# Use of Ruby Gem and Plugin

**URL:** <https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/use-of-ruby-gem-and-plugin/172871>\
**Category:** Rails\
**Created:** [July 29, 2009, 7:43am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/use-of-ruby-gem-and-plugin/172871 "2009-07-29T07:43:26Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/3d9bf3/32.png) [@milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/milindkanchan)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2009, 7:43am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/use-of-ruby-gem-and-plugin/172871/1 "2009-07-29T07:43:26Z")

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Hi,

I need to know what should we use in ROR application  
gems or plugins.

Which is the best for any ROR application?

Can anyone brief me about this.

Thanks

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**Author:** ![milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/3d9bf3/32.png) [@milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/milindkanchan)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2009, 8:49am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/use-of-ruby-gem-and-plugin/172871/2 "2009-07-29T08:49:17Z")

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On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 10:43 PM, Miilnd Kanchan \<  
removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid\> wrote:

> Thanks

Please try to be more specific as to what you’re trying to do.

-Conrad

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**Author:** ![milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/3d9bf3/32.png) [@milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/milindkanchan)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2009, 11:04am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/use-of-ruby-gem-and-plugin/172871/3 "2009-07-29T11:04:32Z")

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Hi  
I shall share what I know Anyone please correct if I am wrong

I think when a plugin stabilizes it goes to form gem .In case of plugin  
the code is with your railsProject So you dont need to install it on  
server again.And one thing it has to be loaded when you start the  
project So that much memory is needed. Reverse applies to a gem to an  
extent

Sijo

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**Author:** ![milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/m/3d9bf3/32.png) [@milindkanchan](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/milindkanchan)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2009, 4:36pm UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/use-of-ruby-gem-and-plugin/172871/4 "2009-07-29T16:36:21Z")

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Sijo Kg wrote:

> Hi  
> I shall share what I know Anyone please correct if I am wrong
> 
> I think when a plugin stabilizes it goes to form gem .

Often, but not always.

> In case of plugin  
> the code is with your railsProject So you dont need to install it on  
> server again.

And you can do the same thing with a gem if you freeze it.

> And one thing it has to be loaded when you start the  
> project So that much memory is needed. Reverse applies to a gem to an  
> extent

I’m not sure if this is at all accurate.

Basically, gems seem to me to be best for extensions that you’re going  
to use on many projects. Plugins seem better for packages that you’ll  
only be using on one project. I know there is a current trend toward  
gems and away from plugins; I’m not convinced that this is a good idea  
in all cases.

> Sijo

## Best,

Marnen Laibow-Koser  
[http://www.marnen.org](http://www.marnen.org)  
removed\_email\_address@domain.invalid