Ruby on Rails is a famous web application framework that makes the process of creating high-performance apps easier for developers. There are several things that one can apply to increase effectiveness in working with Rails to attain success in work projects.
In this blog, you will learn 7 techniques that not only help you achieve your development processes faster but also some skill sets that can be applied to other aspects as well. These will be helpful when you’re looking to hire Ruby on Rails developers for front-end tasks.
1. Mastering the Rails Console
The Rails console is a very useful resource for every Rails developer. It allows you to interact directly with your application’s data and test out pieces of code without having to run the Rails server. Here are a few tips:
- Use find_or_create_by to minimize database hits.
- Employ where.not to filter records in the opposite condition, enhancing data retrieval.
- Leverage touch: true in model associations to update timestamps, useful in cache expiration.
2. Database Indexing
Indexes play a significant role in improving the performance of queries in databases. However, knowing when and where to index can profoundly impact performance:
- Add indexes to frequently searched columns.
- Use compound indexes if you commonly query multiple columns together.
- Consider the database load and index size; excessive indexing can slow down write operations.
3. Caching Strategies
Rails supports several caching techniques that can dramatically reduce server load and speed up response times:
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Page Caching
Stores the complete HTML content of a page, serving it without hitting the Rails stack.
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Action Caching
Similar to page caching but allows for before and after filters.
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Fragment Caching
Caches part of a view to prevent re-rendering of static content.
Implementing caching thoughtfully ensures that your application remains quick and responsive without constantly querying the database.
4. Background Jobs
Moving long-running tasks off the main server thread is essential for maintaining a responsive application. Using tools like Sidekiq, Resque, or Delayed Job, you can handle tasks such as:
- Sending emails
- Data processing
- Batch imports
Background jobs can improve user experience by performing these operations asynchronously.
5. Service Objects
Service objects are very effective and useful in keeping your controllers and models properly organized and easy to maintain. They encapsulate business logic that doesn’t neatly fit within the MVC pattern. This technique helps in:
- Keeping code more organized.
- Enhancing testability.
- Reducing controller bloat.
6. Modular Design with Engines
Rails engines allow you to build modular applications that can be reused across different projects. This approach is especially useful for large applications, enabling:
- Shared middleware, routes, and models.
- Isolated MVC components.
- Reusable plugins or components.
7. API-only Applications
For applications that solely serve API responses, Rails provides an API-only mode that strips away middleware and modules that are unnecessary for API functionality, such as views and assets. This mode optimizes your application and enhances its performance.
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Route versioning
Implement version control in your routes to manage changes more effectively.
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Active Model Serializers
Use serializers to format JSON responses and keep your API responses consistent and manageable.
Conclusion
The above are the most effective and best techniques for Ruby on Rails development that will upgrade and enhance the quality of your projects. From indexing and caching to utilizing background jobs and service objects – every one of them has its advantages.
