
What Is The Minimum Viable Product (MVP)?

The minimum viable product (or MVP) is the simplest version of your product you can launch to test the market. It also allows for feedback.
The product has enough features to please early adopters, and it validates the idea.
Lean Startup is based on the MVP concept. It is important to note that its not the same as a proof-of-concept, prototype, or first version of your product.
Check out our guide on common MVP myths to better understand the MVPs place in your product pipeline. For a more in-depth look at the approaches and steps involved in building an MVP read our guide titled How To Build An MVP.
What is Ruby on Rails?

Ruby on Rails is a web framework thats open source and written in Ruby, a dynamic object-oriented language. The framework has a lot of functionality built-in and conventions to simplify web development.
Rails is popular with startups even though it has existed for nearly 20 years. Its popular because Rails is reliable, allows rapid development, and powers many famous products.
Theres a good reason behind that, we have built several highly successful products based on this framework. We have a strong opinion about why ROR development makes a good choice when creating an MVP for a web application.
We are also aware of the limitations and will discuss them in this article. Lets first explore some of the factors to consider when choosing a server-side framework.
Considerations to make when selecting an MVP Backend Framework

All founders, developers, and experts have different skills, experience, and preferences in terms of technology.
This naturally influences a startup's decision on the backend or frontend framework. Here are some must-haves for a startup:
Reliability
Bugs or downtime unplanned by the user will be tolerated. These issues are expected in simple products. A product that is constantly crashing or not working as it should damage your reputation.
It would be best if you chose a framework that has a history of providing regular security updates and performance patches.
Scalability
Scalability might appear premature at this stage because there is no guarantee your MVP will succeed. To avoid having to do a re-do or refactoring majorly later on, you should start thinking long-term right from the beginning.
Its important to choose a framework capable of handling a rapidly growing number of users and traffic without affecting the response time. Youll need a framework that can efficiently manage a growing user base and increase traffic without slowing down your apps response time.
We recommend selecting a framework that has a carefully designed architecture. Model-View-Controller (MVC) is known for being slightly less scalable, but its more efficient and easier to set up.
Microservices, on the other hand, add extra layers of complexity to product development.
Maintainable
Maintainability of the backend infrastructure, which is at the core of your application, is a key consideration.
Choose a framework with a lot of documentation that supports the separation of concerns. Modifying and maintaining tightly coupled code can be a real nightmare. Modular frameworks, like RoR, let you make modifications to certain parts of an application without affecting others.
It is easier to make changes on an MVP. Rails, for example, is a well-established framework that has a lot of documentation to help developers quickly troubleshoot problems.
Active Community
When you are in the beginning stages of developing a new product, the support from a community that is active can be incredibly valuable.
MVP development moves quickly. It would be best if you had a team that can solve problems quickly and get answers on the go. You should choose a free framework, regularly maintained and has a growing community.
Ruby is one of the most popular tech platforms in the world. There are over 2,000,000 active Ruby developers. The RoR community is known for being friendly.
Rails have over 4.6K active contributors. (Frameworks such as Express, Angular, and Vue.js barely scrape together 2K). Every day, new gems are added. Remember that the popularity of a framework is not always an indication of its helpfulness.
Javascript, for example, is a large community, which can lead to infighting or lack of consensus.
Why Ruby on Rails as your MVP?

