Ruby-DBI offers a generic DB connection interface. To install, try the following:
% curl http://rubyforge.org/frs/download.php/655/ruby-dbi-all-0.0.23.tar.gz -o ruby-dbi-all-0.0.23.tar.gz % tar zxvf ruby-dbi-all-0.0.23.tar.gz % cd ruby-dbi-all % ruby setup.rb config --with=dbi,dbd_mysql % ruby setup.rb setup % ruby setup.rb install # as superuser
Ruby-DBI is a project in flux right now, and its documentation is scattered as a result. Check both the Rubyforge page and older SourceForge page if you need more info or help.