Getting started with Ruby on Rails can be an exciting journey for beginner developers. This powerful web application framework, built on the Ruby programming language, is known for its elegant syntax and convention over configuration principle. To kick off your adventure, first, ensure that you have Ruby and Rails installed on your system. You can check this by running the commands ruby -v and rails -v in your terminal. If they are not installed, head to the official Ruby website and follow the installation guides. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of Ruby, as this knowledge will make learning Rails much more straightforward.

Once you have Ruby on Rails set up, the next step is to create your first application. Open your terminal and run the command rails new myapp, replacing myapp with your desired application name. This command generates a new Rails project with all the necessary directories and files. Afterward, navigate into your project directory using cd myapp and start the Rails server with rails server. You can then visit http://localhost:3000 in your web browser to see your new application in action. As you delve deeper into Ruby on Rails, explore integrated features like scaffolding, routing, and database management, which simplify the development process and allow for rapid prototyping.

As a Ruby developer, leveraging the right gems can significantly boost your productivity and streamline your workflow. Here are the Top 10 Gems every Ruby developer should know:

1. Rails: The backbone of modern web applications, Rails provides a robust framework with convention over configuration.
2. Devise: A flexible authentication solution that handles user management with ease.
3. ActiveRecord: Simplifies database interactions, allowing developers to work seamlessly with various databases.
4. RSpec: A behavior-driven development (BDD) framework that enhances the testing process.
5. Capybara: Ideal for integration testing, it helps simulate user actions in your applications.

Continuing with our list of indispensable gems, we have:

6. Pry: A powerful alternative to the standard IRB shell that offers advanced debugging features.
7. Sidekiq: For job processing, Sidekiq provides an efficient way to handle background tasks.
8. FactoryBot: Essential for setting up Ruby objects as test data, it simplifies the testing process.
9. Paperclip: Great for handling file uploads, Paperclip makes attaching files a breeze.
10. CarrierWave: Another popular option for file uploads, offering flexible configuration and integrations.

Debugging a Ruby on Rails application can feel daunting, especially for those new to the framework. However, mastering this skill is crucial for any developer aiming to enhance their productivity and code quality. Start by utilizing Rails' built-in debugging tools such as byebug and binding.pry. These allow you to set breakpoints in your code, enabling you to examine variables and execute code in real-time. Don’t overlook the power of logs; they provide valuable insights into the application's behavior. By inspecting the development logs located in log/development.log, you can trace errors and track requests with ease.

As you dive deeper into the debugging process, remember to follow a systematic approach. Begin by reproducing the error and isolating the part of the code where it occurs. Create a checklist of common issues to address, such as misconfigured routes, nil references, and database connection problems. If you still struggle to find the root cause, consider employing additional tools like Rubocop for code quality checks or RSpec for testing your application’s functionality. Emphasizing best practices in debugging will not only improve your current project but also equip you with skills that are invaluable throughout your programming career.