Ruby vs. Python: Pros, Cons, and Where to Start

Ruby and Python are popular high-level languages used primarily for back-end web development. Both are open-source and known for their code readability. With either language, developers can create web applications on different browsers and operating systems.

Python is generally better for educational purposes and beginners in application development, and Ruby can be a stronger candidate for commercial web applications. However, both programming languages are powerful tools. The best choice for you depends on your interests in programming and the types of applications you want to build. Keep your personal preferences in mind as you read on to compare each language.

Start learning programming

Interested in learning more about programming languages and coding in Python? Consider enrolling in one of these courses and specializations on Coursera:

In the Learn to Code with Ruby Specialization, you'll explore core coding concepts like arithmetic and variables and master object-oriented programming in Ruby.

In the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization, you'll learn fundamental programming concepts like data structures, networked application program interfaces, and how to program in Python.

Ruby vs. Python

Ruby and Python are popular high-level languages used primarily for back-end web development. Both are open-source and known for their code readability. With either language, developers can create web applications on different browsers and operating systems.

Python is often considered a versatile language because it supports functional, procedural, and object-oriented programming paradigms. It's often used for artificial intelligence, machine learning, scientific computing, and automation tasks. If you're unsure what you'd like to build and you're searching for a good first programming language to learn, Python is highly recommended.

Ruby is associated with high developer productivity thanks to its rapid development capabilities, concise syntax, and code reusability. The Ruby on Rails framework is also a popular choice among developers. If you're completely new to programming, consider that the learning curve for Ruby is steeper than that for Python.

Ruby on Rails vs Python

Ruby and Python have popular web development frameworks: Django and Ruby on Rails. Each one can streamline your development through prepackaged code and database migrations. A primary difference between the two is that Rubygems (the Ruby on Rails repository) does not feature much support for machine learning elements compared to Django's repository, Python Package Index (PyPI).

Ruby

Ruby is a computer programming language developed in 1995 by Yukihiro Matsumoto. He wanted to create a flexible, object-oriented language that programmers would enjoy using. They enjoyed it enough that Ruby became one of the most popular languages for developing web applications. 

Ruby is a general-use language that's more popular in the industry than in science or academia. Here are a few companies and web applications you may be familiar with that utilize Ruby:

• Apple

• GitHub

• Twitter

• Hulu

• ZenDesk

• Urban Dictionary

Using Ruby to build applications

Ruby is mainly used to build web applications and is useful for other programming projects. It is widely used for building servers and data processing, web scraping, and crawling.

The leading framework used to run Ruby is Ruby on Rails, although that’s not the only one. Ruby on Rails was released in 2004 and made the language much easier to use. That’s one reason developers at many start-ups use Ruby to build their applications.

Features

Ruby is a general-purpose, object-oriented programming language that runs on Mac, Windows, Unix, and most operating systems. It has a flexible approach to solving problems, which some programmers appreciate and some do not. 

Advantages

Ruby’s syntax is similar to English, so many English speakers find it easy to learn and use. The program itself is free, and it’s open-source, with users sharing improvements and ideas for how to use it. The Ruby community tends to focus on web development over other types of programming and has created a vast library of program elements.

Disadvantages 

One of the disadvantages of Ruby’s user-friendly approach is that bugs can get hidden, making it more difficult to find and fix code problems, mainly because the documentation for Ruby isn’t as complete as it is for some other languages. Also, Ruby and Ruby for Rails tend to take longer to boot and have a slower runtime than other programming platforms.

Ruby and Python programmers are in demand

Programmers who work in either language are in demand. If you’re thinking of learning programming for your career, both Ruby and Python can potentially offer entry into good developer jobs. One way to decide which language to learn is to look at job listings to see which appeals to you.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the web development field will grow 17 percent from 2023 to 2033, much higher than the national average [1].

Read more: Software Engineer Career Path 2024: Overview, Jobs, and Pay

Python

Python is a simple programming language often used in data science, AI, and financial applications. It’s prevalent in academic settings and widely taught in universities. It was developed in 1989 and released in 1994. In 2011, Google announced that it used Python for many internal processes—that news caught gained attention. 

Google isn’t the only commercial user, as Dropbox, Instagram, Mozilla, and Yahoo also use Python.

The most popular Python framework is Django, but you may well come across others [2]. Django was released in 2005 and made Python highly competitive with Ruby and the Ruby on Rails framework.

Learn more about why the Django framework is so popular today in this lecture by Professor Charles Severance from the University of Michigan's Django for Everybody Specialization:

Applying Python in applications

Python is used to write scripts for automating workflows. One of its most common uses is to connect software written in different languages and can be used to scrape data. Python developers can build web apps, machine learning programs, and trading apps when used with a framework. 

Read more: What Is Python Used For? A Beginner’s Guide

Features

Python is a relatively simple language that looks similar to English and allows users to write clean code. This can be frustrating at times, but it makes the language more usable in the long run. It supports different programming paradigms, and its user community concentrates on Linux and academic uses. It is used in industry, too, but its share of the educational market is more extensive.

Advantages

One of the significant advantages of Python is that so many people know it. This means that non-developers in industries like financial services can build scripts to analyze data or connect databases. These individuals may not know enough to build entire applications, but they can add power to their applications. 

Disadvantages 

Python is not fully object-oriented, which some people find more difficult to use than Ruby. Because its user community is biased toward academic applications, the library of tools for commercial applications is smaller. It’s not optimized for mobile development, which is another limit to commercial use.

Practice your Python skills independently with tutorials

Not ready to commit to a course or a boot camp yet? You can read step-by-step guides for troubleshooting Python basics like syntax, if-else statements, exceptions, and working with loops in Coursera's free programming tutorials.

How to learn Ruby or Python 

You have options for learning either language, and both have active communities of developers to support you in your studies. If earning credentials is a priority for you, you might consider enrolling in a certificate program. If you'd prefer to learn on your own, you could instead take individual courses to help you decide whether or not the programming language you've chosen is right for you.

Courses and Guided Projects

• Ruby Fundamentals and Basic Programming Concepts

• Ruby Scripting for DevOps

• Google's Crash Course on Python

• Python 101: Develop Your First Python Program

Certificate programs

• Learn to Code with Ruby Specialization

• Python for Everybody Specialization

• Python for Data Science, AI & Development

Certifications

Certifications can be a great way to demonstrate your skills to potential employers. Keep in mind that certifications often only include the exam. You may need to study on your own to build the knowledge you'll need to pass.

• Ruby Association Certified Programmer Examination

• PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

Become a Python or Ruby programmer with Coursera

You can master Python programming concepts in just two months with no prior experience with the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization. By the end, you'll have designed and created your own application in Python and earned a shareable certificate for your resume.

If you already have some programming experience, you can sharpen your skills and learn efficient Ruby software design with Packt's Learn to Code with Ruby Specialization. By the end, you'll have gained advanced Ruby programming skills and a shareable certificate for your resume.