Support Online
MirrorLooking Glass
GenixNodeGenixNode
Client Panel
Skip to main content

Installing Ruby on Rails with RVM on Debian 8

💡 What You Will Learn in This Guide​

This guide walks you through the step-by-step installation of Ruby and Ruby on Rails using RVM (Ruby Version Manager) on Debian 8 operating system. Thanks to RVM, you can manage multiple Ruby versions, create isolated gemset environments for each project, and run your Rails applications safely.

🧠 Technical Summary​

RVM allows you to manage Ruby versions and gem environments without conflicting. In this guide:

  1. Will receive RVM's security key and script,
  2. Will install the stable version of Ruby and Rails,
  3. Manage different Ruby/Rails versions,
  4. You will create independent working environments with Gemset.

⚙️ 1. Necessary Preparations​

For installation:

  • You must have a Debian 8 system.
  • Node.js must be installed (required for Rails asset management).
  • You must use a non-root user account with sudo authority.

🔑 2. Getting RVM Installation Key and Script​

Download the GPG key to verify the reliability of RVM:

gpg --keyserver hkp://keys.gnupg.net --recv-keys 409B6B1796C275462A1703113804BB82D39DC0E3

This command imports the RVM signing key.

Then download the installation script:

\curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io -o rvm.sh

-sSL parameters ensure a safe download in silent mode.

If you want, open the script and examine it:

nano rvm.sh

💾 3. Installing RVM, Ruby and Rails​

Start the installation by pointing the script file to bash:

cat rvm.sh | bash -s stable --rails

This command installs RVM, the stable version of Ruby, and the Rails framework in one step.

You may be asked for your password during installation; RVM automatically installs the necessary system dependencies.

Once the installation is complete, enable RVM:

source ~/.rvm/scripts/rvm

Verify that Ruby is installed via RVM:

which ruby

Expected output:

/home/kullanici/.rvm/rubies/ruby-2.3.0/bin/ruby

💎 4. Managing Specific Ruby and Rails Versions​

Update RVM:

rvm get stable

List the available Ruby versions:

rvm list known

Install the version you want (example: 2.4.1):

rvm install 2.4.1

Switch between versions:

rvm use 2.4.1

Install a specific version of Rails:

gem install rails -v 5.0.1

This method allows you to work with projects-specific Ruby/Rails versions.

🧩 5. Using Gemset (Independent Environment)​

Create a new gemset:

rvm gemset create proje_a

Use with Ruby version:

rvm 2.4.1@proje_a

Install Rails in this environment:

gem install rails

Each gemset provides an isolated Ruby environment that avoids dependency conflicts.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

1. What is the difference between RVM and rbenv?

RVM comes with gemset management; rbenv is lighter but has limited features.

2. What is Gemset used for?

It allows you to install independent Ruby libraries for each project.

3. Why am I being asked for my password?

Since RVM compiles Ruby from source code, the system requires sudo authority when installing packages.

4. Why is it important to update RVM?

It lets you get new Ruby versions, security patches, and bug-free builds.

5. Can I install Rails without RVM?

Yes, but there will be only one version of Ruby on the entire system. RVM provides cross-project flexibility.

🎯 Result​

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Ruby on Rails installation with RVM on Debian 8. You can now work with different Ruby versions and develop your projects in isolation thanks to gemsets. 💡 Try it now on the GenixNode platform to make your applications secure and scalable.