Side by side
plenv vs RVM
Both stand on runtime version managers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMac
Choose plenv if you need project-specific Perl versions on Linux or macOS and want shell-based switching. Its local version file and shims provide per-project selection, while plugins extend installation and module workflows. Look elsewhere if you need to keep using perlbrew, which is incompatible with plenv.
Visit plenv Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
RVM provides Ruby version and gemset management with multi-version testing and documented integrations. Its command-line setup requires several tools, so check the installation requirements for your system first.
Visit RVMThe facts
| plenv | RVM | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | github.com | rvm.io |
| On runtime version managers | #18 of 30 | #22 of 30 |
plenv: what it does well
- A `.perl-version` file can pin Perl to a project directory.
- Local project versions take precedence over the global selection.
- Optional Bash and Zsh shell integration and autocompletion are documented.
- Plugins add installation and local::lib integration commands.
- The module migration command can move modules between Perl environments.
What to know first
- plenv is incompatible with perlbrew.
- The listed dependencies include Perl 5.8.1+ and Bash.
- Module migration may produce different module versions.
- curl is needed for `plenv install-cpanm`.
RVM: what it does well
- Isolates Ruby versions and gems by project.
- Runs tests and tasks across multiple Ruby versions.
- Named gemsets organize gems.
- Releases and installer are signed and verified.
- Integrates with Bundler, Jenkins, and Heroku.
What to know first
- Installation requires Bash, curl, gpg2, and GNU tools.
- Git is required for head Ruby versions.
- Windows support uses Cygwin or Bash on Ubuntu on Windows.
- Community volunteers provide support through issue trackers and pull requests.