Twitter, one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, was written in Ruby on Rails.
This may come as a surprise to some, as it’s not as commonly known that Ruby is the primary programming language used by Twitter. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Ruby was chosen and how it has contributed to Twitter’s success.
Why Ruby on Rails?
Ruby on Rails (RoR) is a web application framework written in Ruby, which is an interpreted programming language that emphasizes simplicity and productivity. RoR was created by Yukihiro Matsumoto (also known as “Matz”), who designed it to make web development faster and more enjoyable.
When Twitter started out, the company’s founders, Jack Dorsey and Biz Stone, were looking for a programming language that would allow them to quickly develop a prototype of their platform. They chose Ruby because of its simplicity and ease of use, as well as the availability of a large community of developers who could help them build the application.
One of the key benefits of using Ruby on Rails is that it allows for rapid prototyping. With RoR, developers can create working web applications in just a few weeks, which was crucial for Twitter during its early stages when speed and agility were essential.
Another advantage of using Ruby is that it has a strong focus on developer happiness. This means that the language is designed to make coding fun and enjoyable, which can lead to more productive and motivated developers.
Ruby’s popularity in the developer community also played a role in Twitter’s decision to use it. With a large number of developers already proficient in Ruby, Twitter was able to find talent quickly and easily.
The Role of Ruby on Rails in Twitter’s Success
Ruby on Rails has played a significant role in Twitter’s success over the years. One of the key ways it has contributed is by allowing Twitter to scale quickly and efficiently as it grew.
Twitter’s platform was designed from the beginning to be highly scalable, which means that it could handle a large number of users without breaking down. This was achieved in part through the use of Ruby on Rails, which is known for its ability to handle high traffic loads with ease.
Another way that Ruby on Rails has contributed to Twitter’s success is through its flexibility. With RoR, developers can easily add new features and functionality to the platform without having to completely rebuild it from scratch. This allows Twitter to stay ahead of the competition and continue to innovate.
Ruby’s popularity in the developer community has also helped Twitter attract top talent. Because Ruby is such a popular language, many skilled developers are already proficient in it, which makes it easier for Twitter to find the talent it needs to build and maintain its platform.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ruby on Rails was chosen as the primary programming language for Twitter because of its simplicity and ease of use, as well as the availability of a large community of developers who could help build the application. Ruby’s focus on developer happiness, scalability, flexibility, and popularity in the developer community have all played significant roles in Twitter’s success over the years.
