Ruby vs Python: Pros, Cons, and Where to Start

Ruby and Python are two popular computer languages used in building web applications. Both are clean, readable, and open-sourced and are high-level, back-end languages used to create the server functions needed to support the application’s front end. Developers can create web applications on different browsers and operating systems with either Ruby or Python. 

However, Ruby and Python are not identical. As a prospective developer, you might want to choose one or the other based on your interests in programming and the types of applications you want to build.  

Python is generally better for educational use or quick programming tasks, whilst Ruby is better for commercial web applications. Read on to delve deeper into the differences between the two. 

Ruby

Ruby is a computer programming language developed in 1995 by Yukihiro Matsumoto. He wanted to create a flexible, object-oriented language that programmers would enjoy using. They enjoyed it enough that Ruby became one of the most popular languages for developing web applications. 

It’s a general use language that’s popular in the industry. Apple, GitHub, Twitter, Hulu, ZenDesk, and Urban Dictionary are websites developed with Ruby, demonstrating its versatility. Ruby is a general-use language that's more popular in the industry than in science or academia.

Using Ruby to build applications

Ruby is mainly used to build web applications but is also useful for other programming projects. It is widely used for building servers, data processing, web scraping, and crawling.

Ruby on Rails is the leading framework for running Ruby, although it’s not the only one. Released in 2004, Ruby on Rails made the language much easier to use, which is one reason developers at many start-ups use Ruby to build their applications.

Features

Ruby is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that runs on Mac, Windows, Unix, and most operating systems. Its flexible approach to solving problems is appreciated by some programmers, while others do not. 

Advantages

Ruby’s syntax is similar to English, making it easy to learn and use. The program itself is free, and it’s open-source, with users sharing improvements and ideas for how to use it. The Ruby community tends to focus on web development over other types of programming and has created a vast library of program elements.

Disadvantages 

One disadvantage of Ruby’s user-friendly approach is that bugs can get hidden, making it more difficult to find and fix code problems. This is mainly because Ruby's documentation isn’t as complete as it is for some other languages. Also, Ruby and Ruby for Rails tend to take longer to boot and have a slower runtime than other programming platforms.

Ruby and Python programmers are in demand

Programmers who work in either language are in demand. If you’re thinking of learning programming, both Ruby and Python can potentially offer entry into good developer jobs.

With a 93.5 per cent placement rate, software engineers in India saw their salaries grow by 120 per cent between 2021 and 2022 [1]. Furthermore, by 2027, India is forecasted to surpass the US, establishing itself as the largest software developer community in the world [2].

One way to decide which language to learn is to look at job listings to see which appeals to you.

Python

Python is a simple programming language often used in data science, AI, and financial applications. It’s prevalent in academic settings and widely taught in universities. It was developed in 1989 and released in 1994. In 2011, Google announced that it used Python for many internal processes—that news gained attention. 

Google isn’t the only commercial user, as Dropbox, Instagram, Mozilla, and Yahoo also use Python.

Django is one of the most popular Python frameworks]. Following its release in 2005, Django made Python highly competitive with Ruby and the Ruby on Rails framework.

Applying Python in applications

Python is used to write scripts for automating workflows. One of its most common uses is to connect software written in different languages and can be used to scrape data. Python developers can build web apps, machine learning programs, and trading apps when used with a framework. 

Features

Python is a relatively simple language that looks similar to English and allows users to write clean code. This can be frustrating at times, but it makes the language more usable in the long run. It supports different programming paradigms, and its user community concentrates on Linux and academic uses. It is used in industry, too, but its share of the educational market is more extensive.

Advantages

One significant advantage of Python is that so many people know it. This means that non-developers in industries like financial services can build scripts to analyse data or connect databases. These individuals may not know enough to build entire applications, but they can add power to their applications. 

Disadvantages 

Python is not fully object-oriented, which some people find more difficult to use than Ruby. Because its user community is biassed toward academic applications, the library of tools for commercial applications is smaller. It’s not optimised for mobile development, which is another limit to commercial use.

How to learn Ruby or Python 

If you’re considering a short-term certification or boot camp programme, you can always choose a language by first looking at places where you would like to work. Then you can observe which language their developers use and try learning on your own. Most find it easier to learn through a certificate or boot camp course.

Certifications

Certification programmes allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of Ruby or Python through certification exams. The organisations administering the programmes offer these exams. You can take classes to prepare for the exams or choose to study independently.

For more information, take a look at:

• Ruby Association Certified Ruby Programmer

• PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

Certificates

Many educational programmes offer certificates to graduates to show that they completed the course—these are different from the certificates offered by Ruby and Python. You can also pursue a variety of courses, Specialisations, Professional Certificates, and Guided Projects on learning platforms, such as Coursera.

Boot camps

Coding boot camps are short-term, intensive training programmes that cover the basics of programming and offer immersion in a specific language. Some are offered by universities, whilst training companies operate others. Depending upon your schedule, you can pick up Ruby and Python skills from in-person and online options. 

Practise your Python skills with tutorials

Discover step-by-step guides for troubleshooting Python basics like syntax, if-else statements, and exceptions, and working with loops in free programming tutorials on Coursera.

Get started with Coursera.

Programming is an in-demand skill, and your preference for Ruby, Python, or both depends on several factors, including what you’re using it for, your career options, and how you like to work. 

Online courses are a great way to explore your programming options. If you're interested in web and app development, consider enroling in Meta's Back-End Developer Professional Certificate or IBM's Full Stack Software Developer Professional Certificate. You'll learn from industry leaders and get experience with popular languages like Python.