Free Ruby On Rails 8 Interview Handbook
100 Essential Questions and Answers
March 2025 @ RubyOnRails.BA
1. What are the major new features in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 introduces several new features, including:
Improved Active Record: Enhanced query performance and new methods for complex queries.
Action Mailer Updates: Better support for asynchronous email delivery.
API Mode Enhancements: Simplified configuration for API-only applications.
Security Improvements: Stronger defaults for encryption and authentication.
2. How does Rails 8 improve Active Record performance?
Answer: Rails 8 optimizes Active Record by:
Reducing the number of database queries for common operations.
Introducing new methods like find_each_with_order for efficient batch processing.
Enhancing caching mechanisms for faster data retrieval.
3. What are the deprecations in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 deprecates:
Legacy methods like update_attributes in favor of update.
Older versions of certain gems and dependencies.
Outdated configuration options in config/environments.
4. How does Rails 8 enhance Action Mailer?
Answer: Rails 8 improves Action Mailer by:
Adding support for background job libraries like Sidekiq for asynchronous email delivery.
Introducing new methods for email template management.
Improving error handling and logging for email delivery.
5. What are the key updates in Rails 8’s API mode?
Answer: Rails 8 simplifies API mode by:
Reducing boilerplate code for API-only applications.
Adding built-in support for JSON:API standards.
Enhancing performance for API endpoints with optimized middleware.
6. How does Rails 8 improve security?
Answer: Rails 8 introduces:
Stronger encryption defaults for sensitive data.
Enhanced authentication mechanisms with built-in support for OAuth 2.0.
Improved CSRF protection and session management.
7. What is the new find_each_with_order method in Rails 8?
Answer: The find_each_with_order method allows you to process records in batches while preserving
the order of the query. This is useful for large datasets where you need to maintain a specific order
during processing.
8. What is Solid Queue and why is it important in Rails 8?
Answer: Solid Queue is the new default Active Job backend in Rails 8. Key points include:
Database-backed job queue system that eliminates the need for Redis
Simplifies the application stack by reducing external dependencies
Potential cost savings on cloud hosting by removing Redis requirement
Includes Mission Control UI for job management (planned feature)
9. How does Rails 8 improve PWA (Progressive Web Apps)
support?
Answer: Rails 8 introduces first-class PWA support through:
Action Notifier: A new framework for managing push notifications
Default PWA files generated with new applications
Badge counter management for app icons
Better integration with modern web standards
10. What is Solid Cache in Rails 8?
Answer: Solid Cache is the new default caching backend in Rails 8:
Database-backed caching system replacing Redis/Memcached
Simplifies deployment and maintenance
Reduces infrastructure costs
Part of Rails' move towards simplified architecture
11. What authentication improvements come with Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 includes several authentication enhancements:
New basic authentication generator for scaffolding authentication
Built-in rate limiting in Action Controller
Simpler than Devise, focused on common use cases
Generated code approach rather than mountable engine
12. How does Rails 8 improve developer experience?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances developer experience through:
Default Rubocop setup with Omakase configuration
Built-in LSP (Language Server Protocol) support
Improved editor/IDE integration
Better code completion and navigation
13. What deployment improvements are included in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 streamlines deployment with:
Kamal as the default deployment solution
Default GitHub CI workflow for new applications
Built-in Brakeman security scanning
Automated Dependabot configuration
14. What are the asset pipeline changes in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 makes significant changes to asset handling:
Propshaft becomes the default asset pipeline
Replaces Sprockets as the default choice
Focuses on the 'no build' philosophy
Simplified asset management approach
15. What performance improvements does Rails 8 introduce?
Answer: Rails 8 includes several performance enhancements:
Lightweight Go proxy (Airlock) for HTTP/2 support
Improved public caching mechanisms
Built-in gzip compression
New benchmarking tools for performance testing
16. How does Rails 8 improve logging and monitoring?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances logging capabilities with:
