What is .rb?
.rb files contain source code written in the Ruby programming language. Ruby is a dynamic, open-source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity. It has an elegant syntax that is natural to read and easy to write.
This quick guide explains when to use .rb files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .rb files
- You are building web applications (Ruby on Rails, Sinatra).
- You are writing automation scripts or command-line tools (Homebrew is written in Ruby).
- You are using configuration management tools like Chef or Puppet.
- You want a language that prioritizes developer happiness.
How to open .rb files
RB files are plain text and can be edited in any text editor like VS Code, RubyMine, or Sublime Text. To run them, you need the Ruby interpreter installed on your system.
Algorithm details
Ruby is an interpreted language. The Ruby interpreter reads the .rb file line by line and executes it. Everything in Ruby is an object, including primitive data types like numbers and booleans.
Browser & platform support
- Direct: Not supported by browsers.
- WebAssembly: Ruby can run in the browser via WebAssembly (Ruby.wasm), but this is less common than JS.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Syntax | Extremely clean and English-like. Often described as 'executable pseudocode'. |
| Philosophy | TIMTOWTDI (There Is More Than One Way To Do It) - Perl/Ruby motto, contrasting with Python's 'One Way'. |
| Web Dev | Ruby on Rails revolutionized web development with its 'Convention over Configuration' approach. |
How to create rb files
- Text Editors: Save file as 'script.rb'.
- Rails: 'rails new myapp' generates many .rb files.
- CLI: 'touch script.rb'.
How to convert rb files
- Packaging: 'gem build' creates a distributable RubyGem.
- FileXhost: Upload to share source code.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Elegant, readable syntax
- Powerful metaprogramming capabilities
- Ruby on Rails allows for incredibly fast web development
- Strong community (The 'Matz is nice so we are nice' motto)
Disadvantages
- Performance can be slower than Node.js or Go
- Higher memory usage
- Declining popularity compared to Python and JavaScript
Tools & software
IDEs
RubyMine (Recommended), VS Code, Sublime Text
Frameworks
Ruby on Rails, Sinatra, Hanami
Package Manager
RubyGems, Bundler
Frequently asked questions
How do I run a Ruby file?
Open your terminal and type `ruby filename.rb`.
Is Ruby the same as Ruby on Rails?
No. Ruby is the programming language. Ruby on Rails (often just called 'Rails') is a web framework written in Ruby.
What is a Gem?
A Gem is a software package (library) for the Ruby programming language, managed by RubyGems.
Technical specs
- File type
- Code
- Extension
- .rb
- MIME type
- text/x-ruby, application/x-ruby
- Compression
- Uncompressed
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .rb files instantly
Upload your .rb file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .rb file