How to Install Ruby on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If programming is your cup of tea—or you'd at least like to make it so—you've probably heard of Ruby. Known for its clean, minimal syntax, Ruby is like writing poetry that a computer actually understands. And while it doesn’t come pre-installed on Windows 11, you can get it up and running, along with a handy dependency manager "Ruby Bundler" and the robust IDE, RubyMine, in no time. Here’s our definitive guide to installing Ruby and turbocharging it for web and application development on your Windows machine.

---

What Is Ruby, Anyway?​

Before you dive into the how-to, let’s cover the basics. Ruby is a dynamic, high-level programming language designed for simplicity and productivity. One of its most famous claims to fame is the “Ruby on Rails” framework, which powers countless web applications. Ruby encourages you to write beautiful code that not only gets the job done but also feels like art when you’re doing it—perfect for developers who value aesthetics and clarity in programming.
Ruby isn’t just for web development, though. It’s versatile enough to handle scripting, automation, and even data processing. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for developers.

---

Installing Ruby on Windows 11​

1. Get the Installer​

Head to rubyinstaller.org, the gateway to all things Ruby on Windows. Download the desired Ruby version, typically the one bundled with DevKit (a toolkit containing libraries essential for Ruby’s ecosystem). Deciphering between downloads can feel like picking between identical twins—just know that “DevKit” simplifies life down the line.

2. Deal With Windows Defender Drama​

Windows can be suspicious of anything it doesn’t recognize. You might get a “this file could mess everything up” kind of warning. Calmly click “Keep anyway” and then grant permissions when prompted (UAC dialog box). Click Yes, smile, and carry on.

3. Setup the Installer​

Once launched:

• Accept the License Agreement (nobody reads it, but it’s polite to pretend).
• Choose the installation destination—stick to defaults unless you have preferences.
• Tick crucial checkboxes: Add Ruby executables to your PATH and Associate .rb and .rbw files with this Ruby installation. This ensures you can use Ruby seamlessly from the Command Prompt.

4. Install Additional Components​

After Ruby’s core files are in place, wrap it up with MYSYS2 components to manage vital tools and libraries:

• A command prompt appears; input commands like 1, 2, or 3 to install the respective components.
• This automation takes care of updates, dependency downloads, and everything Ruby needs to run properly on Windows.

5. Verify Installation​

Pop open your Command Prompt and type:
If the Ruby version number winks back at you, congratulations—Ruby is officially on your team. Start a test script by typing:

---

Setting Up Ruby Bundler​

Now let’s talk tools. Ruby Blunder—err, Bundler—is like that coworker who always remembers deadlines. It ensures all dependencies (“gems” for Ruby) are in check and specific versions are respected. Think of it as gatekeeping chaos from your development environment.

Install Ruby Bundler​

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Run:
  
  Code:

  bash
  gem install bundler

• Once installed, run basic commands like bundler -v to confirm it's alive and kicking.

Here’s how Bundler shines:

• Use a "Gemfile" to specify what libraries your project needs.
• Lock gem versions with a Gemfile.lock, ensuring your app behaves identically across devices and environments.
• Add stability and teamwork to collaborative coding projects.

Pro Tip: When starting a project directory with dependencies, running bundle install automatically sets up every gem listed in the Gemfile. Like magic, but real.

---

Meet RubyMine: The Ruby IDE That Feels Like a Superstar​

RubyMine, JetBrains’ integrated development environment, is beloved by Ruby developers who appreciate a polished setup. Here are highlights:

• Code assistance: Auto-completion, syntax highlighting, debugging, and smart analysis.
• Ruby integration: Flawlessly handles Ruby, Rails projects, and gem management.
• Cross-platform: The IDE works equally well on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Steps to Install RubyMine​

• Visit JetBrains’ RubyMine page.
• Download and execute the installer with a few clicks.
• Follow on-screen setup instructions to set default paths, file associations, and IDE components.

Once you've launched RubyMine:

• Go to Projects -> New Project, set a directory, and optionally configure a framework (e.g., Rails or Sinatra).
• Use the built-in terminal to execute gems, rake tasks, or debug your code—all unified within the IDE.

---

Bonus Tips & FAQs​

Does RubyGems Come With Ruby?​

Yes! RubyGems is bundled with Ruby by default on Windows. Install Ruby, and RubyGems tags along uncomplainingly. Access gems like Bundler using the built-in Command Prompt for Ruby.

How to Run Ruby Code?​

Open a Command Prompt, navigate (cd) to the folder where your .rb file lives, and type:
Or, for interactive code testing, fire up IRB:

Troubleshooting Installation Errors​

• Updating Windows 11 to the latest versions helps (yes, annoying but necessary).
• Issues with links or dependencies? Try restarting the terminal or double-check environmental paths (PATH).

---

Final Words of Wisdom​

Ruby might be small but mighty—a testament to how simplicity can achieve elegance and power. From dynamic application development to spicing up web frameworks, Ruby is worth the learning curve. Whether you're a coding noob or agile dev wizard, following these steps will set you on a smooth path to Ruby greatness. And installing RubyMine? That adds the cherry on top for seamless development work.
So go ahead, type out that first Ruby script and run it! “Hello, World!” has never been this exciting.
Feel free to drop questions or share your Ruby journeys below!

---

Source: The Windows Club How to install Ruby and Ruby Blunder on Windows 11