Software Engineer ErgoServ Digest - First Edition!
Introduction
Hey, folks! Welcome to the first edition of Software Engineer ErgoServ Digest!
Today, you’ll catch up on recent releases you might have missed, get a recap of the latest Ruby on Rails conference, and dive into some incredible articles about Ruby, Ruby on Rails, and ActiveAdmin. Let’s dive in and stay up-to-date!

Releases

Ruby 3.3.6 released
The latest minor version is now available! This update includes crucial bug fixes. Remember, Ruby releases minor updates every two months, so you can plan your upgrades accordingly.
➡️ Learn more
Ruby 3.4.0 Preview 2 released
Ruby has announced a new preview for version 3.4.0, introducing Prism as the default parser and features like it for referencing block parameters. While it’s exciting, hold off on upgrading until the stable version is out—but take the time to familiarize yourself with these changes.
➡️ Read more
Rails 8.0 released
The long-awaited major release has arrived, featuring a slew of updates and new features. We highly recommend upgrading to Rails 8.0! Check out the complete list of changes.
RubyGems Gets a New Design
The well-known RubyGems service is receiving a fresh redesign! Some pages, like “About” and “Data,” are already live.
➡️ Check it out
Redmine 6.0.0 released
The monumental 6th release is live, featuring a staggering 146 new features and bug fixes!
Rails World 2024 Conference

This October, Rails World 2024 brought together over 1,000 developers from 57 countries for two action-packed days of technical talks, workshops, and networking. A major highlight was the live announcement of the Rails 8 beta release by DHH.
Key speakers included:
- DHH (Ruby on Rails creator)
- Matz (Ruby creator)
- Aaron Patterson (Developer in Ruby on Rails, Ruby, and Shopify core teams)
➡️ Watch all conference sessions on YouTube
Articles
Writing More Expressive Ruby with the it Shorthand
Ruby 3.4 introduces a handy new feature: the it shorthand for blocks. Now, instead of naming temporary variables, you can simply use it. Example:
Before
[1, 2, 3].map { |n| n + 1 }
Using `it`
[1, 2, 3].map { it + 1 }
➡️ Read here
Migrations in Rails 8: Using the not_null shortcut
Rails 8 introduces a simpler way to enforce null: false in migration files. This feature is perfect for developers who love CLI automation.
➡️ Learn more
What’s new in Ruby on Rails 8?
Rails 8 is packed with exciting features and enhancements. This article breaks down the most important updates.
The Basics of Rack for Ruby
This article provides a great introduction to Rack, the interface that connects Ruby web applications and servers. Learn how it standardizes communication between frameworks and servers.
➡️ Read more
ActiveAdmin V4 Beta: Features and Upgrade Guide
The ActiveAdmin V4 Beta brings new features, including Hotwire support and performance improvements. Learn what’s new and how to upgrade.
➡️ Check it out
Benchmarking Ruby Parsers
Benoit Daloze compares the performance of various Ruby parsers, including Prism, Parser, RubyParser, Ripper, and RubyVM::AbstractSyntaxTree. Spoiler: Prism takes the lead as the fastest Ruby parser!
Stay Connected!
We hope this digest helps you stay on top of the latest trends and updates in the Ruby and Ruby on Rails ecosystem. Keep an eye out for our next edition for more valuable insights!
If you’re looking for Ruby experts to help with your project, contact ErgoServ today — we’d love to help bring your ideas to life.