Striking Features of Ruby on Rails and why you should choose it

Ruby on Rails has been out in the web development market for quite a long time, but recently its popularity has become considerably high. This open-source web application framework is optimized to ensure programmer delight and sustainable productivity. Ruby on Rails lays stress on convention rather than configuration and hence beautiful codes can be written with great efficiency. The striking features of this framework go a long way in enhancing developer productivity. In this article we will discuss some of the major features of Ruby on Rails before we understand why it has become a preferred choice.

Prime features of Ruby on Rails

• MVC architecture: This framework is founded upon the Model View Controller or MVC architecture which facilitates separation of presentation from data.

• Database Access Library: There is a data access library (known as Active Record) associated with Ruby on Rails that simplifies the process of data handling within databases. Automatic mapping of rows to objects and tables to classes is possible with Active Record.

• Libraries to facilitate common tasks: This web application framework has an array of libraries which help in code simplification in case of regular programming tasks like sessions management, validations and so on.

• AJAX Library: The Rails framework comes with a comprehensive AJAX functions library. Ruby code can be conveniently leveraged for generation of AJAX code, as there is automatic generation of the associated JAVA scripting needed for AJAX.

• Convention rather than configuration: No XML configuration files are associated with Ruby on Rails. Uncomplicated programming conventions are present which can be used to denote the configuration parameters.

• Customized URL: Search Engine Friendly or Custom URLs are convenient to design utilizing the Ruby on Rails web application framework.

• Debugging: Comprehensive error logs are obtained, which makes it more convenient to debug applications.

• Components: With the aid of components, reusable codes can be stored and templates can also be modularized.

Reasons for Considering Ruby on Rails

• The Ruby language itself: The language is quite impressive and incorporates some of the notable aspects of dynamic languages as well as static languages blended across an object-oriented paradigm.

• Code-oriented data model: In case of Ruby on Rails, data model is defined with the help of code. Once the preliminary data model is prepared, any kind of changes to the same is done through scripts that operate the model. This implies that it is a trivial task to reproduce a Rails project on a different server or even aim it against a different database.

• Well documented: This web application framework is very well documented. There are a number of free or paid video tutorials that can be accessed through the web. These tutorials are most of the times very good in terms of quality and also highly interesting.

• Swift development model: Convention is what drives the development model of Ruby on Rails. This means that once you are thorough with the way Rail works, it will do most of the tough job on your behalf. This is applicable for a range of development tasks which can be completed swiftly.

• Direct Access to CSS, JavaScript and HTML: Through Ruby on Rails you get complete control over your code’s presentation layer. This means that you can easily associate the application’s logic with AJAX’s front ends. This allows you to work in co-ordination with design experts, in order to come up with brilliant sites which are hard to develop in systems that are less flexible.

• Tool options: The comparative simplicity of this framework implies that there are a great many quality IDEs available for Rails development. Moreover, the Rails system comprises outstanding tools that cater to a number of needs and many of these are open source or free. Ruby on Rails is indeed a great option if you wish to operate within an ecosystem that provides high class tools support.

This web application framework is the perfect choice for those who think in terms of codes and prefers to work with scripts. Those who have worked with Ruby on Rails will indeed vote for this framework.

We provide Ruby on Rails development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert Rails developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Tips to Enhancing the Performance of SQL Server by More than 65%

When it comes to developing a successful application, the performance aspect of the same comes up to be the main concern. After all, it is essential to develop a high-performing application for best results. A good and proper database design gives the best performance during the time of data manipulation, which results in increased scalability of a particular application.

The performance and scalability of a SQL server is affected by multiple issues. Usually, the biggest gain can be obtained by creating competent and well organized data access code for a particular technique followed by the use of proper development techniques. The performance and scalability of SQL server cannot be enhanced by changing the configuration settings of the SQL server.

So, if you consider increasing the performance level of SQL server, you must keep the following aspects in mind while taking up the task of data manipulation and database designing -

1. Select Proper Data Type: It is important to choose the proper kind of SQL data type for data storage as it helps improving the query performance. For instance: proper string storage must be done by using varchar instead of text data for the simple reason that varchar offers better performance than text. So, always consider varchar, when you need to store data up to 8000 characters.

