Rake is a Ruby-based task runner for defining work and the dependencies between tasks. Its Rakefiles use standard Ruby syntax, so task definitions can use familiar Ruby code. A task may list prerequisite tasks, and rule patterns can create implicit tasks when a matching rule applies. Flexible FileLists work like arrays for manipulating file names and paths. Rake also includes packaged tasks, including tasks for building tarballs, and can run tasks in parallel. The documentation illustrates a default task that invokes a test task to run a Ruby unit test file. Rake runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, and the project lists Ruby 2.0.0 or later as a requirement. Installation uses RubyGems with the command `gem install rake`. Rake is free under an MIT-style license. The project credits Jim Weirich as its original creator and Hiroshi SHIBATA as maintainer of Rake 10 and later. The project provides the software without express or implied warranties.
Who it is for
Rake suits developers who want to describe task workflows and dependencies in Ruby, including workflows that run tests or build tarballs. It is also suited to teams that need parallel task execution across Linux, macOS, or Windows.
What is good
- Rakefiles use standard Ruby syntax.
- Tasks can declare prerequisite tasks.
- Rule patterns can synthesize implicit tasks.
- FileLists support manipulating names and paths.
- Includes tarball tasks and parallel execution.
What to know first
- Requires Ruby 2.0.0 or later.
- Installation requires the `gem install rake` command.
- The project provides the software without express or implied warranties.
Verdict
Choose Rake if you want a free, Ruby-based way to define tasks, prerequisites, and file handling, with packaged tasks and parallel execution. It suits Ruby environments on Linux, macOS, and Windows; it requires Ruby 2.0.0 or later.
Get started with Rake
- Open the Rake project website.
- Install Ruby 2.0.0 or later.
- Install Rake with `gem install rake`.
- Define tasks and prerequisites in a Rakefile using Ruby syntax.
- Run a task, such as a default task that invokes a test task.
Questions about Rake
Is Rake free?
Yes. Rake is free under an MIT-style license.
Which operating systems does Rake support?
Rake supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What Ruby version does Rake require?
The project lists Ruby 2.0.0 or later.
How do I install Rake?
The installation instructions use `gem install rake`.
Who created and maintains Rake?
The project credits Jim Weirich as its original creator and Hiroshi SHIBATA as maintainer of Rake 10 and later.
Rake plans and pricing
All plansCompared on build automation software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Build as code
- Yes
- Build caching
- Yes
- Artifact packaging
- Yes
- Supported operating systems
- multi-platform
