How to Uninstall Ruby and Ruby on Rails on Ubuntu

Ruby on Rails, often simply Rails, is a web application framework written in Ruby. It has been used by many developers worldwide to create robust and scalable web applications. However, there might be instances where you need to uninstall Ruby or Rails from your system, perhaps to install a different version or to free up resources.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to uninstall Ruby and Ruby on Rails from an Ubuntu system.

Let’s get started.

Step 1: Determine the Installation Method

Before uninstalling Ruby and Rails, it’s essential to determine how they were installed. Common methods include using the package manager apt, rvm (Ruby Version Manager), or rbenv.

Step 2: Uninstalling Ruby and Rails using APT

If you installed Ruby and Rails using the package manager, follow these steps:

Uninstall Rails:

sudo apt-get purge rails

Uninstall Ruby:

sudo apt-get purge ruby ruby-dev

Remove Dependencies:

sudo apt-get autoremove

Step 3: Uninstalling using RVM

If you used RVM:

Remove Ruby:

rvm remove ruby_version

Replace ruby_version with the version you wish to uninstall.

Step 4: Uninstalling using RBENV

For rbenv users:

Uninstall a Ruby Version:

rbenv uninstall ruby_version

Replace ruby_version with the version you wish to uninstall.

Step 5: Check for Residual Files

After uninstallation, it’s a good practice to check for any residual files:

which ruby

which rails

If nothing is returned, Ruby and Rails have been successfully uninstalled.

Commands Mentioned

• sudo apt-get purge rails – Uninstalls Rails using APT
• sudo apt-get purge ruby ruby-dev – Uninstalls Ruby using APT
• rvm remove ruby_version – Removes a specific Ruby version using RVM
• rbenv uninstall ruby_version – Uninstalls a specific Ruby version using rbenv
• which ruby – Checks the path of Ruby
• which rails – Checks the path of Rails

FAQ

1. Why would I need to uninstall Ruby or Rails?

   There could be multiple reasons, such as needing to install a different version, troubleshooting issues, or freeing up system resources.

2. Is it necessary to remove both Ruby and Rails?

   No, you can choose to remove only one of them. However, Rails is a framework built on Ruby, so if you remove Ruby, Rails will not function.

3. How do I know which installation method I used?

   You can check your system’s documentation or command history. Typically, if you have ‘rvm’ or ‘rbenv’ commands available, you used one of those methods.

4. Are there any risks associated with uninstalling?

   If you have applications running on Ruby or Rails, they will not function after uninstallation. Always backup important data before making system changes.

5. Can I reinstall Ruby or Rails after uninstallation?

   Yes, you can always reinstall Ruby or Rails using your preferred installation method.

Conclusion

Uninstalling Ruby and Ruby on Rails from your Ubuntu system is a straightforward process once you determine the installation method. Whether you used APT, RVM, or rbenv, following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure a clean removal.

Always remember to backup any essential data before making significant system changes.

If you’re considering hosting a new Ruby on Rails application in the future, explore the various hosting options available, such as dedicated server, VPS server, cloud hosting, and shared hosting to determine the best fit for your project’s needs.