Question 1

How do I deploy Rails to a VPS?

Accepted Answer

Deploy Rails using Puma as the application server with Nginx as a reverse proxy. Set up Ruby with rbenv or asdf, install dependencies with "bundle install", precompile assets with "rails assets:precompile", configure database.yml, and use systemd to manage Puma.

Question 2

Is self-hosting Rails cheaper than Heroku?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. A $10-20/month VPS can handle workloads that would cost $50-200+ on Heroku. You avoid per-dyno pricing, database add-on costs, and the "Heroku tax". Self-hosting requires more setup but offers substantial long-term savings.

Question 3

Should I use Puma or Passenger for Rails?

Accepted Answer

Both are excellent choices. Puma is the Rails default and works great for most apps. Passenger (Phusion) offers easier Nginx integration and auto-scaling features. For simplicity, stick with Puma. Server Compass supports both options.

Question 4

How do I run Rails background jobs in production?

Accepted Answer

Use Sidekiq with Redis for background job processing. Create a systemd service or use Supervisor to manage the Sidekiq process. Configure appropriate concurrency settings based on your VPS resources. Solid Queue is another option for Rails 7.1+.

Install Ruby on Rails

Key Features

Use Cases

Technology Stacks with RailsStacks with Rails

Ruby on Rails Stack

Frequently Asked Questions

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