Structured JSON logging alongside developer logging
Implementation based on 37Signals and Shopify solutions
Better error tracking and debugging
Improved production monitoring capabilities
17. What are the key considerations when upgrading to Rails 8?
Answer: When upgrading to Rails 8, consider:
First upgrade to Rails 7.2 before attempting Rails 8 upgrade
Ensure good test coverage before starting the upgrade
Review deprecated features and their replacements
Check compatibility with existing Redis/Memcached usage if switching to Solid Queue/Cache
18. How does Rails 8 simplify the technology stack?
Answer: Rails 8 simplifies the stack through:
Elimination of Redis/Memcached dependency with Solid Queue and Cache
Database-backed Action Cable adapter
Simplified asset pipeline with Propshaft
Integrated deployment solutions with Kamal
19. What are the key database improvements in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances database functionality with:
Better support for database-backed services (Queue, Cache, Action Cable)
Improved query performance optimizations
Enhanced connection pooling
Better handling of large datasets
20. How does Rails 8 improve API development?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances API development through:
Streamlined API-only application configuration
Better JSON serialization performance
Enhanced rate limiting capabilities
Improved API documentation tools
21. What security features are new in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 strengthens security with:
Built-in Brakeman security scanning
Enhanced rate limiting in Action Controller
Improved authentication system
Better CSRF protection mechanisms
22. How does Rails 8 improve testing capabilities?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances testing through:
Default GitHub CI workflow integration
Improved test performance
Better testing tools and helpers
Enhanced debugging capabilities
23. What are the key Action Cable improvements in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances Action Cable with:
New database-backed adapter (potential 'Solid Cable')
Reduced dependency on Redis
Improved performance and scalability
Better integration with PWA features
24. How does Rails 8 improve error handling and debugging?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances debugging with:
Structured JSON logging for better error tracking
Improved error reporting mechanisms
Better development tools through LSP support
Enhanced debugging capabilities in development mode
25. What configuration changes are introduced in Rails 8?
Answer: Rails 8 introduces several configuration changes:
Simplified configuration for database-backed services
New PWA configuration options
Updated deployment configuration with Kamal
Streamlined GitHub CI workflow settings
26. How does Rails 8 improve application scalability?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances scalability through:
Better database connection management
Improved caching with Solid Cache
Enhanced background job processing with Solid Queue
Optimized HTTP/2 support via Airlock proxy
27. What are the best practices for using Solid Queue in Rails 8?
Answer: Best practices for Solid Queue include:
Understanding database load implications
Proper job scheduling and prioritization
Effective use of the Mission Control UI
Regular monitoring of job queues and performance
28. How does Rails 8 improve frontend development?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances frontend development with:
First-class PWA support
Simplified asset pipeline with Propshaft
Better push notification support via Action Notifier
Improved JavaScript integration
29. What are the key differences between Solid Cache and
Redis?
Answer: Key differences include:
Database-backed vs in-memory storage
Simplified deployment without additional services
Different performance characteristics
Integrated backup and recovery with database
30. How does Rails 8 improve application monitoring?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances monitoring through:
Structured JSON logging for better analysis
Improved performance monitoring tools
Better error tracking and reporting
Enhanced debugging capabilities
31. What are the key benefits of using Kamal for deployment?
Answer: Kamal deployment benefits include:
Platform-agnostic deployment solution
Reduced vendor lock-in
Simplified deployment configuration
Better integration with Rails 8 features
32. How does Rails 8 improve code quality?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances code quality through:
Default Rubocop with Omakase configuration
Built-in Brakeman security scanning
Improved LSP support for better code intelligence
Enhanced testing and CI integration
33. What are the migration strategies for Redis-dependent
applications?
Answer: When migrating Redis-dependent apps to Rails 8:
Evaluate current Redis usage (caching, jobs, Action Cable)
Plan gradual migration to Solid Queue and Solid Cache
Test performance implications of database-backed solutions
Consider keeping Redis for specific high-performance needs
34. How does Action Notifier work in Rails 8?
Answer: Action Notifier in Rails 8:
Functions similarly to Action Mailer but for push notifications
Manages PWA notification subscriptions
Handles badge counters for app icons
Provides templates for notification content
35. What are the key performance considerations in Rails 8?
Answer: Important performance considerations include:
Database load with Solid Queue and Cache
Connection pool configuration for multiple services
Asset delivery optimization with Propshaft
HTTP/2 and caching configuration
36. How does Rails 8 improve API security?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances API security through:
Built-in rate limiting capabilities
Improved authentication mechanisms
Better CORS configuration options
Enhanced request validation
37. What are the key features of the new LSP support?
Answer: Rails 8's LSP support includes:
Code completion for Rails-specific methods
Jump-to-definition functionality
Inline documentation and hints
Real-time error detection
38. How does Rails 8 improve database operations?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances database operations through:
Better connection pool management
Improved query optimization
Enhanced support for complex queries
Better handling of database-backed services
39. What are the key considerations for PWA development in
Rails 8?
