chruby review
A focused, lightweight choice for switching among installed Ruby versions on Unix.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
chruby is an open-source command-line tool for developers who manage multiple Ruby implementations on macOS or Linux. It switches among installed versions, including Ruby, JRuby, Rubinius and MagLev, while updating PATH, RubyGems bin directories, GEM_HOME and GEM_PATH. Its scope is intentionally narrow: it handles Ruby environment switching rather than runtime installation, making it a fit for users who already have the implementations they need.
The workflow centers on shell integration and project-level selection. chruby works with Bash and Zsh, supports manual switching, and can optionally switch automatically when a project contains a .ruby-version file. Fuzzy Ruby-name matching reduces the need to enter full implementation names, while chruby-exec runs a command under a selected Ruby. These features suit local development workflows where project pinning, shell environment updates and quick version changes matter more than a broader language-management system.
The main trade-off is its focused design. chruby does not install runtimes, so setup depends on having Ruby implementations available through another process. It is also limited to macOS and Linux, which narrows its fit for teams working across other operating systems. Choose chruby when you want a lightweight Ruby switcher with optional automatic selection and direct Bash or Zsh integration. Choose an alternative when runtime installation, broader language coverage or support beyond macOS and Linux is central to your workflow.
chruby pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Switches among installed Ruby implementations with fuzzy name matching
- Supports automatic switching through project .ruby-version files
- Integrates with Bash and Zsh and includes chruby-exec
- Where it doesn't
- Does not install Ruby runtimes
- Supports only Ruby-focused version management
- Limited to macOS and Linux
chruby fact sheet, pricing and score →
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