We have listed a few of the reasons Rails is one of the best choices for MVP backend. Rails MVPs are typically built in less than three months.
The increased speed of delivery allows startups to get feedback faster and make iterations earlier.
MVC Architecture
The MVC framework is in line with Rails reputation for simplicity and structure. MVC, or Model-View-Controller, is a method of separating your web application into three interconnected parts.
This design pattern makes it easier for applications to be maintained and improved.
The modular monolithic design promotes productivity. Separate modules allow more people to work independently on each one.
The teams can quickly iterate their MVP, adding new features and enhancing existing ones without having to compromise other codebase parts. This independence" also helps to expand the development team. The biggest challenge with MVC, however, is defining boundaries within the application.
Weve had trouble separating the logic of executions and credentials management. There are ways around it. In this case, horizontal layering is the best option.
Concise Language
Rubys syntax is known for being simple, readable, and easy to understand. Ruby is an object-oriented programming language that has a very expressive syntax (parens are optional, for example).
This gives developers greater flexibility when writing solutions. It also increases productivity, as developers can do more work with less code.
Ruby is a very accessible language that can be used by rapidly growing development teams. Even if the new team members do not know Ruby, it will not be difficult for them to learn.
Rubys and ROR's simplicity is a great match for MVP. Its not worth complicating your code, particularly at this crucial stage in product development.
Ruby Gems
Ruby Gems provide extra functionality for the Rails framework. Ruby developers can build web applications quickly by having access to high-quality code that is reliable and reusable.
Gems play an important role in Rubys ecosystem and are a valuable resource for Ruby programmers.
Ruby developers are spoiled for choice. No gems perfect for everything. But with over 175K of them, and more being released each day, they have plenty to choose from.
The abundance of choices can also make it difficult to choose the best ones for your MVP. Its difficult to limit the options because every product is unique. Here are the three Ruby gems that our Ruby engineers recommend to MVP developers.
What Other Backend Frameworks Are There?
Ruby on Rails hasnt been as popular as it used to be. In the last decade, there have been several backend frameworks.
The RoR framework has always been criticized for its slowness. Still, it is only marginally slower than other frameworks as long as you dont rely heavily on memory processing in your application.
Memory-intensive apps (e.g., multiplayer games, social networking apps, AI tools, etc. ).
Express is a JavaScript-based framework. Express shares the same language as some of the most popular frontend frameworks (e.g., React, Next).
It helps teams collaborate and improves project coherence. ROR is also faster because of its accessibility. For example, Rubys literate language and community support. Laravel has a steeper learning curve.
Rails is still a popular framework for building e-commerce, SaaS, and video streaming apps. Ruby on Rails is still popular for ecommerce.
Startups can leverage this framework easily to create investment-ready, performant, and flexible MVPs.
How Do Low-Code/No-Code Platforms Compare?
The market adoption of platforms with low-code or no-code has increased. Its not surprising that these platforms are popular with non-technical entrepreneurs who have limited funds.
They offer drag-and-drop editors, a growing number of marketplaces, and a wealth of functionality.
Startups should be cautious before jumping aboard the "no-code MVP" train. These platforms have not been used to create tech unicorns.
It can be difficult to create a unique and sophisticated product when the server customization options are so limited. In the end, greater abstraction means that you have less control of your final product.
Ruby On Rails As An MVP: Why Its A Good Choice

Ruby on Rails has all of the requirements for creating an outstanding MVP and, subsequently, the final product. Ruby on Rails MVP is a great choice for product owners because it offers a high level of development speed and has an impressive market share.
It also features a vibrant community and can be easily adapted. We will discuss some of the reasons why Ruby on Rails MVP is a good choice for developers.
Sustainable Market Share And Extensive Market Share
Over 3.8 million websites use ROR. This represents a large share of the market for web applications. Google Trends shows that RoRs popularity has dropped in the past few years.
However, with its new graph, we see it gaining in favor amongst business owners. The vast Ruby on Rails community is also working hard to enhance the user experience by adding new features to the framework.
Develop with Speed and Efficient
Ruby is known for being simple, quick, and captivating. Rail is a popular framework that enhances Rubys capabilities, resulting in an excellent environment for MVP Development.
Rails pre-installed modules and tools allow developers to focus more on results and less time writing code. This makes ROR a great choice for MVP.
The DRY Approach and the Conversion of Configuration Overseas
Ruby on Rails follows principles such as Do Not Repeat Yourself and the DRY, which simplifies processes by not repeating work.
This leads to faster growth and development. Conversion over Configuration reduces configuration by using ready-made models.
Ecosystem Plug-In
RORs plugin ecosystem allows for rapid and easy enhancement of product features, saving time and effort in coding.
RoR offers developers a user-friendly development environment that allows them to achieve faster results.
Open-Source Framework
Developers have free access to the frameworks source code, libraries, and pre-tested code samples. This saves time and energy, as code testing can be streamlined by using these ready-made, tested code snippets.
These snippets allow developers to quickly add functionality to MVPs.
High-Quality Safety
RoR provides excellent security measures for products or applications that are developed with the framework. It offers top-notch security features, such as protection from common web threats.
You can be confident that both your users and your product are secure with the RoR MVP.
Test Everything
Ruby on Rails places a high priority on testing, allowing you to achieve exceptional MVP efficiency and stability.
The tool provides automated testing, which allows developers to create more effective tests. This results in a more reliable and faster product.
Popularity among Start-ups
RoR MVP is a very popular choice for business owners because of its affordability. The RoR MVP is a powerful tool that can increase the speed of development by 30-40%.
Many organizations also chose Ruby on Rails to develop their MVP and were able to launch it in a record-breaking time with a high level of user satisfaction.
Read More: What Is A Ruby On Rails Development Company?
Ruby On Rails Is A Great Tool For MVP Development

