Perl / MySQL vs ASP.net / MSSQL

Has ASP.net become popular? Where can I find learning resources for it?

[sifar]

A prospective client wants to migrate their web application from Coldfusion / MySQL / Windows. Being a Perl developer, and since they are also being very cost conscious, I suggested Perl / MySQL / Linux. The system administrator however prefers ASP.net / MSSQL / Windows. The database size is around 15GB growing every year by 1GB.

They've hinted that whatever they opt for, they would like me to execute the project (even though I've made it clear I don't know ASP.net).

Keeping an open mind, I am wondering if ASP.net is really a better option than Perl? Has it become popular and more widespread on the windows hosting platform? Where do I start on the net to learn it? I don't have much experience with large MySQL database - is the free edition of MySQL really suitable as the database continues to grow or is MSSQL a better option? (I am averse to the hybrid approach using Perl / MSSQL or ASP.net / MySQL.)

[Ocean10000]

You might not have to convert from Coldfusion to asp.net at all except to change the database related code to use MS Sql Server.

Coldfusion has an edition that will run on top of asp.net framework. This conversion is exactly what MySpace ended up doing for that massive site.

[sifar]

Thanks for your tips Ocean10000. I'll certainly look for more information on the myspace migration as that sounds really interesting.

While I too prefer Coldfusion over asp.net, they want to recode the application as they aren't able to find good Coldfusion developers. My dilemma is on whether it is worth spending time learning a new language. Has ASP.net really become popular for building web applications on the windows platform?

[Ocean10000]

Asp.Net is what Microsoft is currently putting there weight behind for Web Site development on the Windows Platform. I personally like using Asp.Net compared to old asp or php my self, warts and all. But every programing platform has its pro's and con's which I won't bother going into. Asp.Net does have a decent learning curve to make use of it features effectively. You can develop a okey site quick and dirty in a short time, which is great for demo's. But will take some planning to build a site that will be secured and stable, which is the case for any language. Asp.Net does have a lot of self help websites, free controls, samples and forums to help get you started with most projects and common items.

[sifar]

Thanks Ocean10000. At first glance, the learning curve does appear to be high (and daunting) - understanding the .net framework model and learning the language (VB or C#). One doubt - is it better to stick with .net 2.0 than 3.0?

[Ocean10000]

They made very little if any changes in relation to the asp.net in 3.0 release. I treat the 3.0 release as a addon pack to 2.0, and not a whole new point release of the framework.

[dukelips]

MySql with Asp.Net is fast catching even with dotnet nuke