According to the esteemed Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2023, Ruby has catapulted itself to the 4th position as the most paid technology – a testament to its undeniable allure in the job market. The beloved Ruby on Rails framework has been winning hearts, with a whopping 53% of developers expressing their love for this tech gem. But that's not all! The prestigious TIOBE Index has officially ranked Ruby among the top 20 most popular programming languages of 2023.
We understand that finding the perfect Ruby developer can be a daunting task. That's why we're here to guide you through the entire journey, from selecting the right talent to hiring a high-performing Ruby developer. So, whether you're a seasoned tech recruiter or a passionate startup founder, join us as we unravel the secrets to spotting and attracting top-notch Ruby talent.
Looking for high-performing Ruby developers? Contact Index.dev and we’ll find the matching candidates within 48 hours →
What is a Ruby developer?
A Ruby developer is a back-end software developer who specializes in working with the Ruby programming language. They play a vital role in building the essential components of various applications, significantly impacting their functionality and performance. Their responsibilities include constructing databases and libraries, ensuring seamless functionality when users input data.
To create web applications, Ruby developers increasingly rely on the Ruby on Rails (RoR) framework, which has seen remarkable growth. Ruby on Rails utilizes the Ruby programming language and follows the Model View Controller (MVC) framework for server-side web application logic. RoR developers handle crucial tasks such as linking applications to online services and assisting front-end developers.
Ruby developers hold the key to shaping the core of any application, thereby enabling impressive user experiences. By adopting Ruby on Rails, they further empower themselves to excel in creating, maintaining, and enhancing web applications with ease. Their expertise and skillset contribute significantly to the success of diverse projects.
Advantages of Ruby for your project
Ruby stands out as a popular and reliable programming language, accompanied by its feature-rich Ruby on Rails framework. Its open-source nature, flexibility, consistency, security, improved processing, and easy management make it a top choice for building high-quality web applications efficiently.
- Open source and flexible: Ruby's open-source nature facilitates code-sharing within the community, making it beginner-friendly and conducive to learning. It allows developers to add multiple objects and methods, ensuring the creation of flexible APIs.
- Consistent in nature: Ruby's consistent syntax eases the learning curve for developers, enabling the creation of applications without extensive relearning. This boosts productivity and performance, saving valuable time.
- Extremely secure: Ruby prioritizes security, protecting sensitive data from external threats and potential hijacking or overwriting.
- Improved processing: Ruby's multi-threading support enables developers to execute multiple programs simultaneously without system slowdowns. Additionally, the language's portability ensures smooth operation across various operating systems.
- Easy management: Ruby's simplicity makes it highly accessible and understandable compared to other languages. It simplifies extensive changes during software development, enabling seamless scaling of operations as businesses grow or evolve.
Skills to look for while hiring Ruby developers
When hiring Ruby developers, you should focus on specific skill sets based on whether you need a Ruby developer or a Ruby on Rails (RoR) developer. Here are the essential skills and qualities to look for:
Ruby Developers:
- Proficiency in object-oriented programming.
- Experience in back-end programming and database management.
- Ability to design reliable and reusable Ruby code.
- Strong understanding of Ruby syntax.
- Familiarity with MVC, Mocking, ORM, and RESTful concepts.
- Well versed in using database technologies: Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL.
- Hands-on experience with Ruby on Rails (RoR).
- Well aware of APIs to discern how the communication occurs between two applications. Basic understanding of public classes, methods, and properties that define APIs.
Ruby on Rails Developers:
- Previous experience in building web applications.
- Knowledge of Ruby at a base level.
- Familiarity with common libraries like RSpec and Resque.
- Proficiency in other web technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
- Experience with code versioning tools such as Git, Github, SVN, and Mercurial.
- Exposure to JavaScript frameworks like Angular.js or Backbone.js.
- Familiarity with server-side templating languages like Slim and Liquid.
Along with technical understanding, a dedicated developer must also possess non-technical skills. Here is the list of a few common skills that are required by all, from a novice developer to a Ruby expert:
Non-Technical Skills:
- Automated testing skills to write test automation scripts.
- Domain knowledge and expertise in database management and API integration.
- Effective communication skills for seamless collaboration with stakeholders and team members.
- Strong work portfolio showcasing past achievements and projects.
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and technological developments.
- Ability to implement new solutions and improve existing products.
