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Heroku makes it quick and easy to get your app up and running without worrying about "server stuff". But that server stuff is a lot simpler than it seems and once you know it, can make your projects more flexible (and save a lot of money!). I'll start by looking at the basics of what's happening behind the scenes when you deploy a Rails app and why you might want to setup your own server. Then I'll look at the tools you'll need to do so and some common gotchas when getting started. Rails Developer, author of 'Reliably Deploying Rails Applications'. Avid indoor climber. Believer in "Small Steps Taken Quickly". Help us caption & translate this video! http://amara.org/v/FG1w/
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In the presentation titled "Deploying Rails is Easier Than it Looks," Ben Dixon discusses the process of deploying Ruby on Rails applications, highlighting the advantages of not only using Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions like Heroku but also setting up your own server. The talk is aimed at demystifying the server management aspects that often deter developers from taking control of their deployment processes. **Key Points Discussed:** - **Heroku as an Easy Option:** For beginners, Dixon recommends using Heroku due to its simplicity in deployment, where developers can get their apps live with basic commands like `git push heroku`. However, using Heroku limits flexibility and increases costs, especially for numerous projects. - **Understanding Server Components:** A basic understanding of the architecture behind Rails deployment is essential. Dixon explains that a typical setup requires a web server, an app server, and a database server, all of which can run on a single VPS (Virtual Private Server). - **Cost and Control:** He shares his experience where he started using his own servers to save costs as the bill for multiple Heroku dynos accumulated. While the upfront learning time was significant, the long-term benefits included greater control and flexibility for his projects. - **Configuration Management Tools:** To simplicity setup, Dixon emphasizes the importance of configuration management tools such as Chef, which allow developers to automate server setup. This leads to a reusable and repeatable process. - **Deployment Tools:** For deployment, Dixon highlights Capistrano, which is similar to Heroku in ease of use. Once set up, deploying to a VPS with Capistrano can match the simplicity of using a PaaS. - **Monitoring and Backup:** Dixon underlines the need for monitoring solutions to manage server health. Tools that can automate checks and provide notifications are necessary to minimize server downtime. **Conclusion and Takeaways:** - Dixon urges developers to consider setting up their own servers as it offers not just cost savings but also valuable control over their infrastructure. He provides resources for attendees to start setting up their servers and applications, including tutorials and sample code, enabling them to replicate the successes he has experienced. His final recommendation is to view infrastructure as an asset that enhances product offerings rather than a burdensome necessity.
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