Answer: When developing PWAs in Rails 8, consider:
Service worker configuration
Push notification implementation with Action Notifier
Offline functionality setup
Asset caching strategies
40. How does Rails 8 improve development workflow?
Answer: Rails 8 enhances development workflow through:
Integrated CI/CD with GitHub Actions
Improved code quality tools (Rubocop, Brakeman)
Better development environment setup
Enhanced debugging and testing capabilities
41. What are the best practices for implementing PWAs in Rails
8?
Answer: Best practices for PWA implementation include:
Following Rails 8's PWA file structure conventions
Proper implementation of service workers
Effective use of Action Notifier for push notifications
Implementing proper offline data synchronization
42. How should you handle database migrations in Rails 8?
Answer: Best practices for database migrations include:
Planning for Solid Queue and Cache table structures
Considering performance impact on existing tables
Implementing proper indexing strategies
Managing connection pools effectively
43. What are the key considerations for production deployment
in Rails 8?
Answer: Important deployment considerations include:
Setting up Kamal deployment configuration
Configuring GitHub CI/CD workflows
Managing database-backed services effectively
Implementing proper monitoring and logging
44. How should you implement authentication in Rails 8?
Answer: Authentication implementation should consider:
Using the new basic authentication generator
Implementing proper rate limiting
Setting up secure password handling
Configuring proper session management
45. What are the best practices for using Solid Cache?
Answer: Best practices for Solid Cache include:
Proper cache key design
Implementing effective cache expiration strategies
Monitoring cache hit rates
Managing database load from caching operations
46. How should you handle asset management in Rails 8?
Answer: Asset management best practices include:
Using Propshaft effectively for asset pipeline
Implementing proper asset organization
Optimizing asset delivery for PWAs
Managing asset caching strategies
47. What are the key considerations for API development in Rails
8?
Answer: API development considerations include:
Implementing proper rate limiting
Setting up authentication and authorization
Using JSON serialization effectively
Implementing proper error handling
48. How should you implement background jobs in Rails 8?
Answer: Background job implementation should consider:
Using Solid Queue effectively
Implementing proper job prioritization
Managing database load from job processing
Monitoring job execution and performance
49. What are the best practices for testing in Rails 8?
Answer: Testing best practices in Rails 8 include:
Using the integrated GitHub CI workflow effectively
Implementing comprehensive unit and integration tests
Testing PWA functionality properly
Ensuring proper test coverage for database-backed services
50. How should you handle security in Rails 8 applications?
Answer: Security best practices include:
Using Brakeman security scanning effectively
Implementing proper authentication and authorization
Following rate limiting best practices
Regular security audits and updates
51. What are the key considerations for scaling Rails 8
applications?
Answer: Scaling considerations include:
Proper database connection pool configuration
Effective use of caching strategies
Optimizing background job processing
Implementing proper monitoring and alerting
52. How should you handle error tracking in Rails 8?
Answer: Error tracking best practices include:
Using structured JSON logging effectively
Implementing proper error reporting
Setting up monitoring and alerting
Using debugging tools effectively
53. What are the key considerations for database optimization in
Rails 8?
Answer: Database optimization considerations include:
Proper indexing strategies for Solid Queue and Cache
Query optimization techniques
Connection pool management
Regular database maintenance and monitoring
54. How should you implement caching strategies in Rails 8?
Answer: Caching implementation should consider:
Effective use of Solid Cache
Fragment caching strategies
Russian doll caching implementation
Cache invalidation strategies
55. What are the best practices for monitoring Rails 8
applications?
Answer: Monitoring best practices include:
Using structured logging effectively
Implementing proper metrics collection
Setting up alerting thresholds
Regular performance monitoring
56. How should you handle configuration management in Rails
8?
