Choosing Ruby and Rails Versions for a New Project: Best Practices and Recommendations

When embarking on a new project, it's essential to select the most appropriate versions of Ruby and Rails to ensure long-term compatibility, stability, and security. This article provides guidance on choosing between the latest stable versions and the preferred minor versions for a robust project setup.

Stable Major Versions

For a new project, it's advisable to use the latest stable major version of both Ruby and Rails. At the time of writing, Ruby 2.5 and Rails 5.2 are recommended. These versions have undergone extensive testing and feature improvements, offering a solid foundation for your project's development.

Current Recommendations as of January 28, 2016

As of January 28, 2016, the correct answer is typically the stable major version from at least 6 months ago. Given the context at that time, Rails 4.2.x would be the best choice, with the most recent minor version being the preferred option. The ecosystem, including important gems like Devise, ActiveAdmin, and Refile, is thoroughly supported and optimized for this version.

While Rails 5 was in beta at that time, it is not yet recommended for production use unless you have the necessary experience and confidence. The major new feature, Action Cable, can be implemented using alternative services if you are unsure about the transition. It may take up to six months for major libraries in the ecosystem to become compatible, and dropping some gems may still be necessary.

Stability and Security

Selecting the latest 2.3.x series for Ruby ensures that your project remains stable and secure. While newer versions may offer performance, memory management, and security patches, the 3.x series is still a few years away. Security patches are critical, and there will be none for versions below Ruby 2.0 or Rails 3.2, which are considered security hazards.

Learning and Familiarization

While the primary focus should be on using stable versions, it can be beneficial to learn Rails 5 and familiarize yourself with its new tools and features. For instance, Rails 5 offers improved command-line functionality compared to Rails 4. However, migrating to Rails 5 in production should not be done hastily, as a day of work is typically required for a smooth upgrade, assuming your application is well-tested.

Specific Recommendations

For optimal results, I recommend using Ruby 2.3.0 and Rails 4.2.5.1. While the exact versions may vary, these are my go-to choices for setting up new projects as of January 26, 2016. Upgrading to the latest stable versions later in the project lifecycle is usually straightforward and won't cause significant disruptions if the codebase is well-structured and tested.

Conclusion

Choosing the right versions of Ruby and Rails is crucial for the success of any new project. By sticking to stable major versions and ensuring compatibility with the wider ecosystem, you can build a robust and secure application. While learning new versions can be beneficial, stability and security should always be the top priorities.