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There are two parts to any application – the one on the client side, which is the front-end, and the one on the server side, which is the back-end.
There are two parts to any application – the one on the client side, which is the front-end, and the one on the server side, which is the back-end. The front-end is about what the user of a computer, smartphone, or tablet can see and interact with, while the back-end is what drives applications from the inside and what is not visible, but certainly noticeable since the back-end manages the entire application system.
Choosing the right back-end technology is not easy. In order to choose the right one, firstly, you need to analyze all the requirements that the product will have to meet. This task requires good experience in back-end development as well as knowledge about it. If you are not able to judge on your own which technology would be best for the back-end of a given product, it is always advisable to seek advice from a professional digital agency.
It is often the case that the choice of the back-end is between Python and Ruby. And for a good reason, since both technologies are very efficient and allow for a faster and more enjoyable development process. However, how do you know which to choose if you are faced with a choice between the two?
Python
Python is a multi-level, interpreted language with a wide range of applications. It is versatile, as it can be used to write virtually anything, thanks to its many valuable libraries and robust frameworks. Codes written in Python are characterized by the fact that they are very clean and readable, thanks to the transparent language and design.
Python is most often used for machine learning and data science projects. It gains tremendous power when combined with its most popular framework, Django. Django is characterized by excellent development efficiency and is, above all, a very versatile framework, allowing the creation of very diverse applications.
Of course, Python, despite its many advantages, also has its drawbacks, and its biggest problem is probably performance, as it has never been prioritized by Python. This fact is compensated for by its often clear syntax, which makes it possible to get a program with minimal effort. Python is used by companies such as Instagram, Spotify, Google, NASA, and Yahoo.
Ruby on Rails
Ruby was developed in the 1990s in Japan, and it is a fully object-oriented and interpretive language. What characterises it is its pleasant and free syntax, which is mainly used for prototyping applications and writing scripts. The ace up the language’s sleeve is its Ruby on Rails framework, whose code is intuitive, allowing you to write new pages quickly. Since Ruby’s code is very easy to understand, it is trendy, especially among aspiring programmers.
Like Python, Ruby also does not pride itself on high performance. However, given its other capabilities, which successfully enable the creation of a back-end for high-quality websites, one can sometimes turn a blind eye to this problem. Among others, Ruby is used by Twitter, Shopify, Groupon, and GitHub.
Python or Ruby
Both Python and Ruby are languages with high code clarity and readability and belong to high-level object-oriented languages. However, some differences make each recommended for different applications. Ruby is a free-form language, while Python applies far more rules to its syntax and is faster than Ruby. Sometimes debugging a Ruby application is time-consuming and challenging due to its abstract nature. When to use these languages?
When to reach for Python?
The use of Python is extensive because you can use it to create any kind of software. However, first, you should use Python for data science, machine learning, and applications that scale horizontally and use the cloud. Python will also work well for creating web services and desktop applications running on the user’s computers, including games. With frameworks such as Django and Flask, useful libraries, and ease of testing, Python quickly achieves high functionality for its projects.
When is Ruby on Rails functional?
Ruby will work best for startups and small businesses with a limited budget and a short time to implement a product. Ruby enables rapid development and prototyping thanks to its flexibility and simple syntax. The Ruby language can be successfully used to develop applications such as streaming services and e-commerce, as well as for sites where complete control over architecture, modules, and database integration is unnecessary.
Which one to choose?
Python and Ruby are powerful technologies for developing nearly any software. However, it is not enough to analyse the technology to decide on a back-end technology. You need to think about it in terms of the application’s needs and what will work best for it. If you need support in this task, the Applover team can help you make the right choice.