2. Avoid the use of nvarchar and nchar: when taking up the work of database designing, you must always try to avoid the use of nvarchar and nchar data types as they both acquires double memory. Only if you need to store Unicode data such as Chinese, Hindi characters, etc, you can consider using nvarchar and nchar data type.

3. Avoid the inclusion of NULL in fields of fixed-length: You must practice avoiding the insertion of NULL values in the field of fixed–length. The reason is attributed to the fact that NULL takes up an equal space like the desired value of input for that particular field. In cases, where the requirement of NULL cannot be avoided, you can consider making use of the field of variable-length (varchar) as it acquires less space for NULL.

4. Avoid the use of * in SELECT statement: The best practice to increase the performance of SQL servers include avoiding the use of * in SELECT statement as the server changes the * to column names, prior to query execution. It is also wiser to give the name of columns of your requirement than querying all the columns by making use of * in SELECT statements.

5. Stay Away from Having Clause: If you wish to increase the performance of SQL server, you must also remember to shun the practice of Having Clause as it works like filters over selected rows. It is only preferable to use Having Clause if you further wish to filter the result of aggregation.

6. Make non-clustered and clustered indexes: Since, indexes help in fast access of data; it is always advisable to avoid the creation of clustered and non-clustered indexes. However, you must also be aware of the fact that an increased use of indexes on a table will slow down the operations of insert, update, and delete. Therefore, you must always consider maintaining a limited number of indexes on a table.

7. Maintain a small clustered index: To increase the performance of SQL server, you must also remember to maintain a small clustered index. This is advisable because, the fields that have been used in the clustered index might also find a use in the non-clustered index. Moreover, the data storage in the database is also done following the order of clustered index. Therefore, the use of clustered index on a table featuring multiple rows offers a significant rise to the size of the data.

8. Keep away from the use of cursors: In order to increase the performance of SQL server significantly, you must practice avoiding the use of cursor. This is simply because the use of cursor slows down the performance significantly. It is advisable to make use of SQL server cursor as an alternative to the general cursor.

Following the above-mentioned tips can help improve the performance of SQL server significantly. Designing effective schemas, tuning indexes, optimizing queries, etc are some of the main action areas of SQL server database development, which if handled properly can improve the SQL server performance significantly.

We provide SQL server application development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert SQL server database developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Top 5 Databases to Rely on for your Enterprise Data

Most of the current databases have their origin in the mid or late 1970s. Hence, considering the time span for the existence of databases, it cannot be said that the database market has not yet become mature. An exploration of the present status reveals that the market is immensely competitive, and so far as enterprise database systems are concerned, we have products equipped with a range of features from high availability to hot backups. Some of these database systems are available free of cost and for some databases, the prices can be as high as thousands of dollars. The crucial matter to consider is that no single database system can handle all the problems related with data. Each database comes with its own benefits and shortcomings. Let us discuss the top 5 databases which need to be considered by any person or entity handling data and requiring a database server.

• Oracle: This database system came into being in 1979 and was the earliest commercially obtainable RDBMS (Relational Database Management System). Since its inception, Oracle has come up with complex yet powerful database solutions which have proven record of uninterrupted data delivery. In short, performance and security are the two most significant qualities associated with Oracle databases. Some of the other crucial advantages associated with Oracle are the ability to perform every transaction in an isolated manner, durability of result, recycle bin option, capability of handling large sized data.

• SQL Server: Convenience of use, availability and a well organized integration for Windows operating system makes SQL Server one of the best options for firms that make use of Microsoft products. Interestingly, SQL Server 2008 is considered by Microsoft as the most preferred platform for delivering solutions on business intelligence. With this database system, clients do not need to interact directly with the raw data tables but they are required to connect with an intelligent data manager over the server. In case there is some problem with the client machine, the underlying tables are not affected.

• DB2: This database system is flexible enough to operate on UNIX, Linux, Mainframes and Windows and has also proved to be a very cost-effective option. The most striking feature of DB2 is that it enables clients to compress the database size for several kinds of data including indexes, row data, XML objects, temp tables and binary objects. This in turn enhances performance and efficiency of the disk.

