How to install Ruby on Ubuntu

Ruby is a dynamic, interpreted programming language renowned for its readability and cleanliness. It’s ideal for web development because of its huge ecosystem of libraries and frameworks such as Rails. If you intend to create online applications or work on projects that need Ruby you must install it on your Ubuntu machine.

In this post, we will discuss several methods to install Ruby Ubuntu system each with its own advantages and considerations.

Getting Started

We will dive into the step-by-step instructions for each method, along with the pros and cons to help you decide the most suitable approach for your needs. This guide will explore the three primary methods on ruby install ubuntu:

• Using the Ubuntu Repository
• Using Rbenv
• Using RVM (Ruby Version Manager)

Choosing the Right Method

The appropriate install ruby Linux method depends on various factors, including:

• Ruby Version: If you need a specific Ruby version that might not be available in the Ubuntu repositories, you will need to consider a method that allows version management such as Rbenv or RVM.
• Development Environment: For development environments where you might switch projects with different Ruby version requirements, version managers are highly recommended.
• Experience Level: If you are new to Ubuntu or Ruby using the Ubuntu repository is a straightforward approach. However, if you require more flexibility or control Rbenv or RVM might be better suited.

Installing Ruby on Ubuntu

Following are the different methods discussed below on how to install ruby on Ubuntu system:

Method 1: Installing Ruby with the Ubuntu Repository

The Ubuntu repositories provide pre-built Ruby packages making installation the most convenient option for beginners. Here is a detailed instructions:

1. Update Package Lists

Before installing any packages it is recommended to update the list of available packages from the repositories using the following command:

sudo apt update

2. Install Ruby Package

Once the package lists are updated, use the apt command to install the Ruby version. For instance, to install Ruby full use the following command:

sudo apt install ruby-full

The available Ruby version in the repositories may not always be the latest. You can check the available versions by searching the repositories using the following command:

apt search ruby

3. Verify Installation

Once the installation is complete verify it by running the following command in your terminal.

ruby --version

This should display the installed Ruby version.

Pros

• Easy and familiar for Ubuntu users.
• No additional setup is required.

Cons

• It may not install latest ruby on Ubuntu
• Limited control over multiple Ruby versions

Method 2: Installing Ruby with Rbenv

Rbenv is a popular version manager for Ruby that allows you to install and manage multiple Ruby versions on your system. Here’s how to install Ruby with Rbenv:

1. Install Dependencies

Rbenv requires some dependencies to function correctly. Install them using the following command:

sudo apt install autoconf bison build-essential libssl-dev libreadline-dev libffi-dev zlib1g-dev libncurses5-dev libgdbm-dev

2. Clone Rbenv Repository

Clone the Rbenv repository from GitHub using the following command:

git clone https://github.com/rbenv/rbenv.git ~/.rbenv

3. Add Rbenv to PATH

Rbenv needs to be added to your shell’s PATH environment variable to access its commands from anywhere in your terminal. Edit your shell’s configuration file for example .bashrc for Linux and add the following lines:

export PATH="$HOME/.rbenv/bin:<span class="math-inline">PATH"

Replace ~/.bashrc with the path to your shell’s configuration file if it’s different. Once you’ve made the edits, save the file and source it using the following command:

source ~/.bashrc

4. Install Ruby Build

Rbenv requires an additional tool called ruby-build to compile and install Ruby versions. Install it using the following command:

git clone https://github.com/rbenv/ruby-build.git ~/.rbenv/

5. Install a Specific Ruby Version

With Rbenv set up, you can install a specific Ruby version. Use the following command, replacing the previous one with the desired version:

rbenv install 3.2.5

This will download, compile, and install the chosen Ruby version.

6. Set Global Ruby Version

Rbenv allows you to set a global Ruby version that will be used by default in your terminal. Use the following command replacing 3.2.5 with the version you want to set globally:

rbenv global 3.2.5

After that, you can verify the ruby installation by running the version command.

Pros

• Manages multiple Ruby versions easily
• Allows installing the latest Ruby versions

Cons

• Requires additional setup compared to using the repository
• Introduces extra dependencies

Method 3: Installing Ruby with Ruby Version Manager

RVM is another popular version manager for Ruby that offers similar functionalities to Rbenv. Here’s how to install Ruby with RVM:

1. Install GPG Key

RVM uses a GPG key to verify package authenticity. Install the GPG key using the following command:

gpg --keyserver hkp://keyserver.ubuntu.com:80 --recv-keys 409B6B866A14AE42

2. Add RVM Repository

Add the RVM repository to your system’s package list using the following command:

curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io | bash -s stable

3. Source RVM Script

Similar to Rbenv, you need to source the RVM script to make its commands available. Edit your shell’s configuration file and add the following line:

source /etc/profile.d/rvm.sh

Save the file and source it using the following command:

source ~/.bashrc

4. Install Ruby Version

Use the rvm install command to install a specific Ruby version. Replace the previous version with the desired version:

rvm install 3.2.5

5. Set Global Ruby Version

Set the global Ruby version using the rvm use command, followed by the version number:

rvm use 3.2.5 --default

The default flag sets the chosen version as the global default. Verify the installation by running the version command in your terminal. This should display the Ruby version installed with RVM.

Pros

• Manages multiple Ruby versions effectively
• Offers additional features like gem sets isolated gem environments

Cons

• The installation process can be slightly more complex than Rbenv
• Introduces extra dependencies

Conclusion

The method you choose to install Ruby on Ubuntu depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re new to Ubuntu or Ruby and simply need to get started with development, using the Ubuntu repository is the easiest and most straightforward approach. It provides a pre-built package and requires minimal configuration. However, if you need more flexibility or control over Ruby versions, using a version manager like Rbenv or RVM is recommended.

FAQ