How to Build a Web App with and without Rails Libraries

Maple Ong

How would we build a web application only using the standard Ruby libraries? In this article, I’ll break down the key foundational concepts of how a web application works while building one from the ground up. If we can build a web application only using Ruby libraries, why would we need web server interfaces like Rack and web applications like Ruby on Rails? By the end of this article, you’ll gain a new appreciation for Rails and its magic.

Shopify

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Maple Ong

•30 min read•advanced•

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ActiveRecordGolangHTMLMVCMySQLPostgreSQLRailsRubySQLSQLiteYAML

Overview

This article provides a comprehensive guide on building a web application using Ruby, both with and without Rails libraries. It explores foundational concepts such as network protocols, data persistence, and the use of Ruby's core libraries, culminating in a deeper appreciation for the abstractions provided by Rails.

What You'll Learn

1

How to build a web application from scratch using Ruby libraries

2

Why understanding TCP and HTTP is essential for web development

3

How to implement data persistence using SQLite3

4

How to utilize Rack to simplify web application development

Prerequisites & Requirements

Familiarity with Ruby programming language(optional)
Basic understanding of web protocols and data structures(optional)
Ability to navigate the terminal and use a file editor

Key Questions Answered

What are the foundational concepts of building a web application?

The article covers foundational concepts such as network protocols like TCP and HTTP, persistent data storage, and the use of web server interfaces like Rack. It emphasizes the importance of understanding these elements to appreciate the abstractions provided by frameworks like Ruby on Rails.

How can I create a server socket in Ruby?

To create a server socket in Ruby, you can use the built-in socket library. The article provides a code example that shows how to set up a TCP server socket that listens for incoming connections on a specified port, allowing for communication with clients.

What is the role of Rack in Ruby web applications?

Rack serves as a specification for Ruby web applications, allowing developers to abstract away the complexities of handling HTTP requests and responses. By implementing Rack, developers can use various application servers, such as Puma, to manage network connections efficiently.

How do I persist data in a Ruby web application?

Data persistence in a Ruby web application can be achieved using SQLite3 or YAML::Store. The article explains how to set up a SQLite3 database to store user-submitted data, ensuring that the data remains available even after the server restarts.

Technologies & Tools

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Backend

Ruby

Used to build the web application and implement core functionalities.

Database

Sqlite3

Used for persistent data storage in the web application.

Backend

Rack

Provides a specification for handling HTTP requests and responses.

Backend

Puma

Acts as the application server to run the Rack application.

Key Actionable Insights

1
Building a web application from scratch enhances your understanding of web technologies.
By implementing core functionalities without relying on frameworks, you gain insights into how web protocols and data handling work, which can improve your skills as a developer.

2
Utilizing Rack can significantly reduce boilerplate code in your web applications.
By adhering to the Rack specification, you can streamline the process of handling HTTP requests and responses, allowing you to focus on application logic rather than low-level networking details.

3
Understanding TCP and HTTP is crucial for debugging web applications.
Knowledge of these protocols helps you troubleshoot issues related to data transmission and request handling, making it easier to identify and fix problems in your applications.

Common Pitfalls

1

Failing to properly handle incoming connections can lead to application crashes.

It's essential to implement robust error handling when accepting client connections to ensure that your application can gracefully manage unexpected inputs or connection issues.

2

Not understanding the structure of HTTP requests and responses can complicate development.

Without a clear grasp of how HTTP messages are structured, developers may struggle to implement correct routing and response handling, leading to bugs and user experience issues.

Related Concepts

Web Protocols

Data Persistence Methods

Ruby On Rails Libraries

Application Servers