Choosing the Right Freelancing Platform for Your Twitter API and Ruby on Rails Web App

When building a small web application that integrates with the Twitter API and is developed using Ruby on Rails (RoR), securing the right talent is crucial. This task is best approached through a professional and efficient online platform. In this article, we will explore how one can find the best developers on oDesk, Elance, and Rentacoder.

Why Consider oDesk, Elance, or Rentacoder?

These platforms are widely recognized as the largest and most trusted sources for finding freelance professionals. They offer a comprehensive range of services to support your project, ensuring that you can find the right developers with the necessary skills to build and maintain your web application.

Sizing Up the Platforms

oDesk and Elance are renowned for their large numbers of freelancers. With over 1.6 million active freelancers on oDesk alone, you are sure to find suitable developers skilled in using the Twitter API and Ruby on Rails. These platforms operate more like online marketplaces such as eBay, where you can post your project and receive bids from potential providers. This allows you to select the most attractive and experienced freelancer for your project.

Getting Started with oDesk

If you are leaning towards oDesk, here are some steps to help you find the right developers:

Post a Project: Clearly define your project and the specific skills you require. You can post your project directly on the oDesk platform, specifying that you need RoR developers and Twitter API expertise. Use Project Search Filters: Utilize oDesk's provider search feature to refine your search. Start with these searches: RoR Talent: Visit the RoR Talent section to find developers with Ruby on Rails experience. Twitter API Talent: Explore the Twitter API Talent section to find professionals skilled in the Twitter API.

b. Review Provider Profiles: Check the profiles and portfolios of potential providers. Look for references and past projects to ensure they meet your standards.

Benefits of oDesk

oDesk provides several advantages when working on your web app project:

Guaranteed Work: oDesk is the only service that guarantees work. If you hire developers on an hourly basis, they guarantee that all time billed is time that was actually worked. Visual Timesheets: Providers use oDesk Team to log their time, which publishes a visual timesheet. This includes screen shots of the provider's desktop, memos, and an indication of keyboard and mouse activity levels. Project-Based Payment: If you hire developers on a project basis, you only pay if the success criteria you agree to are met, ensuring you get value for your investment.

Comparing oDesk with Elance and Rentacoder

Elance and Rentacoder are also excellent platforms, with strengths of their own. Elance has a strong focus on project-based work, while Rentacoder offers competitive pricing and a large pool of developers.

Regardless of the platform you choose, the key is to clearly define your project requirements, utilize the search and filtering tools, and carefully review the profiles of potential developers. This will help you find the best fit for your web app development needs, ensuring a successful collaboration and the launch of a high-quality application.

Good luck with your project!