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Rake

ruby.github.io

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Spec score 7.4 #30 of 42 in Build Automation Software

What it is

Rake is a Make-like task runner written in Ruby for defining tasks and their dependencies. Its Rakefiles use standard Ruby syntax, and tasks can declare prerequisite tasks. Rule patterns can generate implicit tasks, while FileLists provide array-like handling for file names and paths. Rake includes packaged tasks, including tasks for building tarballs, and can execute tasks in parallel. The documentation’s example has a default task call a test task that runs a Ruby unit test file. Rake runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows; the project lists Ruby 2.0.0 or later as a requirement. Installation is with `gem install rake`. Rake is free under an MIT-style license, with a listed plan of free. The project credits Jim Weirich as its original creator and Hiroshi SHIBATA as maintainer of Rake 10 and later. It is provided as is, without express or implied warranties.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Rake is a Make-like program implemented in Ruby for specifying and running tasks and their dependencies.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
License
Rake is available under an MIT-style license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Example use
The documentation shows a default task invoking a test task that runs a Ruby unit test file.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
FileLists
Flexible FileLists act like arrays and support manipulating file names and paths.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Implicit tasks
Rule patterns can synthesize implicit tasks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Installation
The project’s installation instructions say to install Rake with gem install rake.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Maintainer
The project credits Hiroshi SHIBATA as maintainer of Rake 10 and later.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Original creator
The project credits Jim Weirich as Rake’s original creator.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Packaged tasks
Rake includes prepackaged tasks, including tasks for building tarballs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Parallel execution
Rake supports parallel execution of tasks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Prerequisites
Tasks can specify prerequisite tasks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Rakefiles
Rakefiles are defined in standard Ruby syntax.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Ruby requirement
The Rake project page lists Ruby 2.0.0 or later as a requirement.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io
Warranty
The project states that the software is provided as is without express or implied warranties.Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io

Plans and prices

Rake Free MIT-style license · Install with gem install rake Read 7 Oct 2026 · ruby.github.io

Every Rake plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Rakefiles use standard Ruby syntax.
  • Tasks can declare prerequisites.
  • Rule patterns can generate implicit tasks.
  • Parallel task execution is supported.
  • Free under an MIT-style license.

Limits

  • Requires Ruby 2.0.0 or later.
  • Provided without express or implied warranties.

Who it suits

Rake suits Ruby users who want to define task dependencies in Ruby syntax, including build and test workflows. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Verdict

Rake combines Ruby-based task definitions with dependency handling, implicit tasks, and parallel execution. It is free, but requires Ruby 2.0.0 or later.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to RakeAll alternatives →