Agriya software development

The famous Node.js used for server-side and networking applications is an open source and a cross-platform, run-time environment. With its application written in JavaScript, the Node.js development services have been, of late, become highly sought after.

Ruby on Rails, on the contrary, is a web application framework. This model-view-controller framework offers default structures for a web service, web pages, and database. All that that, many a times, a question being asked is, which to use! Comparison of the two is also sought. So here we do it. Read on...

Frankly, they are poles apart

Node.js is not a framework. It is also not a new language. As mentioned above, it is an application runtime environment. Simply put, it enables writing server-side applications in JavaScript. Node has got low-level routing. Contrary to Node, Rails is an opinionated framework. As known to many, it is written in Ruby language.

Development speed

With regard to speed of development, Ruby on Rails scores well. A CRUD application with database migrations can be developed with the use of only a few commands through the command line using generators. However, a Node.js developer, building a web application, gets to find the modules and include them. Since there is a practical need for downloading a module, Node.js takes a good amount of time.

Learning curve

It isn't difficult to learn Rails. The main reason being that the availability of umpteen tutorials and courses. However, during the course of learning, it is important to understand things such as arrays, classes, objects, variables, models and Ruby level methods. Coming to the learning aspect of Node.js, the learning curve is very much less than Ruby on Rails. What sets Node apart is that it is not only the developers having a C or Java background have accessibility, but even the front-end developers can easily pick up.

Rails: a complete package

Models, views, controllers and data object models make Rails a complete ecosystem. They even come with clear interactions with OCD vertical integration. But in the case of Node.js, it needs a really heavy module interaction. Importantly, in Ruby on Rails, there is no such need of worrying with regard to data models.

Make and improve Ruby on Rails modules

Though Node has best start with NPM, it is the Ruby on Rails that has got highly robust sources for tools and also libraries. The Ruby Toolbox demonstrates the relative popularity of Ruby on Rails. As said, many of the modules that are ought to be selected in Node.js are integrated in Rails by default.

Conclusion

Having made it clear in the first point, it would only be odd to say that Node.js is best or Ruby on Rails is best. The developers choice is what that really holds water.

In the recent past, Node.js has emerged as a popular runtime environment, with its applications written in Javascript. When it comes to hiring talented node.js developer, it poses a challenge to companies, given the fact that it is a new technology and it is hard to get a candidate with exceptional skills. However, paying attention some of the technical concepts, which the candidate needs to possess, and hiring talent on that basis will make the task easier.

Must skills for Node.js developer

Make sure that the developer possesses a spectrum of knowledge. It is important that the developer has the ability to involve in operations. In the event of server crash, the developer has to easily handle. The domain should be used.

It is a challenge to scale node.js applications across servers. This is one area where exceptional knowledge is required. How to use load balancer is a necessary skill. Also, being an open source, security risks are present. To tackle, familiarity with server-side injection is important for developers. Knowledge of how to code-smith is certainly a need.

Experience and awareness of socket.io library is something you have to check for, because, websockets help create real-time applications like chat and even games.

The developer has to be in a position to write smaller and reusable codes. Expertise in modules like Async, Express and connect proves to be an added advantage. Connecting to active Node.js community, peer-coding utilizing GitHub is a must for a candidate. Checking on the candidates' contributions in GitHub will go a long way in hiring the right candidate.

The level of understanding of event-driven programming is imperative. Application flow control in event-driven programming is helpful.

The Node.js developer should have the ability of Test Driven Development. The process of writing the code becomes simpler. A better understanding of kinds of tests, the talent to structure the code, is all important.

Ensure that the candidate has a sound knowledge of database (NoSQL, MongoDB), scalable backend architecture concepts and the ability to properly and easily put the features to use.

Conclusion:

Apart from the skills, which are non-negotiable, it is also important to find a Node.js developer who is passionate and is always willing to explore and learn new things. Above all, the candidate has to have a team spirit and be a team player.