Answer: Configuration management should include:
Proper environment configuration
Secure credentials management
Service configuration organization
Development vs production settings
57. What are the best practices for handling real-time features in
Rails 8?
Answer: Real-time feature implementation should consider:
Using database-backed Action Cable effectively
Implementing proper WebSocket handling
Managing connection state and reconnection
Scaling real-time features properly
58. How should you implement service integration in Rails 8?
Answer: Service integration best practices include:
Proper service object patterns
Effective error handling for external services
Implementing proper retry mechanisms
Managing service dependencies effectively
59. What are the key considerations for frontend integration in
Rails 8?
Answer: Frontend integration considerations include:
Effective use of Propshaft asset pipeline
PWA implementation best practices
JavaScript module management
Asset optimization strategies
60. How should you handle data migrations in Rails 8?
Answer: Data migration best practices include:
Planning for large dataset migrations
Implementing proper rollback strategies
Managing data integrity during migrations
Performance optimization for large migrations
61. What are the best practices for implementing search in Rails
8?
Answer: Search implementation should consider:
Proper search engine integration
Implementing effective indexing strategies
Managing search performance
Handling large result sets efficiently
62. How should you handle file uploads in Rails 8?
Answer: File upload implementation should consider:
Using Active Storage effectively
Implementing proper validation and security
Managing file processing and transformations
Handling large file uploads efficiently
63. What are the key considerations for implementing
authentication flows in Rails 8?
Answer: Authentication flow considerations include:
Using the new authentication generator effectively
Implementing proper password reset flows
Managing session security
Implementing multi-factor authentication
64. How should you handle internationalization in Rails 8?
Answer: Internationalization best practices include:
Proper translation management
Handling locale-specific content
Managing date and time formats
Implementing proper fallback strategies
65. What are the best practices for optimizing Rails 8
performance?
Answer: Performance optimization should focus on:
Database query optimization with proper indexing
Effective use of Solid Cache for caching
Asset delivery optimization with Propshaft
Proper configuration of HTTP/2 and compression
66. How should you implement advanced routing in Rails 8?
Answer: Advanced routing considerations include:
Proper constraint implementation
Namespace organization
API versioning strategies
Custom route helpers
67. What are the key considerations for implementing
WebSocket features?
Answer: WebSocket implementation should consider:
Using database-backed Action Cable effectively
Managing connection state
Implementing proper authentication
Scaling WebSocket connections
68. How should you handle background processing in Rails 8?
Answer: Background processing considerations include:
Effective use of Solid Queue
Job prioritization strategies
Error handling and retries
Monitoring and performance tracking
69. What are the best practices for implementing APIs in Rails 8?
Answer: API implementation should consider:
Proper versioning strategies
Authentication and authorization
Rate limiting implementation
Documentation and testing
70. How should you handle database sharding in Rails 8?
Answer: Database sharding considerations include:
Proper shard configuration
Data distribution strategies
Connection management
Cross-shard querying
71. What are the key considerations for implementing service
workers?
Answer: Service worker implementation should consider:
Proper caching strategies
Offline functionality
Push notification handling
Background sync implementation
72. How should you handle deployment automation in Rails 8?
Answer: Deployment automation should include:
Effective use of Kamal
GitHub CI/CD workflow configuration
Environment-specific deployments
Rollback strategies
73. What are the best practices for implementing authorization in
Rails 8?
Answer: Authorization implementation should consider:
Role-based access control
Policy-based authorization
Resource-level permissions
Integration with authentication system
74. How should you handle database transactions in Rails 8?
Answer: Transaction handling should consider:
Proper transaction isolation levels
Nested transaction handling
Error handling and rollbacks
Performance implications
75. What are the key considerations for implementing
WebSocket security?
Answer: WebSocket security should consider:
Authentication for WebSocket connections
Channel authorization
Message validation
Rate limiting for WebSocket connections
76. How should you handle form validation in Rails 8?
Answer: Form validation should include:
Client-side validation implementation
Server-side validation rules
Custom validation methods
Error message handling
77. What are the best practices for implementing search
functionality?
