There is much to learn when coding with Ruby on Rails, and the steep learning curve is not always easy. Fortunately, as an open-source web development framework, there is a large community backing RoR that can always be sought out with questions. Chances are someone has already written a tutorial or has the advice to streamline what you're trying to do with Ruby on Rails.

Here are the best practices for Ruby on Rails development for your web development project.

Clean Up Your Code

Like any programming language, you want to keep your Ruby on Rails code clean, robust, and efficient. This way, it becomes easier to read and maintain. While stylistic changes may vary depending on the developer, there are a few clean ways to code RoR that every developer should use.

Use two-space indentations instead of four. Do not use tabs. Do not mix tabs and spaces. This ensures long strings of code are easier to read and edit. Also, use question marks to define predicate methods. Use unless instead of if in conditional statements with a negative condition.

Use RSpec for RoR Testing

RSpec is a testing framework strongly recommended for Ruby on Rails applications. It supports behaviour-driven development, or BDD, and allows developers to write tests in a human-readable format. RSpec encourages developers to think about application requirements, identify design clarity and coding issues, and work to reduce debugging time later.

Use Enums Wisely

Implement enums strategically. It creates much simpler code to read. This can help immensely when you hire Ruby on Rails developers to join your team. They will have an easier time working on your Ruby on Rails projects. They won't have any trouble interpreting the code and being able to maintain, edit, or adjust it based on the directives given.

Optimize Database Queries

Keep an efficient database to ensure responsive and scalable Ruby on Rails applications. Use select and pluck methods to limit fields retrieved and avoid loading unnecessary data. Implement eager loading with .includes to minimize N+1 query issues that degrade performance. Ensure regular monitoring and optimization of queries to keep apps performing well at all times.

Testing Is Key with Software

Testing is one of the best practices for software development. Ensure you're testing your apps and software in Ruby on Rails to catch and fix bugs, address broken code, and make performance enhancements. When you test, use a screen recorder such as Zight to communicate bugs faster, and your RoR team will be kept in the loop on precisely what testing revealed.

Adopt RESTful Routing & DRY Principle

RESTful routing is a design pattern that aligns routes with HTTP methods. Why it's used because it simplifies the design of APIs and maintains consistency across applications. For you and other developers, RESTful routes make the code more easily understood and better organize the code for future work and maintenance.

DRY stands for 'Don't Repeat Yourself.' It is key in Ruby on Rails development. DRY reduces code duplication, improves code readability, and eases maintenance. DRY is achieved in RoR using partials, helpers, and libraries for shared logic. Once again, this will leave you with more concise, efficient, and manageable code.

Fat Model, Skinny Controller

The term' fat model, skinny controller' is always used to discuss topics similar to RoR's best practices. This design pattern separates code to prepare it for maintenance and scalability. The business logic should be kept in the model, and data retrieval should be kept in the controller. Here is the separation in clear terms.

Carefully Place Logic

Sometimes, business logic or persistence/model-changing logic will not naturally fit into the context of either model or controller. When this happens, use your best judgment for its placement. If you still aren't sure, use this rough checklist.

Simple queries to the model should be the only thing in controllers. Any code related to response and request should be removed from its model.

If the logic is specific to a domain and doesn't fit the context of a model, use PORO Ruby classes, aka Plain Old Ruby Objects. To extract common functionality from otherwise unrelated functionality, use modules.

Avoid Overusing Gems

Be careful with gems when hiring Ruby on Rails developers and discussing app functionality with them. Gems extend functionality and save a lot of time but only prioritize those that are extensively documented, properly maintained, and have active communities behind them. Keep your Ruby on Rails app lightweight and reduce dependencies. The more you scale, the more important this becomes.

Prevent SQL Injection

SQL Injection, or SQLI, is a common security attack on your backend database that uses malicious SQL code. It can enter malicious content into your Ruby on Rails app and change all sorts of data on your database. There are many ways to prevent SQL Injection, including parameterization. Any time you add quotes around a query, you open up your database to the risk of this type of security attack.