How to install a gem or update RubyGems if it fails with a permissions error

## How to Install a Gem or Update RubyGems if it Fails with a Permissions Error 🛠️

So, you're excited to install a new gem or update RubyGems, but suddenly a wild permissions error appears! 😱 Don't fret, we've got your back! In this guide, we'll address the common issue you're facing and provide you with easy solutions to conquer it! Let's dive in! 💪

The Frustrating Error 🚫

When attempting to install a gem or update RubyGems, you encounter the following infuriating error message:

ERROR: While executing gem ... (Gem::FilePermissionError)
You don't have write permissions for the /Library/Ruby/Gems/2.0.0 directory.

What's Going On? ❓

The error message is notifying you that the user account you're using does not have the necessary write permissions for the target directory. This often occurs when you try to install gems using the default system Ruby installation that requires administrative privileges.

Solution 1: Using sudo (for Mac and Linux) 🐧🍎

One way to resolve this issue is to use the sudo command before your installation or update command. sudo allows you to run commands with administrative privileges. Here's an example:

sudo gem install mygem

You'll be prompted to enter your password. Type it in (don't worry, the password characters won't appear as you type—that's normal) and hit Enter. This will grant the necessary permissions for the installation/update to proceed.

💡 Pro Tip: Be cautious when using sudo! It's a powerful command that should be used responsibly. Always ensure you trust the gem/source before proceeding.

Solution 2: Using a Ruby Version Manager (RVM or rbenv) 🐾

Another solution is to leverage the power of a Ruby Version Manager (RVM) or rbenv. These tools allow you to manage multiple Ruby installations on your system, avoiding the need for administrative access. Plus, they come with many other benefits!

1. Install RVM or rbenv: Follow the documentation for your preferred tool and install it on your system. Don't worry, it's fairly straightforward!

2. Install Ruby: Use RVM or rbenv to install a Ruby version of your choice. This will create a separate environment where you'll have full control and won't encounter permissions issues.

3. Set the Ruby version: Based on the tool you're using, you'll have different syntax to set the desired Ruby version. Here's an example with RVM:

   rvm use ruby-2.7.3

4. Install your gem or update RubyGems: Now that you have a dedicated Ruby environment, feel free to install gems or update RubyGems without any pesky permissions errors!

Compelling Call-to-Action ✨

Congratulations! You made it through the jungle of permissions errors and emerged as a gem-guru! 🌟

We hope this guide helped you overcome this common installation/update obstacle. If you found this blog post helpful, be sure to share it with your fellow developers who might be facing the same issue. Sharing is caring, after all! 💙

Have you encountered other Ruby-related challenges? Let us know in the comments below! Together, we'll conquer any coding quest! 🚀