Understanding the Ruby on Rails MVC Framework

Ruby on Rails relies upon a popular development framework known as MVC, or Model View Controller.  This flexible architecture provides an ideal way to separate the backend logic from the database and front end view. For teams working on full scale Rails projects, MVC makes it easier to independently test, build and scale each part of the project while integrating the development process:

While the MVC model isn’t unique to Ruby on Rails, it pairs particularly well with the framework. In order to understand the model for development purposes, it’s important to known how each part of the framework integrates with the other. In particular, the model aspect of the framework is used to process the business logic, which translates the information from the database according to logical rules.  As the core of your application, the model is rendered on the front end view while the controller is used to connect the inputs from users with the backend database of the model. Ruby was built with a core MVC framework to facilitate design, deployment and updates to applications.

How MVC is utilized in Ruby on Rails

When building a new application for Ruby on Rails, your team should consider each of these aspects in turn. In particular, Rails allows for rapid deployment of resources and efficient display of information through the backend model. Where Rails truly shines through is in integrating common programming libraries within your application. Within Rails the model is known as the Active Record and is used to control the databases and ensure efficient data transfer to and from the application. Ruby has an integrated structure that automatically generates database table names to match classes within the Action Controller.

By utilizing an MVC structure, it’s much easier to decouple various parts of the code for testing and updates, while also understanding the user experience from a larger perspective. All of the relations and validations are handled within the Active Record model, which efficiently manages objects in a SQL database. The controller provides an ideal way to define variables as well as controlling the overall flow of data within your application. The controller has actions which are rendered directly through the view from the database. Therefore, the tight integration between the database and coding logic makes for cleaner updates and deployment.  Each aspect of Rails’ core principles from convention over configuration to streamlined presentation make the framework ideal for rapid and effective deployment.

Rails also shines through in terms of its Action View on the frontend, where there are common Javascript libraries and template systems that make for cleaner presentation of data.  Common Rails sites are known for their clean interface, logical design and pleasant user experience – while you still have to work hard on the front end, the framework structure is designed to facilitate quality in design and development. Utilizing rHTML and rXML files the framework is an ideal choice for properly customizing on site content.  From front end design to efficient back end logic, the MVC framework provides a better way to build modern web apps.