October 8, 2024

A Complete Guide on Ruby on Rails Outsourcing

Elena Pashkovskaya

Technical copywriter

Outsourcing

Ruby on Rails Outsourcing: An Ultimate Guide [2024]

Elena Pashkovskaya

Technical copywriter

Outsourcing

Ruby on Rails Outsourcing: An Ultimate Guide [2024]

Ruby on Rails development outsourcing is a time and cost-saving option for startups and established companies. It allows you to get top professionals worldwide and use their expertise for your project without extra effort. Suppose you build your corporate website, eCommerce store, or educational platform on this framework. In that case, outsourcing Ruby on Rails developers might be your case.

In this article, we'll cover the main aspects of the framework, its benefits, and real-world examples. We'll also explain how Ruby on Rails outsourcing services have contributed to the success of various projects. Let's start!

Key Takeaways

  • Ruby on Rails outsourcing is a great choice for developing web platforms, online stores, content management systems, online forums, and more. The industries include eCommerce, FinTech, Entertainment, Streaming services, Education, and Real Estate.
  • The benefits of outsourcing Ruby on Rails project work include quick launch, fast time to market, cost efficiency, flexibility, and security. The framework's key characteristics, such as developer friendliness, diversity of tools, and gem availability, enable a seamless development process.
  • The project launch process with the outsourced Ruby team includes defining business goals, gathering requirements, choosing the outsourcing partner, team onboarding, development, testing, and, finally, the deployment and maintenance stage.
  • Considering outsourcing ruby teams? NEKLO, with its reliable and experienced Ruby on Rails outsourcing services, will support your project with its top talents. With over 300 successful projects completed, NEKLO has proved to be a trustworthy outsourcing partner.

Ruby on Rails Development in a Nutshell

Ruby is a general-purpose, high-level programming language used by developers worldwide for more than 20 years. It is supplemented with Ruby on Rails, a full-stack web development framework that expands Ruby and can also be defined as a package library called Ruby Gem.

The framework has remained popular throughout the years, with more than 700,000 websites built on it worldwide, according to BuiltWith. Regardless of rumors of its decreasing popularity and slow dying, it is more accurate to say about Ruby on Rails' maturity. It is still a well-built tool for web app development, with an extensive library and a large supportive community. Of course, new programming languages have emerged over the years. Still, it does not compromise Ruby's value, reliability, and high quality.

Ruby on Rails Key Characteristics

  • MVC architecture: Ruby on Rails includes a Model-View-Controller architectural pattern, allowing developers to create scalable and extensible projects. Each logical component is built to handle a specific app development aspect. 
  • Scaffolding: The framework enables the generation of the basic structure of web applications for common functionalities. It facilitates prototyping, MVPs, and simple app development.
  • Security: The Ruby on Rails framework is safe and resistant to attacks. The security measures include cross-site scripting, token authentication, and leveraging specific code structures to ensure secure data output.
  • Built-in Libraries: These libraries, known as gems, provide functionalities for various basic tasks, such as authentication, code debugging, testing, generation of demo data, file upload, admin panel building, and more. 
  • Convention over configuration: One of Ruby on Rails's most important features that saves developers time. Instead of creating custom rules for everything, developers follow pre-set conventions. 
  • Automatic testing: Ruby on Rails allows developers to write unit, functional, and integration tests easily. Built-in tools and specialized gems reduce costly bug risks and improve collaboration between development team members.

Ruby on Rails Tools and Technologies

The framework has robust development and testing tools, allowing developers to write clear code and identify bugs early in the development. 

Sidekiq: A background job processing tool for Ruby applications. It allows for asynchronous execution of tasks like sending emails or processing data.

RSpec: A testing framework for Ruby focusing on Behavior-Driven Development (BDD). It allows developers to write human-readable test cases.

Capistrano: A remote server automation and deployment tool that simplifies deployment tasks like uploading files and running scripts.

Puma: A fast, multi-threaded web server for Ruby/Rails applications that efficiently handles concurrent requests.

Devise: A flexible authentication solution for Ruby on Rails applications, offering a range of features like user registration, login, and password recovery.

ActiveAdmin: A framework for creating elegant, data-driven admin interfaces in Ruby on Rails applications, offering out-of-the-box solutions for managing application data.

