Ruby on Rails or Rails is a server-side web app framework that is written in the Ruby language. It is a model-view-controller (MVC) framework and it provides default structures for web pages, a database, and a web service. Rails encourage the use of web standards such as JSON or XML for data transfer, and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for user interfacing.
However, like any technology, Rails applications can suffer from performance issues if not properly optimized.
Simplify and Optimize Database Use
The database is most likely the point where the rest of the application runs slower, like in those applications built with Rails. Optimizing the database will be the key point for better performance. Make use of indexes on tables to cut down the times of queries. Rails speed up this process by the use of migrations.
Ensure that you’re only loading the data you need by using select, joins, or includes to avoid unnecessary database queries. Regularly review your queries and use the Rails console or a tool like Bullet to identify and eliminate N+1 query problems.
When the complexity of your project grows, you might need to hire Ruby on Rails developers who are adept at identifying and optimizing potential database inefficiencies. Their knowledge and skills in this area can make a noticeable improvement to your application in competency and adaptability aspects.
Leverage Caching
Caching is another great tool to add to the performance tank. Rails contains many caching techniques, including page, action, and fragment caching. Utilizing cache stores like Memcached or Redis can dramatically reduce page load times by storing and serving frequently accessed data from a fast, in-memory store, rather than hitting the database every time.
Storing data on a cache requires a well-thought-out approach to let users see the latest content available. Use Rails low-level caching for specific and heavily used queries, and consider Russian doll caching to nest fragment caches for maximum efficiency.
Code Optimization
Ruby’s flexibility allows for writing concise code, but this can sometimes lead to inefficient practices. Profiling tools such as rack-mini-profiler and New Relic can help identify slow methods and inefficient code paths. Once identified, refactor these areas for efficiency.
Techniques include using built-in Ruby and Rails methods, which are often optimized for performance, and avoiding unnecessary object instantiation.
Front-End Performance
Improving the front-end performance of your Rails application can also enhance the overall user experience. Use the Rails asset pipeline to minify and compress JavaScript and CSS files, reducing the size of assets that the browser needs to download. Implement lazy loading for images and other content that is not immediately visible to the user to improve page load times.
Additionally, consider using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to serve static assets. CDNs can significantly decrease load times by serving content from servers close to the user’s location.
Background Jobs
For operations that don’t need to be processed immediately, such as sending emails or processing images, background jobs can be a lifesaver. Tools like Sidekiq, Resque, or Delayed Job allow you to queue up tasks to be processed in the background. Thereby freeing up the webserver to handle incoming requests more efficiently.
This strategy will make your application more responsive, and thus higher user experience by loading heavy tasks without the user’s perception of lag.
Regularly Update Rails and Gems
Keeping your Rails application and its dependencies up to date is important for both security and performance. The newer versions tend to add new possibilities that will nail the perfect application. Regularly update your Rails version and the gems you are using, and take the time to review the changelogs for performance-related improvements.
Conclusion
There are a number of practices when it comes to RoR apps’ optimization. Such practices include database optimization and caching to front-end adjustments and code refactoring. We can use tools such as Bullet, rack-mini-profiler, and Sidekiq, to mention a few.