JRuby and the Java Platform

The Ruby programming language was released to the public in 1995 and gained widespread adoption in 2006. A multipurpose language that focuses on simplicity and productivity, it combines the best features of many compiled and interpreted languages, such as easy development of large programs, rapid prototyping, almost-real-time development, and compact code. Ruby is a reflective, dynamic, and interpreted object-oriented scripting language, and JRuby is a Java programming language implementation of the Ruby language syntax, core libraries, and standard libraries.

With JRuby, you get all of the advantages of Ruby plus interoperability with Java platform applications (Java applications) and access to the full range of Java platform functionality. JRuby and the Java platform are a compelling combination that you can apply to any programming situation.

Monica Pawlan is a manager and writer at Sun Microsystems, Inc., who enjoys learning and writing about new Java platform technologies.

Her introductory article gets you started using JRuby and the Java platform. A must read.