Software · head to head
Django vs Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails
Software
A full-stack framework for building web applications
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Django does not fully support asynchronous database access; Ruby on Rails licensed under the MIT License per rubyonrails.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Django and Ruby on Rails actually diverge.
| Attribute | Django | Ruby on Rails |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | open-source |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Web |
| Founded | 2005 | Unknown |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Django
- Model-View-Template (MVT)
- Object-relational mapping
- Automatic admin interface
- URL routing
- Template engine
- Form handling
- Authentication system
- Internationalization
Only in Ruby on Rails
Nothing recorded that Django does not also cover.
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Django
- Web application developmentnot Ruby on Rails
- Content management systemsnot Ruby on Rails
- E-commerce platformsnot Ruby on Rails
- API developmentnot Ruby on Rails
- News websitesnot Ruby on Rails
- Social networksnot Ruby on Rails
Ruby on Rails
No use cases recorded yet. See the Ruby on Rails review.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Django
- Does not fully support asynchronous database access
- Monolithic design can feel restrictive for small-scale or lightweight applications
- Batteries-included approach adds overhead if features are not needed
- Slower framework evolution due to backward compatibility requirements
Ruby on Rails
- Licensed under the MIT License per rubyonrails.org; as open source software it has no paid tier or vendor price to compare
- The framework is Ruby-only by design, per rubyonrails.org's own description of its convention over configuration approach, requiring the Ruby runtime rather than supporting alternate languages
Pricing, plan by plan
Django
Free- Open SourceFree
- Full web framework
- Admin interface
- ORM system
Ruby on Rails
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Ruby on Rails review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Django if
- You need model-view-template (mvt).
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Linux, macOS, Windows.
- You also want object-relational mapping.
Questions people ask
- Is Django or Ruby on Rails better?
- Neither clearly leads. Django starts at Free and Ruby on Rails at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Django or Ruby on Rails?
- Django starts at Free and Ruby on Rails at Free.
- Does Django or Ruby on Rails run on more platforms?
- Django runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. Ruby on Rails runs on Web.
- Can I use Django for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Django best used for?
- Django is most often used for web application development, content management systems, e-commerce platforms, api development. Of those, web application development and content management systems are not what Ruby on Rails is typically brought in for.
- What can Django do that Ruby on Rails cannot?
- Django covers Model-View-Template (MVT), Object-relational mapping, Automatic admin interface, URL routing.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Django: What databases does Django support?
Django natively supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite3, and Oracle databases through its ORM, allowing developers to switch databases without rewriting code.
SourceDjango: How does Django handle database schema changes?
Django includes a built-in migration system. Developers use makemigrations to create migration files and migrate to apply changes to the database schema.
SourceDjango: Does Django support asynchronous programming?
Django added basic async/await support, but full asynchronous database access remains limited. The framework does not fully support asynchronous programming, which can be a limitation for real-time applications.
SourceDjango: Is Django free and open source?
Yes, Django is free and open-source software maintained by the Django Software Foundation, founded in June 2008.
SourceRelated pages
More on Ruby on Rails
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