A new Rails version is here: All about the Rails 8.0 release

Rails 8.0 is now officially available! After the Rails 8.0 Beta was introduced on September 26, 2024, at the Rails World conference in Toronto with over 1,000 Rails developers in attendance, the stable version was released on November 7, 2024. This release brings numerous improvements that revolutionize development and streamline application operations for developers and businesses alike. At the same time, this marks the imminent end of official community support for Rails 6.1. In this post, you’ll learn about the new features of Rails 8.0 and the options available if your applications are still running on Rails 6.1 or older.

Rails 8.0 introduces many improvements aimed at simplifying the development and operation of applications significantly:

1. Solid Queue and Solid Cache by default: By switching to database-based queues and caches, many applications will no longer require additional in-memory services like Redis. This reduces costs and simplifies the technology stack.
2. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Rails 8.0 includes enhanced support for PWAs, with the new Action Notifier Framework efficiently managing push notifications.
3. New authentication generator: Finally, a native, lightweight solution for user authentication is available, eliminating the need for external libraries like Devise.
4. Enhanced developer tools: Tools like Rubocop and a standard Language Server Protocol (LSP) boost code quality and improve the development experience.
5. Streamlined deployment with Kamal: Kamal is integrated as the default deployment solution. Along with GitHub CI, it ensures automated, secure, and efficient deployment of applications.

While upgrading to Rails 8.0 offers many advantages, it requires careful preparation:

• Recommendation: First, upgrade to Rails 7.2 and ensure your application runs smoothly. This minimizes the risk of complications when transitioning to Rails 8.0.
• Risks and opportunities: Rails 8.0 simplifies the technology stack and introduces new features. However, adjustments may be needed to keep existing projects stable. In the long run, Rails 8.0’s new features will reduce maintenance effort and operational costs.

The Ruby on Rails community only provides official support for the latest releases. As of now, security patches for Rails 6.1 are expected to end in October 2024. While there is ongoing discussion about a possible short-term extension, the official End of Life (EOL) for Rails 6.1 is approaching quickly.

The maintenance policy for Ruby on Rails defines how older versions are handled, how long community support is available, and when a version officially reaches EOL. The policy has recently been updated and simplified. Going forward:

• New features: New features are typically released every six months. If a version goes more than a year without new features, the support duration will be extended accordingly.
• Bug fixes: Minor releases receive bug fixes for one year after their initial release. After that, those versions are considered unsupported.
• Security updates: Security vulnerabilities are patched for two years following the release of a version. After that period, official support ends.

For companies that don’t have the capacity to upgrade or are concerned about compatibility issues with the new version, we offer an alternative to community support: Rails LTS. With a Rails LTS subscription, you will continue to receive security updates.

With the end of community support for Rails 6.1, Rails LTS will begin offering support for this version. Even though the EOL for 6.1 is approaching, our Rails LTS version for 6.1 is already available. This gives you the flexibility to upgrade on your own schedule without compromising the security of your application.

• Security updates: We continue to provide security patches even after a version is officially unsupported.
• Upgrade on your own timeline: You choose when to switch to a newer version without pressure from official deadlines.
• Compatibility: Rails LTS is a drop-in replacement for existing Rails versions and requires minimal code changes.
• Support for both modern and older Ruby versions: Rails LTS works with the Ruby versions current at release, and also regularly adds support for newer Rubies. For example, Rails 2.3 LTS can run on Ruby 3.3, released 15 years later!

Rails 8.0 brings numerous innovations that simplify the development and deployment of applications. Companies relying on older Rails versions can continue to benefit from our Rails LTS solution, which offers a secure and stable environment. For organizations planning long-term and dealing with full backlogs, using Rails LTS is the optimal way to avoid security vulnerabilities and plan upgrades flexibly.