# Interactive Ruby Shell

> shell for programming in Ruby

**Wikidata**: [Q1632605](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1632605)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_Ruby_Shell)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/interactive-ruby-shell

## Summary
The Interactive Ruby Shell (IRB) is a command-line interpreter and read–eval–print loop (REPL) environment for the Ruby programming language, allowing users to execute Ruby code interactively. It is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License and is maintained as part of the Ruby core library.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Command-line interpreter and read–eval–print loop (REPL).
- **License**: 2-clause BSD License.
- **Latest stable version**: 1.16.0 (released on 2025-12-16).
- **Website**: [https://github.com/ruby/irb](https://github.com/ruby/irb).
- **User manuals**: Available in English and Japanese.
- **FreeBSD port**: `devel/rubygem-irb`.
- **Arch Linux package**: `ruby-irb`.
- **Wikipedia languages**: Available in German, Greek, English, French, and Japanese.
- **Copyright status**: Copyrighted.
- **Manifestation of**: Read–eval–print loop.
- **Source code repository**: Hosted on GitHub under the Ruby organization.

## FAQs
- **What is the Interactive Ruby Shell (IRB)?** IRB is a command-line interpreter and REPL environment for Ruby, enabling users to execute Ruby code interactively. It is part of the Ruby core library and is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License.
- **How is IRB licensed?** IRB is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, which is a permissive free software license compatible with the GNU GPL.
- **What is the latest stable version of IRB?** The latest stable version is 1.16.0, released on December 16, 2025.
- **Where can I find the source code for IRB?** The source code is available on GitHub at [https://github.com/ruby/irb](https://github.com/ruby/irb).
- **Is IRB available for FreeBSD?** Yes, IRB is available as a FreeBSD port under `devel/rubygem-irb`.
- **What programming languages are supported by IRB?** IRB is specifically designed for the Ruby programming language.
- **Are there user manuals for IRB?** Yes, user manuals are available in English and Japanese.
- **What is the copyright status of IRB?** IRB is copyrighted.

## Why It Matters
The Interactive Ruby Shell (IRB) is a foundational tool for Ruby developers, providing an interactive environment to test and execute Ruby code. Its REPL functionality allows for rapid prototyping and debugging, making it an essential utility in the Ruby ecosystem. As part of the Ruby core library, IRB ensures consistent behavior across different Ruby installations and platforms. Its permissive BSD license facilitates widespread adoption and integration into various projects. By offering a command-line interface, IRB caters to developers who prefer text-based interactions over graphical interfaces, aligning with the Unix philosophy of simplicity and modularity.

## Notable For
- **Core Ruby Tool**: IRB is an integral part of the Ruby programming language, providing developers with an interactive environment for executing Ruby code.
- **REPL Environment**: As a read–eval–print loop, IRB allows users to execute Ruby code line by line, making it ideal for testing and debugging.
- **BSD License**: IRB is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, ensuring broad compatibility and permissive usage rights.
- **Cross-Platform Availability**: IRB is available on various platforms, including FreeBSD and Arch Linux, through package managers and ports.
- **Multilingual Support**: User manuals for IRB are available in multiple languages, including English and Japanese, enhancing accessibility for international users.

## Body
### Overview
The Interactive Ruby Shell (IRB) is a command-line interpreter and read–eval–print loop (REPL) environment for the Ruby programming language. It is part of the Ruby core library and is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License. IRB allows users to execute Ruby code interactively, making it an essential tool for developers.

### Versions and Releases
IRB has undergone numerous releases, with the latest stable version being 1.16.0, released on December 16, 2025. Previous versions include 1.15.3, 1.15.2, 1.15.1, and 1.15.0, among others. Each release includes updates and improvements to the functionality and performance of IRB.

### Licensing and Legal Status
IRB is licensed under the 2-clause BSD License, which is a permissive free software license compatible with the GNU GPL. This license allows for broad usage and modification of the software. The copyright status of IRB is copyrighted.

