Pros of rbenv

• Provides a lightweight, flexible Ruby version management system
• Allows per-project Ruby versions without modifying the global environment
• Integrates seamlessly with shell environments for automatic version switching

Cons of rbenv

• Requires separate installation of ruby-build for installing Ruby versions
• May have a steeper learning curve for beginners compared to all-in-one solutions
• Lacks built-in gemset management functionality

Code Comparison

rbenv:

# Set local Ruby version
rbenv local 3.0.0

# Set global Ruby version
rbenv global 3.1.2

# List installed versions
rbenv versions

ruby-build:

# Install a specific Ruby version
ruby-build 3.0.0 ~/.rbenv/versions/3.0.0

# List available Ruby versions
ruby-build --definitions

# Install Ruby with specific options
RUBY_CONFIGURE_OPTS="--with-openssl-dir=/usr/local/opt/openssl" ruby-build 3.1.2 ~/.rbenv/versions/3.1.2

rbenv focuses on managing Ruby versions, while ruby-build is specifically designed for installing Ruby versions. They are often used together, with rbenv providing the version management framework and ruby-build handling the installation process.

Pros of RVM

• All-in-one solution for managing Ruby versions and gemsets
• Supports system-wide and user-specific installations
• Extensive documentation and large community support

Cons of RVM

• More complex and can modify shell environment
• Potential conflicts with other Ruby version managers
• Slower startup time due to shell script loading

Code Comparison

RVM installation:

\curl -sSL https://get.rvm.io | bash -s stable
rvm install 3.0.0
rvm use 3.0.0

ruby-build (with rbenv) installation:

git clone https://github.com/rbenv/ruby-build.git ~/.rbenv/plugins/ruby-build
rbenv install 3.0.0
rbenv global 3.0.0

Both RVM and ruby-build (used with rbenv) are popular tools for managing Ruby versions. RVM offers a comprehensive solution with built-in gemset management, while ruby-build focuses solely on installing Ruby versions and works seamlessly with rbenv for version switching.

RVM's all-in-one approach can be convenient for some users, but it may introduce complexity and potential conflicts. ruby-build, when used with rbenv, provides a more lightweight and modular solution, allowing users to choose additional plugins as needed.

Ultimately, the choice between RVM and ruby-build depends on personal preference and specific project requirements.

Pros of asdf

• Supports multiple languages and tools, not just Ruby
• Single tool for managing versions of various technologies
• Extensible plugin system for adding new language support

Cons of asdf

• Steeper learning curve due to broader functionality
• May be overkill for projects focused solely on Ruby
• Potentially slower performance compared to specialized tools

Code Comparison

ruby-build:

# Installing a specific Ruby version
ruby-build 2.7.2 ~/.rbenv/versions/2.7.2

# Setting global Ruby version
rbenv global 2.7.2

asdf:

# Installing a specific Ruby version
asdf plugin add ruby
asdf install ruby 2.7.2

# Setting global Ruby version
asdf global ruby 2.7.2

Summary

ruby-build is a plugin for rbenv that focuses specifically on building and managing Ruby versions. It's lightweight and straightforward for Ruby-centric projects. asdf, on the other hand, is a more versatile version manager that supports multiple languages and tools through its plugin system. While asdf offers greater flexibility, it may introduce additional complexity for users who only need Ruby version management. The choice between the two depends on project requirements and personal preferences for simplicity versus versatility.

Pros of chruby

• Lightweight and minimalistic, with a smaller codebase
• Faster Ruby version switching due to simpler implementation
• Doesn't modify Ruby's $PATH, preserving system integrity

Cons of chruby

• Lacks built-in Ruby installation capabilities (requires separate ruby-install tool)
• Less extensive ecosystem and plugin support compared to rbenv
• May require more manual configuration for some advanced use cases

Code Comparison

chruby:

source /usr/local/share/chruby/chruby.sh
chruby ruby-3.0.0

ruby-build (used with rbenv):

rbenv install 3.0.0
rbenv global 3.0.0

Key Differences

• Installation: ruby-build (with rbenv) provides a more integrated solution for installing and managing Ruby versions, while chruby focuses solely on switching between pre-installed versions.
• Performance: chruby is generally faster for version switching due to its simpler approach.
• Ecosystem: rbenv has a larger ecosystem with more plugins and integrations available.
• Philosophy: chruby aims for simplicity and minimal interference with the system, while rbenv provides a more comprehensive Ruby version management solution.

Both tools are popular choices for Ruby version management, with the choice often coming down to personal preference and specific project requirements.

Pros of n

• Simpler and more lightweight installation process
• Faster version switching due to its design
• Supports both Node.js and io.js versions

Cons of n

• Less granular control over Ruby versions and patches
• Fewer advanced features for managing multiple Ruby environments
• Limited support for system-wide installations

Code Comparison

n:

n 14.17.0
n latest
n lts

ruby-build:

ruby-build 3.0.1 ~/.rbenv/versions/3.0.1
rbenv install 3.0.1
rbenv global 3.0.1

Summary

n is a lightweight and fast version manager for Node.js, offering quick installation and version switching. It's ideal for developers who prioritize simplicity and speed. However, it lacks some of the advanced features and granular control provided by ruby-build.

ruby-build, on the other hand, offers more comprehensive Ruby version management with support for various patches and system-wide installations. It integrates well with rbenv, providing a robust environment for Ruby development. However, its installation process and version switching may be slightly more complex compared to n.

Choose n for a straightforward Node.js version management experience, or opt for ruby-build if you need more advanced Ruby version control and environment management capabilities.