The combination of React and Rails is now trendy. There are several advantages to using React in the front end and Rail in the back end. Recently, the combination of these two has become popular. You may also have heard about this. Am I right? If not, then it’s OK. Let’s watch out for the benefits, and if you need to construct an application utilizing React & ROR, then you can also employ Rails + React developers.
In this blog, we will look at some of the advantages of integrating React with Rails and other important aspects of it!
What is React?
React is a library that utilizes JavaScript and enables the construction of user interfaces that are declarative, fast, and flexible, allowing developers to create web applications that are responsive and interactive. ReactJS is an open-source, component-based frontend library that is only responsible for the application’s display layer. React is a framework for building modular user interfaces. It encourages the creation of reusable user interface components that show dynamic data.
React employs a declarative approach, and the application aspires to be both speedy and versatile. It creates basic views for each state of your application, and React will rapidly update and render precisely the necessary components when your data changes. The declarative perspective makes your code more predictable and easy to debug.
A React application comprises several components, each responsible for producing a tiny, reusable piece of HTML. Components can be stacked within other components to create sophisticated applications from simple building pieces. A component may also have an internal state; for example, a TabList component may keep a variable corresponding to the currently active tab.
What is Ruby on Rails (RoR)?
Ruby on Rails, usually known as rails, is a server-side web application development framework created in the Ruby programming language and released under the MIT License by David Heinemeier Hansson. It adheres to the MVC (model-view-controller) architecture, which offers a default framework for databases, web pages, and web services. It also adheres to web standards like JSON or XML for data transmission and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the user interface. It stresses the application of well-known software engineering patterns and concepts such as:
Don’t Repeat Yourself (DRY): This software development philosophy aims to reduce the repetition of information or codes.
Convention Over Configuration (CoC): It gives a variety of viewpoints on the best approach to do various tasks in a web application.
6 Reasons: Why Use React with Rails?
There are multiple reasons why you should use React with Rails to construct your next project. Here are six illustrations!
Faster Development
Ruby on Rails with React can increase frontend performance and overall site load times, lowering bounce rates. It is also easier to handle modifications because everything is in one location.
When adding new features, such as search capabilities or an eCommerce shop, you can do so fast and effectively by creating a new API endpoint or script that runs on your server.
Each modification was flawlessly synchronized across the back and front end without further effort. To summarize, less friction promotes faster and more productive growth.
Faster Development
Ruby on Rails with React can increase frontend performance and overall site load times, lowering bounce rates. It is also easier to handle modifications because everything is in one location.
When adding new features, such as search capabilities or an eCommerce shop, you can do so fast and effectively by creating a new API endpoint or script that runs on your server.
Each modification was flawlessly synchronized across the back and front end without further effort. To summarize, less friction promotes faster and more productive growth.
Reduced Server Request Time
RoR with React reduces server request time since javascript runs on the browser, requiring less rendering on the server. This reduces request time between client and server while simultaneously reducing server load.
This improves the user experience of your application without impacting its performance. Reduced application load time increases conversion rates for e-commerce websites, making them more interesting for users and resulting in higher income.
Website Performance
When it comes to the user experience of your website, performance is everything. While many developers prioritize performance, you need a framework that lets you keep your end-users pleased.
As a result, a JavaScript framework like React and a Ruby on Rails web application server are ideal partners.
Though React may be used independently, its flexibility allows it to coexist with different frameworks and platforms while providing each site component complete autonomy over how they interact — without affecting the rest of your page.
That sort of efficiency implies happy users, which provides you an advantage over rivals that can’t optimize their site as efficiently as you can.
Maintainability
React with Ruby on Rails is easier to use and maintain than JavaScript frameworks. In other words, it saves developers time since there is less code to create, which means less time spent building unnecessary components and fewer defects in your software.
Furthermore, React with Ruby on Rails makes work easier by providing pre-made components that enable constructing web apps faster and easier.
Pre-built features like form fields, calendar views, models, and others reduce most of the coding labor, allowing you to focus on what you do best: developing beautiful interfaces that engage people while increasing income.
Modularity
So, are you a user of Ruby on Rails? One of its most significant advantages is that it is modular. It might be hard as a novice since you want to construct your complete project utilizing one framework.
This doesn’t have to be the case! In fact, using several frameworks (such as React and Rails) might help make your application more adaptable. Because they are independent frameworks with no set guidelines for how they should interact, you might utilize them in various ways.
For example, when adding new pages to your site, you may utilize a single-page app for some and a regular page for others.
Quality and Pace of Development
Using a framework like Ruby on Rails lets you get your product up and running quickly — but that isn’t always the most crucial factor for an early-stage firm.
Development quality is more essential than the development pace. Companies in their early stages should prioritize stability and maintainability in their software solutions.
