RubyGems
RubyGems is a package manager for the Ruby programming language that provides a standard format for distributing Ruby programs and libraries (called 'gems'), along with tools to manage their installation. It allows developers to easily share and reuse code, handling dependencies and versioning to streamline development workflows. The system includes a command-line tool called 'gem' for interacting with the RubyGems ecosystem.
Developers should learn RubyGems when working with Ruby projects, as it is the de facto standard for managing libraries and dependencies in the Ruby ecosystem, essential for tasks like web development with Rails or scripting. It simplifies project setup by automating the installation of required gems, ensuring consistency across environments and reducing manual configuration efforts. Use cases include building web applications, automating tasks, or integrating third-party services where reusable Ruby code is needed.