Ruby Vs Python – What’s the Difference?

Ruby Vs Python – what’s the difference? Some years ago, Java and .NET were the most in-demand programming tools. Currently, businesses seek more features and flexibility for their software. Hence it is vital to update ourselves with more flexible languages like Python and Ruby.

The IT sector has constantly been blooming for the last decade. Today, the programming world consists of a plethora of developing languages, frameworks, and more.

With the growing tech and internet demand, every business needs high-scale website or application solutions. Using development technology is not difficult, but the real challenge is to choose technology that suits the business needs.

Ruby Vs Python

In this blog, we will briefly explain the key differences between these two programming languages – Ruby Vs Python. So you can know exactly what to choose for your or your client’s project.

Ruby Vs Python - What's the Difference 2

What is Ruby?

Ruby on Rails is a framework for the Ruby language, which functions on MVC architecture. Ruby is a general purpose programming language. It is also used to create several kinds of web applications.

The framework is widely used for its libraries and inbuilt functions. Because, it simplifies developers’ tasks as they don’t have to build everything from scratch.

Ruby is best for working on specific business requirements. Some of the global brands also using these technologies are Shopify, Airbnb, GitHub, and more.

Programming with Ruby doesn’t require length coding, and it is easy to implement as everything is related to objects. So, ‘You can simply write hello world’ in one line.

Ruby’s Syntax is similar to C or Perl. Some popular editors that developers commonly use consist of RubyWin, Ruby Development Environment (RDE).

Ruby is mainly preferred by companies and start-ups. Because, they need a robust digital presence. It consists of a web-focused community. Another significant aspect of Ruby is that it supports.

Ruby’s characteristic of developing quick and robust applications makes the language a preferable choice for start-ups and companies who seek digital presence. Developers use the language for various unnamed functions such as blocks, lambdas, procs, etc.

Ruby Vs Python - What's the Difference 1

What is Python?

Python is an object-oriented high-level programming language. It is also appreciated for simplistic coding and is highly preferred by new coders.

Python needs fewer lines of coding, which is one of the top reasons for it being a growing programming language. It is easy to learn and execute and thus most loved by beginner coders.

The technology is significant for rapid application development, thanks to built-in data structures, dynamic binding, typing, and so much more.

The programming language comes with modules and packages which enable code reuse and system modularity.

Ruby Vs Python: Similarity

Before we talk about the differences, let’s see the typical growth between these technologies.

  • Both languages are cross-platforms
  • Both of them don’t require compiling
  • Follow object-oriented programming
  • Dynamically typed languages. So, variables do not necessarily have to use at the beginning like Java or C

Ruby Vs Python: Differences

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Reusable code

Ready-to-use code or publicly available code is crucial for most developers in the development language.

Such reusable codes in Python are known as modules. We can access modules through Pypl. In Ruby, we know the codes as Gems. Although the number of reusable codes is pretty much the same, i.e., 150,000, the differentiating aspect is filtration.

With Python’s PyPI, you can use filter categories like development status. It is uncomplicated and easy to use compared to several other programming languages; where you will be required to evaluate code manually.

Both Python and Ruby systems are great in terms of packaging and fixing automatic dependency. In any of the two languages, you can easily install dependencies in your environment.

In Python, you get the advantage of using virtualenv, which will let you separate the Python interpreter version.

A similar approach can be of a ruby language that consists of rbenv or rvm. However, it is not as simple as Python.

Flexibility

As mentioned earlier in the Python description, the language has a simplistic approach. You have a one-way approach for one specific task. This approach brings both benefits and drawbacks, i.e., code is more readable but less flexible.

On the other hand, Ruby incorporates the pearl approach, i.e., you can perform tasks in different ways. This approach makes the Ruby language more flexible. But this flexibility also leads to complexity for developers. They may find it difficult to read the code of other developers.

Learning curve

Python is one of the easiest languages to learn and apply out there. The simple to use approach marks a beginner-friendly programming technology. That is why it is one of the most preferred languages by newbie coders.

