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Bundler

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What Bundler is

Bundler is the free `bundle` command-line tool for managing dependencies in Ruby projects. A project declares required gems in a Gemfile, and `bundle install` installs them while Gemfile.lock records exact names and versions for consistent environments. Dependencies can be grouped, selected during installation or requiring, and restricted to Ruby platforms such as Windows, JRuby and TruffleRuby. Gemfiles may use RubyGems repositories, Git repositories or local paths. `bundle exec` runs commands within the application bundle, and binstubs can expose gem executables. Bundler also supports updating, caching, deployment and gem creation. Deployment installs dependencies under `./vendor/bundle` and requires an up-to-date lockfile. Offline installation can use a checked-in `vendor/cache` when no Git gems are present. Bundler 2.6 can store gem checksums in Gemfile.lock and verify downloaded files. It supports Linux, macOS and Windows, RubyGems `.gem` packages, and Ruby implementations including MRI/CRuby, JRuby and TruffleRuby. Modern Ruby distributions include Bundler by default.

Who it suits

It suits Ruby developers who need repeatable dependency installation across machines and deployment environments. Teams using Rails, Sinatra, Docker or CI can use the listed workflow guides.

What it does well

  • Free command-line dependency management
  • Lockfile records exact gem versions
  • Supports multiple Ruby platforms
  • Offline installation from vendor/cache
  • Checksum verification in Bundler 2.6

What to know first

  • Requires Ruby installation
  • Offline mode excludes bundles with Git gems
  • Uses command-line workflow
  • Gem sources need secure transport choices

Verdict

Bundler provides Ruby projects with declared dependencies, locked versions and commands for installation, execution, deployment and caching. Its platform and source options support varied Ruby workflows, including offline setups with the stated restrictions.

Facts from Bundler's own pages

Checksum protection
Bundler 2.6 supports recording gem checksums in Gemfile.lock and verifying downloaded gem files against them during installation. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Dependency commands
Bundler's primary commands include installing, updating, caching, and executing gems in an application bundle. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026
Dependency declaration
A Gemfile describes the gem dependencies required to execute associated Ruby code. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Dependency groups
Gem dependencies can be grouped, and Bundler can install or require selected groups. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Dependency resolution
Yes · bundler.io, 21 Sept 2026
Dependency sources
A Gemfile can specify gems from RubyGems repositories, Git repositories, and local paths. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Deployment
Bundler supports caching gems in `vendor/cache`; with a packed bundle and no git gems, installation can run without contacting the internet. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026
Execution
The bundle exec command runs executables from gems in the application's bundle. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Free plan
Yes · bundler.io, 21 Sept 2026
Gem creation
The `bundle gem` command creates a gem project with a README, gemspec, Rakefile, directory structure, and other boilerplate. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026
Git transport security
Bundler's Gemfile guide advises avoiding unauthenticated HTTP and git protocols for Git sources and prefers HTTPS or SSH. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Integrations
The RubyGems Guides list guides for using Bundler with Rails, Sinatra, Docker, and CI. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026
Lockfile
Bundler records gem names and versions in Gemfile.lock so projects use the same dependency code across machines. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Lockfile support
Yes · bundler.io, 21 Sept 2026
Offline installation
Yes · bundler.io, 21 Sept 2026
Offline installs
Bundler can install from a checked-in vendor/cache without contacting the internet when the bundle contains no Git gems. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Package formats
RubyGems (.gem) · bundler.io, 21 Sept 2026
Platform-specific dependencies
Gemfile dependencies can be restricted to Ruby platforms such as Windows, JRuby, and TruffleRuby. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Private registry auth
Yes · bundler.io, 21 Sept 2026
Project context
The RubyGems contribution page describes Bundler as the `bundle` CLI tool for managing application dependencies, bundled with Ruby. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026
Project workflow
A project specifies dependencies in a Gemfile, then uses `bundle install` to install them. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
Bundler provides a consistent environment for Ruby projects by tracking and installing the exact gems and versions they need. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Ruby requirement
The getting-started guide assumes Ruby is installed and says modern Ruby distributions include Bundler by default. · bundler.io, 9 Oct 2026
Run commands
`bundle exec` runs a script in the current bundle, and Bundler can generate binstubs for gem executables. · guides.rubygems.org, 9 Oct 2026

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