Can You Learn Ruby on Rails With No Coding Experience?

If you’re considering learning how to code, you may have considered learning Ruby on Rails. This is a popular framework that runs on top of the Ruby programming language. The framework enables developers to build complex web applications quickly and easily by providing a set of tools that handle common tasks, such as database access and data management. Rails was designed with several goals in mind: to be productive, fast, maintainable, and scalable.  

But how hard is it to learn Ruby on Rails? Ruby on Rails can be a good choice for your first programming language because it’s practical, and its syntax is easy to understand, but it’s still a good idea to do your research first. Let’s dive into why this might be a great choice if you’re still a beginner programmer.

Is Ruby Easy to Learn?

When considering programming languages to learn, people often wonder how hard it is, or how much experience they need before getting started. When it comes to Ruby, the short answer is that it’s an easy language to learn whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned developer.

Whether you decide to learn Ruby, Python, or another programming language, it’s important to note that with the correct resources, almost anyone is capable of learning to code and building skills that can be used in a variety of professional fields.

So, why is Ruby easy to learn? Here are a few reasons why you may consider diving into Ruby as your first programming language.

1. Easy-to-Understand Syntax

Ruby is considered quite simple to use. The language has a straightforward syntax that’s comparable to English, making it easy to learn and understand. This makes it ideal for those who are just starting out.

It’s also similar to other programming languages, such as Python or PHP, making it easier for developers who are already familiar with these languages to pick up Ruby. Another major benefit of Ruby that helps simplify the language is that the code tends to be shorter than other languages, since most features only require a couple of lines of code.

Learn More: Ruby on Rails vs. Python

2. Powerful but Flexible

The Ruby on Rails framework won’t restrict you from doing what you want with it. Learning even the basics of Rails will enable you to create functional applications quickly while still giving you the freedom to explore other areas of interest within the framework. This provides not only a better learning experience but also a way to explore areas of programming that may interest you.

3. Open Source

“Open source” means anyone can use the code for free and modify it as needed without paying license fees or royalties to anyone involved in the development process. This makes it an accessible technology for anyone who wants to learn how to program websites or online applications.

4. Community Support

There are hundreds of thousands of developers using Ruby and Rails today, all contributing their own knowledge, tips, and tricks to help each other on their own projects. If you ever run into a problem while using this framework, chances are someone else has already solved it and posted their solution online. You’re never alone when learning something new with Ruby on Rails.

5. Built-In Test Features

When it comes to writing Ruby code, there are tools built into the framework that make testing your code easier. This can save you hours of debugging time and give you more confidence in the quality of your code.

6. Convention Over Configuration

The Rails framework uses “convention over configuration” to make it easier for developers to create applications that work properly and consistently. This means the framework does things in a certain way by default, so you don’t have to worry about doing these things yourself. Instead, you can focus on the logic of your application and build on your knowledge as you go.

Why Learn Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails is one of the most popular web frameworks among developers because of its practicality. Ruby on Rails has a very low barrier to entry and allows developers to concentrate more on the important aspects of their project than the smaller implementation details.

Because of Rails’ “convention over configuration,” developers don’t have to specify how something should work. They can indicate what it should do, and Rails can figure out how to do it. This makes it a great framework for beginners, because you don’t have to spend time learning all the ins and outs of configuration files before you start working on your projects.

You can use Ruby on Rails to create any type of application, but it’s most suited for web applications with complex user interfaces or interactive elements like maps or charts. Some popular websites built with Ruby on Rails include Twitter, Groupon, and Kickstarter. It’s also used by other well-known companies like GitHub, Airbnb, Shopify, and Hulu.

Some things you may be able to create with Ruby on Rails include:

• A blog that posts articles in reverse chronological order (like this one!)
• An online store where customers can purchase products and leave reviews
• A social network where users can post status updates, photos, and videos (like Twitter!)
• A job board where employers can post jobs and applicants can apply for them

Ruby on Rails is a great option if you’re interested in a career like being an application developer, full-stack web developer, Ruby on Rails developer, or more of a generalized software engineer. In fact, many programming careers can become available to you if you develop your skills in Ruby on Rails.

The reason is simple: Ruby on Rails developers are highly valued by employers because they know how to create complex web applications quickly and efficiently, even if they have less experience working with databases or other complex technologies. This makes it easy for companies like Hulu and Airbnb to recruit top talent (and pay them a handsome salary).

How to Learn Ruby on Rails with No Coding Experience

If you’ve been wondering, “Can I learn Ruby on Rails with no programming experience?” the answer is yes. There are several myths about coding, one of the common ones being that you need to have a degree to learn how to code. There are, in fact, several options for those who want to learn to code with little experience and without committing to a four-year degree program.

If you’re new to coding and you want to learn Ruby or Ruby on Rails, you might feel like you don’t know where to start. Here are some common ways to get started learning Ruby and some of the resources that might be available to you.

Teaching Yourself

If you’re willing to put in the work to learn Ruby on Rails, you could read books, follow tutorials, and practice on your own time. Ruby on Rails even offers an official guide to getting started with the framework. If you go the self-taught route, it’s important to use online resources wisely, make time to practice coding every day, and build projects as you go along. With time and practice, you can master Ruby on your own.

This may sound appealing and intimidating all at the same time. There are plenty of resources and free tutorials out there that can help. Just make sure to choose an easy-to-follow guide or course that’s well-reviewed so you don’t waste your time on something that’s not useful.

Coding Bootcamp

Is Ruby easy to learn? Yes, but some people still prefer a structured option with more support and guidance from peers and instructors. If this sounds like you, you might consider joining a coding bootcamp to learn Ruby and Rails.

One of the best ways to learn something is to surround yourself with people who are also learning alongside you. Coding bootcamps offer a more structured curriculum that teaches students how to code and often also provide support through the job search process. The curriculum is designed by experts who know what skills will help you be successful and help guide you from day one until you accept your first job.

App Academy’s Campus Programs, located in San Francisco and New York, teach Ruby on Rails alongside other programming languages and frameworks that you’ll need to jumpstart your software engineering career in just 16 weeks. Not only will you learn crucial coding skills, but you’ll also have access to support throughout the interview and job search process once you graduate.

Learn More: Coding Bootcamp vs. Computer Science Degrees

Learn Ruby on Rails With App Academy

App Academy has always been committed to providing a top-notch curriculum, preparing students to take their careers to the next level. We’ve continued to refine our in-person curriculum to ensure it’s providing a thorough education in programming, including Ruby on Rails.

If you’re ready to get started learning Ruby on Rails, visit our campus programs page to learn more about our in-person coding bootcamp curriculum and how to apply.

‍