Is it possible to create native graphical user interfaces in Ruby?

Question

I am considering using Ruby for a project, but I'm a complete beginner, so don't know what is, or is not, possible with Ruby 2.0.

I have looked at wxRuby, but it hasn't been updated since 2009, so I take it that means it is not compatible with RUby 2.0.

Is there another option for creating native GUIs, or are these not done in the Ruby land?

Thanks.

Answer 1

It's certainly possible to create GUIs with Ruby, but it doesn't appear to be widely done. Off the top of my head I can think of the following projects that might help you:

• rwx - project was created as a successor to wxRuby
• RubyMotion for iOS, Android and OS X

Answer 2

Yes, it's certainly possible to create GUIs with Ruby. You can see my full list of Ruby GUI libraries here.

However, desktop Ruby GUI apps aren't widely developed because the Ruby community is heavily weighted toward web application developers, and they are much more likely to build a web application than a desktop application. Ruby is the language of hip tech startups, and conventional user interfaces don't suit their aesthetic.

Also, it's very difficult to build native-looking cross-platform GUI apps, so web applications tend to be more acceptable to end users.