Credit: izusek | E+ | Getty Images
Ruby on Rails (also called Rails) is a full-stack web application framework that simplifies the app creation process. Developers have used open-source software, created with the Ruby programming language with contributions from 6,000 coders, to create hundreds of thousands of applications.
The framework includes tools that help with front-end and back-end development, including updating databases, security protections, and rendering HTML templates. Ruby on Rails offers flexibility, simplicity, and security.
A Ruby on Rails bootcamp can provide intensive training that develops the skills and knowledge necessary to apply for web developer jobs specializing in the language. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average 13% job growth rate for web developers from 2020-2030, indicating an encouraging outlook for this field.
This roundup of bootcamps offers a great place to start your Rails bootcamp search.
What Is a Ruby on Rails Bootcamp?
A specialized Ruby on Rails bootcamp can be hard to find. Instead, students typically enroll in more general web development and coding bootcamps that include Ruby on Rails as part of their broader curricula. These programs cover computer science fundamentals, back-end and front-end development, JavaScript, and Ruby on Rails for students to build web apps.
Bootcamps offering Ruby on Rails occur online and in person through part-time and full-time enrollment. Program length for Rails bootcamps varies, but a 2019 report on technology-related bootcamps found that full-time bootcamps lasted about 13 weeks. Independent schools offer many bootcamps, while others are delivered by schools.
Bootcamps differ from associate and bachelor's degrees in key ways. They take significantly less time to complete, have much less strict admission requirements, and may cost less. Another difference is that bootcamps focus much more on practical, career-relevant skills development than typical college degree programs.
Skills Learned in Ruby on Rails Bootcamps
Bootcamps with a Ruby on Rails component can cover many topics and skills. Students can develop technical skills using Ruby on Rails, Ruby, JavaScript, and HTML. They also receive opportunities to hone their problem-solving, analytical, and collaboration capabilities. Below, we describe four common skills that most Ruby on Rails bootcamps cover.
Problem Solving
Rails bootcamps include a lot of hands-on projects based on real-world scenarios. This allows enrollees to use their tech skills, run into obstacles, and figure out different strategies for solving problems that they may confront as professionals.
Ruby on Rails
Enrollees can develop a theoretical understanding of the framework and receive practical experience creating apps from scratch.
JavaScript
Many Rails bootcamps include a section on the JavaScript programming language. JavaScript can be used for front-end and back-end development. Students learn to use basic JavaScript and its related technologies to build advanced, interactive websites and mobile apps.
Collaboration
Most bootcamps for Ruby on Rails require participants to work with each other on projects. Teamwork is an important skill because the tech industry places high value on collaboration — most tech products are not created by individuals working independently.
What Will a Ruby on Rails Bootcamp Cost?
The cost of a Rails bootcamp varies depending on factors like program length, provider, and focus. The least expensive ones are under $2,000, but some cost as much as $20,000 or more. Consider the overall costs of the bootcamp, required software or materials, and fees.
Payment options for Ruby on Rails bootcamps include upfront payment, loans, and income share agreements (ISAs).
Some ISAs require no money upfront. Instead, students can wait to start paying their tuition until they find web developer jobs. At that point, graduates pay a set percentage of their income each month for a specific period or until they reach a payment amount.
Students who choose an ISA may not need to repay any tuition if they do not find a job after graduating, minimizing the risk of completing a bootcamp. Make sure to read ISA agreements carefully to understand all of the terms.
What Jobs Can I Get After a Ruby on Rails Bootcamp?
A Ruby on Rails bootcamp can prepare participants to apply for entry-level tech jobs as web developers, software engineers, and programmers. You can use the Ruby on Rails framework for back-end development and front-end development, potentially leading to more opportunities.
Explore the link below to compare different careers in computer science.
Web Developer
Web developers create and maintain websites. They may specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. Important technical skills include HTML5, JavaScript, Angular.js, and Ruby on Rails. Key soft skills include attention to detail, problem-solving, organization, and teamwork. Expansion of e-commerce and increasing use of mobile devices will likely contribute to the positive job outlook for web developers.
Median Annual Salary:$77,200Job Outlook (2020-30):+13%
Computer Programmer
These programmers write and test the code for software and applications. Specializing in Ruby on Rails can help programmers differentiate themselves and stand out from the competition. Computer programmers need excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Companies outsourcing programming jobs to other countries may lead to declining domestic employment in this field.