Other Frameworks: Grape, Hanami, RoR, Sinatra, Dry-rb, Trailblazer.

Ruby on Rails Project Examples

Ruby on Rails is an extensive framework that is great for startups that need prototyping and MVP building and enterprises that require system modernization. It allows quick introduction of changes, validation of software iterations, and great code readability.

Ruby on Rails project examples: web apps, CMS, social media apps, healthcare apps, API development, etc.

The framework is used in dozens of domains. Examples include social networking apps (as Ruby on Rails can support heavy-traffic apps), eCommerce platforms, healthcare applications, streaming services, travel and hospitality, and other custom solutions.

Real-World Examples of Ruby on Rails Projects

The versatility of Ruby on Rails is on full display with these diverse applications. Many brands that are constantly in the limelight, are actually built via this framework. Let's explore some of the most popular ones:

  • Bloomberg, a financial tools and analytics provider, uses Ruby on Rails in their media platform.
  • GitHub, a well-known code-hosting platform, implements the framework for effectively managing thousands of projects and processing high-volume project management requests. 
  • Netflix, a famous streaming platform, uses Ruby on Rails to help with its overall architecture (microservices) and security. The framework also helps with the service's scalability and growing demands.
  • Shopify used Ruby on Rails' great flexibility and scalability to build a strong platform's backend that allows it to handle thousands of requests and serve more than 5 million stores worldwide.
  • CrunchBase, the famous knowledge hub for developers, used Ruby on Rails for backend development.
  • Etsy, an eCommerce platform specialized in selling vintage and handmade items, had over 8 million sellers and 90+ million users reported in 2023. Ruby on Rails helped the marketplace maintain a strong database, develop system integrations, and easily introduce new features.

When Do You Need Ruby on Rails Project Outsourcing?

Now and then, businesses face situations requiring additional capacity for project development. That’s where Ruby on Rails developer outsourcing is the right solution. Let’s check the main cases of such an approach.

Your In-House Team Lacks Expertise

Unfortunately, in-house teams are not omnipotent. In the vast IT domain of hundreds of programming languages, such as Ruby, developer outsourcing, and development tools and frameworks, you cannot have everything on your domestic team. Ruby on Rails developer outsourcing helps businesses quickly find experts with specific domain experience who can make a valuable contribution to their in-house team.

Tight Budget

Ruby on Rails development outsourcing can significantly cut development costs for your project. In contrast with an in-house team, choosing outsourcing means you don’t need to spend time and money on recruiting, infrastructure, and employee benefits. The outsourced Ruby developers may have lower hourly rates than the ones in your location. Your outsourcing partner bears the responsibility of delivering you the best match.

P.S. You don’t have to pay a licensing fee because Ruby on Rails is open-source.

Strict Project Deadlines

Ruby on Rails outsourcing services are a good solution when your project faces tough deadlines. With IT professionals outsourcing, you can launch the process in weeks, while gathering an in-house team may take several months. Impressive time-saving. This is achieved by an experienced HR department that can select the best talents for your Ruby on Rails project within a short time.

Access to Latest Technologies

Your in-house team may lack Ruby expertise, or you may have a niche project and need domain-specific experience. In this case, outsourcing Ruby teams gives you access to the world’s talent pool, where you can find the developer with the requested knowledge and practical background.

Risk Mitigation

When a business has a new or unfamiliar project, there are many risks of things not going according to plan. An outsourcing partner for a Ruby on Rails project will share the risks of project management, teams’ expertise, recruitment, budget, and timelines. Partnership with an outsourcing company ensures that your business needs are met and the project is launched with a well-defined budget, development schedule, and proper specialists.

You Need a Scalable Team

If your project has size fluctuations and handling long-term hiring commitments might be excessive, you need dynamic scaling, which an outsourcing partner can provide. It offers flexibility and team expansion/reduction according to project requirements. High scalability helps save your budget and maintain the right size of your development team at each step of your project.

Pros of Ruby on Rails Outsourced Development

Pros of Ruby on Rails: security, flexibility, ease of maintenanace, big community, gems, clea and reusable code

Outsourcing a development team is a cost-effective, time-saving way to launch the project and cut its time to market. Fast onboarding and assembling of the team allows it to set off in several weeks. Flexible engagement models ensure you'll stay within the budget and the work will be done in time. Ruby on Rails project outsourcing ensures that you meet your business priorities and will focus on the core competencies that the project requires. The result is a secure and easily maintainable product.

