Ruby on Rails is one of the most popular web application development technologies. It is ideal for software developers who focus on web application development. Whether you’re just starting or you’re an established professional web application developer, learning Ruby on Rails can help you reach your career goals.
This article is your guide to learning Ruby on Rails. It contains details about what this technology means and the role it plays in the world of development. It also contains a list of the top online courses to learn Ruby on Rails.
What Is Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails is an open-source web application software traditionally used for server-side development. Ruby and Rails are two different things that are frequently used together. Rails is a web development framework and Ruby is a general-purpose programming language.
Ruby is one of the most popular programming languages in the world and Ruby developers are in high demand. Ruby on Rails is usually used along with front end languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML for dynamic web application development.
Why Online Ruby on Rails Courses Are Important for Professional Development
Online Ruby on Rails courses are great for professional development because they cover the most important aspects of the subject. Online courses allow you to learn the core concepts of Ruby on Rails without spending years earning a degree. These courses can be completed in a few weeks after which you can collect your certificate of completion and add it to your resume.
Learning Ruby on Rails can lead to lucrative career opportunities. According to PayScale, professionals with Ruby on Rails skills earn an average of $97,000 per year. Ruby developers earn an average annual salary of $81,007. Both of these salaries are significantly higher than the average national wage.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn Ruby on Rails?
Yes, you should consider attending a coding bootcamp if you’re looking for a viable alternative to a college degree. Bootcamps provide job-specific training at an accelerated pace, usually in three to six months. Some bootcamps provide programs specifically for Ruby on Rails while others offer Ruby on Rails as part of a larger web development program.
The best Ruby on Rails bootcamps provide one-on-one mentorship and career support for students. Finding a mid-level programming job will be easier if you attend a bootcamp.
Overview: The Best Online Ruby On Rails Courses, Classes, or Training
The table below contains a preview of the top 15 online courses for Ruby on Rails. Some of these courses are from bootcamps, massive open online courses (MOOCs), and some are offered directly by universities. Details about the price of each course were obtained directly from the providers.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| App Academy | Software Engineering | $17,000-$20,000 | 16-24 weeks | Yes |
| Boston University Metropolitan College | Online Web Application Development Graduate Certificate | $29,280 per semester | 8-12 months | Yes |
| Codecademy | Learn Ruby on Rails | $20-$40 | 10 hours | Yes |
| DevPoint Labs | U of U Coding School Full-time Web Development | $11,000 | 11 weeks | Yes |
| edX | Introduction to Agile Software Development: Tools & Techniques | Free | 4 weeks | Yes, for a fee |
| Epicodus | Software Engineering | $11,700 | 27 weeks | Yes |
| LinkedIn Learning | Ruby on Rails Programming – Learning Path | $19 | 32 hours | Yes |
| Microverse | Software Engineering | $15,000 | 10 months | Yes |
| Nashville Software School | Ruby on Rails Software Development Foundations | $7,500 | 6 months | Yes |
| Udemy | The Complete Ruby on Rails Developer Course | $114 | 48 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | The Essential Ruby on Rails Course for Beginners | $90 | 8 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Learn to Code with Ruby | $14 | 31 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | React JS + Angular +Rails 5 Bootcamp | $115 | 14 hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Ruby on Rails Foundations | $20 | 7 hours | Yes |
| University of Denver | Software Design and Programming | $11,904 | 10 weeks | Yes |
In Detail: The Best Online Classes, Courses, or Training
Software Engineering | App Academy
- Learning Format: Complete bootcamp course with different classes
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: JavaScript, Ruby on Rails, object oriented programming, React, Redux
The software engineering bootcamp at App Academy teaches students to develop software using JavaScript and Ruby on Rails. You will learn how to make full stack custom web applications with Rails and build dynamic applications with Rails.
One of the best parts about this course is that it includes projects and daily pair programming opportunities. This makes it easier for you to adapt to a collaborative work environment. This coding school currently has a job placement rate of 95 percent.
Key Takeaway: Graduates from this bootcamp reportedly earn an average of $104,000.
Web Application Development Graduate Certificate | Boston University
- Learning Format: Graduate-level program with different classes
- Level: Expert
- Subjects Covered: NoSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Ruby on Rails, Flex, Ajax, JavaScript, Java, Google Web Toolkit (GWT)
This program covers advanced client and server-side web application development. There is also an option to learn advanced database management along with the three mandatory courses offered during the program.
This is a 16-credit graduate certificate which means only people who already have a bachelor’s degree can apply for this program. Getting into this program isn’t as easy as getting into other certificate programs but the certificate will hold the same weight as a bachelor’s degree.
Key Takeaway: You will learn advanced concepts and skills at a well-respected university.
