There are not that many texts on developing web apps with JRuby and Rails [1,2]. That seems to be where this slim introductory text comes in.

Topics covered in the book include when to use JRuby, invoking Java, creating an environment, the basics of application creation, and the precompilation of scripts. The most useful are sections on configuring Oracle and MySQL databases and scaffolding. Packaging apps as Java EE web apps is covered, as well as running WebLogic and JBoss servers. Using JDBC sources with the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) is explored in four pages. The final chapter is perhaps the most useful, in that common issues in JRuby web app development are discussed.

At 67 pages, this book is not a reference volume. Rather, it’s an executive summary for the experienced coder, sort of a get going quickly guide for those who know how to drive.