Question 1

How do I install ruby-vips on macOS?

Accepted Answer

First install libvips using Homebrew with 'brew install vips', then install the gem via 'gem install ruby-vips'. This two-step process ensures the native library is available for the bindings.

Question 2

ruby-vips vs RMagick: which is better for my project?

Accepted Answer

ruby-vips is superior for performance and memory efficiency, as benchmarks show it's 4-5x faster with 95% less memory use. Choose RMagick only if you need specific ImageMagick features not in libvips or prefer a more established Ruby-native API.

Question 3

How to resize an image with ruby-vips?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'resize' method on a Vips::Image object, e.g., 'im.resize(0.5)' to halve the size. The API supports various scaling algorithms and parameters, detailed in the libvips reference manual linked in the docs.

Question 4

Does ruby-vips support WebP and AVIF formats?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since it relies on libvips, it supports modern formats like WebP and AVIF if libvips is compiled with those libraries. Check your libvips installation for specific format support via command-line tools.

Question 5

Can I use ruby-vips with Rails and Active Storage?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires custom integration as it's not a default Active Storage processor. You'll need to write adapters or use community gems, unlike built-in options like ImageMagick.

Question 6

What happens if libvips has a bug or security issue?

Accepted Answer

You must update the libvips system library separately from the gem, which can delay fixes and add maintenance overhead compared to gems that bundle their dependencies.

ruby-vips

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