Start from the start - Ruby or ruby on rails

< :the previous in number ^ :the list in numerical order > :the next in number P :the previous aricle (the previous thread) N :the next (in thread) |<:the previous thread >|:the next thread ^ :the parent (reply-to) _:the child (an article replying to this) >:the elder article having the same parent <:the youger article having the same parent ---:split window and show thread lists | :split window (vertically) and show thread lists ~ :close the thread frame .:the index ..:the index of indices

I'm looking to start developing a simple task management application
with a web interface.Three views - User/Admin/Status. No database yet
as i think that would be overkill. I intend to store the data in xml
files for the moment.

My question - i am pretty new to development. I have been working as a
qa engineer for some time and have good unix skills but have only ever
really played with java/perl with no great success. Have had enough of
wishing for applications or features. I'm going to write my own.

I would appreciate any pointers the group could offer. For starters i
am unsure if i should develop in vanilla ruby or implement ruby on
rails if it is to be a web application. My initial thoughts are that
learning ruby will be enough for a start but that i may have to use
some MVC model??

I have hosting with dreamhost which supports ruby.

 I am currently expanding the spec and a simple UI which i can post
when complete if people think that would be useful. Its based loosely
on basecamphq but more aligned to the organisation i work for and i
would hope to make it very portable. 

Many thanks for your time,
Eain