Ruby vs. Python: Which Should You Choose?

Key takeaways:

When comparing Ruby versus Python, the best choice for you can depend on your programming interests and the types of applications you want to build.

• Ruby, which uses the Ruby on Rails framework, may be better for rapid development and commercial web applications.

• Python, which employs the Django framework and is often used in data science, AI, and finance, is versatile and ideal for beginners.

• You can learn Ruby and Python by enrolling in courses, certification programs, or certificate programs, which are widely available and can help you build and refine skills in either language.

Compare Ruby and Python to determine which programming language best meets your needs. When you're ready, explore how you can program and analyze data with Python in the Python for Everybody Specialization, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about fundamental programming concepts like data structures, networked application programming interfaces, and databases, all in as little as two months. 

What are Ruby and 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 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.

How to start learning programming

Interested in learning more about programming languages and coding in Ruby or 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 programming interfaces, and how to program in Python.

Ruby vs. Python: Which language should you choose?

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/X

• Hulu

• ZenDesk

• Urban Dictionary

Using Ruby to build applications

Ruby is mainly used to build web applications, but is also 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 2005 and made the language much easier to use. That’s one reason developers at many start-ups use Ruby to build their applications.

Features and advantages:

• General-purpose, object-oriented

• Runs on Mac, Windows, Unix, and most operating systems

• Easy to learn for English speakers due to similar syntax

• Strong community focus on web development

Disadvantages:

• Bugs can be harder to find due to less complete documentation

• Slower boot and runtime compared to other 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 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, a rate much faster than the national average [1].

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

Python

Python is a simple programming language often used in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and financial applications. It’s prevalent in academic settings and widely taught in universities. It was developed in 1989 and released in 1991. In 2011, Google announced that it used Python for many internal processes, news that drew 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 it can be used to scrape data. Python developers can build web apps, machine learning programs, and trading apps when used with a framework. 

Features and advantages:

• Simple language that supports functional, procedural, and object-oriented programming

• Significant non-developer usage for data analysis and database connection

• Clean code and usability in the long run.

Disadvantages:

• Not fully object-oriented

• Smaller library of tools for commercial applications compared to academic ones

• Not optimized for mobile development

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 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

Explore free resources for programmers 

Join Career Chat on LinkedIn to get timely updates on popular programming skills, tools, and certifications. Build or refresh your coding skills with our other free resources:

• Watch on YouTube: 10 Beginner Python Projects to BOOST Your Programming Skills

• Bookmark reference guides: Python Basics Cheat Sheet

• Explore custom course guides: How to Start Learning Python: Custom Course Guide

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

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