How to do Ramp lit, with transparency and rim lighting

I don't yet own SF so this is mostly a question about capability because I want to move to a system like this where I can create my own shaders. If I wanted to make a shader that uses a gradient ramp with a directional light for lighting, has rim lighting, and has transparency, is that something I could do in SF? What about adding a second directional light for casting shadows? If so, any guidance or links to tutorials on how would be appreciated.

Not a bug but I don't see a regular forum for questions like this. Thanks.