Hanami vs Rails API: What are the differences?

Introduction

When comparing Hanami and Rails API, it is important to understand the key differences between these two popular Ruby web development frameworks.

1. Modularity: One of the key differences between Hanami and Rails API is the level of modularity. Hanami is designed with a modular architecture, allowing developers to pick and choose the components they need for their specific project. On the other hand, Rails API follows a more monolithic approach, with a set structure and dependencies that come with the framework.

2. Performance: Hanami is known for its lightweight nature and speed, making it a good choice for projects that require high performance. On the other hand, Rails API, being a full-fledged framework with more features and functionalities, may not perform as well as Hanami in certain scenarios.

3. Learning Curve: When it comes to the learning curve, Hanami tends to have a steeper learning curve compared to Rails API. This is primarily due to its modular nature and different design philosophy, which may require developers to familiarize themselves with new concepts and conventions.

4. Community and Ecosystem: Rails API has a larger and more established community and ecosystem compared to Hanami. This means that developers working with Rails API may find more resources, plugins, and solutions readily available, whereas those working with Hanami may face challenges in finding similar support.

5. Flexibility: Hanami provides more flexibility in terms of database support, as it allows developers to work with multiple databases simultaneously. This can be beneficial for projects that require integration with different types of databases. Rails API, on the other hand, has a more rigid approach to database management.

6. Scalability: When it comes to scalability, Hanami is often considered to be more scalable compared to Rails API. Its modular architecture and lightweight nature make it easier to scale the application as needed, whereas Rails API may face limitations in handling large-scale applications efficiently.

In summary, Hanami and Rails API differ in terms of modularity, performance, learning curve, community, flexibility, and scalability, each offering unique strengths and considerations for web development projects.