Looking for high-performing Ruby developers? Contact Index.dev and we’ll find the matching candidates within 48 hours →
Best ways to source Ruby developers
So how do you source Ruby developers? Here are some effective ways to source top Ruby developers for your team:
1. Tech recruitment platforms
Utilize tech recruitment platforms like Index.dev to find reliable and skilled Ruby developers. These platforms handle the entire hiring process, from sourcing to vetting, saving you time and effort.
2. Freelance sites
For smaller projects or short-term needs, consider hiring freelance Ruby developers from platforms like Toptal, Fiverr, or Upwork. Keep in mind that while this option can be cost-effective, it may require more follow-ups and attention to ensure the right fit.
3. Job boards
Explore job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or Wellfound to find full-time Ruby developers. Carefully review applicants' profiles and qualifications to make the best hiring decision for your company.
4. Ruby on Rails communities and groups
Engage with Ruby communities on platforms like Dev.to, RubyLand, RubyFlow, Reddit for Rubyists. Post job opportunities in relevant Slack communities or attend Ruby events through Meetup or RubyConf to connect with potential candidates.
How to assess Ruby developers
You can schedule an interview once you have thoroughly screened the resume and assessed a developer’s abilities and achievements. To effectively assess Ruby developers, follow these steps:
1. Review the resume
Start by carefully reviewing the candidate's resume to understand their level of skills, experience, and previous work. Look for relevant experience in Ruby development and projects similar to what you need.
2. Conduct theoretical knowledge assessment
During the interview, ask technical questions related to Ruby programming. Focus on core concepts, language features, and best practices. This will help you gauge the candidate's theoretical understanding of Ruby.
3. Assign a live coding test
Provide the candidate with a real-world coding assignment that aligns with the type of project they will be working on. Set clear expectations and a timeline for the deliverables. This practical assessment will give you insights into their coding skills and problem-solving abilities.
4. Ask general questions
In addition to technical questions, ask general questions to understand the candidate's motivations, passion for Ruby, and compatibility with your team and company culture.
5. Check technology fit
Ensure the candidate has experience and familiarity with the specific Ruby technologies relevant to your project, whether it's Ruby on Rails or other frameworks like mruby.
6. Evaluate Test-Driven Development (TDD) knowledge
TDD is an essential practice in modern software development. Assess the candidate's understanding of TDD and their ability to write testable and maintainable code.
7. Review feedback and testimonials
Look for reviews and testimonials from the candidate's past clients or employers. Positive feedback can indicate their reliability and work ethic, while negative feedback may raise red flags.
Also read: Python developer hiring guide: Salaries, skills, rates & more
Salaries for Ruby developers
When hiring Ruby developers, it's essential to consider their level of experience, the budget you have, and whether you plan to outsource from other countries. The more experience a developer has, the higher the salary they may command.
In the United States, the average annual salary for a Ruby developer is around $125,500, according to ZipRecruiter. However, salaries can vary significantly, with some experienced developers earning as much as $170,000 per year, and entry-level developers earning around $26,500 annually.
If you're open to outsourcing Ruby developers from other countries, you can find specialists with vast expertise at more competitive prices. Here are the average hourly rates for mid-level and senior Ruby developers in some outsourcing destinations:
- Ukraine: $50
- Poland: $63
- Brazil: $53
- Colombia: $54
Considering outsourcing to these countries with Index.dev may provide cost-effective options without compromising on the quality and expertise of the Ruby developers you hire. However, it's essential to consider factors like communication, time zone differences, and cultural compatibility when making this decision.
Looking for high-performing Ruby developers? Contact Index.dev and we’ll find the matching candidates within 48 hours →
Wrapping up
Finding the right Ruby on Rails developer can be a challenging and time-consuming task. However, at Index.dev, we offer a solution that saves you time and money in the long run.
✔Hire quickly: Our developers are ready to start work immediately, ensuring you don't miss out on promising talent available in the market.
✔Quality developers: Rest assured that the developers we provide are of top quality, as we select the top 5% who have passed extensive assessments. We also consider their technical skills, English language proficiency, and culture fit aspects to ensure the perfect match for your engagement.
✔Flexible terms: Hiring through Index.dev comes with flexibility as you won't have to deal with employment fees or overheads. Our experts are available to discuss any issues, concerns, or onboarding processes, making the hiring process smooth and efficient.
Moreover, our Ruby on Rails developers are well-versed in various frameworks and tools, enabling them to cater to your specific business needs and deliver outstanding results consistently.