Ruby: Choosing your development environment: local or remote

This documentation is part of the Development platform guide. You can view the complete guide here: Set up your development environment for a smooth and efficient workflow.

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Stackhero provides a ready-to-use Ruby cloud solution that delivers numerous advantages, including:

• Deploy your application in just a few seconds with a simple git push.
• Use your own domain name and take advantage of automatic configuration of HTTPS certificates for enhanced security.
• Benefit from automatic backups, one-click updates, and clear, transparent, and predictable pricing.
• Enjoy optimal performance and enhanced security thanks to a private, dedicated VM.

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You can run Ruby projects in two ways: locally on your computer, or in the cloud using a ready-to-code service like Code-Hero. Each method has its advantages, so you can select the one that best fits your workflow.

Local development is ideal if you want to work offline. Everything is installed on your own machine, but setup and maintenance take more time, especially if you are new to programming or need several tools. You are responsible for updates, backups, and security, and you are limited by your computer’s resources. Accessing your work from another device can also be challenging.

Remote development with Code-Hero provides a preconfigured environment that’s ready in seconds. It includes an easy-to-use Visual Studio Code fork and native support for tools like Git, Docker, Ruby, Rails, and more. Cloud servers typically offer more CPU, RAM, and storage than local machines. Since everything runs in your browser, you can work from any device or operating system.

Integrated tools like Docker and Traefik make it easy to use TLS and real domains (for example, https://your-project.you.your-company.dev). This closely replicates a real production environment, so you can test webhooks (from GitHub, Slack, Stripe, etc.), handle CORS, and develop against production-like services without extra configuration.

Choose the option that matches your workflow, skills, and project requirements:

1. Local development:

   • ✅ Works offline: No internet connection required
   • ❌ Limited resources: Dependent on your computer’s performance
   • ❌ Manual setup: You install and configure tools yourself
   • ❌ Ongoing maintenance: Updates and backups are your responsibility

2. Remote development (on Code-Hero):

   • ✅ Ready instantly: All tools are installed and configured
   • ✅ High performance: Uses powerful, dedicated cloud servers
   • ✅ Work anywhere: Access your environment from any device
   • ✅ Live integrations: Built-in HTTPS domains for webhooks and third-party services
   • ❌ Internet required: Needs a network connection