Ruby on Rails, often simply referred to as Rails, is a powerful web application framework built on the Ruby programming language. It emphasizes convention over configuration, making it an excellent choice for beginners who want to dive into web development without getting bogged down by complex setup processes. By following a set of conventions, Rails allows developers to focus on building features rather than battling with configuration files. With its active community and rich ecosystem of libraries, beginners can find numerous resources and support to help them get started.

One of the key features of Ruby on Rails is its adherence to the Model-View-Controller (MVC) architecture, which separates application logic from user interface concerns. This structure not only promotes organized and maintainable code but also enhances the scalability of applications as they grow. For those new to coding, Rails offers a wealth of built-in tools and generators to streamline common tasks. Here are some steps to start your journey with Rails:

1. Install Ruby and Rails on your development machine.
2. Familiarize yourself with its syntax and core concepts.
3. Build a simple application by leveraging Rails generators.

By exploring Rails, beginners will uncover the powerful tools available for creating dynamic web applications efficiently.

When it comes to Rails development, following best practices is essential for building maintainable, scalable applications. Here are the top 10 best practices to consider:

1. DRY Principle: Emphasize the Don't Repeat Yourself principle in your code to reduce redundancy.
2. RESTful Routes: Use RESTful routes to align your application with standard web conventions.
3. Automated Testing: Implement a comprehensive suite of automated tests to ensure code reliability and performance.
4. Version Control: Utilize Git or another version control system to manage your codebase effectively.

Additionally, here are more key practices to enhance your Rails development workflow:

5. Code Reviews: Regularly conduct code reviews to maintain code quality and foster collaboration among team members.
6. Use Gems Wisely: Leverage RubyGems for third-party functionalities but be cautious to avoid over-reliance.
7. Optimize Performance: Continuously monitor and optimize the performance of your applications for better user experience.
8. Documentation: Maintain clear and comprehensive documentation to help onboard new developers and assist with project maintenance.
9. Continuous Integration: Implement a CI/CD pipeline to automate testing and deployment, ensuring consistent delivery.

Troubleshooting common Rails errors can be challenging, especially for developers who are new to the framework. One of the first steps you should take is to identify the error message you are encountering. Rails provides detailed error messages that can guide you to the root of the problem. Typically, the structure of the message will include the type of error, a description, and the location in the code where it occurred. Pay close attention to these details, as they can save you time. Start with a systematic approach:

1. Read the error message carefully.
2. Trace back the stack trace to see the flow of execution.
3. Check for typos or syntactical errors in your code.

Another effective way to troubleshoot Rails errors is by using debugging tools such as byebug or pry. These tools allow you to pause the execution of your application and inspect variables at specific points in your code. This can be invaluable when trying to pinpoint where things go wrong. To use byebug, simply insert byebug into your code where you'd like to start debugging. Run your application, and when it hits that line, the execution will pause, allowing you to check the current state of your application. Remember, a methodical approach—like checking logs or using unit tests—can further help ensure that your application runs smoothly.