Many developer and designer jobs today call for the Ruby programming language — or for Ruby on Rails, which is a collection of shortcuts written in Ruby for quick and easy website building.
Here are five reasons why developers should learn Ruby programming:
1. Ruby can make you happy (really!)
We’ll start right out with the best reason. Ruby is a dynamic, reflective, object-oriented, general-purpose programming language designed by Japanese developer Yukihiro Matsumoto (or Matz, for short). Matz says he designed Ruby for developer happiness. Many developers agree.
2. Ruby is in demand
Many popular web applications like Twitter and Shopify were created with Ruby or Ruby on Rails, and the pair’s popularity is growing.
Many companies also use the Ruby programming language for everyday work. Thanks to that popularity, Mashable lists Ruby ninth on its list of 15 programming languages developers need to know in 2015.
3. Ruby salaries are rising
Starting salaries for web developers and designers are projected to increase around 6.4 percent in 2016, according to the Robert Half Technology 2015 Salary Guide. Starting compensation for developers ranges between $78,500 and $129,500. (You can use our Salary Calculator to adjust an entry-level web developer salary for your city.)
4. Ruby is poised for longevity
Ruby programmers know the language is dynamic and here for the long haul. Matsumoto is still heavily involved with Ruby and has spoken about his vision for Ruby’s future as well as about mruby, the embedded, lightweight Ruby he created.
5. Ruby is quick and inexpensive to learn
Plenty of online sites offer affordable Ruby programming and Ruby on Rails classes. Future programmers will also find plenty of online tutorials and a great Ruby community ready to help answer questions and inform users about updates and Ruby news.
You’ll want to learn both Ruby and Ruby on Rails. Learning a web application framework (Ruby on Rails) before learning a programming language itself (Ruby) means you will be able to shorten your Ruby learning curve. Later, you’ll see how the things you’ve learned in Rails apply in Ruby.
If you’re new to programming, learning Ruby programming and Ruby on Rails offers you a lucrative and easy way to get into the programming world. More experienced Ruby programmers will also find plenty of opportunity to put their skills to use. And both new and experienced developers will have fun doing it.
Looking for a developer job? Check out our current job listings. In addition, take a look at our Salary Guide for the latest IT hiring and salary trends.