Thursday, September 25, 2025

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Rails Community Criticized as Toxic and Unprofessional by Developer

A critical personal account of conflicts and issues in the Ruby on Rails community.

From Hacker News Original Article Hacker News Discussion

Zed A. Shaw delivers a harsh critique of the Ruby on Rails community, calling it toxic and unprofessional, and recounts his personal struggles within the ecosystem that led him to leave it behind.

Why it matters: Shaw's insider perspective reveals deep community dysfunction and challenges in adopting Rails for serious, sustainable development.

The big picture: He argues Rails' rise involved technical instability and poor leadership, leading to a culture of arrogance and mediocrity.

The stakes: Mismanagement and poor consulting practices threaten the quality and reputation of Rails projects, risking its long-term viability.

Commenters say: Many recall Shaw's notorious reputation for outspoken criticism but acknowledge his technical contributions and complex relationship with programming communities.