Ruby scripts can open in an editor without changing which Ruby version your terminal runs. A VS Code association is helpful when source files otherwise open in another IDE or a runner.
Method 1: Use Finder
- In Finder, select a sample file such as script.rb.
- Press Command–I, or choose File → Get Info.
- Expand Open with and choose Visual Studio Code. If it is missing, choose Other and locate the installed app.
- Click Change All and confirm the macOS prompt.
- Double-click another file of the same type to check the new default.
Method 2: Manage associations with Pahkui
Pahkui lets you browse by app or by format. When setting up an editor for several file types, you can inspect the current defaults and review pending changes in one window. Requires macOS 14 or later.
- Open Pahkui, switch to Format, and search for the extension you need from .rb.
- Select Visual Studio Code. Use Choose another app if it is not listed.
- Review the pending association, click Apply changes, and confirm the new app in the macOS dialog.
The formats in this guide require Pahkui Pro, a one-time purchase for lifetime use. The manual Finder method does not require a purchase. See pricing
If the default app does not change
- Ruby version managers and gems are not configured by the Finder default-app setting.
- A Gemfile has no .rb suffix, so check its opening behavior separately rather than renaming it.
- If Visual Studio Code is missing, confirm it is installed and can open the sample directly, then locate it with Other. If an extension is absent from the catalog, add the format in Pahkui. Changing an association does not add format support to the target app.
Common questions
Does double-clicking run the Ruby script?
With this association it opens the source in VS Code. Running the script requires an intentional command and a Ruby environment.
How do I restore the previous app for .rb?
Choose the previous app again in Finder or Pahkui and confirm the change. This updates the type association without deleting files. Use the Open With context menu for a one-time exception.