What Is Ruby on Rails? Why Developers Still Use It in 2025

If you’ve been browsing developer job postings, you’ve probably seen the term Ruby on Rails pop up. But what is Ruby on Rails exactly, and why do companies still hire developers with this skill in 2025?

The short answer: Ruby on Rails (often called Rails) is a web application framework built in the Ruby programming language. It makes it faster and easier for developers to build websites and online platforms.

For job seekers, knowing Ruby on Rails can be a valuable skill. Even with newer frameworks entering the scene, Rails remains widely used in startups, tech companies, and even large enterprises that depend on efficient, scalable web applications.

What Is Ruby on Rails in Simple Terms?

Think of Rails as a set of building blocks. Instead of coding everything from scratch, developers can use Rails to speed up development and follow best practices. It follows the “convention over configuration” principle, meaning it has built-in rules that save time.

What Ruby on Rails is used for:

• Building e-commerce websites

• Creating booking platforms

• Developing social media apps

• Building SaaS products (Software as a Service)

• Launching startups quickly with minimal code

Why Ruby on Rails Still Matters in Today’s Job Market

Even though new frameworks like Django, Laravel, and Node.js are popular, Ruby on Rails continues to thrive. Here’s why:

• Proven reliability: Many successful companies still run on Rails, from Shopify to GitHub.

• Startup favorite: Its speed makes it ideal for launching new businesses.

• Huge community: Thousands of developers contribute to improving and updating Rails.

• Full-stack capability: Rails lets you handle both front-end and back-end development.

• Career versatility: Rails developers can work in SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, and more.

Skills Employers Look For in Ruby on Rails Developers

To stand out for Ruby on Rails jobs, employers often want to see:

• Ruby programming skills — the language behind Rails

• Knowledge of MVC architecture (Model-View-Controller framework)

• Database management — working with MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite

• Front-end skills — HTML, CSS, JavaScript for integration

• Testing and debugging — ensuring apps run smoothly

• Version control — Git and GitHub proficiency

• Deployment skills — using tools like Heroku or AWS

Career Opportunities with Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails opens the door to a range of developer roles, including:

• Ruby on Rails Developer

• Full Stack Web Developer

• Backend Developer

• SaaS Engineer

• Startup Technical Co-Founder

• Software Engineer in fintech, healthcare, or e-commerce

How to Start Learning Ruby on Rails

1. Master Ruby first: The foundation of Rails.

2. Follow tutorials: Many free and paid courses guide beginners step-by-step.

3. Build small projects: Start with a blog, to-do list, or portfolio site.

4. Contribute to open source: Rails has a strong community — contributing helps you learn and network.

5. Add projects to your CV: Employers want proof of your coding ability.

Final Word

So, what is Ruby on Rails? It’s a framework that makes web development faster, easier, and more scalable. For job seekers, it’s not just a technical skill but a career booster. Whether you’re aiming for a role in a startup or a global company, Ruby on Rails remains a valuable tool in 2025.

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