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RVM

rvm.io

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Spec score 7.4 #20 of 30 in Runtime Version Managers

What it is

RVM is a command-line tool for installing and managing Ruby versions and gem sets. It can create a self-contained environment for each project, with a selected Ruby version and the gems that project needs. Named gemsets organize gems across Ruby versions, and a shared cache stores one on-disk copy of each downloaded gem. RVM can run test suites, rake tasks, benchmarks, and gem commands against multiple Ruby versions at the same time, supporting consistent setups across development, CI, QA, staging, and production. Its commands cover installing, selecting, upgrading, reinstalling, uninstalling, and removing Ruby versions. Documented integrations include Bundler, Capistrano, Chef, Jenkins, Heroku, and Passenger. RVM supports most UNIX-like systems and Windows through Cygwin or Bash on Ubuntu on Windows. Basic installation needs Bash, curl, gpg2, and GNU tools; git is needed for head Ruby versions. It documents single-user, multi-user, and mixed-mode installs, and recommends single-user mode for an isolated home-directory setup. RVM is free and maintained by community volunteers.

Spec sheet

Purpose
RVM is a command-line tool for installing and managing multiple Ruby environments, from interpreters to gem sets.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Integrations
RVM documents integrations including Bundler, Capistrano, Chef, Jenkins, Heroku, Passenger, TeamCity, Vagrant, Vim, and Zsh.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Security
RVM says it cryptographically signs releases and the installer script, and verifies signatures during updates.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Support
RVM is maintained by community volunteers, with support through issue trackers and pull requests.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
CLI actions
The CLI includes commands to install, use, upgrade, reinstall, uninstall, and remove Ruby versions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Deployment environments
RVM provides self-contained, dedicated Ruby and gem environments for individual projects.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Development parity
RVM supports identical environments across development, CI, QA, staging, and production.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Funding
RVM requests donations and sponsorship to help maintain the project.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Gem management
Named gemsets let users manage gems across Ruby versions, and RVM uses a shared cache so each downloaded gem has one on-disk copy.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Install modes
RVM documents single-user, multi-user, and mixed-mode installations.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Installation limitation
RVM states that outside installation tutorials are unsupported and recommends using installation processes from its own site.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Installation modes
RVM documents single-user, multi-user, and mixed-mode installations, and recommends single-user installation for an isolated setup in a user's home directory.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Installation requirements
The installation page lists bash, curl, gpg2, and GNU versions of tools as basic requirements.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Origin
RVM was started as a personal project by Wayne E. Seguin in October 2007 and later grew through Ruby community feedback.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Project isolation
RVM can give each project a self-contained environment with a specific Ruby version and the gems it needs.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Release security
RVM cryptographically signs releases and the installer script with GPG, with automatic verification during updates.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Requirements
RVM requires Bash, curl, gpg2, and GNU tools, and it requires git for installing head Ruby versions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Ruby implementations
RVM supports installing official Ruby interpreter releases and maintains a list of known interpreters and versions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Ruby testing
RVM can run test suites, rake tasks, benchmarks, and gem commands against multiple Ruby versions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Security model
RVM keeps Ruby processes in user space to encourage non-root operation and reduce the impact of a compromised Ruby process.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Supported systems
RVM supports most Unix-like systems and Windows through Cygwin or Bash on Ubuntu on Windows.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
Testing
RVM can run test suites, rake tasks, benchmarks, and gem commands against multiple Ruby versions at the same time.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io
User permissions
RVM says its user-space setup encourages non-root use and limits a compromised Ruby process from compromising the entire system.Read 30 Sep 2026 · rvm.io

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Creates project-specific Ruby and gem environments.
  • Runs tests and tasks across multiple Ruby versions.
  • Supports named gemsets and a shared gem cache.
  • Release and installer signatures are verified during updates.

Limits

  • Installation requires Bash, curl, gpg2, and GNU tools.
  • Git is required for installing head Ruby versions.
  • Windows support requires Cygwin or Bash on Ubuntu on Windows.

Who it suits

RVM suits Ruby developers who need separate project environments or need to run work against several Ruby versions. It also supports teams seeking similar Ruby setups across development, CI, QA, staging, and production.

Verdict

RVM provides Ruby version, gem, and project-environment management at no cost. Its command-line workflow and installation requirements are important to weigh before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to RVMAll alternatives →