Answer: Search implementation should consider:
Full-text search capabilities
Search result ranking
Search performance optimization
Search interface design
78. How should you handle email delivery in Rails 8?
Answer: Email handling should consider:
Background processing with Solid Queue
Email template management
Email delivery tracking
Testing email functionality
79. What are the key considerations for implementing API
versioning?
Answer: API versioning should consider:
Version naming conventions
Backward compatibility
Documentation for different versions
Deprecation strategies
80. How should you handle error responses in Rails 8 APIs?
Answer: API error handling should include:
Consistent error formats
Proper HTTP status codes
Detailed error messages
Error tracking and logging
81. What are the best practices for testing PWAs in Rails 8?
Answer: PWA testing should include:
Service worker functionality testing
Offline capability verification
Push notification testing
Cache strategy validation
82. How should you implement performance monitoring in Rails
8?
Answer: Performance monitoring should include:
Application performance metrics collection
Database query monitoring
Cache hit rate tracking
Real-time performance alerts
83. What are the key considerations for implementing OAuth in
Rails 8?
Answer: OAuth implementation should consider:
Provider integration strategies
Token management
Scope handling
Security best practices
84. How should you handle database backups in Rails 8?
Answer: Database backup strategies should include:
Regular backup scheduling
Backup verification procedures
Restore testing
Backup storage management
85. What are the best practices for implementing rate limiting?
Answer: Rate limiting implementation should consider:
Request threshold configuration
Rate limit window settings
Response header management
Rate limit bypass strategies
86. How should you handle asset precompilation in Rails 8?
Answer: Asset precompilation should consider:
Propshaft configuration
Environment-specific settings
Asset optimization strategies
Cache management
87. What are the key considerations for implementing GraphQL
in Rails 8?
Answer: GraphQL implementation should consider:
Schema design best practices
Query optimization
Authentication integration
Error handling strategies
88. How should you handle session management in Rails 8?
Answer: Session management should include:
Session storage configuration
Session timeout handling
Security considerations
Cross-domain session management
89. What are the best practices for implementing service objects
in Rails 8?
Answer: Service object implementation should consider:
Single responsibility principle
Error handling patterns
Testing strategies
Integration with models and controllers
90. How should you handle database connection pooling in Rails
8?
Answer: Connection pooling management should include:
Pool size configuration
Timeout settings
Connection reaping
Load balancing strategies
91. What are the key considerations for implementing
microservices with Rails 8?
Answer: Microservices implementation should consider:
Service boundaries definition
Inter-service communication
Data consistency patterns
Deployment strategies
92. How should you handle memory management in Rails 8?
Answer: Memory management should include:
Memory leak detection
Garbage collection tuning
Object allocation monitoring
Memory usage optimization
93. What are the best practices for implementing webhooks in
Rails 8?
Answer: Webhook implementation should consider:
Event handling patterns
Retry mechanisms
Security considerations
Payload validation
94. How should you handle application monitoring in Rails 8?
Answer: Application monitoring should include:
Performance metrics tracking
Error monitoring
Resource usage tracking
Alert configuration
95. What are the key considerations for implementing multi-
tenancy in Rails 8?
Answer: Multi-tenancy implementation should consider:
Data isolation strategies
Authentication and authorization
Resource management
Performance optimization
96. How should you handle data encryption in Rails 8?
Answer: Data encryption implementation should include:
Encryption key management
Data-at-rest encryption
Secure key rotation
Encryption performance considerations
97. What are the best practices for implementing CI/CD in Rails
8?
Answer: CI/CD implementation should consider:
GitHub Actions workflow configuration
Test automation strategies
Deployment pipeline setup
Quality assurance checks
98. How should you handle security auditing in Rails 8?
Answer: Security auditing should include:
Regular Brakeman scans
Dependency vulnerability checks
Security patch management
Access control auditing
99. What are the key considerations for implementing high
availability in Rails 8?
Answer: High availability implementation should consider:
Load balancing configuration
Failover strategies
Data replication
Monitoring and alerting
100. How should you optimize Rails 8 for cloud deployment?
Answer: Cloud deployment optimization should include:
Kamal deployment configuration
Container orchestration setup
Resource scaling strategies
Cost optimization techniques
We have more books here:
nezirzahirovic.gumroad.com or
InterviewBible.com
