On Sun, Aug 18, 2002 at 12:47:54PM +0100, Shri Shrikumar wrote: > Does anyone know where I could find a good and *fair(ish)* comparison > of the different server side scripting languages on the web ?
i haven't seen any comprehensive comparisons, but i've used and dabbled with a few. IMO, the best around is HTML::Mason running under mod_perl, a very nice component based system for embedding perl code in html pages. it works well with common perl modules (like Apache::Session for session management). see http://www.masonhq.com/ for details. note, however, that if you're on a shared server (e.g. a virtual host) then mod_perl is not a good or safe solution. malicious or incompetent code from other users can access your code or variables and even bring down the entire server. fortunately, HTML::Mason can be run as straight CGI or with SpeedyCGI (speedyCGI is a nice compromise between the speed of persistent perl processes and security) all of the above programs are available as debian packages. if you like python, Zope is a pretty good system. it's a lot more than just a server-side scripting language, though. it's a complete integrated web application environment. very nice if you like that kind of thing. finally, PHP isn't too bad (except that in my experience it is very fragile, prone to breaking on upgrades). i personally don't see any advantage in it over perl, quite the opposite in fact. the language syntax is very similar...IMO, it "feels" like a clumsy perl. it is easier to get up and running than HTML::Mason (no need to write a handler script), but IMO that's not as important as what the language is capable of and what modules etc are available. zope and php are also available as debian packages. > I would also be very interested in a similar comparison of databases. there are numerous database comparisons available on the web. try a search on google. i recommend postgres. it's a real database, not a jumped-up toy. it also has excellent administration features. craig -- craig sanders <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Fabricati Diem, PVNC. -- motto of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch
