RubyGems is a package management framework for the Ruby programming language. It provides a standard format for distributing Ruby programs and libraries in a self-contained format called a "gem." Gems are used to extend or modify functionality in Ruby applications, and they can be used to distribute reusable functionality that is shared with other Rubyists for use in their applications and libraries[1][3].
A gem is essentially a packaged Ruby application or library that contains a set of functionality that can be invoked by a Ruby program. For example, a gem might provide the capability to read and parse XML files, handle user authentication, or interact with a database[1][2].
The RubyGems tool itself allows you to easily download, install, and use these software packages on your system. The interface for RubyGems is a command-line tool called gem, which can install and manage libraries (the gems). RubyGems integrates with the Ruby runtime loader to help find and load installed gems from standardized library folders[3].
RubyGems also serves as a client for RubyGems.org, which is a public repository of gems that allows developers to publish gems that can be shared and used by others. This repository helps users find gems, resolve dependencies, and install them. RubyGems is bundled with the standard Ruby package as of Ruby 1.9, making it an integral part of the Ruby development environment[3][5][6].
In addition to managing gems, RubyGems can also handle the creation of new gems. Developers can package their Ruby libraries or applications into gems and then distribute them through RubyGems.org, making them available to the wider Ruby community[7].
RubyGems is not just about distributing code; it also includes features for managing dependencies, v...
