Heroku has a revision system as of the last update. You can also edit on local machines via a gem that synchs up to Heroku, though I haven't tried this. You can also snapshot your app at any point and export for additional backup. I've been satisfied with what I have now.

For a brand new hacker, Heroku lets you spend more time learning rails and building your idea and no time with system admin. Depending on what you want to learn first, that might be a good thing. You can always pull it out later with an export and part ways.