Ruby on Rails is such a prevalent framework for web development, then why is it not widespread in mobile applications?
It’s reasonable to query why Ruby on Rails is not often preferred for mobile ventures. Fundamentally, Ruby on Rails is acknowledged for its application in website development, thereby accounting for its widespread familiarity and understanding.
Therefore, numerous mobile app development companies have overlooked the untapped potential of the market due to its extensive usage.
Despite Ruby on Rails’ triumph in the online development arena, the majority continue to link it with desktop applications instead of acknowledging the numerous benefits it offers for mobile app development.
The reality is that Ruby on Rails can provide mobile apps with the same advantages as web applications through its proficient back-end implementations.
Options for Mobile App Development Besides Ruby on Rails
When developing a mobile app using Ruby on Rails, there are two frameworks available to choose from, as Ruby on Rails provides. It may be necessary to opt for one framework over the other.
- Fabricate a web-based application that functions similarly to a mobile app.
- Develop a mobile app with Ruby on Rails.
Ruby on Rails and React Native are two exceptional choices for crafting mobile applications. However, they have varying resource demands and are better suited for distinct project types.
It’s also crucial to consider your target audience and understand their needs so that you can choose the most suitable alternative.
If you require assistance, Works has skilled Ruby on Rails engineers to offer guidance on the most suitable option. This is due to the fact that the Ruby on Rails web app framework is inefficient without adept developers to build upon it.
Establishing a Dependable Backend for Mobile Apps
When building a back-end for mobile apps, it is crucial to evaluate whether the framework is capable of providing the necessary infrastructure. This involves considering factors such as user data collection, content display in response to user input, user authentication, customization capabilities, and more.
High-end performance ability is a critical requirement for every mobile application. Additionally, to retrieve stored data, a back-end API is necessary as highlighted in this blog post on accessing value from legacy systems.
Before assessing Ruby on Rails’ suitability for back-end development, let’s first establish what is meant by “back-end development”.
The Role and Significance of Backend Development
Backend development entails overseeing and regulating data flow, user behavior, and various connectors within the application.
- Integration of data across systems
- Capability to store information
- Warnings and notifications
- Support for HTTP methods
Building Mobile App Backends
A back-end infrastructure comprises an application server, a web server, and a database. If scalability is a key aspect of the design, it may be essential to incorporate a load balancer as well as extra service connections such as push alerts, email notifications, and queuing.
The intended purpose of the app is the sole factor that determines which features and functionalities are incorporated into it.
Building Backend Systems for Mobile Apps
The backend technologies employed in your mobile application are accountable for ensuring seamless communication between your web server, app, and database.
Several programming languages including PHP, Ruby, Java, Python and .NET, have been specifically developed for server use. Moreover, tools like MySQL, SQL Server and Oracle are essential for data storage, modification, and accessing it via a user interface.
- Server-side languages include Python, Ruby, .Net, Java, PHP, C++, and Golang.
- Examples of servers include GlassFish, Apache, Nginx, Internet Information Server, and Java 2 Enterprise Edition.
- Database servers like MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle, SQL Server, Redis, SQLite, and PostgreSQL are widely used.
Why Not Consider Using Ruby on Rails for Your Mobile Backend?
Ruby on Rails is an ideal option for developing web and mobile applications as it is designed to facilitate quick development. Notably, it complies with widely accepted programming principles including DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself), Convention over Configuration, KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid), and CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
These guidelines are intended to simplify back-end system development. For instance, the DRY principle promotes the creation of new codebases and enables the reuse of existing ones when necessary.
The ‘convention over configuration’ concept is beneficial as it allows developers to focus on creating new code, rather than dedicating their time to complex configurations, such as API integration and security protocol implementation.
Ruby on Rails offers an efficient and accessible approach for modifying the code or adding new features. Even after publication, the data model can be easily altered. This framework is a top pick for the back-end of Ruby on Rails mobile app development due to its reliability and stability.