Ruby’s learning curve is not an easy one. Coders at a beginner level might take some time to get used to the language and learn. You don’t need to worry about project development with Ruby, though.

Scaffolding and active Records are the two inbuilt features of Ruby on Rails so that these will speed up development. The same can be applied in Ruby.

Popularity

When it comes to popularity, we can declare Python as a winner. As per the Stack Overflow Developer Survey in 2019, Python was 4th among preferred developing languages, while Ruby took the 12th position.

Ruby’s unpopularity was also seen in Github’s 2018; the list featured Ruby in 10th position, significantly dropping from being the 5th most popular in 2014. report it was on 10th positions

The decline of preference of Ruby is also seen in job offering platforms like Stack and Linkedin. Python developer job availability is significantly higher in comparison to Ruby jobs. As per the current market, Python is 20% more in demand than Ruby on Linkedin.

Community

Ruby Vs Python – both are open-source development languages which indicate that both consist of big communities. Ruby got the spotlight only after development of Ruby on Rails.

At the same time, Python’s popularity is a decade long. Therefore, many developers choose the language right at the beginning level, considering its small learning curve.

Web Frameworks

The two popular frameworks of Python and Ruby are Django and Rails. They are usually used for building web applications. Since it is based on a scripting language, they can build high-scale web apps from both of these frameworks.

You can expect MVC frameworks concepts that include views, models, database migration, controllers, and more.

Although they are similar at the core; they are differently implemented. Libraries of Python and Ruby called Rubygems and Index respectively. You can also use these libraries if you build the web app with their frameworks.

Head To Head Comparison: Python Vs Ruby

PythonRuby
You can read Python Code straightforwardly.Has complicated debugging code.
It is a high-level programming language, which you can use for web development but is not as quick as Ruby.General-purpose programming language. You can use majorly for web development due to its quick development and efficiency.
Partial object-oriented programming.Completely object-oriented.
It consists of large libraries available from Pypl. Besides coders, many students, mathematicians, and scientists leverage these libraries for data analysis and reasoning.Libraries of Ruby are limited and are also available as RubyGems. Mostly used to build scalable and high-traffic web apps.
Variables once set here cannot be unset.Can be accessed in the symbol table until the variable remains in scope.
Can support multiple inheritances.Offers support for single inheritance.
Support extensive lambda functions.Support single line lambda functions.
Python language consists of Methods.Ruby consists of Functions.
Majorly used for academic and data science programs so that you can use some of its specific libraries to manipulate, interpret, and visualize data.Majorly used for web development and functional programming. It is also preferable for digital projects and for websites that require efficient coding and maintenance.
Good learning curve – It is easy to learn for new coders and can be quickly implemented as per the requirement, especially with its framework.Complex learning curve – Beginners may take time in learning the languages and getting used to the coders. However, the Ruby on Rails framework comes with built-in templates which are way simpler and easy to learn.  
Characteristics of Python include code readability, speed, efficiency, and conservativeness.But, important characteristics include elegance, expression, efficiency, and power.
The language is less flexible as the task can be performed by one method or approach.Multiple methods approaches can be applied to execute a program. So, it’s more flexible.
It offers a great scope of development and is one of the top programming languages because of its use in data science.It works best for niche development, also, mostly for web and educational development.
Python consists of a huge global community that is vast which features massive documents, forums, and more.But, Rails consist of a vibrant community with structured documentation for web-based problems.
Python Vs Ruby

Conclusion

As mentioned here, Ruby Vs Python – both are high-level languages and object-oriented, still very different. Both are good for specific development purposes.

We have compared both languages in various programming aspects, so you make the right decision as per your business requirement and personal programming preferences.


Harikrishna Kundariya

Author Bio: Harikrishna Kundariya, a developer, designer, marketer, IoT, ChatBot & Blockchain savvy, Director and co-founder of eSparkBiz Technologies. His 10+ experience qualifies him to provide digital solutions to innovative start-ups based on ChatBot and IoT.

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