Which language would you use?

[Simon606]

Most social networking sites seem to be coded in PHP...

BUT

I really want to build mine using classic ASP as this is the language my trusted friend has a talent for.

This seems to make sense in the short term. However I worry about the lack of social networking sites built with ASP. There must be reasons for this. So plan to recode using PHP and transport existing database across once I have earnt enough from the website to pay for the services of a qualified person.

Is this plan sensible, should I stick with my friend and ASP OR should I code with PHP from the start?

[eelixduppy]

It all depends on your situation and what you want to do. Both are just as valid and can accomplish the task. PHP is better with databases, though. If your site is going to be mainly database driven, I would use php, but that's my opinion.

[toddyboy]

go with php from the start mate. your friend should be able to pick up on php if he already knows asp. otherwise, find a few php tutorials online and do it yourself.

[jatar_k]

if you have someone who is talented then it doesn't matter what language you use.

Just because people use php doesn't mean you need to, just make sure this friend is actually talented and not just blowing smoke.

I have seen some people do amazing things with coldfusion and even though it's junk, if it was them doing it, I would recommend it.

scripting is scripting, any code is only as good as the best programmer working on it and I dislike punks who do things because it's pretty or because it's what everyone else is doing. I respect programmers that code for the user and understand how to compromise from a business perspective, especially since there are very few, regardless of the language they code in.

[Simon606]

Interesting points.

I do want to work with my friend as it ticks all the right boxes in my current situation. My major concern though is classic ASP. I've heard from too many people this language is unsuitable for my needs. I believe in the long term they may be right and still feel I should get the site recoded with PHP at a later date.

But do you guys think a successful social networking site could be built using ASP and more importantly is it possible to recode that site into PHP without losing any existing data?

[jatar_k]

I think you could do it in any scripting language

>> s it possible to recode that site into PHP without losing any existing data

yes, unless the person recoding it makes mistakes ;)

[cmarshall]

ASP is an industrial-strength language that is used in many, many heavy-duty sites. My company uses it for all their corporate stuff. There's nothing wrong with the language or the platform. It is completely scalable and has real big iron creds, with lots of backend support.

That being said, I don't use it, and I've not spent the time to learn it myself. I've been a LAMP person since the mid-nineties, and don't regret it.

I run a software engineering department in my "day job," so I have quite a bit of experience with exactly this kind of quandary.

I'd echo jatar_k, and suggest that experience and skills count for more than the platform. If your geek is good at ASP, then that is what you should use. Their first PHP project will be their "hello world" project, and you really don't want that to be your bread and butter project.

[Simon606]

After much deliberation I have decided a good relationship with my developer outweighs many advantages I might get by coding with PHP. I hope I have made the right decision.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

[jatar_k]

you've definitely made the best business decision for the present

things always change, no big thing, that's just business

[Simon606]

Jatar thank you for your moral support.