• Sybase: Enjoying around four decades of success, Sybase still continues to be a primary driver within the enterprise market. The increasing popularity of Sybase is triggered by its solutions delivered in partnership with the mobile device market. The major advantages of Sybase databases include capability of handling large query loads, intelligent query processing, quick aggregations and data comparisons, and enhanced productivity because of reduction in query time. In case of Sybase database system, the entire indexing and database occupy space lesser than that occupied by raw data.

• MySQL: This database system started its journey as a niche product for developer and gradually became a major competitor so far as the enterprise database market is concerned. Presently, MySQL drives thousands of commercial websites as well as a plethora of internal applications of the enterprise. This database system can be used very conveniently and ensures extreme security for sensitive data. Other advantages of MySQL include speed, scalability, the capability of supporting a number of development interfaces and the ability to run on numerous operating systems.

There are a number of databases which currently exist in the enterprise marketplace, each with its own distinctive features. The five databases discussed here are recognized amongst the best bespoke database development technologies that the industry has produced and which are immensely reliable for enterprise data.

We provide database development services. If you would like to discuss with an expert database application developer from our team, please get in touch with us at Mindfire Solutions.

Top 5 Web technologies which can wow you

The last few years saw the triumph of HTML5, the gradual maturity attained by CSS3, the launch of Rails 3.0, as well as the extensive popularity of @font-face selector (which is in fact a component of CSS3), amongst different other technologies. In other words, web technologies have become increasingly popular and a lot of developments have taken place in this field around the last decade, a phenomenon that is still going on. Here we bring to you the top 5 web technologies you can bank on in the years to come. These technologies have in fact proved themselves to be trendsetters, having a notable impact on development of applications and websites.

• jQuery Mobile: JQuery is considered identical to JavaScript largely due to its ease of use, extensibility and robust project leadership features. Aiming to be an effective web framework for Smartphones and tablets, optimized for the touch screen aspect, jQuery Mobile is amongst the most popular projects, and is expected to carry forward the concept of cross device, cross platform web development to the next step. As an increasing number of developers are inclining towards HTML5 for creating apps, a strong JavaScript framework for the mobile becomes an enticing solution. In fact, jQuery has the potential to turn into the most effective mobile JavaScript framework.

• Web Browsers with Hardware Acceleration Capabilities: IE9 (Internet Explorer 9) is tremendously swift as it makes use of hardware acceleration and DirectX 10 technologies, which has the potential to increase the capabilities and speed of the browser to a great extent. The IE9 platform provides enhanced support to the native audio and video capabilities of HTML5 development. Microsoft has brilliantly crafted this browser version to bank on the most recent GPU chips and multicore processors bringing in the latest hardware.

• Server Side JavaScript and Node.js: Node.js is in fact a toolkit which enables the composition of event driven servers within JavaScript. This implies that users do not need to wait for sluggish I/O operations to get over before starting with other operations. In case of Node.js everything happens in the server side JavaScript. This is very significant for things which call for high speed, such as real-time web applications, file uploading, streaming, web crawlers and so on. Node.js expectedly marks a beginning of an extensive inclination for server side JavaScript.

• Synchronized Clickstream Sharing: There are a number of ways to share information or other stuff that you are coming across in the internet. There has been a huge explosion of social media sites and other publishing systems available online, all the more due to the mass incorporation of share buttons coupled with the continuous acceptance of desktop clients, bookmarklets and widgets, which all turned sharing into a very convenient task. Synchronized Clickstream sharing is most likely to become the next step, so far as sharing personal online experience is concerned.

• NoSQL Databases: NoSQL is in fact a very casually defined term that describes database engines which usually do not operate according to the conventional relational database architecture that is largely being used. No SQL databases are considered as alternative databases, and some of the notable ones in this group include Apache Cassandra, Amazon’s Dynamo, Google’s Big Table, CouchDB, MongoDB, Riak and Voldemort. NoSQL databases can effectively handle big data, which is a significant benefit keeping in mind the increasing volumes of data that businesses need to store. Moreover, NoSQL databases are very economical as they make use of groups of low-cost commodity servers for handling the ever-increasing transaction and data volumes. The flexible data models make room for convenient change management.

