The Digital Press

JRuby allows Ruby developers to seamlessly use Java libraries like JFreeChart for creating charts, avoiding complicated bindings to C, Python, or JavaScript libraries. This integration enables generating rich, customizable charts directly in Ruby without writing any Java code.

Why it matters: JRuby’s Java integration simplifies using powerful JVM libraries in Ruby apps, avoiding multi-language bindings and process spawning.

The big picture: JFreeChart offers extensive chart types and live-updating GUIs, fitting well with JRuby’s seamless Java interoperability.

Quick takeaway: Using jar-dependencies, JRuby can fetch and manage Maven Java libraries easily, making Java library use feel native in Ruby.

Commenters say: Many appreciate the ease of using Java libraries from Ruby via JRuby, while some debate chart aesthetics and alternatives like Gnuplot.