### Availability and Integration
IRB is available on various platforms, including FreeBSD and Arch Linux. On FreeBSD, it is available as a port under `devel/rubygem-irb`, and on Arch Linux, it is packaged as `ruby-irb`. The source code for IRB is hosted on GitHub under the Ruby organization.

### User Manuals and Documentation
User manuals for IRB are available in multiple languages, including English and Japanese. The English manual is available at [https://docs.ruby-lang.org/en/master/IRB.html](https://docs.ruby-lang.org/en/master/IRB.html), and the Japanese manual is available at [https://docs.ruby-lang.org/ja/latest/library/irb.html](https://docs.ruby-lang.org/ja/latest/library/irb.html).

### Wikipedia and Online Presence
IRB has a Wikipedia page titled "Interactive Ruby Shell" and is available in multiple languages, including German, Greek, English, French, and Japanese. The page provides an overview of IRB and its features.

### Related Entities
IRB is related to the read–eval–print loop (REPL) concept and is classified as a command-line interpreter. It is part of the Ruby programming language ecosystem and is used by developers for interactive coding and debugging.

### Community and Support
IRB is maintained as part of the Ruby core library, ensuring consistent behavior and updates. The community around IRB includes developers who contribute to its development and provide support through various channels.

### Technical Specifications
IRB is a command-line tool that runs on various operating systems and is compatible with different versions of Ruby. It is designed to provide an interactive environment for executing Ruby code, making it a valuable tool for developers.

## References

1. [Source](https://rubygems.org/gems/irb)
2. [Source](https://github.com/ruby/irb/issues/4)
3. [Release 0.9.6. 2019](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v0.9.6)
4. [Source](https://rubygems.org/gems/irb/versions)
5. [Release 1.0.0. 2019](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.0.0)
6. [Release 1.1.1. 2019](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.1.1)
7. [Release 1.2.0. 2019](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.0)
8. [Release 1.2.1. 2019](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.1)
9. [Release 1.2.2. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.2)
10. [Release 1.2.3. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.3)
11. [Release 1.2.4. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.4)
12. [Release 1.2.5. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.5)
13. [Release 1.2.6. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.6)
14. [Release 1.2.7. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.7)
15. [Release 1.2.8. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.8)
16. [Release 1.2.9. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.2.9)
17. [Release 1.3.0. 2020](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.0)
18. [Release 1.3.1. 2021](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.1)
19. [Release 1.3.2. 2021](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.2)
20. [Release 1.3.3. 2021](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.3)
21. [Release 1.3.4. 2021](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.4)
22. [Release 1.3.5. 2021](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.5)
23. [Release 1.4.2. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.4.2)
24. [Release 1.3.6. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.6)
25. [Release 1.3.7. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.3.7)
26. [Release 1.4.0. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.4.0)
27. [Release 1.4.1. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.4.1)
28. [Release 1.4.3. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.4.3)
29. [Release 1.5.0. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.5.0)
30. [Release 1.5.1. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.5.1)
31. [Release 1.6.0. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.6.0)
32. [Release 1.6.1. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.6.1)
33. [Release 1.6.2. 2022](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.6.2)
34. [Release 1.6.3. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.6.3)
35. [Release 1.6.4. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.6.4)
36. [Release 1.7.0. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.7.0)
37. [Release 1.7.1. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.7.1)
38. [Release 1.7.2. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.7.2)
39. [Release 1.7.3. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.7.3)
40. [Release 1.7.4. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.7.4)
41. [Release 1.8.0. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.8.0)
42. [Release 1.8.1. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.8.1)
43. [Release 1.8.2. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.8.2)
44. [Release 1.8.3. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.8.3)
45. [Release 1.9.0. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.9.0)
46. [Release 1.9.1. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.9.1)
47. [Release 1.10.0. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.10.0)
48. [Release 1.10.1. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.10.1)
49. [Release 1.11.0. 2023](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.11.0)
50. [Release 1.11.1. 2024](https://github.com/ruby/irb/releases/tag/v1.11.1)