There is probably no culmination point for the developments taking place in web technologies. As innovative and original technologies are crowding the marketplace on a regular basis, more and more interesting technologies are expected to woo users with their exceptional features.

We provide HTML5 games development services. If you would like to know more about the expertise of our expert HTML5 developers, please visit Mindfire Solutions.

Top 10 Upcoming Trends in Medical Device Software Company

So far as Information Technology is concerned, the healthcare sector is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular business domains. Some years back, the healthcare segment was not so much adapted to the use of information technology, but now this sector has huge potential, the reason why the IT sector is increasingly inclined towards the healthcare market. In fact, the IT sector has been actively involved in the extensive integration of clinical, financial and operational segments of the private hospitals or other health departments. IT continues to play a significant role in making things simpler, smoother and hassle-free for clinical professionals, medical staff, executive and others involved in the field of medicine.

The Emerging Trends

Medical software is a very significant segment of software engineering. Many software companies are facing the challenge of living up to the expected quality assurance and hence the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliant software solutions are being outsourced for medical devices like Activity Monitors, Glucometers, Pedometers, Pill Bottles, Weight Scales and Thermometers. These medical devices are used for controlling or monitoring purpose and are very often regulated by regional or local laws, including FDA and MDD (Medical Devices Directive). The laws mainly regulate the system level testing and software development process. In an effort to innovate and at the same time comply with the existing regulations, medical device software companies have adopted certain trends. Here we will discuss some of the emerging trends.

• Electronic Technologies: The growth of silicon technology continues to trigger developments in this area. Trend setting developments are expected to take place in the domains of wireless systems, robotic devices and IT systems within the next decade. The advances are mostly related to computer aided diagnostic systems, electronic medical record devices, internet-oriented medical systems, virtual medical coaching systems and networking systems.

• Artificial Organs: The emerging trends in case of artificial organs relate to tissue-engineered materials, neurosensory systems, glucose level monitoring systems, electro-stimulating systems and bio-integrating prosthetic limbs.

• Biological Products: So far as biological products are concerned, emerging trends have been witnessed in the drug delivery system. This will have a positive impact on the safety and efficiency of the pharmaceutical industry.

• Invasiveness Reduction Technologies: The upcoming trends in invasiveness reduction technologies revolve around imaging systems and devices. Medical device software companies are coming up with innovative devices like advanced MR, optical imaging and ultrasound, based on the concept of image-oriented therapy. Innovations are also rampant in the field of minimally invasive therapeutic products, such as implants and radiotherapy systems. Software companies are also leveraging Phototonics, especially in the field of optical diagnostics and therapeutic devices.

• Technologies for Decentralized Care: A potential development in this area is the home and self-care systems, which ensure that patients can play a significant role in the maintenance of their own health. This leads to increased efficiency and reduction in healthcare costs.

• Demographic Technologies: This emerging trend is seen to have the potential of producing a number of new devices within the next decade. There would be development of categorical products for the older population and a comparatively younger population.

• Detection Systems: Early detection has always been one of the crucial points of discussion in the medical domain. Digital disease detection systems along with effective data management techniques are expected to bring positive developments in medical detection.

• Diagnostic Technologies: Medical device software companies are working hard to come up with improved systems to ensure better computer aided diagnostic procedures, especially in the field of genetic diagnostic systems.

• Patient Monitoring Systems: Remote monitoring systems are increasingly becoming popular. The most significant improvements in this area are remote cellular and web viewing as well as real-time transmission of data to hospitals from ambulances. Hence there is an upsurge in the Patient monitoring systems development.

• Clinical Decision support System: This when properly leveraged may prove to be a tremendous boon for the medical industry. The interactive system is designed to facilitate the analysis of patient’s data by medical practitioners and other health professionals.

The emerging trends in medical device software companies may potentially lead to impactful developments in the field of healthcare. When properly leveraged, the developments will indeed prove to a boon for healthcare providers as well as patients.

We provide healthcare software development services. If you would have a need for mobile health app development or would like to speak to one of our expert developers, please reach out to us at Mindfire Solutions.