How to Install Ruby on Rails 7 on AlmaLinux

Ruby on Rails (commonly referred to as Rails) is a powerful, full-stack web application framework built on Ruby. It has gained immense popularity for its convention-over-configuration approach, enabling developers to build robust and scalable web applications quickly. Rails 7, the latest version of the framework, brings exciting new features like Hotwire integration, improved Active Record capabilities, and advanced JavaScript compatibility without requiring Node.js or Webpack by default.

AlmaLinux, as a stable and reliable RHEL-based distribution, provides an excellent environment for hosting Ruby on Rails applications. This blog will guide you through the installation of Ruby on Rails 7 on AlmaLinux, ensuring that you can start developing your applications efficiently.

Why Choose Ruby on Rails 7?

Ruby on Rails 7 introduces several cutting-edge features:

1. Hotwire Integration: Real-time, server-driven updates without relying on heavy JavaScript libraries.
2. No Node.js Dependency (Optional): Rails 7 embraces ESBuild and import maps, reducing reliance on Node.js for asset management.
3. Turbo and Stimulus: Tools for building modern, dynamic frontends with minimal JavaScript.
4. Enhanced Active Record: Improvements to database querying and handling.
5. Encryption Framework: Built-in support for encryption, ensuring better security out of the box.

By installing Rails 7, you gain access to these features, empowering your web development projects.

Prerequisites

Before installing Ruby on Rails 7, make sure your AlmaLinux system is prepared:

1. Update Your System:

   sudo dnf update -y
   

2. Install Development Tools and Libraries:
   Rails relies on various libraries and tools. Install them using:

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

3. Install a Database (Optional):
   Rails supports several databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL. If you plan to use PostgreSQL, install it using:

   sudo dnf install -y postgresql postgresql-server postgresql-devel
   

4. Administrative Privileges:
   Ensure you have sudo or root access for system-level installations.

Step 1: Install Ruby

Ruby on Rails requires Ruby to function. While AlmaLinux’s default repositories might not have the latest Ruby version, you can install it using one of the following methods:

Option 1: Install Ruby Using RVM

1. Install RVM:

   sudo dnf install -y curl gnupg tar
   curl -sSL https://rvm.io/mpapis.asc | gpg2 --import -
   curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io | bash -s stable
   source ~/.rvm/scripts/rvm
   

2. Install Ruby:

   rvm install 3.1.0
   rvm use 3.1.0 --default
   

3. Verify Ruby Installation:

   ruby --version
   

Option 2: Install Ruby Using rbenv

1. Clone rbenv and ruby-build:

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

2. Add rbenv to your PATH:

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

3. Install Ruby:

   rbenv install 3.1.0
   rbenv global 3.1.0
   

4. Verify Ruby Installation:

   ruby --version
   

Step 2: Install RubyGems and Bundler

RubyGems is the package manager for Ruby, and Bundler is a tool for managing application dependencies. Both are essential for Rails development.

1. Install Bundler:

   gem install bundler
   

2. Verify Bundler Installation:

   bundler --version
   

Step 3: Install Rails 7

With Ruby and Bundler installed, you can now install Rails 7:

1. Install Rails:

   gem install rails -v 7.0.0
   

2. Verify Rails Installation:

   rails --version
   

   It should output Rails 7.0.0 or a newer version, depending on updates.

Step 4: Set Up a New Rails Application

Now that Rails is installed, create a new application to test the setup:

Step 4.1: Install Node.js or ESBuild (Optional)

Rails 7 supports JavaScript-free applications using import maps. However, if you prefer a traditional setup, ensure Node.js is installed:

sudo dnf install -y nodejs

Step 4.2: Create a New Rails Application

Create a new Rails application named myapp:

rails new myapp

The rails new command will create a folder named myapp and set up all necessary files and directories.

Step 4.3: Navigate to the Application Directory

cd myapp

Step 4.4: Install Gems and Dependencies

Run Bundler to install the required gems:

bundle install

Step 4.5: Start the Rails Server

Start the Rails development server:

rails server

The server will start on http://localhost:3000.

Step 4.6: Access Your Application

Open a web browser and navigate to http://<your-server-ip>:3000 to see the Rails welcome page.

Step 5: Database Configuration (Optional)

Rails supports various databases, and you may want to configure your application to use PostgreSQL or MySQL instead of the default SQLite.

Example: PostgreSQL Setup

1. Install PostgreSQL:

   sudo dnf install -y postgresql postgresql-server postgresql-devel
   

2. Initialize and Start PostgreSQL:

   sudo postgresql-setup --initdb
   sudo systemctl enable --now postgresql
   

3. Update the database.yml file in your Rails project to use PostgreSQL:

   development:
     adapter: postgresql
     encoding: unicode
     database: myapp_development
     pool: 5
     username: your_postgres_user
     password: your_password
   

4. Create the database:

   rails db:create
   

Step 6: Deploy Your Rails Application

Once your application is ready for deployment, consider using production-grade tools like Puma, Nginx, and Passenger for hosting. For a full-stack deployment, tools like Capistrano or Docker can streamline the process.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Missing Gems or Bundler Errors

Run the following to ensure all dependencies are installed:

bundle install

2. Port Access Issues

If you can’t access the Rails server, ensure that the firewall allows traffic on port 3000:

sudo firewall-cmd --add-port=3000/tcp --permanent
sudo firewall-cmd --reload

3. Permission Errors

Ensure your user has sufficient privileges to access necessary files and directories. Use sudo if required.

Conclusion

Installing Ruby on Rails 7 on AlmaLinux equips you with the latest tools and features for web development. With its streamlined asset management, improved Active Record, and enhanced JavaScript integration, Rails 7 empowers developers to build modern, high-performance applications efficiently.

This guide covered everything from installing Ruby to setting up Rails and configuring a database. Now, you’re ready to start your journey into Rails 7 development on AlmaLinux!