Lot of people out there must have just heard about Ruby on Rails. It is an excellent Web Framework using which you can create amazing web applications in very less time compared to any other web programming language out there.

I would just like to share with you the  10 best Ruby on Rails web applications (personal opinion). Please not that the following list is not according to the popularity of the site but based on its application.

The following list contains websites from a variety of domains.

1. Github

   An amazing social code hosting web application, where you can host all your scripts,codes,snippets,applications,etc by creating your own repository for free. They support GIT versioning system.

   Domain : Social Code Hosting/Versioning
   URL : http://github.com
   

2. Twitter

   Did you know that Twitter was built on Rails framework ? Twitter was about to abandon RoR for either Java or PHP but it seems as of now they are still powered by Ruby on Rails.

   Domain : Social Networking/Micro Blogging
   URL : http://twitter.com

3. Scribd

   Scribd, a social document publishing network, is another example of what Ruby on Rails is capable of. Users can upload any type of documents and share it. It is the the largest social publishing company in the world as of now.

   Domain : Social Document Publishing
   URL : http://scribd.com

4. Howcast

   If you don`t know what is Howcast, then you should check this amazing site. Created by Google and Youtube veterans, this site is a collection of all types of “How to” Videos, the biggest difference, the videos can be post processed i.e steps,animations added to them. This site is really awesome and definately deserves a look.

   Domain : Video Broadcasting/Video Processing
   URL : http://howcast.com

5. Hulu

   Missed your favourite show on TV ? Then you should check out Hulu. Here you can watch you favourite shows anytime for FREE !

   Domain : Video Broadcasting
   URL : http://hulu.com

6. Basecamp

   A web-based project collaboration tool built by 37Signals. Most of the projects created by the guys at 37Signals are Ruby On Rails powered.

   Domain : Collaboration Application
   URL : http://basecamphq.com

7. Defensio

   All you WordPress users must be aware of Akismet, This application is also similar to Akismet and tries to block out the spam messages. Has a rich set of API’s and seems quite effective. Completely powered by RoR.

   Domain : Spam Annihilator
   URL : http://defensio.com

8. Geni

   This is a very different type of application. I mean how many websites are there that let you create your family tree ?? Cooked with Ruby on Rails. You can create your own family tree which is never disclosed to public (good privacy settings). Amazing usability and very simple to get started.

   Domain : Misc
   URL : http://geni.com

9. Lumosity

   A very interesting site which has lot of games to help “Reclaim your brain”. I personally loved the “Rain Drop” game where you have to solve equations inside a raindrop. The game moniters how you perform normally and under pressure. Do check this site out (for its games)

   Domain : Gaming Website
   URL : http://www.lumosity.com

10. Shopify

    A RoR app where e-commerce is made easy. You can create your own shops using their easy interface.

    Domain : E-Commerce
    URL : http://www.shopify.com

Feel free to share more Ruby On Rails powered Sites.

About the Author

Michael is a freelance web developer. Fluent with PHP, Ruby on Rails, AJAX, CSS and HTML. Runs his own Web Designing Firm viz Vision Master Designs, who deal with customized solutions for business needs, blog design and development. Currently selected with this year's Google Summer of Code, working with Wordpres. Follow Michael on Twitter

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