The short answer
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it.
What is it?
rbenv, with its ruby-build plugin, compiles each Ruby version you install and keeps it in its own folder under ~/.rbenv/versions, together with all the gems installed for it. Each version takes typically a few hundred megabytes with gems.
Each Ruby built by rbenv, with its gems. Check .ruby-version files before removing one.
What happens if you delete it?
rbenv install <version> builds a removed version again, which takes several minutes. Gems installed for it have to be reinstalled, for example with bundle install in each project.
How to remove it properly
Run rbenv versions to see what is installed and which version is global, then rbenv uninstall <version> for each one you no longer need. This command comes with ruby-build and deletes permanently.
Use the tool’s official command: rbenv uninstall <version>
Before you delete it
Look for .ruby-version files in your projects and keep the versions they and rbenv global rely on.
How MoreRoom helps
MoreRoom recognises this item and labels it “Review first”: it shows what’s inside, its size and last use, so you can decide. Nothing is removed without your say, and everything goes to the Trash first, with Undo.
When the tool is installed, MoreRoom runs its official command for you (rbenv uninstall <version>) instead of deleting files — and tells you that this step can’t be undone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete Ruby versions in ~/.rbenv/versions?
Usually, after a check. Might hold something you care about. Look inside before removing it. rbenv install <version> builds a removed version again, which takes several minutes. Gems installed for it have to be reinstalled, for example with bundle install in each project.
Will Ruby versions (rbenv) come back after I delete it?
Yes. rbenv install <version> builds a removed version again, which takes several minutes. Gems installed for it have to be reinstalled, for example with bundle install in each project.
How do I remove Ruby versions (rbenv) properly?
Run rbenv versions to see what is installed and which version is global, then rbenv uninstall <version> for each one you no longer need. This command comes with ruby-build and deletes permanently.