Cursed Bundler: Installing Ruby Gems via go get

A technical article published on December 25, 2025, introduces an unconventional approach to package management by using Go's 'go get' command to install Ruby Gems. This method challenges traditional boundaries between programming language ecosystems.

The technique, described as 'cursed,' explores the possibility of leveraging Go's package management system for Ruby dependencies. This approach could potentially simplify workflows in mixed-language development environments, though it represents a significant departure from standard practices.

The article examines the technical feasibility of this cross-language package management strategy and its implications for developers working with multiple programming languages. It raises important questions about the flexibility and adaptability of modern development tools.

The core concept involves using Go's native package manager to handle Ruby dependencies. This represents a significant departure from conventional package management practices where each language maintains its own isolated ecosystem.

Traditional development workflows typically require developers to use language-specific package managers. Ruby developers use Bundler and gem commands, while Go developers rely on go get and go mod. The proposed method attempts to bridge this divide.

Key implications of this approach include:

• Potential reduction in tooling complexity for multi-language projects
• Questions about dependency resolution across language boundaries
• Considerations for system stability and compatibility
• Impact on established development workflows

The article, published on December 25, 2025, provides technical details about implementing this cross-language package management strategy. The method leverages Go's robust dependency resolution capabilities.

Implementation considerations would likely involve:

1. Understanding how Go's package manager identifies and retrieves packages
2. Mapping Ruby Gem requirements to Go's dependency format
3. Handling version compatibility between different package ecosystems
4. Managing the installation process for Ruby-specific binaries

The technical feasibility depends on several factors including the specific versions of Go and Ruby being used, as well as the particular Gems being installed.

This unconventional approach might find utility in specific development scenarios. Development teams working with polyglot codebases could potentially benefit from unified package management.

Potential use cases include:

• Continuous integration environments requiring multiple language support
• Docker container builds where minimizing tooling is desirable
• Development environments where Go is the primary tooling language
• Experimental projects exploring package management boundaries

However, the approach requires careful consideration of trade-offs between convenience and adherence to established best practices.

While technically interesting, this method faces several practical limitations. The development community has established conventions for good reasons, including stability and predictability.

Important considerations include:

• Long-term maintenance implications of non-standard approaches
• Team onboarding complexity when using unconventional tools
• Debugging challenges when cross-language issues arise
• Compatibility with existing Ruby ecosystem tools and services

Organizations considering such approaches should weigh these factors against potential benefits carefully. The article serves as a thought experiment rather than a recommended production practice.