How to Change Ruby Version on Mac

1. Using RVM (Ruby Version Manager)
2. Using rbenv
3. Using Bundler
4. Conclusion
5. FAQ

Changing the Ruby version on your Mac can be essential for developers who need to work on different projects requiring various Ruby versions. Whether you’re maintaining legacy applications or developing new ones, having the right Ruby version is crucial.

In this article, we will demonstrate how to change the Ruby version on Mac using Git commands. We will explore various methods, ensuring you have the flexibility to choose the one that suits your needs best. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can easily switch Ruby versions on your Mac.

Using RVM (Ruby Version Manager)

RVM is a popular tool that allows you to manage multiple Ruby environments on your system easily. It provides a straightforward way to install, manage, and switch between Ruby versions.

First, you need to install RVM if you haven’t already. Open your terminal and run the following command:

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

After installation, you can load RVM into your shell session:

source ~/.rvm/scripts/rvm

Now, to install a specific Ruby version, use the following command:

rvm install 2.7.0

This command will download and install Ruby version 2.7.0. To switch to this version, you can run:

rvm use 2.7.0

Output:

Using /Users/yourusername/.rvm/gems/ruby-2.7.0

To verify the change, you can check the Ruby version by running:

ruby -v

Output:

ruby 2.7.0p0 (2020-12-25 revision 0) [x86_64-darwin20]

RVM makes switching Ruby versions seamless. With just a few commands, you can install and switch to any version you need. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in collaborative environments where different projects may require different Ruby versions.

Using rbenv

Another popular tool for managing Ruby versions is rbenv. It allows you to easily switch between Ruby versions without needing to rely on system-wide installations.

To install rbenv, you can use Homebrew, a package manager for macOS. First, install rbenv with the following command:

brew install rbenv

Next, initialize rbenv in your shell:

rbenv init

Follow the instructions provided in the terminal to add rbenv to your shell.

Now, to install a specific Ruby version, use:

rbenv install 3.0.2

This command will download and install Ruby version 3.0.2. To set this version as the global default, run:

rbenv global 3.0.2

Output:

3.0.2

To verify that the Ruby version has changed, you can check it with:

ruby -v

Output:

ruby 3.0.2p107 (2021-07-07 revision 9e8e0c4d36) [x86_64-darwin20]

With rbenv, switching Ruby versions is just as simple as RVM. The primary difference lies in how they manage Ruby installations. rbenv modifies your PATH to point to the correct Ruby version, making it lightweight and efficient.

Using Bundler

If your project uses Bundler, you can specify the Ruby version directly in your Gemfile. This method is particularly useful when you want to ensure that your project runs with a specific Ruby version without changing the global setting.

First, open your project’s Gemfile and add the following line:

ruby '2.6.6'

After saving the changes, run the following command to install the specified Ruby version:

bundle install

Output:

Fetching gem metadata from https://rubygems.org/.........
Resolving dependencies...

To verify that Bundler is using the correct Ruby version, you can run:

bundle exec ruby -v

Output:

ruby 2.6.6p146 (2020-03-31 revision 67882) [x86_64-darwin20]

Using Bundler to manage Ruby versions is beneficial for project-specific requirements. It ensures that everyone working on the project uses the same Ruby version, reducing compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Changing the Ruby version on your Mac is a straightforward process, whether you choose to use RVM, rbenv, or Bundler. Each method has its unique advantages, allowing you to switch Ruby versions efficiently based on your project needs. By mastering these tools, you’ll enhance your development workflow and ensure compatibility across various projects. Now that you know how to manage Ruby versions, you can confidently tackle any Ruby project that comes your way.

FAQ

1. What is RVM, and why should I use it?
   RVM (Ruby Version Manager) is a tool that allows you to manage multiple Ruby environments on your system, making it easy to install, switch, and create Ruby versions for different projects.

2. How does rbenv differ from RVM?
   rbenv is a lightweight tool that modifies your PATH to point to the correct Ruby version, while RVM manages Ruby installations and environments more comprehensively.

3. Can I specify a Ruby version for a specific project?
   Yes, using Bundler, you can specify a Ruby version in your Gemfile, ensuring that everyone working on the project uses the same Ruby version.

4. Is it possible to install multiple Ruby versions simultaneously?
   Yes, both RVM and rbenv allow you to install and manage multiple Ruby versions on your system without conflict.

5. Do I need to uninstall the previous Ruby version before installing a new one?
   No, you don’t need to uninstall the previous version. Both RVM and rbenv can manage multiple versions simultaneously.