Ruby-only web server (for embedded device)?

Question

I'm working on a very limited environment and need a ruby (based) web server; currently I'm using Webrick but; I'm concerned about its oldness and lack of documentation. I can't install anything that requires building/compiling c/header files (like Mongrel or Thin). Are there any other alternatives for me?

edit: Upon request: The device I'm working with is an intelligent RFID reader, with an embedded linux arm based computer on-board. The only api/language manufacturer allows and provides (w/o getting out of license terms) is ruby, and they give no-support for installing extra-stuff and they have customized the kernel in device to make installing/compiling anything as hard as possible. That is why I can only use Webrick atm since; it is included in standard ruby distribution. I can use extra ruby stuff if they're just .rb lib files that is I can easily just include them in my code, but anything that requires compiling is a no-no. Also, this system does not have gem.

Answer 1

have you considered Phusion Passenger ?

Answer 2

I'm not too sure but does doing a

gem install thin

requires you to compile anything?

Disregarding that one, I think you have quite a issue. Maybe downloading some .deb/.rpm with the server compiled?

Answer 3

I'd just target Rack, and then you can easily try several web servers until you find one that works for your environment. Plus, that gives you a lot more flexibility. Any particular reason you're not just using a Rack-based lightweight web framework to begin with? Stuff like Sinatra typically have barely any overhead.

Answer 4

I think the answer is no. The best advice I can give you is to dig into Webrick and understand how it works. Then the lack of documentation and oldness is less of a problem.

But if Webrick truly doesn't suits your needs you could knock up your own using Ruby's TCPServer library and Rack.