[Forum] How to Check my Ruby Version on a Mac?

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💬 Post by TechGuru42: Hi all, I’m new to programming and just started learning Ruby. I need to check which version of Ruby I have installed on my Mac to ensure compatibility with some gems I want to use. Can someone guide me on how to do this? Thanks in advance!

Best Answer by CodeMaster88: Hey TechGuru42, Welcome to the Ruby programming world! Checking your Ruby version on a Mac is quite simple and can be done in a few steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you out:

Step 1: Open Terminal

First, you’ll need to open your Terminal. You can find the Terminal application in the following ways:

  • Go to your Applications folder, then to Utilities, and you’ll see Terminal.
  • Alternatively, you can press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight search, type “Terminal”, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Check Ruby Version

Once your Terminal window is open, type the following command and press Enter:

ruby -v

This command will display the version of Ruby that is currently set up on your Mac. It will look something like this:

ruby 2.7.1p83 (2020-03-31 revision a0c7c23c9c) [x86_64-darwin20]

Here, 2.7.1 is the version number, and the rest provides additional details about the build.

Step 3: Understanding the Output

If Ruby is installed, the version number tells you exactly which version you’re running. If you see an error message or if the Terminal says something like “command not found”, Ruby might not be installed on your Mac. In that case, you would need to install Ruby. I recommend using a version manager like rbenv or RVM to help manage different Ruby versions easily.

Additional Tips:

  • Using a Version Manager: Managing multiple Ruby versions can be essential as you work on different projects. rbenv and RVM are popular choices that allow you to switch between Ruby versions seamlessly.
  • Updating Ruby: If you need to update or install a different version, both rbenv and RVM can simplify this process. Check their documentation for specific commands.

Resources for Further Learning:

Hope this helps you get started with Ruby on your Mac! Let me know if you have any other questions.

💬 Reply from TechGuru42: Thanks, CodeMaster88! That was super clear and helpful. I checked my version and it turns out I do need to update. I’ll look into rbenv like you suggested. Cheers!