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Ask HN: What web language for server side scripting?

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Ask HN: What web language for server side scripting?

#1

Post by luct »

I know this gets asked a lot, but some input on our specific situation would be appreciated, considering we don't have: a) experience with one of the languages already or b) bit of an app already coded.

For a dynamic web-based solution, what language would you recommend?

Some Criteria: 1) The languages we are thinking about are php, python, perl, ruby we are open to other suggestions, don't have enough experience in any of them to make a difference. 2) We value speed of execution most. 3) We are going to use postgres for a database. 4) Webhost compatibility is not an issue.

Re: Ask HN: What web language for server side scripting?

#3

Post by icey »

You're going to have to define what sort of speed you need for #2. If you're talking about basic CRUD, then all of the languages you've specified will work just fine. If you're doing a lot of scientific work, then you might want to look at Python, along with NumPy / SciPy. If it's a small core of calculations that you know you'll have to execute over and over again, then all of the above are fine if you're happy to interop with C.

So... whatcha building?

Re: Ask HN: What web language for server side scripting?

#4

Post by ctbk »

chuchurocka wrote: post #2

If speed really is key i'd say Perl, otherwise I would just stick to PHP. Ruby and Python are nice for writing code really fast in but Perl / PHP execute much faster.

Are you sure about PHP being faster than python?

Unscientific as it could be, this test shows speeds comparable or better for python:

http://shootout.alioth.debian.org/gp4/benchmark.php?test=all...

[lines going right are better for python, the ones going left are better for php]

I don't mean to bring this as proof of any sort, but also according to my own experience python scripts outperform php ones.

Re: Ask HN: What web language for server side scripting?

#5

Post by chuchurocka »

ctbk wrote: post #4
chuchurocka wrote: post #2

If speed really is key i'd say Perl, otherwise I would just stick to PHP. Ruby and Python are nice for writing code really fast in but Perl / PHP execute much faster.

Are you sure about PHP being faster than python? Unscientific as it could be, this test shows speeds comparable or better for python: http://shootout.alioth.debian.org/gp4/benchmark.php?test=all... [lines going right are better for python, the ones going left are better for php] I don't mean to bring this as proof of any sort, but also according to my own experience python scripts outperform php ones.

i think that i didn't think that thought all the way through. sorry about that

Re: Ask HN: What web language for server side scripting?

#7

Post by dangoldin »

icey wrote: post #3

You're going to have to define what sort of speed you need for #2. If you're talking about basic CRUD, then all of the languages you've specified will work just fine. If you're doing a lot of scientific work, then you might want to look at Python, along with NumPy / SciPy. If it's a small core of calculations that you know you'll have to execute over and over again, then all of the above are fine if you're happy to i…

If you do stick with Perl, they have a NumPy/SciPy equivalent called PDL.
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