What's missing for me from this whole discussion is the allowance that both methods can be correct.
Use case: you're a solo developer and you need to build a proof of concept web application based on a fairly complex set of requirements. You probably want to use a framework like Rails and focus your time 100% on the specific project requirements, and use the framework to generate the common parts of the web app for you.
Another use case: you're on a large, multi-year project for a huge client where each developer has his/her own specialty area. Here it may well make sense to go with a Java Enterprise app and wire your own persistence layer or write your own SQL queries.
The mantra of Rails has always been "don't repeat yourself." Don't waste time rebuilding the same 90% skeleton every time you need a CRUD app with a postgres database.
Want absolute granular control over all parts of your application? Then almost by definition, you really don't need a framework. So great, don't use one and roll your own web app from the ground up. But there are many times it makes complete sense.
Use case: you're a solo developer and you need to build a proof of concept web application based on a fairly complex set of requirements. You probably want to use a framework like Rails and focus your time 100% on the specific project requirements, and use the framework to generate the common parts of the web app for you.
Another use case: you're on a large, multi-year project for a huge client where each developer has his/her own specialty area. Here it may well make sense to go with a Java Enterprise app and wire your own persistence layer or write your own SQL queries.
The mantra of Rails has always been "don't repeat yourself." Don't waste time rebuilding the same 90% skeleton every time you need a CRUD app with a postgres database.
Want absolute granular control over all parts of your application? Then almost by definition, you really don't need a framework. So great, don't use one and roll your own web app from the ground up. But there are many times it makes complete sense.