Learn Ruby on Rails | Codecademy
- Learning Format: This course is a combination of classes and project workshops
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, object oriented programming, HTML, CSS, database development with Rails
Codecademy is one of the best places for learning all the top software development technologies. During this program, you will learn how to build apps with Ruby on Rails, create databases for the app, and model relationships with associates.
There are quizzes at every stage of the program to make it easier to follow up and test your skills as you go. This is followed by several web development projects after which you can get your certificate of completion.
Key Takeaway: By the end of the program, you will have developed eight simple web applications from scratch.
U of U Coding School Full-time Web Development | DevPoint Labs
- Learning Format: This is an undergraduate-level course made up of several classes
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, object oriented programming, Git and GitHub, JavaScript, advanced web pack, SQL
This is an extensive web development program that is offered by DevPoint Labs in association with the University of Utah (U of U). The curriculum covers everything you need to know about writing code from scratch for real, industrial-strength web applications.
Despite the association with the U of U, it is important to note that this is a non-degree program. You do not need to transfer any credits into a university program.
Key Takeaway: There are a lot of interactive tools available to students during the program.
Introduction to Agile Software Development: Tools & Techniques | edX
- Learning Format: This is a series of courses divided into parts
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, object oriented programming, basic Unix, Java, Python, data structures, cloud computing, GitHub, service-oriented architecture
This professional certificate program focuses on Agile development and software development with Ruby on Rails. You will learn how to use this technology to design, develop, and modify software using Agile practices.
This program is hosted in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley. However, it is not a degree program and you do not need to be admitted into the school to apply for the course.
Key Takeaway: The entire program can be enjoyed for free. There is a premium paid program available.
Software Engineering | Epicodus
- Learning Format: This is a full-time course that is made up of classes and practicals
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: JavaScript, React, C#, .NET, Ruby on Rails
Epicodus is a great coding bootcamp for full-time and part-time learning. Ruby on Rails is just one of the many topics in the program-rich curriculum. While the main campus is in Seattle, people from different places can apply for the online program.
Apart from the coding classes and workshops, there is also a mandatory internship for all students. Coding internships look great on resumes and not every bootcamp offers them. These internships are a great opportunity for you to practice the skills you’ve learned.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
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Key Takeaway: The coding workshop promotes hands-on learning.
Ruby on Rails Programming – Learning Path | LinkedIn Learning
- Learning Format: A course made up of eight classes
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, JavaScript, CoffeeScript, Sass essentials, Ruby essentials, object oriented programming for web applications.
Hosted by LinkedIn’s education track, this program is for people with some experience in software development. It focuses on the fundamentals of Ruby on Rails for interactive web development.
This course comes with a one-month free trial and discounts are attached to annual memberships. Each part of the program is taught by a different professional from the tech industry. This allows students to learn from experts who have experience in their field.
Key Takeaway: The shareable certificate can be displayed publicly on your LinkedIn page.
Software Engineering | Microverse
- Learning Format: Full bootcamp course with different classes
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, HTML and CSS, Ruby, databases, JavaScript, React and Redux, algorithms, data structures
Microverse has been around since 2017. In this time, it has helped its graduates go on to earn three times their initial salary. The program covers the most important technologies in software engineering and a wide range of soft skills. This includes time management, job searching, and effective networking.
Microverse has a 90 percent job placement rate within the first six months. Popular tech companies like Microsoft, Globant, VMware, and MEDIA MONKS employ graduates from Microverse.
Key Takeaway: Students may opt for deferred tuition which allows them to withhold payment until they land a job.
Ruby on Rails Software Development Foundations | Nashville Software School
- Learning Format: There are three sections divided into classes.
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, full stack software development, APIs and Services, collaborative development, source code control, test-driven development, SQL databases.
Nashville Software School is one of the top destinations for university certificate programs in Ruby on Rails. The program starts with a class on front-end development to build foundational knowledge in this subject.
Ruby on Rails is taught as part of the web development bootcamp program. It includes a lot of live coding exercises on web development. Students will also use Ruby on Rails to deploy the database or server-side aspects of web applications.
Key Takeaway: All three courses are derived from an extensive syllabus.
The Essential Ruby on Rails Course for Beginners | Udemy
- Learning Format: This is a single course divided into 10 sections
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Coding, Ruby on Rails, Bootstrap, Heroku, web page development
This is an 80-lecture course provided by Udemy. It has video tutorials, articles, and downloadable resources. Like many other Udemy courses, it comes with lifetime access. You should be able to develop full stack web applications using Ruby on Rails after completing the program.
This program comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. All you need is a Udemy account and a computer with internet access to view video lectures and coding assignments.
Key Takeaway: This course is for beginners so you do not need any prior experience to start.
