What advantage does a Mac (computer) give to a Rails developer? [closed]

Answer 1

I agree that the primary reason to use a Mac for Rails development is TextMate. TextMate offers you numerous shortcuts for common Rails code, e.g. typing bf + tab to get a before_filter. Also, much of the work you do in Mac Terminal is easily translated to the Linux command line, which will definitely be an asset as you expand your architecture credentials. In addition, Rails utilizes many open-source technologies and Macs help expedite the install process by making compiling and building these applications fairly straightforward.

Answer 2

I honestly believe that Linux is the best OS to develop Rails application simply because that application will probably be hosted in a Linux server and we know we want to replicate the production environment as closest as possible to reduce deploy problems.

That's my opinion. Anyway, both Linux and Mac are great choices. Just try to avoid Windows, you'll eventually move to Linux/Mac (I did it...).

Answer 3

In general, Mac OS X and Linux support for most open source software is significantly better. Both platforms are much more friendly to developing without proprietary software like Visual Studio (well, actually, you probably need Apple's developer tools to do any real compiling, but those are just a modified version of GCC).

Having Linux compatibility is good because most Rails servers run some type of Linux. As to why people don't use Linux as much for development... well, the Mac interface is nicer.

Answer 4

If you have an editor that people like as much as TextMate then there will be no major reason really that OS X will be better than any other *NIX, but the main reason I love my Mac is like most other Mac Developers. The interface is nice, it's a very stable platform to work on, ie I spend more time working rather than getting it to work, and also TextMate. For all development that I have done there has been no better editor to use that it, and when you feel comfortable with your tools then you will be at your most productive. I think that this is the reason why people love to develop on the Mac.

Answer 5

This is minor, but Leopard comes with Rails installed. I'm not sure if I had to install the developer tools to get that or not.

That may contribute, but I doubt it has much effect.

Answer 6

Personally I don't think there is any real advantage that a Mac (or specifically developing in OSX) would provide for Rails development.

If I were to be more mean-spirited, I would say that people who use Macs are the kind that like to jump on the "new and shiny" bandwagon and Rails is definitely one of the more popular and "cool" things out there.

Note: I don't really believe that, but people love to hate on Mac users.