How to Use Sorbet to Type-Check Ruby

Introducing static typing to a dynamically-typed language like Ruby, particularly using Sorbet, can enhance code reliability and developer productivity while maintaining readability. This approach involves adding Sorbet incrementally to a Ruby on Rails application, which can initially present challenges due to Rails' heavy use of metaprogramming. Sorbet, along with tools like Tapioca, helps generate necessary interface files to facilitate type checking, reducing errors and improving the developer experience. While dynamic typing in Ruby allows for cleaner and more flexible code, static typing offers the advantage of catching type-related errors before runtime, ultimately benefiting users by reducing production incidents. Integrating Sorbet with a continuous integration system like SemaphoreCI ensures type checking is part of the development workflow, promoting code safety and consistency. Despite the initial challenges, incorporating static typing into Ruby can lead to safer and more productive coding practices, aligning with trends seen in other languages like JavaScript's evolution with TypeScript.