It sounds as if you have many things that you want to do.  That is a 
good place to start.  Programming Ruby is very helpful for getting 
started.  Everyday scripting with Ruby is a good one for getting an idea 
for using Ruby in the way you suggest.

Just start small and put things together as you go.  That works for all 
disciplines and not just programming.

GL with Ruby!

p.s.  You need not worry about compiling as it is not compiled.

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