Python vs. Ruby- Which to Use For Your Web Development Project

Most of the clients are often confused regarding; which programming language and web framework to use for a certain project, and why? This question often bothers newbie web developers also. As there are hundreds of languages out there and every single one has its own characteristic features, it often becomes a dilemma for coders.
So here we will be comparing two of the most famous languages; Python and Ruby, and web frameworks; Django and Ruby on Rails, for your convenience in choosing the most appropriate language and web framework for your website, web application, and web services.
What are Python and Django?
Python is the programming language, while Django is the web framework built on the Python language.
First released in 1991 by a Dutch programmer Guido van Rossum, Python is the new-generation and high-level software programming language which is inspired by many of the other languages like C/C++, Java, ICON, and others. Django was formed in 2005 and is widely acclaimed as both a simple and powerful web framework. It is object-oriented and has a straightforward, but sturdy stratagem.
What is Ruby on Rails?
Ruby –created by Japanese programmer Yukihiro Matsumoto in mid-1990s– is the programming language used in the web framework of Ruby on Rails, which emerged in 2004 as a server-side and Model-View-Controller (MVC) framework by DHH, under MIT license.
Made on the principle of changing on user actions and requests, it is not only provided with ready-made multiple solutions but is also the biggest advocate of agile web development, which supports collaboration between developers and customers.
What Are The Similarities Between The Two?
- While Python supports only one approach for a problem and Ruby on Rails have a multitude of solutions, both the languages are browser-based new-generation languages and work on simplifying and getting done with repetitive and time-consuming tasks speedily.
- They are server-side scripting languages which are quite similar visually.
- Both support open source standard libraries which are accessible to all and provide with already configured coding solutions. Moreover, features can be contributed in both to add up in their libraries.
- Community supplied extensions are available in both without any licensing cost, which is kind of a blessing for developers to build the websites from scratch.
- Ruby’s repository is called Rubygems, while Python’s known as PackageIndex.
What Are The Differences Between The Two?
Despite their similarities, both the languages and web frameworks are also word apart because of having some differences engraved in their coding mechanisms and the way of dealing.
Language:
- Python as a language is simpler and easy to learn for newcomers. Its syntax is easy to remember. Most of the web developers and coders start with Python and then, later on, move to Ruby on Rails because of its multiple solution approaches.
- Ruby uses more human language commands with negligible punctuation. However, the multiple-solution approach provides with various ways to a single destination which can be confusing at times.
Approach:
- For Python, there is only one “best” solution for a problem, which makes it quite conservative. Its philosophy is: “Explicit is better than implicit and simple is better than complex”. Though, it also makes it easy to work with, and the process of debugging a lot easier.
- In contrary, ruby is very flexible in this regard. The various elucidations give the coders some decision-making potential and how to make do with the best solutions. There is also a downside to it though, as, it makes the process of reviewing it later for debugging a lot frustrating.
Community:
- While both have large communities behind, however, Python has a much more diverse community. Because of its success in science, academic cases, and affiliation with Linex, its momentum is helping in its growth by a great deal.
- Although the community is growing ever since its release in 2005, Ruby on Rails is still much focused only on web development.
Popularity:
- Ruby on Rails is still much well-received overall considering its users worldwide, than Python.
- According to SimilarTech, 60,859 registered websites are using Django and Python as web framework and language respectively, while 327,683 websites are registered under Ruby on Rails.
Famous Websites Using Python and Django
Despite having lesser users than Ruby on Rails, many of the famous websites are using Python as their foundations. Here are some:
Famous Websites Using Ruby on Rails
Following are some of the most famous websites using Ruby on Rails:
Conclusion
As both the languages are very dynamic, it all comes down to an individual’s personal interest. To begin with, if you want to start your work with something simpler and general then Python is the best choice. However, for web app development, the potential of Ruby on Rails cannot be challenged.
Moreover, whatever you learn in Python can easily be converted in Ruby on Rails and vice versa. So either way, both can smooth your way as a successful coder.