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Meet our Ruby Developer community
Braintrust is a user-owned talent platform created by and for the world’s top talent. This includes a talented network of experienced Ruby Developers available for hire.
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Andrew Pirelli
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How to hire Top Ruby Developers
Overview
Hiring a Ruby developer, whether for a startup or a larger company, requires a careful understanding of your organization's needs, the scalability of your project, and a thorough evaluation of the candidate's skills. At a high level, you need to consider technical prowess in Ruby and associated frameworks (especially Ruby on Rails), understanding of databases, experience with testing methodologies, knowledge of front-end technologies, and proficiency in version control systems, specifically Git.
The context of your company can significantly impact the hiring process. In startups, the environment tends to be fast-paced with a focus on rapid product development and iteration. This requires a developer with a wide array of skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and the flexibility to wear multiple hats. Startups often look for individuals who are not just technically competent, but also entrepreneurial, innovative, and capable of working in a dynamic, often ambiguous environment.
On the contrary, larger companies usually have more defined roles and processes, demanding developers to fit into a specific role in an already established team. They might require more specialized knowledge in certain areas, with a heavier emphasis on experience and proven expertise in handling large-scale applications.
Additionally, the choice between hiring full-time versus hourly contract developers can have implications for the role. Full-time developers are typically more integrated into the company's culture and have a greater stake in the long-term success of projects. They are more likely to be involved in big-picture decisions and strategic planning. On the other hand, hiring on an hourly basis can be cost-effective for short-term projects or when there's a need for specific expertise that isn't required on a full-time basis.
Whether you choose full-time or contract-based hiring, it is important to have clear expectations and good communication. Clearly define the role, responsibilities, project deadlines, and deliverables right from the start. Be upfront about the work environment, your business needs, and the level of commitment you expect.
Furthermore, soft skills such as communication and a continuous learning mindset should not be overlooked, as they ensure the developer can effectively collaborate with others and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
Hiring a Ruby developer involves assessing both hard and soft skills, and the specifics can depend on several factors such as your company size, work culture, project scope, and the nature of employment.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in the Ruby programming language is paramount. It includes a deep understanding of Ruby's syntax (such as proper module use), data structures, and control structures, along with its object-oriented nature. A Ruby developer should also be highly adept at using Ruby's most popular framework, Ruby on Rails. The developer must demonstrate their years of experience or at least a comprehensive understanding of the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern, which underlies Rails applications, and how to effectively use Rails' powerful suite of tools for tasks such as routing, database migrations, and background jobs. Additionally, knowledge of Ruby gems, which are libraries that extend Ruby’s functionality, is beneficial. Developers should also be familiar with tools like Bundler for managing dependencies and Rack for handling web requests.
Experience with Testing
A competent Ruby developer should place a high value on testing. Test-Driven Development (TDD) is widely practiced in the Ruby community, so developers should be proficient in writing tests before the actual code. This approach not only helps catch bugs early but also ensures the code meets its requirements and behaves as expected. Ruby developers should be familiar with testing tools such as RSpec, a behavior-driven testing framework, and Cucumber, a tool for acceptance testing. Proficiency with factories (e.g., FactoryBot) and matchers also demonstrates a deep understanding of testing in Ruby.
Understanding of Databases
As much of Ruby's power comes from its data manipulation capabilities, a strong understanding of databases is crucial. Ruby developers should be familiar with SQL and able to write complex queries to interact with databases. Knowledge of ActiveRecord, an Object-Relational Mapping (ORM) system included with Rails that simplifies database interactions, is highly beneficial. Developers should have experience with one or more relational database systems such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite. Familiarity with NoSQL databases like MongoDB is also beneficial, as is understanding when to use different database types depending on the use case.
Knowledge of Front-End Technologies
While the primary focus of a Ruby developer might be backend development, a good developer will also have a strong understanding of front-end technologies. This includes HTML5 and CSS3, as well as JavaScript, a key language for interactive web pages. Understanding of JavaScript frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js can be especially valuable in modern web development. In addition, knowing how to use asset pipeline or webpacker for managing JavaScript in Rails applications can be an asset. Familiarity with front-end tools like SASS for CSS pre-processing and Bootstrap for responsive design can also be beneficial.
Experience with Version Control/Git
A proficient Ruby developer should have strong experience with version control systems, particularly Git. Version control is crucial in software development as it tracks changes to the codebase, facilitates collaboration, and allows developers to revert back to earlier versions of code if needed. Developers should know how to initialize a Git repository, stage and commit changes, create branches, and merge code changes from different branches. They should be comfortable resolving merge conflicts and know how to use commands like git rebase. Understanding how to use GitHub or Bitbucket for remote repository management and collaboration is also essential. Experience with pull requests and code reviews shows a developer's familiarity with collaborative development workflows.
Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving skills are vital in software development. Developers frequently face complex tasks that require innovative and efficient solutions. An experienced Ruby developer should be able to demonstrate their ability to break down complex problems into simpler ones. This involves analytical thinking and a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures. It also involves being able to debug effectively, using tools like byebug or pry for Ruby, to step through code and identify where things are going wrong. Evidence of problem-solving skills might come from their past projects or how they approach hypothetical scenarios during the interview process.
Good Communication Skills
Despite the stereotype of coders or programmers working in isolation, software development is often a highly collaborative endeavor. Good communication skills are thus critical for a Ruby developer. They should be able to clearly articulate their thought processes, design decisions, and code functionality. They need to write readable code and provide good documentation. They should also be comfortable working as part of a team and be able to effectively communicate with other team members, whether they're other developers, product managers, or UX designers. Additionally, in client-facing roles or Agile development environments, they may need to communicate directly with stakeholders or clients to understand their requirements and provide updates.
Continuous Learning Mindset
The field of software development is always changing, with new technologies, frameworks, and best practices constantly emerging. It's therefore important for a Ruby developer to show a commitment to ongoing learning. They should be aware of recent changes in the Ruby language and its popular libraries and frameworks. They should also be open to learning new languages and technologies. This might be demonstrated through personal projects, contributions to open-source projects, or ongoing education such as courses, seminars, or certifications. A developer who's committed to learning is likely to stay on top of industry trends and continually bring new ideas and approaches to your team.
Expert Resources for Hiring Ruby Developers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a Ruby Developer?
The cost to hire Ruby developers varies greatly depending on their experience level, your geographic location, the complexity of your project, and whether they're full-time or freelance. In the United States, a junior Ruby developer might command a salary from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, while senior Ruby developers with significant experience might earn $100,000 to $150,000 or more per year. Please research the current market rates as they may change.
Where can I hire a Ruby Developer?
There are various platforms where you can hire top-notch developers. Online job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are great places to start when it comes to outsourcing. For freelance or contract work, websites like Braintrust, a platform where you can post a job for free and get matched with a vetted candidate within 48 hours, have numerous Ruby developers for hire. You might also consider tapping into your network or attending local tech meetups or Ruby conferences.
How do I recruit a Ruby Developer?
To recruit the best Ruby developer, start by clearly defining the role and the skills required. Create a compelling job description that not only details the technical requirements but also offers a glimpse into your company culture. Post this job ad on appropriate platforms. Consider reaching out to your professional network and ask for referrals. If the role is specialized, working with a recruitment agency that has expertise in tech hiring could be beneficial. After receiving applications, screen candidates based on their resume, portfolio, and cover letter, and then conduct interview questions to evaluate their technical and interpersonal skills. For example, examine their expertise in building applications using Ruby and their familiarity with the Ruby on Rails framework for your development project.
How much does a Ruby Developer charge per hour?
The hourly rate of a Ruby developer can vary significantly based on factors such as the developer's experience level, geographic location, and the complexity of the work involved. In the US, a freelance Ruby developer might charge anywhere from $60 to over $200 per hour. Please note that these rates might have changed, so it's crucial to do current market research. Remember, while cost is an important factor, the developer's skills, experience, and fit with your project are equally, if not more, important.
What is a Ruby Developer?
A Ruby developer is a professional software engineer who specializes in building, implementing, and maintaining web applications using the Ruby programming language and the Ruby on Rails framework. They are not the same thing as a Ruby on Rails developers (RoR developers), although there is overlap between the two roles. Ruby developers utilize their knowledge of this dynamic, object-oriented language to create clean, efficient code that drives the functionality of web applications. Rails programmers also use the Rails framework to help develop APIs, providing a set of conventions and tools that streamline project management and the app development process. Their responsibilities may also include integrating data storage solutions, ensuring connected systems work together seamlessly, and writing tests to ensure the code performs as expected.
What do Ruby programmers do?
Ruby programmers are primarily tasked with development services such as developing and maintaining web applications. This involves designing and implementing robust server-side logic, working with databases to store and retrieve data efficiently, and integrating user-facing elements built by front-end developers. They often use Ruby on Rails, a popular Ruby framework, to expedite the development process and streamline their work. Additionally, Ruby programmers write automated tests, troubleshoot and fix bugs, and collaborate with other members of the development team on code review and design planning.
Is Ruby front end or backend?
Ruby is predominantly used as a backend object-oriented programming (OOP) language, designed to manage server-side operations and communicate with databases in a web application. With the Ruby on Rails framework, Ruby is often used to build robust and scalable backend architectures. However, it's worth noting that while Ruby itself isn't used for front-end development, full-stack Ruby developers might also work with front-end technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a seamless user experience.
What language is Ruby?
Ruby is a high-level, interpreted, general-purpose scripting language. It was designed and developed in the mid-1990s by Yukihiro "Matz" Matsumoto in Japan. Ruby is dynamically typed and uses garbage collection. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. Ruby emphasizes simplicity and productivity, with a syntax that is natural to read and easy to write. The Ruby on Rails framework, built on Ruby, has popularized the language in web development due to its emphasis on convention over configuration and its integrated testing tools.
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