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Ruby on Rails FAQ
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Ruby on Rails FAQ

» What is Rails?
Rails is a web development framework for developing database-backed applications. It's free software and integrates easily with Apache, PostgreSQL, and other open- and closed-source applications.
» Why Rails?
Rails allows developers to create reliable, agile, and easy-to-manage applications quickly with less code. Less code means fewer places to make mistakes and fewer places to make changes when needs evolve. Many developers feel Rails offers one of the cleanest available implementations of the MVC development model (see below).
» Agile?
"Agile" software development is the combination of the best parts of several development philosophies from the past decade or so. It emphasizes close developer and client collaboration, formalized and thorough testing, short delivery timelines, and frameworks that allow for quick changes. Rather than letting requirements changes bring projects to a standstill, agile development teams are able to incorporate changes more easily. Rails is an excellent fit for agile development.
» How much does Rails cost?
Rails is free software released under the MIT license. There are no licensing or setup fees, it is free to use. We charge for our time to build and maintain your site.
» How scalable is Rails?
Very. The popular Basecamp project management system runs on 3 servers and handles 1 million page views a day. With intelligent caching and tuned database queries, Rails sites can scale up very well.
» Why the insistence on testing?
Testing is free insurance. Making sure your development works properly before users run into problems helps everyone. Rails' built-in testing framework ensures that rigorous, formalized testing can go hand-in-hand with system development with little extra cost and great added value.
» What is MVC?
The MVC (Model-View-Controller) pattern is a development methodology that explicitly separates business concerns into appropriate realms. This separation affords quicker, more reliable development.
  • A "model" defines your data, how it's validated and how it relates to other data. A "model" might define a customer account or a product.
  • A "view" defines how your data is presented. A "view" might be the actual page a user sees when updating their profile.
  • A "controller" defines the business logic about how your application functions. A "controller" might define who can do what with user accounts -- logging in, updating information, and adding new accounts.
» Who uses Rails?

Many more examples are available at Happycodr.

» What about Ajax?
Ajax (short for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) glues JavaScript, HTML, and XML together to make rich user interfaces. Microsoft created the technical underpinnings of Ajax that were soon supported in all major browsers. Ajax features are now seen everywhere in modern web development. Rails has Ajax support built right in. One of the most popular Ajax frameworks, Prototype, was designed specifically for Rails. Done right, Ajax can make very user-friendly sites that feel more like desktop applications.
» There are other Rails developers out there. Why should I use End Point?
  • Size: We're not a 1 or 2-guy shop. We've got a growing team of more than 20 engineers that work directly with clients.
  • Hosting: We're one-stop: We host all our Rails sites in secure, fast, and tightly-managed hosting environments. See our Hosting section for more.
  • Experience: We've been building ecommerce and web applications for over 10 years for many types of companies, non-profits, and individuals.
  • Database Design: Your data is your business. While the appearance, design, and features of your web application may change dramatically over time, your data must outlive all of these changes and remain consistently clear, clean, and meaningful. End Point understands this fact and makes every effort to deliver the most robust, comprehensive database design possible. Your front-end application can change dramatically, but End Point ensures that the organization and cleanliness of your data is never in doubt. Some Rails shops are content to let Rails handle all the data integrity for you; End Point holds itself to a higher standard and delivers database designs that survive better over time.
  • Ajax/Web 2.0: We make Ajax-enabled sites your users will love. Rails make it easy, and backed with our decade plus of real-world experience, you're in good hands.
Ruby on Rails FAQ
Ruby on Rails FAQ
What is Rails?
Why Rails?
Agile?
How much does Rails cost?
How scalable is Rails?
Why the insistence on testing?
What is MVC?
Who uses Rails?
What about Ajax?
There are other Rails developers out there. Why should I use End Point?
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