Ruby on Rails has gained popularity among developers for a variety of compelling reasons. First and foremost, its simplicity and elegance allow developers to write clean and readable code quickly. The framework adheres to the Convention over Configuration principle, minimizing the number of decisions developers need to make while starting a new project. This means that even those who are new to web development can get up to speed rapidly and be productive, making it an excellent choice for teams looking to deliver applications efficiently.

Additionally, Ruby on Rails comes equipped with a robust set of tools, enabling developers to build powerful applications with ease. The built-in testing framework encourages a test-driven development approach, ensuring high code quality and reliability. Furthermore, with a rich ecosystem of gems and plugins, developers can seamlessly integrate new functionalities without having to reinvent the wheel. This extensive support network for Ruby on Rails means that developers can focus on creating innovative features rather than dealing with repetitive tasks, making it truly a developer's best friend.

Convention over Configuration is a fundamental principle in Ruby on Rails that significantly simplifies the development process. By prioritizing sensible defaults and predefined conventions, Ruby on Rails allows developers to focus on building applications rather than getting bogged down by repetitive configuration tasks. For instance, in Rails, the default folder structure, naming conventions, and even database conventions are designed to work harmoniously together. This reduces the amount of boilerplate code required, allowing developers to get their applications up and running more quickly.

Another essential aspect of Convention over Configuration is its impact on team collaboration. When all developers adhere to the established conventions, it enhances code readability and consistency across the project. This means that new team members can onboard faster as they will encounter familiar patterns and structures. Moreover, since Rails emphasizes conventional settings, it encourages best practices and a shared understanding among developers, which ultimately leads to more maintainable and scalable codebases.

Optimizing your Ruby on Rails application for better performance is crucial in ensuring a seamless user experience and improving your application's scalability. Start by analyzing the performance using tools like New Relic or Scout APM. These tools can help you identify bottlenecks and slow queries that may be hindering your application's performance. Once you've identified these areas, consider implementing caching strategies, such as using Memcached or Redis to store frequently requested data temporarily, which significantly reduces load times.

Additionally, ensure that you are following best practices when it comes to database optimization. This includes creating appropriate indexes on your database tables, which can drastically improve query performance. Make use of the Rails.logger to track and log performance issues, allowing you to refine and optimize your code. Finally, consider background processing for tasks that don’t require immediate action, using gems like Sidekiq or Delayed Job. By doing so, you can offload heavy tasks and keep your application responsive to users.