Ruby on Rails, a popular web development framework open source that is used by many startups and MVPs, has grown in popularity over the past few years.
Ruby on Rails is a popular open-source Web Development Services that has gained significant traction in recent years, especially for startup MVPs.
Easy Use and Rapid Development
Ruby on Rails was designed with developers in mind and placed a high priority on conventions over configuration.
Developers can build web apps faster and cheaper with less configuration and code than any other framework. Rails also provide pre-built libraries and modules that are easily integrated into the application. This speeds up development.
Fast Prototyping
Fast prototyping is one of Ruby on Rails biggest benefits for MVP development. RoRs code and modular structure make it simple to quickly create an application prototype.
This allows you to validate and test your idea within weeks rather than months.
Flexible Agile Methodology
Ruby on Rails works well with agile methodologies, where features and requirements can change often. Rails modular code and architecture allow developers to quickly make modifications without impacting other areas of an application.
It is easier to react to customer feedback and adjust your business strategy if necessary.
Scalability of Performance
Ruby on Rails also has a reputation for its performance and scalability, which allows it to handle high data and traffic loads.
Rails have a caching system that reduces the workload on the server and improves response times. Rails' object-relational map (ORM), as well as its support for multiple database systems, make it simple to optimize queries and manage large databases.
Maintenance and Code Efficiency
Rails use a Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture that separates business logic from presentation logic, making code easier to read, test, and maintain.
Dont Repetition Yourself (DRY), which reduces redundancy, and increases code efficiency. It is easier to maintain and add new features.
Database Management and Migration
Rails database migration feature allows you to easily manage the changes made to your database over time. This ensures consistency and reduces downtime.
The database migration feature allows developers to create and execute the migration with just one command. This simplifies development and reduces errors.
Great Ecosystem
Ruby on Rails offers a large ecosystem of plugins and gems to make adding functionality easy. It can help you save time and money on development and allow you to concentrate more on the features that will make your MVP stand out from others.
Simple Iterations
The modularity of Ruby on Rails makes it simple to iterate on an MVP and add new features as feedback is received from the target audience.
RoR allows you to make quick and easy changes without impacting other areas of your codebase. This reduces development costs and time.
Mature History with a Longstanding Tradition
Ruby on Rails is a framework that has existed for more than a decade. It has an established track record in the development of web applications.
Rails have matured into a reliable and stable framework capable of handling the requirements of modern web application development.
Access To Skilled Developers
Ruby on Rails is a popular and active developer platform, and there are many resources and online knowledge that you can access.
It is easy to find developers who are skilled enough to help you build your MVP, which reduces hiring costs while improving the quality and efficiency of your team.
Ruby On Rails Is A Great Way To Build Your Web App

