How much does it cost to hire an offshore Ruby on Rails developer?

Ruby on Rails, commonly abbreviated RoR, is a powerful open-source app and web development framework that gives programmers a time-efficient method to create code. Ruby on Rails is built on the Ruby programming language and combines it with HTML, JavaScript, and CSS to develop applications that can function on a web server. Therefore, it is classified as a server-side or back-end web app development platform. The possibilities of what developers can accomplish with Ruby on Rails are endless. It contains code libraries that avail custom-made solutions for executing repetitive tasks such as building tables, menus, or forms.

Ruby on Rails has several uses. These are highlighted below:

• Ecommerce sites with advanced browsing and purchasing options.
• Financial technology (Fintech) platforms.
• Social Media sites.
• Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.

Ruby on Rails is a full-stack web and application development framework because it can support the creation of an app from scratch up to release. It has all of the requisite tools for the completion of a software development project. These include databases, back-end, front-end, and web infrastructure.

A Ruby on Rails developer is a software programmer responsible for building server-side web application logic in the Ruby programming language, using the Rails framework. RoR coders usually create back-end components and link the app with independent web services. They also collaborate with a front-end developer through the integration of their work with the application. RoR developers are also experts in creating databases and availing the much-needed technical support for institutions in various industries.

Ruby on Rails experience levels vary depending on the extent of exposure that an RoR would have been subjected to. Based on experience, RoR coders are classified into junior, mid-level, and senior developers.

Junior Ruby on Rails developer

A junior Ruby on Rails developer is sometimes referred to as an entry-level software engineer. These will usually have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or other relevant certifications that emphasizes Ruby on Rails programming. Junior developers have basic Ruby on Rails programming experience garnered over their starting career path. They work under the supervision of mid-level and senior developers and assist in all aspects of the software design and coding process. Their responsibilities mainly include writing basic code, attending meetings, fixing minor bugs, maintaining internal technical systems, and so on. The average salary of a junior Ruby on Rails developer is usually in the 0 to 25th percentile of the developers’ average base salary ranges.

Mid-level RoR developer

A mid-level Ruby on Rails engineer is relatively experienced. They have between 3 to 5 years of coding in the RoR environment. They would have transitioned from being amateur coders into full-fledged ones who can perform their duties with minimal to no supervision from senior members. Mid-level programmers form the core of any software development project as they execute most of the tasks with the help of entry-level developers. Mid-level Ruby on Rails software engineers’ roles include supervising junior-level developers, writing code, conducting software tests, quality assurance, software troubleshooting, maintenance work, and introducing coding best practices. Their salaries are usually between the 25th and 75th percentile range of developers’ salary range. 

Senior Ruby on Rails developer

A senior-level developer has typically five to ten years of experience working in the Ruby on Rails environment. Senior Ruby on Rails developers have a huge portfolio of completed software development projects. It is paramount to highlight that senior developers possess more skills than technical ones. They have leadership skills, and some of them are more into project management work as opposed to writing the code. Senior Ruby on Rails developers’ salaries are usually over the 90th percentile of developers' salary ranges.

The job title ‘Ruby on Rails developer’ carries several significant responsibilities. These are highlighted below.

• Writing, creating, assessing, and deploying new web and mobile applications in the Ruby on Rails environment.
• Create back-end systems and collaborate them with front-end ones.
• Checking and enhancing existing Ruby on Rails software solutions.
• Building, administering and maintaining the application programming interfaces (API).
• Executing troubleshooting of RoR solutions as required.
• Creating proper documentation works for Ruby on Rails software.

Several components make up the skill set every average Ruby on Rails engineer should have. Software building abilities alone are not enough if an RoR developer is to become a prominent part of the team. The requisite skills are highlighted below.

Ruby on Rails skills

MVC paradigm

The Model View Controller is the structure of the Ruby on Rail framework. Coders should have sound knowledge about the functionalities of each layer and the app structuring methodologies.

Haml/ERB

Embedded Ruby and Haml are two of the most vital template systems in RoR. Coders must be well-versed with these if they are to be competent in the programming language.

ActiveRecord

Since most web applications utilize some form of data persistence, developers must be knowledgeable about ActiveRecord. Competence in models, associations, validations, and migrations will prove to be indispensable in a software development project that uses Ruby on Rails.

The HTTP protocol and REST 

Since lots of web applications function as REST apps, it is paramount that an RoR developer is familiar with it and the HTTP protocol.

Front-end skills for RoR developer

Ruby on Rails developers should have exceptional front-end skills. These include a thorough knowledge of HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS.

Databases

Ruby on Rails involves working with databases. As a result, RoR coders should be skilled in these as well. Knowledge about database engines such as PostgreSQL/MySQL and the concept of NoSQL database is a must-have if one is to thrive in the Ruby on Rails ecosystem.

Tools for Ruby on Rails Developers

RoR developers should be familiar with tools such as Trello, Pivotal, Github, and so on. They will become handy, particularly on large projects. 

There are three types of Ruby on Rails developer jobs on the market today. These are freelancers, in-house engineers, and outsource programmers. The characteristic features of each are described below.

Freelance RoR coders

These are RoR developers who work on an as-needed basis. They are usually not affiliated with any firm and have the liberty to deal with as multiple clients as they want. There are several sites where you can find the RoR freelancer developers community. These sites serve to connect these professionals with potential clients. The major benefit of freelancer developers is their flexibility. Freelancing avails a room for independence and the much-needed self-driven professional growth. However, it is paramount to highlight that the freedom of freelance RoR developers can be a problem. It leads to a sense of uncertainty on the part of the client as freelancers face minimal repercussions for terminating contracts or failing to meet timelines compared to full-fledged organizations. 

In-house Ruby on Rails engineers

These are internal Ruby on Rails developers who are employed full-time to execute programming projects for a company. In-house engineers are expected to handle the firm’s software development projects with minimal to no assistance from external coders. An in-house software developer usually has a long-term perspective about the company and can easily align with the company’s vision. Therefore, if proper screening is done by the recruiter, an in-house Ruby on Rails development team can produce exceptional results.

Outsource RoR programmers

As the name suggests, outsource Ruby on Rails developers are outsourced from an external agency and delegated to handle a software development project. Outsourcing RoR coders is usually through contractual agreements. Outsourcing Ruby on Rails developers is the best option for software development projects. Outsourced coders bring in the much-needed expertise to make the project a success.

Knowing how to write a proper project description is paramount in ensuring the successful implementation of a software development project. It gives a clear pathway that the project should follow from initiation right up to completion. Several aspects should feature in a proper project description. These are highlighted below.

Project title

The project title should be short and unambiguous. The title communicates the subject and gives the programmers involved in the project the much-needed direction.

RoR Project Description

The description is where the project details lie. This section is basically the core of the project. It gives the methodologies to be used and the timelines involved. It is where the vital aspects, such as functionalities of the code, security, and user interface, are clearly outlined.

RoR Project Specifications

The specifications section is where crucial code components, such as communication protocols and exception handling methods, are dealt with.

RoR Project Work Plan

The work plan maps the entire project timeline against the milestones, which are expected to have been achieved from initiation right up to completion. It serves to keep the project progress on track once it begins.

Below are some of the questions that RoR developers can be asked during interviews to determine their skill levels.

• What are the functions of subdirectory app/controllers and app/helpers?
• Describe five things that Rails Migration can do.
• Explain the Rails Controller.
• Describe how you can protect Rails against Cross-site Request Forgery.