'Ruby' is a dynamic and open-source programming language, celebrated for its focus on simplicity and efficiency. It boasts an intuitive syntax that is both easy to read and write. Ruby is versatile, supporting a range of programming styles including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming.

Created by Yukihiro Matsumoto in the 1990s, Ruby is crafted to prioritize the needs of programmers and the readability of software. This design philosophy not only makes Ruby powerful but also a pleasure to work with. Its 'principle of least astonishment' ensures the language behaves predictably, reducing confusion for those familiar with it.

Ruby is widely recognized for its web application framework, Ruby on Rails (or Rails). Rails is renowned for enabling rapid development and promoting a clean, pragmatic approach to design. The synergy between Ruby's expressive language and Rails' capabilities has been instrumental in the creation of numerous renowned websites.

Ruby's dynamic and reflective nature allows for advanced metaprogramming, a feature extensively utilized in Rails. The language's elegant syntax, along with robust features like blocks, iterators, and exception handling, cements its popularity among web developers.

In conclusion, Ruby stands out for its harmonious blend of simplicity and functionality. Its comprehensive ecosystem, along with the Rails framework, renders it an excellent tool for web development. Moreover, its flexibility makes it suitable for various other programming applications.