Ruby gems are packages of code that extend Ruby's functionality. Installing gems is a crucial skill for Ruby developers. This guide will walk you through the process of installing gems and managing your Ruby dependencies.
Gems are self-contained Ruby libraries or applications. They package code, documentation, and specifications into a single file, making it easy to distribute and use Ruby software.
The primary tool for installing gems is the gem
command, which comes bundled with Ruby. Here's how to use it:
gem install gem_name
For example, to install the popular rails
gem:
gem install rails
You can install a specific version of a gem by appending the version number:
gem install rails -v 6.1.0
Ruby Bundler is a powerful tool for managing gem dependencies in your projects. It uses a Gemfile
to specify required gems and their versions.
To use Bundler:
gem install bundler
Gemfile
in your project rootGemfile
bundle install
to install the gemsGemfile
and Gemfile.lock
bundle update
cautiously, as it may introduce breaking changesIf you encounter issues while installing gems, try these steps:
gem update --system
bundle clean --force
to remove old gem versionsMastering gem installation is essential for Ruby development. It allows you to leverage the vast ecosystem of Ruby libraries and tools. As you progress, explore more advanced topics like Ruby Gem Basics and creating your own gems.