Rediscovering Coding Joy with Ruby on Rails
I used to code in Delphi 7
In the past few months, I’ve been gradually—but surely—getting back into coding. It’s like an irresistible temptation pulling me in, whispering, “Come on, create something again.” Sometimes it’s just tweaking a few things in Shopify’s Liquid framework, other times mixing some HTML and JavaScript with a sprinkle of CSS. But the itch to build something from scratch was becoming too strong to ignore.
Back in 2006, I started my coding journey with Delphi 7 on Windows XP. Yeah, I know—Delphi isn’t exactly the epitome of modern programming languages. But for a beginner, it was fantastic. You could create UI elements and program their behavior with just a double-click. The Pascal-based framework was incredibly easy to learn, offering a low barrier to entry into the world of coding. It was like having training wheels that actually made you feel like you were riding a real bike.
Fast forward to 2024, and I found myself in a bit of a dilemma. I was struggling to place my bet on any particular programming language or framework. JavaScript seemed like the low-hanging fruit—it’s everywhere, after all. But for me, it came with some limitations and a logic that wasn’t always easy to grasp. Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes JavaScript feels like trying to have a conversation in a language you kinda know but aren’t fluent in.
Enter Ruby on Rails
So, I decided to take a leap and dive into Ruby on Rails—a full-stack option that brought back the joy I felt when I first started coding in 2006. Rails has this philosophy of “Convention over Configuration,” which means you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. You can focus on what you want to build, and the framework takes care of the rest. It’s like having a personal assistant who knows exactly how you like your coffee without you having to say a word.
One of the things that drew me to Rails was its similarity to my early coding experiences. The simplicity, the elegance, the ability to get things up and running quickly—it all resonated with me. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to test ideas rapidly. Who needs elaborate styling when you can slap on some Simple CSS and call it a day?
The Allure of Rails 8
Recently, DHH (David Heinemeier Hansson, for the uninitiated) presented the 8th version of Rails. And let me tell you, it’s like they read my mind. One of the features I’ve always wrestled with is setting up user authentication. Rails 8 makes this a breeze. It’s a living, evolving framework backed by a strong community and a solid reputation. Managing databases is straightforward, and you can see Rails powering some heavy hitters on the internet—Shopify, Twitch, Basecamp, HEY, and all the ONCE products, to name a few.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been immersing myself in Rails. From “Hello World” to more complex projects, I’m getting the hang of it. It’s been a mix of nostalgia and excitement, like rediscovering a favorite book you read as a kid and finding new layers of meaning in it.
Putting It into Practice
In the meantime, I took one of my original projects—Suggestions App—and converted it into Rails. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience. The process wasn’t without its hiccups, but seeing the app come to life in a new framework was incredibly satisfying. It’s like renovating an old house—you keep the charm but add modern amenities.
Does the Language Really Matter?
This brings me to a question I’ve been pondering: Does it really matter which programming language or framework you use? Or is it just a secondary consideration?
On one hand, the language you choose can influence your productivity, the community you become part of, and the types of projects you can tackle. On the other hand, the fundamental concepts—logic, problem-solving, creating value—transcend any particular language.
For me, rediscovering coding joy with Ruby on Rails has been less about the language itself and more about reconnecting with the creative process. It’s about finding a tool that fits your way of thinking, that reduces friction, and that lets you bring your ideas to life without getting bogged down by the minutiae.
Final Thoughts
So here I am, knee-deep in Rails, excited about the possibilities ahead. I’ve got a few projects in the pipeline that I’ll be sharing soon. But more importantly, I’ve rekindled that spark—that thrill of building something from nothing.
What about you? Have you found that one language or framework that just clicks with you? Or do you think the choice of language is just a means to an end?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!