Because it uses reusable components rather than templates, React allows for significantly faster development (the typical approach of a Ruby on Rails application).
Furthermore, one portion of your application does not require functionality from another. In that case, there is no need to duplicate code by importing additional libraries, as would occur in a traditional MVC framework.
Benefits of Using React with Rails in the Development of Modern Web Applications
Modern web application development has evolved significantly, as have the expectations and requirements connected with it. Ruby on Rails with React satisfies current web application development needs and is widely used by developers. The following that is mentioned below are some of the reasons why developers use React with Ruby on Rails:
Easy Maintenance
With React and Rails collaborating, it’s simple to maintain your front-end code up to date while updating your back-end API. Data updates are promptly delivered to your displays, eliminating the need for redrawing or laborious computations.
This reduces the amount of time spent on maintenance. Certain components, such as form or content elements, may allow you to alter those items without rebuilding the site.
SPAs are Facing Rising Competition
React, and Rails give a well-defined framework, which may not seem like much, but it helps keep everything structured and divided. The proper structure also makes it easier to maintain and upgrade over time.
If you’re developing a web application today, don’t even think about doing it without one of these two SPA technologies (Single Page Applications). For instance, a significant difference exists between what jQuery and Angular can perform.
They both serve their objectives and make intelligent decisions based on your requirements. Although substantially more difficult to grasp, frontend frameworks allow us to create incredibly dynamic experiences.
Frontend frameworks that perform well are meticulously created from the ground up by teams who understand how developers think.
Good User Experience
We obtain a quick and simple interface when we combine React with Ruby on Rails. Because both provide many functionalities, new ones may be readily and rapidly incorporated.
Both work together to create a backend that performs better than ever while reducing downtime. They can operate on any platform because of their speed (desktop, mobile, tablet).
They are ideal for developing programs that operate quickly regardless of platform. Integrating these two technologies gives you more control over your application’s performance and appearance.
Major corporations like Facebook, Walmart, and Yahoo! employ reactive programming.
Performance & Speed
It’s a misconception that React and Rails don’t get along; it depends on your desired integration.
If you don’t need to change any frontend code on your server (for example, if you only want to utilize your existing APIs and rendering framework), then integrating React components into your views can provide exceptionally quick and smooth results.
This is especially useful for apps like calendars or other time-sensitive data, which may use existing JavaScript tools like MomentJS and jQuery.
Less Code, Fewer Bugs
Many front-end development patterns are incorporated into both React and Ruby on Rails. As a result, you may write less code to provide comparable or greater functionality.
This results in fewer issues and happier developers. Of course, as with any technology, there is always the possibility that something may go wrong when combining them, but it will not be due to the lack of a framework or library. You only need to do your study to ensure that they get along.
Top Companies that Use React with Ruby on Rails
The combination of React and Rails is not just loved by their large community and product owners globally. However, many well-known organizations have relied on this combination for web application development. The names of a few globally famous enterprises that use React + Rails are shown below.
Gusto
Gusto is a US-based company that provides businesses with cloud-based payroll, benefits, and human resource management software. The company uses React with Ruby on Rails to develop a user-friendly interface for its customers. These technologies have enabled Gusto to process billions of dollars in online payroll quickly and efficiently. React has been instrumental in the rapid roll-out of Gusto’s product, allowing them to provide a seamless user experience. Gusto’s use of React and Rails has helped them become a leading payroll and HR services provider.
Airbnb
Airbnb, the renowned online platform for short-term homestays and experiences, has opted for a powerful combination of React and Ruby on Rails. The company has utilized Ruby as the primary programming language, Rails for server-side configuration, and ReactJS to create a seamless user interface. This React Rails example demonstrates how these technologies can enhance user experience.
OpenDoor
The San Francisco-based company OpenDoor, which deals in buying and selling real estate, initially used Ruby on Rails with Angular during development. However, as time progressed and better options for performance and UX emerged, they switched to React. This decision proved wise as React has shown consistent and rapid growth each year and is considered a safer option for creating single-page apps.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a digital platform that provides freelance services to cater to customers’ local needs. The platform utilizes React to ensure the project’s speed and quality, and the combination of React with Ruby on Rails is facilitated through the asset pipeline. This approach allows Taskrabbit to efficiently match consumers with skilled professionals who can assist them with everyday tasks.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, Ruby on Rails and React are powerful for building modern web applications. With the robust backend of Ruby on Rails and the dynamic frontend of React, developers can create high-performing, responsive, and scalable web applications. At Extended Web AppTech, we are dedicated to providing top-notch development services using this winning combination. Our team of expert developers will work closely with you to understand your requirements and develop a tailor-made solution that meets your business needs. Contact us today and let us help you build the modern web app of your dreams using React + Ruby on Rails.