Best Industry Standards
Ruby on Rails has a strong opinion, which is why it will guide you to their own way of working. It encourages web developers to use the latest standards and best practices.
Rails central philosophy revolves around the principle of DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself), which ensures that your application is maintainable and has a distinct separation of concerns. Rails embrace the principle of conventions over configurations. This means that Rails will default to conventions that specify how to do many things.
Rails are also built around the MVC (Model-View-Controller) philosophy that promotes the modularity and extensibility of your applications.
No matter how complicated your application, it is easily extensible with new business logic and features. To illustrate how complex RoR can be, lets look at a few examples. It is the biggest repository of code in the entire world.
This was built using a complicated architecture of distributed software development and version control. This complexity can be managed successfully by the RoR framework.
The Speed of Development
RoR is designed to be fast and efficient for prototyping. The well-developed modules, generator scripts, and efficient package management allow for scaffolding complex applications in only a few commands.
Rubys expressiveness and simplicity make it a great tool for rapid app development. It also comes with dozens of free, open-source libraries that can be used to achieve any goal. The Ruby community refers to these as gems.
Rails comes with an ORM (ActiveRecord) that is pre-installed. This helps you quickly build your application logic and integrate data.
You can then deploy a functional prototype, which will be enhanced with additional features in the future.
Software development can be a costly part of the startup journey. Developers have to do extra work due to environmental risks, like law updates and updating third-party dependencies.
As little time as possible should pass between the initial noticeable changes and production delivery. Learn more about the speed of Ruby on Rails development. Ruby on Rails is used to create an application that bridges the generational gap.
Read More: Identify Your Ultimate Ruby on Rails Developer or Development Team
Vibrant RoR Community
Rails is a web framework thats open source and supported by an active community of developers. Rails developers who use RoR for their projects are always looking to improve the code and incorporate new features.
Rails allow you to avoid reinventing the wheel for your project.
The ecosystem of RoR contains many gems, i.eSoftware that you can incorporate into your projects. The Ruby community will take care of this.
You can find almost any feature you need to build your website. Rails are run by a vibrant community, which ensures the frameworks regular updates, fixes for issues, and compliance with industry security standards.
Cost-Effective Development
Rapid development means you dont need to invest a lot of time or money. Fast development saves money on time-consuming tasks.
RoR Developers are readily available at affordable prices. The frameworks low learning curve makes it the ideal choice for new web developers.
Due to its simplicity, the framework is easy to maintain. Rail is a free framework. There are no licensing fees.
Ruby on Rails is a great option if you do not want to spend a lot of money on your web design.
The Cons Of Ruby On Rails For Developing Your Web App

The Runtime Performance of the Vehicle
ROR slow runtime is one of the main arguments used against it. This makes scaling your RoR application difficult.
Although other frameworks and environments are faster, your app is not likely to experience performance issues unless you have a large user base. Most performance problems with RoR applications are related to server and database architecture, as well as the expertise of the engineering team.
But performance considerations must still be kept in mind. Twitter struggled, for instance, to improve RoR performance, which deteriorated as the social network grew in popularity.
Twitter didnt abandon RoR, but it did replace some internal components with Scala-based solutions.
Inflexibility
RoR has a strong opinion and comes with many modules. Your developers will need to configure the modules that come with RoR, such as database migrations and routing.
If you are looking to build an application that has some basic functionality, these default modules can be useful.
However, they may not work if your project is unique. It may be more difficult to adapt RoR for your specific product in this situation. You will eventually have to choose between a complete overhaul of your Rails app or using a framework better suited to your requirements.
Costs Of Bad Decisions Made In The Development
Rails is notorious for its rapid prototyping. This means that a team of engineers who are not familiar with Rails could make obvious mistakes that will negatively impact the performance of your application in the future.
Rails prototyping is extremely fast. An engineering team that has no Rails experience may make mistakes that will negatively impact the performance of your application in the future.
Rails, an open framework with components that are closely coupled and dependent on one another, will make it difficult to correct these structural flaws.
Because of this, excessive reliance on ActiveRecord can lead to a tight coupling between the application logic and database models. This leads to problems with maintainability over time.
Documentation
Finding reliable documentation can be difficult, particularly for libraries and gems that are less well-known but make heavy use of mixins.
Its common to find that the test suite is used as documentation and for understanding behavior. Its not necessarily bad because it should represent the latest version of the system. It cannot be very pleasant to need to dig into the code when written documentation could have done it much quicker.
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Conclusion
We have a lot of information on Ruby on Rails MVP development. This blog should have given you a lot of insight into how to choose the best tech stack for MVP development.