How to Check Ruby Version

Using the Terminal to Check Ruby Version

There are a few simple ways to check your Ruby version in the terminal:

1.  Run `ruby -v` to print the version. For example, `ruby 2.6.3p62 (2019-04-16 revision 67580) [x86_64-darwin18]`. This will give you the exact patch-level version you have installed.    

2.  Run `ruby --version` or `which ruby` to confirm the path to your Ruby executable and see the version. For example, `/usr/local/bin/ruby 2.6.3p62`.

3.  If you have multiple versions of Ruby installed, you can see all versions with `rvm list` or `rbenv versions`. These Ruby version manager tools allow you to install and manage multiple Rubies.

Using the terminal to check your Ruby version is quick, and straightforward. Knowing which version of Ruby you have is important before installing gems or running Ruby projects to ensure compatibility. Outdated versions of Ruby can also pose security risks, so updating regularly is recommended.

If your Ruby version needs to be updated or you have issues running specific commands, you may need to update Ruby. The exact steps to update Ruby will depend on your operating system and whether you used a version manager like RVM or RBEnv to install it. Updating Ruby and keeping your systems and software current is integral to general security hygiene practices.

Checking Ruby Version in Code Editors

There are a few ways to check your Ruby version within code editors.

Using Terminal

To check your Ruby version in Terminal, simply type:

ruby -v

This will output the version of Ruby installed on your system. 

For example:

Ruby 2.6.3p62 (2019-04-16 revision 67580) [universal.x86_64-darwin19]

Indicates Ruby version 2.6.3 is installed.

Using Visual Studio Code

In Visual Studio Code (VS Code), you can check your Ruby version in a few ways:

• Open the Command Palette (View > Command Palette or Ctrl+Shift+P) and type "Ruby". Select "Ruby: Print Version". This will print the Ruby version in the VS Code Terminal.
   
• Create a new Ruby file (File > New File) and save it with a .rb extension. At the top of the file, type:

puts RUBY_VERSION

The Ruby version will be printed in the VS Code Terminal when you run the file (Run > Run Without Debugging).

In the VS Code Settings, search for "Ruby". The "Ruby > Runtime" setting will show the version of the Ruby interpreter VS Code is using.

Other Editors

You can install a Ruby or Rails package to get Ruby version information in other code editors like Atom, Sublime Text, or Vim. Alternatively, as shown for VS Code, you can create a small Ruby file to print the `RUBY_VERSION` constant.

Ensuring you're using the right version of Ruby in your code editor is like checking if you have the ingredients for a recipe. Using the latest Ruby versions is important because using the newest tools and getting safety upgrades for your computer programming is like using the newest tools. This helps you use the latest cool things and keep your work safe from problems.

Read more, gzip command in linux

Using Rbenv to Manage Multiple Ruby Versions

Using Rbenv to Install Ruby

To get started with rbenv, install it on your system according to the instructions on the rbenv GitHub page. For example, to install Ruby 2.7.1, run:

rbenv install 2.7.1

Rbenv helps manage different versions of Ruby. It downloads the Ruby you want and builds it. This can take time. After installing, make it the active version with a ".ruby-version" file in your project's main folder:

1. Create the file and write the version you want (like "2.7.1").

2. When you enter the project folder, rbenv switches to that version automatically.

You can also set a global default Ruby version with:

rbenv global 2.7.1

This will set version 2.7.1 as the default for all projects that do not have a .ruby-version file.

Checking Installed Ruby Versions

To see what Ruby versions you have installed with rbenv, run:

rbenv versions

This will list out all the installed Ruby versions, along with a \* next to the currently active version.

Rbenv provides a simple, lightweight way to install and manage multiple versions of Ruby. Allowing you to set version requirements on a per-project basis makes it easy to ensure your development environment matches what your production installation uses.

Checking Your Gemfile Specifies the Right Ruby Version

To make certain your Ruby utility is using the ideal version of Ruby, specify the version inside the Gemfile. The Gemfile is a report in the root of your Rails software that lists the gem dependencies in your challenge.

Specifying the Ruby Version

To specify the Ruby version in the Gemfile, add this line:

ruby '2.7.2'

Replace '2.7.2' with the real model of Ruby you want to use. This will install that version of Ruby and set it as the default to your software.

When you install gemstones in your mission, Bundler uses the version of Ruby you targeted to put in gem variations that might be compatible. This helps avoid troubles arising from using gemstones built for one-of-a-kind versions of Ruby. It also guarantees that your software environment is equal for all developers and in manufacturing.

To install the version of Ruby specified in the Gemfile, run:

bundle install

Bundler will install the correct version of Ruby and the gem versions compatible with that version of Ruby
 

Your application is now set up to use a consistent version of Ruby across all environments. Specifying the Ruby version in the Gemfile helps avoid subtle issues arising from environmental changes. Following this best practice will make your Rails application more robust and help reduce debugging time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my Ruby version?

Open your terminal, type "ruby -v" or "ruby --version" and press Enter. The terminal will display the installed Ruby version.

Can I check the Ruby version within a Ruby script?

Yes, you can use "RUBY_VERSION" constant within your Ruby script to display the currently running Ruby version.

Are there different methods for checking Ruby versions on Windows and macOS?

No, the method is the same. Both Windows and macOS use the terminal to execute the "ruby -v" command for version checking.

What if the "ruby -v" command doesn't work?

Ensure Ruby is properly installed and added to your system's PATH. If issues persist, seek help from Ruby community forums or guides specific to your operating system.

Conclusion

Ruby developers should regularly check the version of Ruby installed. Whether working on legacy systems or building new applications, verifying the correct Ruby version is running is an important first step. The methods shown here provide a quick reference for checking your Ruby version across systems and environments. Staying up to date with the latest stable Ruby release ensures you have access to the newest language features and security patches. Check the version support timelines for those maintaining older Ruby versions for compatibility. The Ruby community is constantly improving and enhancing the language, so keeping your skills and environments up to date is key to being an effective Ruby developer.

We hope this blog has helped you check your Ruby Version. If you want to learn more, then check out our articles.

• Installation and Setup - Ruby on Rails
• How to Run Tests on Ruby
• Installing Ruby on Linux
   

You may refer to our Guided Path on Code Studios for enhancing your skill set on DSA, Competitive Programming, System Design, etc. Check out essential interview questions, practice our available mock tests, look at the interview bundle for interview preparations, and so much more!

Happy Learning!