How to Run a Ruby File in Visual Studio Code: A Beginner's Guide

Introduction

Visual Studio Code is a powerful and versatile code editor that supports a wide variety of programming languages. One of the languages that it supports is Ruby. Running Ruby files in Visual Studio Code can be a seamless and efficient experience, especially with the help of certain extensions. In this article, we will guide you through the process of running a Ruby file in Visual Studio Code using the Coder Runner Extension.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

Visual Studio Code installed on your system Ruby installed on your system The Coder Runner Extension installed in your Visual Studio Code

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Install Ruby and Visual Studio Code

Start by installing Ruby on your system. You can download the latest version of Ruby from the official website. After that, go to Visual Studio Code and download the software. Launch Visual Studio Code once the installation is complete.

Step 2: Install the Coder Runner Extension

To run Ruby code in Visual Studio Code, you need to install the Coder Runner Extension. This extension is designed to enable you to run code quickly and easily from any supported language, including Ruby.

Open Visual Studio Code. Go to the extensions marketplace by clicking on the square icon (Extensions) in the left sidebar. Search for Coder Runner and click on the extension by Shaowei Lu. Click on Install. Once installed, you can verify the extension is active by looking at the right sidebar where you will see a small icon resembling a runner.

Step 3: Create a New Ruby File

To create a new Ruby file, follow these steps:

Open the explorer by clicking on the folder icon or pressing Ctrl E. Right-click on the folder or workspace where you want to create the file. Select New File or press Ctrl N to create a new file. Name the file with a .rb extension, for example, my_first_ruby_script.rb.

Step 4: Write Your Ruby Code

Open the new file and start writing your Ruby code. Here is an example to get you started:

# This is a simple Ruby scriptputs "Hello, World!"

Step 5: Run the Ruby File

Now that you have your Ruby file and some code, it's time to run it using the Coder Runner Extension.

Position the cursor within the code you want to run. Press Command Shift P (or F1 to open the command palette). Start typing Run in the command palette. Select Run Code or the specific interpreter you want to use.

Note: If this is the first time running a Ruby script, you may need to configure the interpreter. If so, the Coder Runner extension will prompt you to do so.

Conclusion

Running a Ruby file in Visual Studio Code has never been easier thanks to the Coder Runner Extension. Follow these steps to get started with your Ruby development in an efficient and intuitive environment. Happy coding!

Further Reading

Visual Studio Code Documentation Ruby Tutorial and Lessons Ruby RuboCop extension for Visual Studio Code