Overview
Ruby Gems are are collections of functions that allow you to perform tasks in Ruby. You will need to install a Gem before you can use it inside a Ruby program. This guide will show you how to install your own Ruby Gems, see existing gems installed, and even view documentation for those gems
Gems are installed directly from the RubyForge repository.
The Ruby Gems Management Page
You will need to login to the control panel and click the Ruby Gems icon to get to the Ruby Gems management page. From here you can perform all of the operations listed below.
Steps
Install a Gem
To install a gem, simply type the name of the gem and click Install Now. You can also search for gems and see available ones by using the buttons above the Install Now button.
Update, Reinstalling, and Removing Gems
You can update, reinstall, remove, and browse the documentation for a gem once it is installed by clicking on the appropriate buttons at the bottom of the Ruby Gems management page.
Checking Existing System-Wide Gems
You can click "Show System Installed Modules" to see a list of gems installed on the system. It is usually preferable to use these gems if possible. On all of our servers we have the basic Rails gems installed, along with a list of very commonly used gems.
