8 Best Ruby on Rails IDEs for Web Development

Quick Summary

According to Ruby on Rails usage statistics, it is a powerful and popular backend framework for web development companies. Writing code in Ruby is simpler than in other programming languages. In fact, Ruby gained popularity only after the Ruby on Rails framework became widely used. Rails is used by developers all over the world for rapid web development of user-driven, high-traffic websites and web apps.

The Ruby on Rails IDE is all you need to get started with the Ruby on Rails web framework and online Ruby editor. There are numerous IDEs available in today’s market, both paid and free, and selecting one is time-consuming. With our experience as a web application development company, we have compiled a list of the best Rails IDE and Ruby on Rails online Editors.

Let’s start by delving into the RoR concept, learning what it is and why developers use it. Then we’ll look at some of the most popular online Ruby editors and IDEs.

What is Ruby and Ruby on Rails

• Ruby is the world’s most expressive, and artistic programming language. It was created with the sole purpose of adding elegance to web applications and improving readability for users. It makes use of the Ruby on Rails API, which allows web developers to deeply integrate cutting-edge features and functionality into the websites they are creating. It is a database-backed web application scripting language that is dynamically typed and object-oriented.

• Ruby is used in conjunction with the Ruby on Rails MVC framework. In fact, Ruby on Rails is credited with popularising Ruby through exciting features such as Gem, Rails migration, action controllers, metaprogramming, and more. Ruby on Rails was designed to assist in the management of data computation, internal logic, routines, and other tasks. Ruby on Rails is used for product development by well-known tech companies such as Github, Airbnb, and Bloomberg.

Some Benefits of Using Ruby on Rails Framework

• The active RoR community has Ruby Gems for almost every task. These libraries are open-source, which distinguishes them from other commercial development frameworks. Furthermore, there are no licensing fees. Aside from being cost-effective, the framework is also known to be highly productive. Ruby on Rails code is easy to read and self-documenting. This increases productivity because there is less need to create distinct documentation.

• Furthermore, self-documentation makes it easier for developers to select current projects. Furthermore, Rails conventions make it easier for developers to switch between different Rails projects. Every project is standardized, with the same coding practices and structure. Rails are ideal for rapid application development (RAD) because the framework makes it simple to accommodate changes. Rails have a strong emphasis on testing and a good testing framework.

What is an IDE?

• The integrated development environment (IDE) is a software tool designed to increase programmers’ productivity by providing tight-knit components with parallel user interfaces. IDE is a software application that provides comprehensive software development services to computer engineers and programmers.

• An IDE will typically include a debugger, a source code editor, and build automation tools. Some IDEs, such as Eclipse and NetBeans, include the necessary interpreter, compiler, or both; others, such as Lazarus and SharpDevelop, do not. The line between a full-featured IDE and other software development tools, such as a code editor, is not clearly defined; occasionally, a version control system or several tools to speed up the creation of a graphical user interface (GUI) are included.

• Ruby on Rails Gems has also become very popular these days. All thanks to the IDE which is very useful in developing such Ruby on Rails Gems.

8 Best Ruby on Rails IDEs to Use

1. RubyMine

Introduction

RubyMine is a full-featured and one of the best ruby on rails IDE created by JetBrains, a company that creates developer tools for experienced developers.It provides extensive support for languages such as CoffeeScript, Ruby, ERB, JavaScript, CSS, HAML, and Saas.

It is simple to use and generates readable, seamless code. However, you should be aware that this IDE is not open-source or free, and you must pay a fee to use it.

Features

• Debug code using a graphical user interface debugger for JavaScript, Ruby, and CoffeeScript, as well as the ability to set breakpoints.

• Code completion, syntax and error highlighting formatting suggestions, and unified integration with version control systems are all available.

2. Atom Editor

Introduction

Atom editor is an open-source IDE from Github, which is now a subsidiary of Microsoft. It has highly customizable features to help with code development. Furthermore, it helps to increase productivity without having to move the configuration file each time. Typically, it does not function independently because it is supported by the GitHub seamless practice.

It supports a variety of programming languages, including Ruby. Other Atom features for Rails development are discussed further below.

Features

• For version control, integration with Git and GitHub.

• It has auto-completion, multiple panes, and find and replace capabilities.

• Teletype, in which developers can work on the same document in real-time.

3. VIM Editor

Introduction

VIM is a feature-rich open-source text editor for Ruby on Rails that is available for free. VIM users adore it, especially developers who prefer using only a keyboard and no mouse for lightning-fast coding.

VIM is open-source software distributed under the GPL licence. The fact that VIM was used by Facebook engineers during their early development stage attests to its popularity.

Features

• It is keyboard-based, which allows for quick file switching.

• VIM Editor is an excellent Ruby IDE for Linux.

• Plugins that allow you to convert this text editor into a powerful Ruby development environment.

