Should I Learn Ruby on Rails or JavaScript First?

Javascript and Ruby on Rails are in high demand, and lucrative web development programming languages that each have distinct advantages. They also go hand in hand really well. That’s why, when choosing whether to learn Ruby or Javascript in San Diego, you should consider taking the third option and learning both of these computer programming languages.

That being said, the decision to learn both Ruby on Rails and Javascript raises a number of new dilemmas. Namely, which one should you learn first? What are their unique uses? Is Java just another name for Javascript or is it something else entirely? Are there any similarities between Java and Ruby?

In this article, we will look at the vital differences between Javascript and Ruby, and how mastering them both can create unparalleled software developer career opportunities for you.

What is Ruby on Rails?

Ruby is a modern, dynamically typed coding language that is specially designed to make scripting and app development not only easy, but also fun. It utilizes a full stack, superbly optimized web framework known as Ruby on Rails framework. It’s generally used for backend development.

In other words, Ruby allows you to create incredibly complex web apps that are practically full programs that are delivered to your phone or computer through your web browser. Extremely popular websites such as Slideshare, Crunchbase, Hulu, Kickstarter, Airbnb, Soundcloud, and Shopify all use Ruby on Rails.

Ruby’s open source advantage

Ruby’s creator, Yukiro Matsumoto, designed Ruby in 1995 with the intention of making it open source, and therefore free to use any modify. This means Ruby requires no expensive licensing to use, making it ideal for startups and young companies. It is further supported by reputable non-profit organizations such as the Ruby Association.

Is Ruby similar to Java?

Ruby and Java share a few basic similarities, but for the most part they are vastly different languages. They’re both strongly-typed and object oriented programming languages, but Ruby is an interpreted scripting language while Java is a compiled coding language.

Furthermore, Ruby is dynamically typed and uses no type declarations, whereas Java is statically typed. Ruby is also much more successful overall. It’s faster, easier to learn, more popular, and its software engineers have had the highest average salaries in 2017.

Java’s declining popularity also makes it less attractive to prospective coders. What’s more, the constant compatibility and security problems Java applets experience have contributed to its failing popularity in software development. Quite simply, Ruby is a better, more versatile computer programming language for web developers in this day and age.

Are Javascript and Java different?

Although they are similarly named, Java and Javascript are vastly different scripting languages that are used for different purposes. Java’s goal is to enable developers to utilize the same code on different operating systems without having to change it much, if at all. This doesn’t always work.

Java applets are also getting less and less popular, with most users nowadays having Java support disabled in their browsers. Conversely, Javascript is more useful than ever. Javascript works splendidly with modern web browsers, especially on mobile, while Java is rapidly losing ground.

Is Ruby easy to learn?

Yes it is. Ruby on Rails is designed to make a lot of assumptions on how you want to do things. This forces you, at least at first, to code in a commonly accepted way. This includes MVC framework, RESTful resources, testing (Ruby includes a testing framework from the get go), and so on.

This has the effect of teaching you the best programming concepts and practices of web development. Furthermore, it hides the complicated stuff you don’t have to know. For instance, your Ruby on Rails app database won’t have to use any SQL. It does a lot of the security things automatically, such as preventing cross-site scripting, SQL-injection, session hijacking, and many more features web applications need out of the box.

All this is invaluable to beginners who don’t yet care or know about the many ways they can customize their approach to web application development. To top it all off, Ruby on Rails boasts a huge community that has meetups in every large city and constantly organizes conferences and constantly ranks as one of the most popular programming languages.

What is easier to learn, Ruby or Javascript?

Javascript is a client-side coding language that excels at front-end application development. On the other hand, Ruby on Rails is a full-stack framework that is most often used for backend development. It’s obvious from this description that they don’t compete, but rather complement each other.

Should you learn Ruby on Rails if you’re a beginner? Definitely. But should you also make the extra effort to learn at least the basics of Javascript? It’s very much worth it. Studying both of these languages will give you a versatile skill set that is highly attractive in today’s market.

Tools that go hand in hand with javascript and ruby

Learning the full suite of web development tools can go a long way toward further solidifying you as a programming expert. For instance, CSS and HTML are the building blocks of the web. CSS contains style information (layouts, colors, font sizes, etc.), while HTML contains raw data (links, pictures, text, etc.).

Other crucial tools include Git, which is the best way to track your progress, repair mistakes, save your work, and so on. It’s closely related to GitHub, which allows you to review and share code with your fellow programmers.

What is the top place to learn Javascript or Ruby in San Diego?

Have you decided to take the plunge and become the versatile developer who has mastered both Javascript and Ruby on Rails? If so, Learn Academy is the right place for you. Our intensive four-month bootcamp is designed to teach you everything you need to know about Javascript and Ruby, including supporting tools such as React, Git, and GitHub.

The bootcamp includes a one-month internship at some of San Diego’s top tech companies. What better way to jumpstart your coding career than by learning near the world-famous Balboa Park?

Do you have further questions about our Javascript and Ruby bootcamp? Would you like to schedule a free tour of our premises? Get in touch with Learn Academy today. We’re eager to give you the coding training you’ve always wanted.