So You Want To Be A Ruby Coder: How To Get Started With Ruby

Introduction

Do you want to be a Ruby programmer? It is hard to find a coding language that you want to make your forte nowadays. Maybe you have stumbled across Ruby, maybe you have worked with Ruby before. Here is a guide for you to become a certified Ruby programmer!

There are a few certifications that you would be required to have before you are recognized as a Ruby programmer. Click here if you’re looking for these certifications or related IT online courses in Australia. So, if you are interested in a career in tech and specifically Ruby, read on to find out more, as well as find out the average salary of a Ruby programmer.

What Is A Ruby Programmer?

Essentially, someone who is proficient in the Ruby programming language to create new technological products. Think of someone who is able to create web servers, work with Application Programming Interface (API) clients, and develop static website generators.

A Ruby programmer would also have to be proficient in other coding languages since it would go hand in hand with the projects that they will be doing.

What Does A Ruby Programmer Do?

Each coding language has a certain use, these are the following for Ruby:

1. Developing new applications and programs
2. Creating new servers to host programs on the internet
3. Performing full-stack web development
4. Web crawling and scraping
5. Working with other coding languages like PHP to create new programs and shortcuts
6. Troubleshooting existing programs to look for solutions

How To Become A Ruby Programmer?

Now that you have a certain idea of what a Ruby programmer does, and you find yourself interested to try it out – here is a guide on how you can get to become one yourself!

Step One: Earn A Bachelor’s Degree

To work with something like the Ruby program, you would require a certain level of educational experience to get your foot in the door. The major that best fits this criterion would be Computer Science. This is an exceedingly popular course choice amongst students in this generation, and rightfully so.

Any reputable Computer Science course would be able to equip you with the basic knowledge of website creation, proficiency in multiple coding languages, understanding of different programming languages and other important skills as a programmer.

There are other courses that can get you a step into the Ruby programming field, such as Computer Architecture. It is important that you practice using Ruby whilst you are studying so that you can have a good grasp of the language before you step out into the industry.

Step Two: Master The Ruby Language

As mentioned, it is highly recommended to start using the Ruby programming language in your undergraduate years to get a hold of it. Ruby is an object-oriented language that can be used to create new websites, programs, and other technology products.

Industry professionals have used Ruby to develop new programs, and there is also an existing web framework known as ‘Ruby on Rails’ which you can use to practice the programming language.

It is recommended that you look up instructional courses and videos on how to program using Ruby, as they would also have specific examples that can help you better understand such an abstract programming language.

Step Three: Improve Your Coding Skills

Other than mastering Ruby, you will have to be proficient in other coding languages as well. Being familiar with other common coding languages would boost your portfolio, as many projects require Ruby to work hand in hand with these coding languages.

Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are other skills that any good programmer should have, to keep a look out for any troubleshooting in these different languages.

Remember to practice other coding languages whilst you are trying your hand at Ruby. Watch tutorial videos on how to use these other coding languages and be ready to use them out in the field.

Step Four: Get Certified

We know, you already have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. However, being a Ruby programmer is an insanely technical job. Having a Computer Science bachelor’s degree would not be able to be enough, as you would need a specialised certification in the Ruby programming language.

Employers do use ‘Ruby on Rails’ to assess the proficiencies of potential Ruby programmers. Another board certification that is widely recognised is the certification by the Ruby Association.

Skills

As we covered, there are multiple skills that a Ruby programmer would need to harness. Let’s go over them quickly:

Ruby programming language proficiency, is the first and foremost important one.

Coding language proficiencies in other languages, hand in hand with working with Ruby

With these skills, you need to master the next – Web development

These two are complementary skills to anyone who work in the tech industry – analytical thinking and attention to detail.

And of course, we would not be complete without having – an independent thinker.

Salary

If you have made it this far, good for you! This is what we are all squinting our eyes for, the salary. It is no secret that in this age, the tech industry pays a good fortune for those fortunate enough to work there, but just how much are they paying? Let’s take a look.

The national average of a Ruby programmer in the United States would be roughly $138,496 per annum. Of course, taking into consideration where you work, it may go up to somewhere in the $160,000. Now that is a lot of money, which is why these jobs are highly competitive and require their applicants to possess specific certifications and complementary skills to be able to be proficient in this field.

The United States Board of Labour Statistics (BLS) does not list job openings for Ruby programmers, but look under computer programmers and you are sure to find Ruby programmers included.

It does look like the trend for job openings for computer programmers will fall ten per cent in the next decade, however, the BLS reports that roughly 9,700 new jobs for computer programmers open annually. So, if you are looking into this industry, do not be too worried.

Conclusion

Computer science and the tech industry are rising giants in this new age of the job market. If you have the means and the know-how, definitely give this avenue a shot, and you might just be the next computer programming genius. It pays well too, so why not?