4. Cloud9

Introduction

• Cloud9 provides a development environment for almost all programming languages that include Ruby. Cloud9 is quickly gaining popularity among medium to large enterprises, and companies such as Soundcloud, Heroku, Mozilla, and Mailchimp, to name a few, are already using it.

• Cloud9 is a powerful Ruby code editor that allows you to host the Ruby on Rails development environment in Cloud9 and retrieve commands just like you would on your own workstation. You get almost all of the features you need for Ruby on Rails development, such as a text editor, file manager, Unix shell, preview, and chatting for team collaboration.

Features

• It includes a browser-based editor that makes writing, running, and debugging projects simple. You can customise the editor’s themes.

• It includes an integrated panel debugger that allows you to set breakpoints, check variable states, and step through code.

• It allows you to run commands like compiling your code, pushing code changes to git, and displaying command output from servers.

• Serverless Application Model (SAM) tools use Cloud9 templates to provide a streamlined way of describing resources for your serverless applications.

5. NetBeans

Introduction

NetBeans is one of the most popular IDEs for development that can be used with various programming languages. Many developers prefer to use NetBeans because it has a strong ruby development environment.

Developers use NetBeans and programming languages like Java, PHP, HTML 5, C or C++, etc. to develop mobile, desktop, and web applications quickly. NetBeans IDE is one of the best IDE for Rails online development because programmers use cutting-edge technologies and its end-to-end app development capabilities, constantly increasing Java Editor, and regular speed and performance improvements.

Features

1. It provides intelligent summaries to help you grasp and manage your Rails apps and has great compatibility with well-liked tools like Maven.
2. As a cross-platform tool, it works with Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris.

6. Sublime Text

Introduction

Sublime Text is a code editor and ruby on rails online editor that is highly customizable, lightweight, and fast. Sublime Text is currently the best IDE for Ruby on Rails development. It is one of the most popular editors due to its attractive user interface, performance, and ability to add plugins, which can transform it into a full-featured IDE.

Features

• For users to find information.

• This ruby text editor stands out for its performance and customization.

• It has the ability to divide edit, select and change the text in multiple places at once, and quickly switch projects without saving.

7.  Aptana Studio

Introduction

Aptana Studio is a popular open-source IDE for creating dynamic and programming web applications. Aptana Studio includes integrated Rails support. It is regarded as the best Rails IDE due to its use of the external plugin RadRails, which includes a plethora of high-tech features to aid in the development of database-driven web apps.

Furthermore, this tool has novel features that improve productivity and allow for customization. It also provides extensive support for numerous programming languages, such as AJAX, Javascript, Rails, CSS, PHP, and HTML.

Features

• Its filter nodes are used to look at collections that match the patterns.

• It aids in bug prediction.

• It also includes syntax or error highlighting.

• It has a code representation that is tree-structured.

• It inspects variables, breakpoints, and controls execution with ease.

8. Emacs

Introduction

Emacs is a stunning and endearing code editor/ruby on rails online editor for Ruby scripting and Rails web programming. It is free to use and can be configured and customised to meet your needs.

Emacs is used by many Ruby developers, so there is a dedicated Ruby plugin called enhanced Ruby mode that supports Ruby programming. Additional packages to supplement Ruby-tools, rubocop-emacs, rake, rvm, chruby, bundler, and rbenv are examples of Emacs for Ruby. It is one of the best choices explicitly when looking for a free Ruby IDE.

Features

• Enhanced Ruby Mode for Ruby on Rails web development.

• Syntax coloring is one of its editing modes.

• It includes tutorials for project planners, new users, and a debugger interface in addition to text editing functionality.

• It has a highly customizable appearance that can be changed using GUI or Emacs Lisp.

Also check : 8 Best Ruby Frameworks For Web Development In 2023

Which IDE Should You Use for Ruby on Rails?

During your Rails web development project, your developers will spend a significant amount of time working on an IDE. As a result, it is critical to hire Ruby on Rails developers who are familiar with the IDE you select. Most of the editors and IDEs for Ruby development mentioned above are either free or offer a free trial version. It is always a good idea to try out a few of them before settling on one.

Before deciding on the best Ruby text editor, consider the following factors:

• Consider built-in features that boost your productivity, such as auto-complete, code snippets, and clean design that doesn’t get in your way.

• Is the Ruby on Rails editor you’ve chosen open-source?

• What Ruby-related plugins are available to make your life easier?

These are some of the best Ruby on Rails code editors for increasing developers’ productivity when building applications. Still, if you have any queries or questions, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions at the end of the blog. Please contact Tagline if you require any additional information.

Conclusion:

Ruby is a powerful programming language with a plethora of plugins and functionalities such as Gems, active controllers, metaprogramming, and so on. The Ruby IDE is required to fully utilise its capabilities and create diverse Ruby on Rails applications. RubyMine, VIM, Emacs, Aptana Studio, and Cloud9 are all the best IDE for Ruby on Rails development tools that can handle any size of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions –