I’ve been using this library and found it extremely useful, but I became concerned about the growing number of unanswered issues and pending pull requests.
Since Google’s APIs are updated regularly, I also began to worry that the library might eventually run into compatibility or security issues if left unmaintained.
Fortunately, the license (BSD 3-Clause) allows redistribution and modification, so I saw no problem in responsibly forking and continuing development in accordance with the license terms.
Upon reviewing the code, I found that it was still largely compatible with the latest version of Google’s API (v4). Given that, I felt it would be more efficient and respectful of the existing work to fork and build upon this codebase—rather than starting from scratch or switching to another library.
That said, my intention is not to create fragmentation. If the original project becomes active again, I would be more than happy to consider merging improvements back, or collaborating toward a unified and maintained version.
Thank you again for the original work—it’s a solid foundation that I hope to help carry forward.
Introduction of the materials1
Some users and organizations have transitioned to alternative libraries due to concerns about maintenance status.
For example, this article outlines a move away from google_drive toward google-apis-sheets_v4, citing a lack of updates:
- The URL link will be kept private out of consideration for the poster.
As of March 2025, this gem was last updated in April 2021 on both RubyGems and GitHub. It hasn't been updated in almost four years.
I do not share this to criticize the original maintainers, but rather to acknowledge that there is demand for continued support and compatibility.
My goal is to provide a maintained fork that meets these expectations while honoring the work already done.
Introduction of the materials2
There has been some concern from the community regarding the maintenance status of this gem.
For example, in Issue #441, a user writes:
"It seems there are a bunch of old dependencies and gem spec limitations, that haven't changed in years.
A lot of PR are there to try solving this and they remain open.
So is this gem to be considered 'not maintained anymore'?
If so, are there alternatives with the same kind of interface?"
I greatly appreciate the work that has gone into this library, and I rely on it myself.
However, seeing this kind of feedback and the accumulation of pending PRs and issues led me to consider maintaining a fork.
My intent is not to compete with the original, but to ensure continued support and compatibility with modern Ruby and Google APIs, while preserving the familiar interface that many users value.
Introduction of the materials3
I am aware that others have previously attempted to fork or revive this library.
Out of respect for those efforts, I will refrain from naming specific projects here.
These attempts remind me that maintaining such a project is never simple,
especially when it involves evolving APIs and dependencies.
With this fork, my goal is modest: to apply updates where I can,
and to keep the library functional for those who still depend on it.
While I don't have the capacity to commit to full-time maintenance,
I've found this library useful and wanted to keep it working with modern tools and dependencies.
This fork is an attempt to apply small improvements and updates where possible.
My hope is that it remains helpful to others who still rely on the original gem.
Feedback, issues, and pull requests are welcome — though please understand that my time to respond may be limited.
I’ve been using this library and found it extremely useful, but I became concerned about the growing number of unanswered issues and pending pull requests.
Since Google’s APIs are updated regularly, I also began to worry that the library might eventually run into compatibility or security issues if left unmaintained.
Fortunately, the license (BSD 3-Clause) allows redistribution and modification, so I saw no problem in responsibly forking and continuing development in accordance with the license terms.
Upon reviewing the code, I found that it was still largely compatible with the latest version of Google’s API (v4). Given that, I felt it would be more efficient and respectful of the existing work to fork and build upon this codebase—rather than starting from scratch or switching to another library.
That said, my intention is not to create fragmentation. If the original project becomes active again, I would be more than happy to consider merging improvements back, or collaborating toward a unified and maintained version.
Thank you again for the original work—it’s a solid foundation that I hope to help carry forward.
Introduction of the materials1
Some users and organizations have transitioned to alternative libraries due to concerns about maintenance status.
For example, this article outlines a move away from
google_drivetowardgoogle-apis-sheets_v4, citing a lack of updates:I do not share this to criticize the original maintainers, but rather to acknowledge that there is demand for continued support and compatibility.
My goal is to provide a maintained fork that meets these expectations while honoring the work already done.
Introduction of the materials2
There has been some concern from the community regarding the maintenance status of this gem.
For example, in Issue #441, a user writes:
I greatly appreciate the work that has gone into this library, and I rely on it myself.
However, seeing this kind of feedback and the accumulation of pending PRs and issues led me to consider maintaining a fork.
My intent is not to compete with the original, but to ensure continued support and compatibility with modern Ruby and Google APIs, while preserving the familiar interface that many users value.
Introduction of the materials3
I am aware that others have previously attempted to fork or revive this library.
Out of respect for those efforts, I will refrain from naming specific projects here.
These attempts remind me that maintaining such a project is never simple,
especially when it involves evolving APIs and dependencies.
With this fork, my goal is modest: to apply updates where I can,
and to keep the library functional for those who still depend on it.
While I don't have the capacity to commit to full-time maintenance,
I've found this library useful and wanted to keep it working with modern tools and dependencies.
This fork is an attempt to apply small improvements and updates where possible.
My hope is that it remains helpful to others who still rely on the original gem.
Feedback, issues, and pull requests are welcome — though please understand that my time to respond may be limited.