Stripe
Migration delivered, with Braintree retained as a backup.
HIPCHIP / RUBY ON RAILS + PAYMENT ENGINEERING
A Rails app we took over
Payments we upgraded
A stronger foundation
We took ownership of a legacy Rails application after its developer left, migrated payments to Stripe, and enabled ACH while improving the app's reliability
Application + ownershipRuby on Rails · Takeover
PaymentsStripe + ACH · Braintree backup
FoundationAutomated tests · Coverband
EXISTING RAILS APP TAKEOVER
The Rails developer left. We took ownership
HipChip came to us after its Rails developer left, with a legacy Ruby on Rails application and a major functionality upgrade to deliver. Our existing Rails app takeover included taking ownership of the codebase, protecting its existing behavior, and working with the client to move the product forward.
The client wanted to migrate from Braintree to Stripe because Stripe was less expensive for their particular payment needs. They also valued its mature platform, broader charging options, and technical capabilities, including ACH. We implemented Stripe first, then enabled ACH bank payments.
THE PAYMENT UPGRADE
Build confidence before changing payments
Taking over a live Ruby on Rails application meant understanding and protecting its existing behavior before introducing new payment capabilities.
- 01
Take ownership and add tests
We took ownership of the legacy Ruby on Rails application after its previous developer left. Before making changes, we added automated tests to protect existing behavior and reduce the risk of breaking the app during upgrades and new integrations.
- 02
Move payment processing to Stripe
We implemented the requested major payment upgrade, switching primary processing from Braintree to Stripe while retaining Braintree as a backup.
- 03
Enable ACH bank payments
After the Stripe integration, we added Stripe ACH payments, extending the application’s payment options to include bank account payments.
Tests before changes
The automated tests reduced the risk of regressions during our upgrades and integrations, giving us a safer foundation for the work that followed.
LEGACY RAILS MAINTENANCE
Keep the Rails app stable as it evolves
Payment integration was the major upgrade. We also improved the application around it, aligning each area of work with the client through discussion and prioritization.
- 01
Rails performance consultants
We addressed performance problems in the existing Rails app alongside the payment work, with priorities agreed with the client.
- 02
Fix bugs and stabilize the app
We resolved bugs in the inherited application and made it more stable as we introduced the new integrations.
- 03
Refine the existing UI
We made targeted interface improvements where they helped the product, discussing scope and priorities with the client throughout the work.
UNDERSTAND BEFORE REMOVING
Use production evidence to identify dead code
The inherited Rails codebase contained a substantial amount of unused code. It made the application harder to understand and maintain. Even AI assistance struggled with the noise, producing too many hallucinations while trying to work through the code.
A cleanup guided by actual usage
We agreed with the client to analyze the unused code before removing it. We enabled the Coverband gem in production to track which code was being used and inform that analysis.
This gave the agreed cleanup a basis in observed production activity, helping us assess what could be removed before making further changes.
Monitor usage → Analyze candidates → Guide removalTHE OUTCOME
More payment options. A more stable application
ACH enabled
Added after Stripe to expand the application's payment options.
A stronger foundation
Automated tests, better performance, bug fixes, targeted UI improvements, and production code usage monitoring.
OLD RAILS APP RESCUE
Need an existing Rails app takeover?
If your Rails developer left or your legacy Rails application needs attention, we can take ownership, add automated tests, and prioritize maintenance, performance improvements, and new integrations with you.
Looking for a fractional CTO for Rails? Discuss the technical direction, priorities, and ongoing ownership your application needs.
Ongoing Rails maintenance →Legacy Rails modernization →Discuss your application