rbenv vs RVM: Picking Your Ruby Version Manager Buddy

So, you’re diving into Ruby and wondering how to manage different Ruby versions like a pro?

You’ve probably come across two big names: rbenv and RVM.

But which one should you pick? Let’s break it down in a fun, easy-to-digest way!

What’s a Ruby Version Manager Anyway?

Imagine you’re a chef, and different recipes require different types of ovens.

Some need high heat, some need slow roasting.

A Ruby version manager is like having a magical kitchen where you can swap ovens (Ruby versions) on the fly, depending on what you’re cooking (your project).

A Ruby version manager is essentially a package manager—a collection of tools that automates installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software (in this case, Ruby versions) in a consistent manner.

In the Ruby world, RVM is widely accepted as the norm because of its extensive toolkit.

However, a major advantage of rbenv is that it’s lighter and more unobtrusive than RVM.

The Contenders: rbenv vs RVM

Both rbenv and RVM help you install and switch between Ruby versions, but they take different approaches.

1. rbenv: The Minimalist Ninja

rbenv is lightweight, simple, and follows the “do one thing well” philosophy.

It doesn’t interfere too much with your system and lets you switch Ruby versions without any extra magic happening behind the scenes.

What rbenv Does:

• Provides support for specifying application-specific Ruby versions.
• Lets you change the global Ruby version on a per-user basis.
• Allows you to override the Ruby version with an environment variable.

What rbenv Does Not Do:

• Need to be loaded into your shell. Instead, rbenv’s shim approach works by adding a directory to your $PATH.
• Override shell commands like cd or require prompt hacks (which can be dangerous and error-prone).
• Have a configuration file—there’s nothing to configure except which version of Ruby you want to use.
• Install Ruby itself—you can build and install Ruby manually or use the ruby-build plugin to automate the process.
• Manage gemsets (though you can install the rbenv-gemset plugin if needed). Bundler is the preferred way to handle dependencies.
• Require changes to Ruby libraries for compatibility—rbenv simply needs to be in your $PATH and nothing else.

Pros:

• Minimalistic and doesn’t mess with your shell too much.
• Fast and lightweight.
• Works well with bundler to manage dependencies.

Cons:

• No built-in gemset management (you’ll need workarounds).
• Requires the ruby-build plugin to install Ruby versions.

Who should use rbenv?

If you love keeping things simple and just want to switch between Ruby versions without extra complexity, rbenv is your go-to choice.

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2. RVM: The All-in-One Powerhouse

RVM is more than just a version manager—it’s a full Ruby environment manager. It lets you install Ruby versions, create gemsets, and even handle dependencies.

Pros:

• Comes with built-in gemsets, so you can isolate project dependencies easily.
• Automates a lot of things (sometimes too much, though).
• Full control over your Ruby environment.

Cons:

• Heavier and modifies your shell significantly.
• Can be slower compared to rbenv.
• Takes over your system’s Ruby setup completely.

Who should use RVM?

If you want an all-in-one tool that manages Ruby versions and gemsets, or if you’re working on multiple projects with different dependencies, RVM is a solid pick.

Head-to-Head: A Quick Comparison

Feature	rbenv	RVM
Philosophy	Minimalistic, lightweight	Feature-rich, complete environment manager
Gemsets	No native support	Built-in gemset management
Shell Modifications	Minimal (uses shims)	Modifies shell files extensively
Speed	Faster and lightweight	Can be slower due to extra features
Best For	Developers who want simplicity	Those who need an all-in-one solution

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Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• If you like a clean, lightweight setup and prefer using bundler for dependency management, go with rbenv.
• If you want an all-in-one tool that also manages gemsets and dependencies automatically, RVM is a better fit.

At the end of the day, both tools get the job done—it’s just a matter of how much control and automation you prefer.

For a more in-depth explanation of Ruby version managers, check out this detailed guide: Launch School - Ruby Version Managers.

Which one do you use? What's your craziest story? Drop a comment!

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