Gemfile
Gemfile is a configuration file used in Ruby projects to specify the dependencies (gems) required for the application to run. It is processed by Bundler, a dependency management tool, to install and manage gem versions consistently across different environments. This ensures that all developers and deployment systems use the same set of gems, preventing version conflicts and ensuring reproducibility.
Developers should use a Gemfile when working on Ruby or Ruby on Rails projects to manage dependencies effectively, as it simplifies gem installation, version locking, and environment consistency. It is essential for collaborative development, deployment pipelines, and maintaining stable applications by specifying exact gem versions or version ranges. Use cases include setting up development environments, deploying to production servers, and ensuring compatibility in CI/CD workflows.