Median Annual Salary:$93,000Job Outlook (2020-30):-10%
Software Engineer
Software engineers design and develop the computer applications and systems that let programs function properly. They make changes to existing software, create and test new software, and analyze its performance. The job outlook for software engineers is very promising, thanks to the increased use of smartphones and other devices.
Median Annual Salary:$110,140Job Outlook (2020-30):22%
Video Game Designer
Video game designers develop games that people play on computers, mobile devices, and gaming consoles. They may come up with game ideas, storylines, characters, and art. These designers write code and test for bugs, which requires skills in programming, software development, teamwork, and creativity.
Median Annual Salary:$67,160
Other Computer Science Education Options
Instead of a Ruby on Rails bootcamp, some people may prefer to pursue other education in the field. An associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in computer science may make more sense for some students. Completing these programs can offer a broader education, build upon the skills developed in a bootcamp, and increase job opportunities.
Associate Degree in Computer Science
Earning a computer science associate degree is an ideal option for someone who wants a more in-depth understanding of the field but may not be ready to pursue a bachelor's degree. Learn more about associate degrees.
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
Graduates with bachelor's degrees in computer science can apply for many different types of entry-level positions in the field. Employers may require or prefer applicants to hold a bachelor's-level education. Learn more about bachelor's degrees.
Master's Degree in Computer Science
Professionals interested in applying for management or high-level computer science jobs can benefit from earning master's degrees instead of completing bootcamps. Learn more about master's degrees.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
A Ph.D. in computer science prepares students for advanced, college-level teaching and research careers. This level of study allows enrollees to complete in-depth research and develop expertise in a narrow area of the field. Learn more about doctoral degrees.
Explore Other Coding Bootcamps
Depending on your career goals, another type of coding bootcamp specializing in a different programming language or framework may make sense.
2022's Bootcamps for Ruby on Rails
Explore our list of available bootcamps for Ruby on Rails accepting students in 2022. The schools on this list intend to help individuals launch careers in tech in the United States. These are not casual, informational courses.
The 10 Rails bootcamps below are some of the most popular based on name recognition. Each program's website mentions that their bootcamps cover Ruby on Rails.
Actualize offers coding bootcamps taught by experienced software developers and educators. The school prioritizes effective coding education and published a book on how to teach programming.
Coding Bootcamp
Actualize's coding bootcamp participants choose from live online or in-person options in Chicago. The program takes 12 weeks plus five weeks of at-home prework. The part-time commitment requires about 20 hours of work per week, with coding exercises due every Saturday.
The curriculum covers Ruby on Rails, database design, front-end development with JavaScript, and creating APIs. Actualize also provides post-bootcamp structured job support to graduates.
Cost: $15,900 Format: Online or on-campus; part-time Length: 12 weeks (plus 5 weeks of at-home prework) CIRR Member: No
Other Courses Offered by Actualize
Booting Up
Actualize's Job Placement Assistance
Actualize offers expert career guidance and accountability after graduation. Students can participate in the school's Job Hacking system, which includes coding interview challenges, personal branding work, and professional networking.
Tech Talent South
Code Immersion
Asheville, Atlanta, Charlotte,Columbus, Dallas, Hartford, New Orleans, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio, Wilmington (North Carolina), Winston-Salem
Full-time or part-time
Turing School
Back End Engineering
Online
Full-time
$20,000
Common Questions about Ruby on Rails
What is Ruby on Rails used for?
Ruby on Rails is a type of open-source software. It is a framework that uses the Ruby programming language to create websites and applications. Its library helps developers create complex products quickly and easily.
Do you need to know the Ruby programming language for Ruby on Rails?
Yes. You need to know the Ruby programming language to use Ruby on Rails. Ruby on Rails is written in the Ruby programming language, so you won't understand the code otherwise.
Is Ruby on Rails still relevant in 2022?
Yes — Ruby on Rails is still relevant in 2022. New development technologies have emerged in recent years, but Rails still offers benefits like a rapid development process, simplicity, and a huge library of developer-created tools.
Is Ruby on Rails hard to learn?
Ruby on Rails can be challenging to learn, especially for people new to the field. There are many independent concepts and tools you must know or learn about to gain a strong understanding of Rails. A Ruby on Rails bootcamp can provide intensive training to beginners in a short time frame.
