Ruby, a dynamic programming language that can create everything from simple scripts to complex web applications, is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned developers. This comprehensive guide will take you through the process to Install Ruby and set up a local programming environment on Ubuntu 22.04.
Background of Ruby
Ruby was first introduced in Japan in 1993 and has gained popularity since 2005 as a language for server-side web development. Its simplicity and power make it ideal for creating complex systems while remaining accessible and enjoyable for beginners.
Prerequisites
Before we proceed to Install Ruby, ensure that you have Ubuntu 22.04 installed on your machine. You should also have administrative access and an active internet connection. If you need help setting up a server, you can refer to this Initial Server Setup with Ubuntu 22.04 guide.
Getting Started with Command Line Interface
The command line interface (CLI) is a text-based method to interact with your computer. Instead of clicking buttons, you type commands and receive text-based feedback. If you want to delve deeper into the CLI.
Setting up RVM and Ruby
The Ruby Version Manager (RVM) simplifies the process of setting up a Ruby environment on Ubuntu. RVM downloads the latest version of Ruby and installs all necessary libraries. Here are the steps to install RVM and Ruby:
- Install the GPG keys
Use the gpg command to request the RVM project’s key from a public key server. This key is used to sign each RVM release, which verifies the authenticity of the RVM release you’ll
download.gpg --keyserver hkp://pool.sks-keyservers.net --recv-keys 409B6B1796C275462A1703113804BB82D39DC0E3 7D2BAF1CF37B13E2069D6956105BD0E739499BDB
If the command fails, run the following commands:
command curl -sSL https://rvm.io/mpapis.asc | gpg2 --import -
command curl -sSL https://rvm.io/pkuczynski.asc | gpg2 --import -
- Install Curl
Next, you need to install curl. Run the following command: sudo apt-get install curl
You will be prompted for your password. Note that your keystrokes will not be displayed in the Terminal for security reasons.
- Download the RVM Installation Script
Use the curl command to download the RVM installation script from the project’s website. \curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io -o rvm.sh
- Audit the Script
If you want to inspect the content of the script before applying it, run:less rvm.sh
- Install the Latest Stable Release of RVM
Execute the following command: cat rvm.sh | bash -s stable
This will create a new directory in your home directory called .rvm, where Ruby and its related components will be installed, along with the rvm executable program you use to install Ruby.
- Make RVM Accessible in Your Current Session
Next, run this command: source ~/.rvm/scripts/rvm
- Install the Latest Version of Ruby
Finally, use the rvm command to install the latest version of Ruby: rvm install ruby --default
This will download and install Ruby and its components. This version of Ruby will become the default version your system will use.
Verifying the Installation
To verify the version of Ruby installed, type this command:ruby -v
This will output the specific version of Ruby installed.
Creating a Simple Ruby Program
Now that Ruby is installed, let’s create a simple program to verify everything is working correctly.
- Create a New File
Use nano to create a new file called hello.rb:nano hello.rb
- Write the Program
Type the following program into the editor: puts "Hello, World!"
- Run the Program
To run the program, use this command: ruby hello.rb
The program should display the output “Hello, World!” on the screen.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations! You’ve successfully managed to Install Ruby and set up a local programming environment on Ubuntu 22.04. This environment will serve as a solid foundation as you continue exploring Ruby and build larger, more complex projects.
Next Steps
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