Learn to Code with Ruby | Udemy
- Learning Format: This is a complete course made up of classes
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, Angular, React APIs, React JS applications,
This is a beginner course for anyone who has some basic programming skills but would like to learn Ruby as well. After the introduction and installation of Ruby, the course covers the roles of the object, string, and hash methods in the development process.
The 261 lectures are divided into 23 sections with about 32 hours of video content. You are free to complete the program at your own pace. You can decide how many hours you want to dedicate to learning.
Key Takeaway: This self-paced program will take you from a newbie to a developer who can make dynamic content using Rails.
React JS + Angular + Rails 5 Bootcamp | Udemy
- Learning Format: Self-paced course made up of short lectures
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, Angular, React APIs, React JS applications,
This course requires some prior knowledge of JavaScript and Ruby on Rails. Students will learn to build their own apps from scratch using Angular and React. They will also learn to create Ruby on Rails microservices that can be used for multiple persons. Students practice creating their own code and follow along with self-paced lessons.
Key Takeaway: This course includes a shareable certificate and projects that can be added to your professional portfolio.
Ruby on Rails Foundations | Udemy
- Learning Format: This is a course made up of 12 sections
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, APIs, RESTful, routing in Rails, Rails database management, Ruby gems, authentication configuring views
This course is ideal for building a foundational knowledge of Ruby on Rails. Students will get to build an application using Ruby on Rails. The program ends with an interactive quiz but you will still get lifetime access to hours of video content.
Since the program comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can pull out after one month if you are not satisfied with the curriculum. Although this is a beginner-level program, you will need some knowledge of programming.
Key Takeaway: Full-time access and a certificate of completion are available through this course.
Software Design and Programming | University of Denver
- Learning Format: This is a complete course divided into classes
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Ruby on Rails, .NET, J2EE, Ruby, PHP, C#, object oriented programming, Java
This program teaches students how to design and build web-based applications using Ruby on Rails and Java. You will also learn how to create database queries during the course. This certificate is awarded based on credit hours. You can choose up to 16 credits of courses. You do not need a GMAT or GRE to apply for this program.
Key Takeaway: This credit-based program can be completed at your own pace.
Online Ruby on Rails Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
The right education pathway depends on your learning style, time, and skill level. If you have little to no experience with programming languages, some pathways may work better than others.
Courses are series or modules of classes that run for a few weeks or months. These courses may or may not be part of a certificate program. You should attend an online course if you want to acquire in-depth knowledge about one or several aspects of the subject.
Classes are small portions or sessions of courses. They typically focus on the theoretical aspects of Ruby on Rails. If you already know the fundamentals of Ruby on Rails and you want to learn a specific, more advanced topic, a single class might be a good fit.
Training is commonly used interchangeably with workshops because it deals primarily with hands-on projects rather than theory. They are great for people who already know the theory but are interested in getting hands-on professional experience.
How to Choose the Right Online Ruby on Rails Course, Class, or Training Program
Learning Style
The best learning style for Ruby on Rails courses depends on the individual. Most students prefer one that combines theory with technical practice. When you enroll for such a course, you will get a well-rounded knowledge of Ruby on Rails.
Assess Your Level of Knowledge
If you don’t know anything about coding or web development, you should start with a foundational course in coding or web development. After that, you can advance to an advanced course in Ruby on Rails. Make sure you understand one course or level before you proceed to the next.
Reviews and Ratings
Reading course reviews and ratings is a great way to help you decide which option is best for you. Most course websites have a section for reviews where you can read about other students’ experience. This is helpful because you can read honest feedback for the particular course or training you wish to enroll in.
Ruby on Rails Course Certificates vs Certifications
A Ruby on Rails course certificate is a certificate of completion that is awarded to students after they complete a course, class, or training program. Certifications are industry-recognized achievements awarded by third-party institutions that prove that you have reached a certain level of expertise in Ruby on Rails.
The type of certification you choose should depend on your level of experience. For some entry-level certifications, you do not need any professional experience with Ruby on Rails. For others, you may need years of experience, a bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree.
Importance of Ruby on Rails Certifications
A professional certification in Ruby on Rails can boost your resume and help you when applying for higher-level positions. Just like online classes, you can get certified from the comfort of your home and display your certification in your resume or online profile.
Professional certifications are typically awarded after passing an exam. Some come with prep courses while others do not. You may have to pay a fee to take the certification exam and you may also need to renew it after a certain period.
Why You Should Take Online Ruby On Rails Courses or Classes
Ruby on Rails is currently in high demand. Taking an online course is the perfect way to learn more on this subject without enrolling in a four-year college. These courses are flexible, convenient, and as efficient as traditional in-person education.
The best way to learn Ruby on Rails online is to enroll in a structured program like a bootcamp or a certificate program. While these programs might be more expensive than single classes, they look better on your resume and make it easier for you to get a job after graduating.
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