macOS
Homebrewverified · 100%
brew install picorubylocal Homebrew formula metadata
brew / rank 7957
Install picoruby with Homebrew
Smallest Ruby implementation for microcontrollers. Version 4.0.5 via Homebrew; verified 2026-09-29.
install
Additional install commands
overview
Package summary
Smallest Ruby implementation for microcontrollers
Project links
Commands and aliases
- picoruby
- r2p2
history
Project history and usage
PicoRuby is a small Ruby implementation and embedded platform intended for one-chip microcontrollers, with host tools for compiling and executing compatible Ruby code.
Project history
HASUMI Hitoshi and contributors began PicoRuby around 2020 as an alternative mruby implementation for one-chip microcontrollers. It depends on a small C-library surface and targets boards including Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico 2 W.
The project combines an mruby-compatible bytecode compiler, a host interpreter, and R2P2 components for embedded use. From version 4.x, the actively developed mruby-VM artifact formerly called MicroRuby became PicoRuby, while the mruby/c-VM artifact formerly called PicoRuby became FemtoRuby.
Adoption history
PicoRuby has been used as the runtime foundation for R2P2 on Raspberry Pi Pico boards, an ESP32 port, a WebAssembly runtime, and PRK keyboard firmware. Homebrew also packages its host-side interpreter, compiler, and R2P2 executable.
Development received support from the Ruby Association Grant Program in 2020 and 2021. The official project organization describes the work as mentored by Ruby creator Yukihiro Matsumoto.
How it is used
Host users run `picoruby` to execute Ruby source, compile Ruby to mruby-compatible bytecode with the compiler, or use the `r2p2` executable. Embedded users select a board build configuration and build firmware containing the runtime and desired peripheral-facing gems.
Why package nerds care
PicoRuby brings a Ruby interpreter and bytecode workflow into memory ranges associated with one-chip microcontrollers. It gives package users a host-side compiler and interpreter while serving firmware builders who want Ruby syntax, peripheral APIs, and an interactive shell on constrained boards.
Its evolving names matter when reading older packages and examples: in the 4.x line, the mruby-based artifact took the PicoRuby name, while the earlier mruby/c-based PicoRuby lineage became FemtoRuby.
Timeline
- 2020: PicoRuby copyright history begins and Ruby Association Grant Program support starts.
- 2021: A second year of Ruby Association Grant Program support is acknowledged.
- Version 4.x: The mruby-based MicroRuby artifact becomes PicoRuby, while the earlier mruby/c-based PicoRuby artifact becomes FemtoRuby.
Related projects
- PicoRuby builds on the embedded-Ruby lineage of mruby and mruby/c. Its official README also identifies R2P2, R2P2-ESP32, PicoRuby.wasm, and PRK Firmware as consumers.
Sources
- https://github.com/picoruby
- https://github.com/picoruby/picoruby
- https://picoruby.org/
- source_facts.package-manager
security posture
Risk level: green
narrow executable package without higher-risk signals.
Risk classifier
green risk · low confidence · appliance
Why
- narrow executable package without higher-risk signals
Signals
- metadata:no-higher-risk-signals
Install behavior
- No Homebrew post-install hook is recorded in formula metadata.
- Homebrew bottle metadata is available for 5 platform targets.
- Installs with 1 runtime dependencies.
- Build metadata lists 1 build dependencies.
Recommended review
Before unattended agent use, check whether the tool reads plaintext credentials, writes remote state, publishes artifacts, or shells out to plugins.
executables
Installed executables
| Command | Kind | Exposure | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
picoruby | cli | global executable | |
r2p2 | cli | global executable |
freshness
Version and freshness
These signals separate page generation age, package-manager activity, and upstream release comparison. Version lag is warned only when an evidence URL and comparable versions are present.
page generated2026-11-04
manager version4.0.5
manager updated2026-09-29
local dataok
upstreamnot checked
latest detectednot detected
https://github.com/picoruby/picoruby
- infoNo cached GitHub release or tag data was available.https://github.com/picoruby/picorubynone confidence
install metadata
Package metadata
| Package key | brew:picoruby |
|---|---|
| Version | 4.0.5 |
| Package manager | Homebrew |
| Package manager page | https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/picoruby |
| Homepage | https://picoruby.org |
| Repository | https://github.com/picoruby/picoruby |
| Upstream docs | https://picoruby.org |
| License | MIT |
| Source archive | https://github.com/picoruby/picoruby.git |
| Last updated | 2026-09-29T12:44:16Z |
| Pulse | updated |
| Dependencies | openssl@4 |
| Build dependencies | ruby |
| Bottle | available (on arm64_golden_gate, arm64_linux, arm64_sequoia, arm64_tahoe, x86_64_linux) |
| Homebrew post-install | not defined |
| Service | none declared |
registry facts
Source database details
| Source Database | Homebrew formula API |
|---|---|
| Tap | homebrew/core |
| Full Name | picoruby |
| Version Scheme | 0 |
| Revision | 0 |
| Head Version | HEAD |
| Bottle Stable Root URL | https://ghcr.io/v2/homebrew/core |
| Deprecated | no |
| Disabled | no |
| Keg Only | no |
| URL Keys |
|
source trail
Generated from repository data
This page is generated by av-web from the private package SQLite artifact built by scripts/generate-pkg-sqlite.py.
Combined YAML source
View the package source record on GitHub.
Used sources
- Geiger risk classifier
- cross-ecosystem install command graph
- curated package history
- package relationship graph
- package version freshness
- package-page enrichment
- pkg.so package database
- pkgdb category and tag curation