Faster Problem-Solving With Large Community

Ruby on Rails is famous for its vast supportive community, where thousands of volunteers make small and big contributions to the framework, making it more secure and reliable. The community helps developers solve complex issues by assisting them whenever they need it. Check the Ruby on Rails GitHub community page, Reddit, or Stack Overflow forums; you'll see active participants and never-ending issues solving. You can also read about GitHub's experience building its repository on Ruby on Rails. After all, a strong framework's community and developers' support is one factor in a project's success.

Availability of Gems for Easy Code Sharing

As we mentioned above, gems are packaged parts of Ruby code that can be shared and used by other developers. The custom methods inside a gem usually have a particular application and functionality, e.g., testing, authentication, database mapping, etc. Gems facilitate and accelerate the development process, as developers do not need to write some pieces of code from scratch. 

Extensive Documentation for Code Quality

Ruby on Rails has well-written, easily available documentation, tutorials, and a dedicated website that allows developers to understand the framework's development process. The manuals are written by experts and explain the best development methods for building web applications. The framework's open-source nature offers many other resources for developers from the community.

Easier App Building With Diverse Tools 

In addition to the fact that Ruby on Rails is a comprehensive library itself, there are plenty of tools available for developers to facilitate coding. Additional plugins, tools, libraries, and platforms help developers create high-quality web applications.

Examples of tools used by Ruby on Rails developers in project outsourcing:

  • RubyMine
  • Pry
  • Omniauth
  • NetBeans
  • Atom
  • Bullet
  • Rubocop

Fast Development Through Developer Friendliness 

Clean and readable code, easy prototyping, straightforward syntax, ease of maintenance and deployment, complimentary gem availability, convenient testing  — the list of Ruby on Rails praises does not end there. The framework allows for building and launching web applications quickly and efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Ruby on Rails Development Outsourcing Services

What types of projects can the Ruby on Rails development outsourcing team handle? 

  • Ruby on Rails web app design: great UI and UX design starts here. Compelling user interfaces are vital for your web application's success. The outsourced team can create delightful user experiences and make your brand stand out using the latest trends and technologies.
  • Ruby on Rails web app development: company website, educational platform or eCommerce store — with the help of Ruby on Rails web outsourcing services, you can swiftly launch your project built using best practices by talented developers.
  • Ruby on Rails integration services: if you need to integrate third-party APIs into your website, refer to a Ruby on Rails outsourcing company. Connect payment processing modules, email marketing tools or any other software you need to extend its functionality.
  • Ruby on Rails performance optimization: poor responsiveness and slow page load reduce the number of visitors/customers to your website and increase bounce rate and cart abandonment. If your website suffers a sudden drop in performance, this service is just right for you.
  • Ruby on Rails porting and migration: seamlessly transit your existing applications, databases, or frameworks to the Ruby on Rails platform if such need occurs. Migrate your eCommerce stores without any disruption.
  • Ruby on Rails project maintenance and support: any web app needs constant monitoring, post-launch bug fixes, and the introduction of new features and improvements. Ruby on Rails developer outsourcing allows you to hire professionals to take care of your platform security and performance.
  • Ruby on Rails consulting: outsource expertise and experience getting a consultation on your future Ruby on Rails project or application optimization. The professionals can lead you through the details and advise you on the following steps per your request.

Ruby on Rails Project Launch With the Outsourced Team

Ruby on Rails project stages

We are now moving to setting up your Ruby on Rails outsourcing project. Discover six simple steps to seamless software development.

Discovery and Scoping

First, you should define the project's business goals and scope of work. Consider necessary software features and functionality, clarify the initial requirements through discussions with your partners, and describe the project's objectives. Gather the feedback from stakeholders and write the initial documentation. In the later steps, your outsourcing partner will help you refine goals and requirements and offer additional features, integrations, and solutions. 

Choosing an Outsourcing Partner

Several things to consider when selecting outsourcing partners. Initially, check the potential partner's experience, portfolio, reviews, and ratings. Your provider must have rich experience building similar projects and show their expertise through authentic portfolio cases. Ensure they have systematic software development procedures and follow them, including Agile methodology. Additionally, check whether your Ruby on Rails outsourced team will be a great cultural fit and whether the developers are fluent English speakers.