Furthermore, RubyMotion, one of its interpreters, enables the development of cross-platform Ruby on Rails applications that can run on both iOS and Android.
Moreover, Ruby on Rails offers its unique Ruby Gems that can be used to enhance the capabilities of a project’s Rails backend or an iOS or Android app. Additionally, it provides full support for Cocoapods’ capabilities.
Considering all the different ways Ruby on Rails can work in the background, it is an excellent tool for constructing mobile applications.
Developing a Mobile Application with Ruby on Rails: Benefits and Advantages
The advantages of using Ruby on Rails for mobile app development are similar to those for web development.
Time and Cost Savings
Both Ruby and Ruby on Rails are freely available to anyone who wants to use them. Furthermore, the Ruby community provides various free plugins, gems, and other code libraries that can meet diverse development requirements.
Ruby on Rails’ abilities facilitate quick app development, thus making it achievable to meet project deadlines.
Code Minimization
Ruby on Rails’ pre-built code libraries reduce the need for custom coding and accelerate the process of introducing new features.
Ruby on Rails also adheres to its own principles, such as ‘convention over configuration’ and ‘don’t repeat yourself,’ enabling developers to write code only when needed. This saves them from having to go through complex setup procedures.
Scalability
As the user base expands, your Ruby on Rails application can easily scale up. This implies that it can handle increased traffic while maintaining optimal performance levels.
Community
Newcomers to a specific technology can significantly benefit from having access to a large and supportive community of developers. The Ruby on Rails community offers ample useful tutorials and forums, making it simple and fast for beginners to find answers to their questions.
Furthermore, the Ruby community provides free Ruby gems and code libraries that can expedite mobile development.
Is it Possible to Convert Ruby on Rails Websites into Mobile Apps?
Being built on MVC, RoR permits the rendering and utilization of frontend APIs, enabling you to link your rails backend to your mobile app whenever necessary.
Here’s how to leverage application programming interfaces to make your existing Rails application suitable for use on mobile devices.
- Please create the folder.
- ‘To’ means ‘make available necessary means’.
- Establish the regulators.
- To execute Rails migrations,
- Prioritise establishing connections.
- ‘To germinate necessary seeds’ means ‘to initiate vital beginning steps’.
- ‘Create all required paths’ means to generate or construct all necessary routes.
- Create paths based on the objectives of your project.
- Plant the seeds widely.
- ‘Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS)’ refers to a mechanism that enables resources from different origins to interact with each other.
Popular mobile apps developed using Ruby on Rails
While Ruby on Rails is mostly associated with web development, it has also been leveraged to build mobile applications. Notably, the following are some of the most frequently downloaded Ruby on Rails-built mobile apps…
- A popular iterative development environment is GitHub.
- For instance, Airbnb is one application that uses Ruby on Rails.
- A Ruby on Rails application of note is Campsite.
- Fiverr is another mobile application built with Ruby on Rails.
- Another mobile app created with Ruby on Rails is Drop the Ball.
Conclusion
Ruby on Rails isn’t solely limited to websites- it’s equally effective for developing mobile apps too.
Programmers who are familiar with Ruby will find it easy to switch to developing Ruby on Rails mobile apps because the frameworks share closely linked concepts.
Ruby on Rails fosters the development of feature-rich mobile applications that don’t sacrifice functionality.
Developers can exploit the potential of Ruby on Rails by binding it with the Rhodes framework, Sencha Touch and JavaScript libraries to build durable, scalable and high-performing mobile applications.
Nonetheless, as highlighted earlier, Ruby on Rails cannot be leveraged to its full potential without the expertise of developers who possess a complete comprehension of the framework, from the bedrock to central tenets like APIs, databases, security protocols, and implementation of business logic.
Works is a primary provider when it comes to offering global businesses with expert Ruby on Rails engineers. We have an advanced talent cloud screening process that guarantees only the most proficient developers are accessible to assist your team with expansions, within 48 hours of request. You can hire our skilled Ruby on Rails developers at https://www.works.so/hire-developers.
