Outside the Web Box: Using Ruby for Other Protocols

on YouTube ↗44m

" summary

Claim: Ruby handles non‑HTTP hardware protocols in production. Uses the Ruby socket library to open TCP sockets and TCPServer, offloads work to a Sidekiq worker or Sinatra proxy, parses device streams (different scanner formats), and emits Zebra labels via Zebra CPL strings. Addresses single‑connection devices, private‑network security, flaky cables and parser quirks. Deployed for over a year and the shoe sorter runs in three facilities, so the approach works at scale.

AI-written summary · about

" chapters (5)

1. 0:00Start
2. 5:26How does a web server a handle request?
3. 7:14How is TCP different from HTTP?
4. 9:58open a socket in order to communicate with hardware, a TCP socket needs to be established
5. 22:35middleware shared code to handle different device protocols

" related talks

• 35mBlack-boxing with RubyJames Britt · MountainWest RubyConf 2007
• 30mRuby Systems ProgrammingAndy Delcambre · Rocky Mountain Ruby 2013
• 26mTCP Sockets Programming in RubySebastian Sogamoso · WindyCityRails 2016
• 30mRuby Systems ProgrammingAndy Delcambre · Ruby on Ales 2013
• 29mRuby Systems ProgrammingAndy Delcambre · Cascadia Ruby 2013
• 40mRunning a Government Department on Ruby for over 13 YearsJeremy Evans · RubyConf 2018
• 36mThe Little Server That CouldStella Cotton · RubyConf 2016
• 30mBuilding a binary protocol client in Ruby: A magical journey!Trevor Rosen · LoneStarRuby Conf 2015