Team Onboarding

Now, when you select your outsourcing company and sign an agreement that includes project scope, timelines, milestones, required resources, and cost, your outsourcing partner will provide you with the necessary specialists. 

Now it's time for onboarding.

It all begins with communication. Establish clear communication channels and task management tools, such as Asana, Jira, Trello, Slack, Confluence, or Microsoft Teams. Set up a Zoom call schedule for effective communication between you and your outsourced team. Then, outline project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure alignment between you and the development team. 

Project Execution and Testing

This step includes leveraging the Ruby on Rails framework to build the web application efficiently and effectively, adhering to best practices and coding standards. Project execution begins with prototyping and the creation of wireframes. The initial step also includes designing database schema and system architecture and establishing data relationships. 

Then, it's time for coding and quality assurance. Ruby on Rails outsourced team conducts thorough testing at various stages of development, including unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT), to identify and address potential issues.

Project Launch and Maintenance

After the initial deployment, the team provides ongoing support and maintenance services to address issues arising after the launch, introduces updates according to evolving business requirements, and monitors the application's performance and scalability.

Project Launch and Maintenance

After the initial deployment, the team provides ongoing support and maintenance services to address any issues that may arise after the launch, introduces updates according to evolving business requirements, and monitors the application's performance and scalability.

What to Look for in Ruby on Rails Developers

Although the outsourcing company’s staff schedules interviews, evaluates hard and soft skills, and assembles the development team, it is good to know what these specialists know. Some core competencies of Ruby on Rails outsourced developers have unraveled.

  1. Knowledge of MVC architecture and Active Records. The model-view-controller pattern is fundamental for Ruby on Rails. This structure helps organize code, making it easier to manage and scale. In addition, a strong understanding of the Ruby language is a must. Active Record is the Object-Relational Mapping layer in Ruby on Rails. It allows developers to interact with the database using Ruby code.
  2. Ability to build and work with RESTful APIs. APIs allow applications to communicate with each other and are integral parts of any web application. Rails have built-in support for creating RESTful APIs, making implementing efficient, resource-based communication between systems easier.
  3. Front-end development skills. Expertise in HTML and JavaScript. It enhances the developer’s ability to work with the Document Object Model and fulfill tasks like finding elements on a webpage, manipulating HTML, handling hidden elements, and managing pop-up confirmations.
  4. Database management. Strong knowledge of SQL and MySQL, PostgreSQL database engines allows developers to interact with databases and build robust, data-driven applications.
  5. Knowledge of additional tools. Aside from coding, there are a lot of other tools and applications for project management, team communication, and collaboration. The examples are Git and GitHub, Asana, Jira, etc.
  6. Testing skills. Ruby on Rails outsourced developers must be able to check the code and verify the product. For this purpose, Ruby on Rails has particular tools like RSpec and Capybara, so familiarity with these and similar frameworks will be a plus.

Remember that this list contains just the core skills and can be expanded. Communicate developer requirements to your outsourcing partner, and they will find the best candidates for your project. 

Why NEKLO for Ruby on Rails Outsourcing

  • An experienced team with a 70% level of seniority among its members. 
  • Excellent project management that ensures timely project delivery.
  • 300+ successful projects have been completed in eCommerce, healthcare, FinTech, and logistics.
  • Transparent communication with our partners and effective reporting.
  • Great cultural fit for your company and no troubles with time zone differences.
  • 15+ years of experience in building software solutions that exceed client’s expectations.
  • Creative and proactive designers and developers who think outside the box.
  • Each team member aspires to deliver extra results and be ahead of schedule.

Conclusion

Ruby on Rails outsourcing is a strategic move that caters to your project goals and needs, allowing you to build web platforms and online stores with top-notch technologies and talents. Among other advantages, there are two main ingredients to success: Ruby on Rails' mature and seasoned framework, and a reliable outsourcing partner. 

Have a project in mind? Contact NEKLO and get a free consultation on Ruby on Rails project outsourcing from our business analysts. We assemble scalable, experienced, and goal-oriented teams so your project can thrive.