Resolving the cannot load such file -- mysql2/mysql2 Error on M1 Macs in Rails

Struggling with the `cannot load such file -- mysql2/mysql2` error while running your Rails specs on an M1 Mac? Discover how to fix this issue easily by deleting your `tmp/` folder.
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Fixing the cannot load such file -- mysql2/mysql2 Error in Rails on M1 Macs

As a Rails developer, encountering issues during installation or while running tests is not uncommon. One such frustrating problem is the cannot load such file -- mysql2/mysql2 error that pops up, particularly for those working on Apple M1 Macs. If you're facing this challenge, you're not alone! In this post, we'll explore the nature of this error and how to resolve it efficiently.

Understanding the Problem

During your development work, particularly when running your RSpec tests with the command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

you may receive the following error message:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This error can be particularly baffling because your Rails server may be functioning correctly, yet the tests refuse to run, citing issues with loading the MySQL2 gem.

What Causes This Error?

The error typically points to a problem with the loading of the MySQL2 gem, which is essential for Rails applications that use MySQL as their database. Here are some potential reasons for encountering this issue:

Gem Installation Issues: The MySQL2 gem may not have been installed correctly or is not compatible with your current Ruby version.

Environment Conflicts: Especially on M1 Macs, compatibility issues may arise due to the architecture differences.

The Solution: Clean Up the Temporary Files

Fortunately, resolving this issue may be simpler than you think. One effective solution that worked for other developers is to delete the tmp/ folder in your Rails application’s directory. This folder often contains cached files that might conflict with your project’s current state.

Step-by-Step Solution

Navigate to Your Rails Project Directory:
Open your terminal and change to your Rails project directory.

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Delete the tmp/ Folder:
You can delete this folder using the following command:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Re-run Your Tests:
After deleting the tmp/ folder, run your RSpec tests again:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Expected Outcome

By clearing the temporary files, you should see that the LoadError no longer appears, and your tests will run successfully, allowing you to focus on building and refining your application without the frustration of additional errors.

Conclusion

Errors like the cannot load such file -- mysql2/mysql2 can be a severe roadblock in your Rails development process, especially on M1 Macs where compatibility issues might be more pronounced. However, the straightforward solution of deleting the tmp/ folder offers a quick way to remedy this situation. If you encounter this error again, remember this solution and enjoy smooth sailing with your Rails projects!

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below regarding your experience with Rails and MySQL, or if you need additional troubleshooting help!