If you are a developer or aspiring one, you may have heard about Ruby and Python. Both are popular programming languages and have a strong presence in the web development world. So, the question arises, which programming language is better for web development, Ruby or Python?
In this article, we will provide you with a factual comparison of Ruby vs Python and help you decide which one is the best choice for web development.
Syntax
When it comes to syntax, Ruby and Python are considered easy-to-learn programming languages. Both follow object-oriented programming and have similar code structures. Ruby is inspired by Perl and Python, whereas Python takes inspiration from languages such as C++ and Perl.
Python has a clear advantage over Ruby in terms of its indentation-based coding style. Its indentation rules help in writing clean and readable code. Whereas, Ruby has a more flexible syntax, which can lead to varying code styles.
Verdict: Python is the winner when it comes to syntax and readability.
Popularity and Community Support
Both Ruby and Python have large and active communities. Ruby is considered more popular in Japan, while Python has more fans worldwide. Ruby has a smaller community compared to Python, but its members are considered loyal and dedicated.
Both languages have a vast number of libraries and frameworks, which makes development easier and faster. Some popular Ruby frameworks include Rails, Sinatra, and Hanami, while Python has Django, Flask, and Pyramid.
Verdict: Python takes the lead because of its larger community and extensive support.
Performance
Both Ruby and Python are considered slow compared to lower-level programming languages like C. Ruby has a reputation for being slower than Python in terms of processing power. However, with the release of Ruby 3.0, significant performance improvements were made.
Python has a built-in library called NumPy, which optimizes its performance for scientific computing. Ruby has similar libraries, such as SciRuby and NMatrix, but they still fall short compared to NumPy.
Verdict: Python wins in terms of performance.
Job Opportunities
When it comes to job opportunities, both languages offer plenty of employment opportunities in web development. A quick search on job portals such as Indeed and Glassdoor shows similar job openings for both languages. However, one crucial factor to consider is geographic location. For instance, Ruby may have more job opportunities in Japan, while Python may have more job openings worldwide.
Verdict: It's a tie.
Learning Curve
While both languages are considered easy to learn, Python has a reputation for being the most beginner-friendly. Its simple syntax, coupled with a plethora of learning resources, makes it an excellent choice for beginners.
Ruby’s flexible syntax can be challenging for beginners, but once they learn the basics, it becomes much easier to work with.
Verdict: Python is easier to learn.
Conclusion
Both Ruby and Python have their pros and cons. However, after a factual comparison, we can conclude that Python wins the battle when it comes to web development. Its easy-to-learn syntax, vast community support, and superior performance make it the winner.
However, if you're considering a career in web development and are interested in learning Ruby or Python, we suggest learning both. Learning multiple languages will broaden your career opportunities and make you a better developer.
We hope this article helped you decide which programming language is right for you. Now go forth and build awesome web applications!
References:
https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/python-vs-ruby-what-do-developers-use-and-why/
https://www.toptal.com/ruby-on-rails/ruby-vs-python
https://www.honeybadger.io/blog/ruby-vs-python/