Python vs. Ruby on Rails: which one to choose for backend development?

Every web application’s technology stack is divided into two main parts – frontend (client-side) and backend (server-side). The front-end is everything that is seen by the user on the screens of computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. that is, the interface. It is what allows us to interact with selected parts of websites and applications. 

On the other hand, there is the invisible, which is the back-end – this is the name for things on the server that the user does not have direct access to. The back-end is hidden behind the front-end and manages the entire system of a given application or website.

Choosing the right back-end technology requires a deep analysis of the requirements the product will have to meet. This is not a simple task and needs some knowledge and experience, which is why it is a good idea to consult a professional software development agency. What goals is the product supposed to fulfill? What kind of technology should it be? These are the questions you should start with in order to choose the right technology stack tailored to your application. 

In order to make a wise choice, it is useful to know the possible options. Many people choose Python or Ruby for their projects, which allows a faster development process. Both programming languages are very popular and effective, however, which one to choose? In this article, we will introduce you to the nature of each. 

What is Python?

Python is an interpreted and high-level language with an extremely wide range of applications. Thanks to useful libraries and frameworks, it allows you to write literally anything, therefore it is one of the most popular and well-known software languages. It places great importance on the readability of coding, which is why it is quite a strict language. However, this has the advantage that codes written in Python are clear, and its very design encourages the programmer to write more readable code.

The fields in which Python specializes are data science and machine learning, and it is very popular, especially in scientific circles. We wrote about applications that have been developed using Python in one of our recent articles. Python’s strength is undoubtedly one of the most popular backend frameworks Django, which is characterized by its efficiency of development, wide support for various integrations, and additional tools, making the programmer’s work easier. It is said that Python will be the choice of up to 48% of developers in 2022.

Python focuses on productivity and readability, but its Achilles’ heel may be performance, which has never been a priority for the language. Thanks to its syntax, you can get the same program with much less effort than with more complex languages. 

What is Ruby on Rails?

Ruby is an interpreted, fully object-oriented programming language. It was developed in the 90s in Japan and is a language with an extremely simple and free syntax used mostly for scripting, text processing, and prototyping new applications. It is used by sites such as Shopify, Tumblr, Twitch.tv, and Starbucks. A major contributor to its remarkable popularity is the Ruby on Rails framework, which makes it possible to create websites quickly and easily. Ruby’s code is indeed very intuitive, which is why it continues to grow its community, who often reach for it, especially at the beginning of their journey in coding.

As with Python, what can pose a problem with Ruby is its relatively low performance, as it can sometimes be slower than some languages, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a very powerful tool, and you can create very quality sites with it.

Choosing between Python and Ruby on Rails

There are many similarities between Python and Ruby. Both are high-level object-oriented languages, and both place a high value on code clarity and conciseness. However, because Python is much more conservative than Ruby, which is characterized by great freedom of coding, and because the two languages differ in their approach to problem-solving – they are aimed at rather different types of applications.

When to use Python?

Python can be applied to basically any kind of software, especially applications that use the cloud and scale horizontally. Very often it is the language that is used for data science or machine learning. Python has found its way into the fast and efficient development of modern websites that are rich in functionality. Thanks to a comprehensive collection of frameworks (such as Django or Flask) and libraries, ease of testing, and code transparency, software written in Python is able to achieve the same set of functionalities faster and cheaper than other languages would allow.

When to use Ruby on Rails?

Ruby is used for typical scripting language applications. Thanks to the Ruby on Rails framework, Ruby is a no-brainer for small businesses and startups that have little time to release a product and that is on a tight budget. Because of the simplicity and flexibility of the code, Ruby allows for fast prototyping and development, even when the scope is not fully specified. Ruby will be great for custom web applications such as streaming services and e-commerce. It is a tool that can also be successfully used for modern websites that require full control over database integrations, modules, and architecture. 

So, which one to choose for back-end development?

By now you know that although Python and Ruby are very similar languages, their applications are slightly different. In order to determine which backend technology will be best, for your application, it is necessary to know its needs and requirements and analyze the possibilities from its angle. A consultation with an experienced software agency can help you make the right decision – at Applover we are happy to listen to you and help you analyze all the pros and cons. Remember that there is no such thing as the best technology in general – there is only the best technology for your product, and that is what we will help you choose!