How to Install Ruby 3.1 on AlmaLinux

Ruby 3.1 is a robust and efficient programming language release that builds on the enhancements introduced in Ruby 3.0. With improved performance, new features, and extended capabilities, it’s an excellent choice for developers creating web applications, scripts, or other software. AlmaLinux, a stable and enterprise-grade Linux distribution, provides an ideal environment for hosting Ruby applications.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to install Ruby 3.1 on AlmaLinux, covering multiple installation methods to suit your preferences and requirements.

Why Install Ruby 3.1?

Ruby 3.1 includes significant improvements and updates:

1. Performance Improvements: Ruby 3.1 continues the 3x speedup goal (“Ruby 3x3”) with faster execution and reduced memory usage.
2. Enhanced Ractor API: Further refinements to Ractor, allowing safer and easier parallel execution.
3. Improved Error Handling: Enhanced error messages and diagnostics for debugging.
4. New Features: Additions like keyword argument consistency and extended gem support.

Upgrading to Ruby 3.1 ensures compatibility with the latest libraries and provides a solid foundation for your applications.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure the following:

1. Update AlmaLinux System:
   Update all system packages to avoid compatibility issues.

   sudo dnf update -y
   

2. Install Development Tools:
   Ruby requires certain tools and libraries for compilation. Install them using:

   sudo dnf groupinstall "Development Tools" -y
   sudo dnf install -y gcc make openssl-devel readline-devel zlib-devel libffi-devel
   

3. Administrative Privileges:
   Ensure you have sudo or root access to execute system-level changes.

Methods to Install Ruby 3.1 on AlmaLinux

Method 1: Using RVM (Ruby Version Manager)

RVM is a popular tool for managing Ruby versions and environments. It allows you to install Ruby 3.1 easily and switch between multiple Ruby versions.

Step 1: Install RVM

1. Install prerequisites:

   sudo dnf install -y curl gnupg tar
   

2. Import the RVM GPG key and install RVM:

   curl -sSL https://rvm.io/mpapis.asc | gpg2 --import -
   curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io | bash -s stable
   

3. Load RVM into the current session:

   source ~/.rvm/scripts/rvm
   

Step 2: Install Ruby 3.1 with RVM

To install Ruby 3.1:

rvm install 3.1

Set Ruby 3.1 as the default version:

rvm use 3.1 --default

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check the installed Ruby version:

ruby --version

You should see output indicating version 3.1.x.

Method 2: Using rbenv

rbenv is another tool for managing multiple Ruby versions. It is lightweight and provides a straightforward way to install and switch Ruby versions.

Step 1: Install rbenv and Dependencies

1. Clone rbenv from GitHub:

   git clone https://github.com/rbenv/rbenv.git ~/.rbenv
   

2. Add rbenv to your PATH:

   echo 'export PATH="$HOME/.rbenv/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
   echo 'eval "$(rbenv init -)"' >> ~/.bashrc
   source ~/.bashrc
   

3. Install ruby-build:

   git clone https://github.com/rbenv/ruby-build.git ~/.rbenv/plugins/ruby-build
   

Step 2: Install Ruby 3.1 with rbenv

1. Install Ruby 3.1:

   rbenv install 3.1.0
   

2. Set Ruby 3.1 as the global version:

   rbenv global 3.1.0
   

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check the installed Ruby version:

ruby --version

Method 3: Installing Ruby 3.1 from Source

Compiling Ruby from source gives you full control over the installation process.

Step 1: Download Ruby Source Code

Download the Ruby 3.1 source code from the official Ruby Downloads Page:

curl -O https://cache.ruby-lang.org/pub/ruby/3.1/ruby-3.1.0.tar.gz

Extract the downloaded archive:

tar -xvzf ruby-3.1.0.tar.gz
cd ruby-3.1.0

Step 2: Compile and Install Ruby

1. Configure the build:

   ./configure
   

2. Compile Ruby:

   make
   

3. Install Ruby:

   sudo make install
   

Step 3: Verify Installation

Check the Ruby version:

ruby --version

Post-Installation Setup

Install Bundler

Bundler is a Ruby gem used for managing application dependencies. Install it using:

gem install bundler

Verify Bundler installation:

bundler --version

Test Ruby Installation

To confirm Ruby is working correctly, create a simple script:

1. Create a file named test.rb:

   nano test.rb
   

2. Add the following code:

   puts "Ruby 3.1 is successfully installed on AlmaLinux!"
   

3. Run the script:

   ruby test.rb
   

You should see the output:

Ruby 3.1 is successfully installed on AlmaLinux!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Command Not Found

Ensure Ruby binaries are in your system PATH. For RVM or rbenv, reinitialize the shell:

source ~/.bashrc

Missing Libraries

If Ruby installation fails, ensure all dependencies are installed:

sudo dnf install -y gcc make openssl-devel readline-devel zlib-devel libffi-devel

Permission Errors

Use sudo for system-wide installations or ensure your user has the necessary permissions.

Conclusion

Installing Ruby 3.1 on AlmaLinux is straightforward and provides access to the latest features and improvements in the Ruby programming language. Whether you use RVM, rbenv, or compile from source, you can have a reliable Ruby environment tailored to your needs.

With Ruby 3.1 installed, you can start developing modern applications, exploring Ruby gems, and leveraging frameworks like Ruby on Rails. Happy coding!