Is Python more popular than Ruby?

Both Python and Ruby are open source, interpreted, and general purpose programming languages. The programming languages further share certain features and syntax elements. The developers can use each of the two programming languages for developing a variety of software applications. But the latest usage statistics posted on various websites depict that Python is currently more popular than Ruby. There are also a number of reasons why many programmers prefer Python to Ruby.

Why Many Programmers Prefer Python to Ruby?

Design Philosophy

Ruby emphasises on making programming both flexible and fun for software developers. It allows programmers to accomplish the same task in a number of ways. On the other hand, Python emphasizes on making the programmers more productive and the application code more readable. It requires developers to perform programming tasks in a specific way. Hence, programmers opt for Python to speed up software development and maintenance.

Syntax Rules

The syntax rules of both Python and Ruby are influenced by a number of programming languages. But the syntax rules of Python are influenced by widely used programming languages like C++, Java, and Perl. Hence, programmers often find it easier to learn and use Python. But the syntax rules of Python enables programmers to express concepts with less code. The fewer lines of code reduce development time significantly and enhance the software’s maintainability.

Programming Paradigm Support

Both Python and Ruby support multiple programming paradigms. Ruby is designed as an object oriented programming language. It enables developers to treat classes, modules, and global variables like objects. Python also supports object-oriented programming paradigm. But it allows developers to work with multiple interfaces. Also, Python programmers can easily describe the business logic and application behaviour by using whitespaces in the code.

Usage

Python is a general purpose programming language in the true sense. Many web developers use Python as a server side programming language. At the same time, Python is also used widely by programmers for GUI application development, scientific computing, and big data management. But Ruby is commonly used for website and web application development. Many programmers prefer Python to Ruby to build a variety of software applications.

Performance

A number of studies have shown that Python is faster than Ruby. Also, a Ruby application consumes more memory than a Python application. Nowadays, the speed of a software application directly affects its user experience and popularity. Hence, many programmers prefer writing software in Python to boost its performance and user experience.

Frameworks and Libraries

As mentioned earlier, most Ruby on Rails programmers use the language for web application development. They also use a robust web framework like Ruby on Rails to speed up development of complex and high-traffic websites. The web developers have option to choose from an array of web frameworks like Sinatra, Padrino, Camping, Merb and Lift. But the Python programmers have option to avail many GUI development kits, web frameworks, and networking tools. These frameworks and tools make it easier for developers to build custom software application according to varying requirements of enterprises.

Learning Curve

Python is currently one of the most popular introductory programming languages for beginners. The syntax rules of Python are influenced by popular programming languages like Java, C++, and Perl. Hence, the programmers familiar with these programming languages can learn Python without putting extra time and effort. Also, the simple syntax rules and language features of Python makes it easier for beginners to master the programming language within a short span of time.

Maturity

Python was released in 1989, whereas Ruby was launched in 1995. Python became popular gradually as a programmer-friendly programming language. Many programmers started using Python to read and write code more efficiently. But Ruby became one of the most popular programming languages only after the release of Ruby on Rails in 2005. Many analysts believe that the maturity contributes towards making Python more popular than Ruby.

On the whole, Python is more popular among modern programmers that Ruby. But Python also has its own shortcomings. Hence, the developers must keep in mind the precise needs of each project while comparing the widely used programming languages. But many developers use Python as a general purpose programming language, whereas Ruby is used widely for web application development.