gem install pack-rb
An extremely fast Ruby package and project manager, written in Rust.
Gem workflows, project tasks, and Rails commands, without the usual startup
drag.
The Problem
CLI startup, dependency inspection, project tasking, and Rails app operations still feel like separate surfaces even when they belong to the same job.
Slow path to first feedback
The first thing many gem commands do is pay interpreter startup and process overhead before useful work begins.
Fragmented workflow
`gem`, Bundler, project tasks, and Rails commands belong to the same job, but they still feel like separate tools.
CI and Docker churn
Repeated install work and wrapper scripts keep slowing down container builds and automation flows.
Poor observability
When lockfiles get heavy or dependency state drifts, the default toolchain rarely explains the problem quickly.
Where Pack compresses the workflow
The Solution
Pack keeps the commands Ruby developers already expect, then moves the hot path into Rust so dependency work, diagnostics, and Rails helpers stay close together.
# Familiar gem-shaped work
$ pack install
$ pack list rails
$ pack search sidekiq
# Project dependency flows
$ pack add rack-cors
$ pack update rails
$ pack why rack
# Rails-shaped operations
$ pack doctor
$ pack exec rubocop
$ pack db migrateNative gem verbs
Install, list, search, inspect, and clean up through a fast native path.
Parser hot path
Gemfile and lockfile parsing run in microseconds in the local Criterion benches.
Project tasking
Packfile gives teams one place for repeatable dev, test, and maintenance commands.
Rails helpers
Server, console, test, db, assets, and Docker helpers live next to dependency work.
Features
Fast parse path
Criterion benches cover Gemfile parsing, lockfile parsing, dependency-path lookup, and why traversal.
Native gem verbs
`pack install
Binary `pack.lock`
MessagePack-backed lockfile data for fast reads alongside the traditional Gemfile.lock flow.
Rails-first shortcuts
Shortcuts like pack server, pack console, pack test, pack db, pack assets, and pack docker.
Project tasks
Packfile support gives teams a single runner for dev, test, deploy, and maintenance commands.
Plugin system
Local plugins can be shell scripts or executables with manifests, giving teams an extension path without rebuilding the core CLI.
Diagnostic mode
pack doctor inspects Gemfile presence, Ruby environment, cache paths, installed gems, and Rails-specific issues.
Migration-friendly verbs
Pack is a faster front door for common gem and project dependency flows, not a foreign model.
Upgrade paths
pack update can target project dependencies or globally installed gems, and pack upgrade refreshes the Pack wrapper install.
Who It Is For
Ruby developers
+Install, inspect, update, and execute dependencies without bouncing between unrelated commands or waiting on heavy startup each time.
Rails teams
+Keep package operations, project tasking, diagnostics, and Rails helpers close together so day-to-day app work feels like one CLI instead of a shell convention.
Platform and CI flows
+Reuse the same commands in automation for dependency checks, container setup, and repeatable project tasks without adding more wrapper scripts.
Performance
Local command timings are compared against bundle and gem. Parser timings come directly from Criterion benches in this repository.
Start with the install flow, run it against a Rails project, and compare the commands directly against the workflow your team already has.