A Brief Comparison of Server-side Scripting Langauges

I've noticed that quite a few people come to Ozzu asking about the best way to create dynamic, content-driven websites. After being told to use a server-side scripting language, their next question is almost always about which one to use.

Hopefully this will help clear up a few things and help people to make a choice.

PHP
Website: http://www.php.net
Cost: Free (Open Source)
License: PHP License
Syntax: C-like, similar to Perl
API: PHP Manual

PHP is one of the most widely-used scripting languages because a) it is free, and b) it is easy to learn. PHP has extensive API documentation and built-in functionality for many common tasks.

A simple Hello World script in PHP might look like this:

Most Linux-based hosting packages provide PHP support as a basic part of any plan. To set up PHP on your own computer for development purposes, you can either install PHP itself, available here, or use an all-in-one package that sets up a complete Apache, PHP, and MySQL environment, such as WAMP.

To begin learning PHP, check out the following:
PHP Resources for Tutorials, Books, Script Archives, etc.
PHP Tutorials


ASP.NET
Website: http://www.asp.net
Cost: Free
License: Microsoft
Syntax: Varies
API: MSDN

ASP.NET is also relatively easy to learn and costs nothing to run on a server.

A simple Hello World script in ASP.NET might look like this:

ASP.NET is used widely on Windows-based hosting packages. ASP.NET uses (and thus requires) the .NET framework. To set up ASP.NET on your own computer for development purposes, you can install the .NET framework and ASP.NET, available here.

To begin learning ASP.NET, check out the following:
ASP.NET Tutorials
ASP.NET: Getting Started
QuickStart Tutorial
ASP.NET tutorial at W3Schools


ColdFusion
Website: http://www.adobe.com/products/coldfusion/
Cost: $1,299 USD (developer's edition is free)
License: Adobe
Syntax: XML-based
API: CFML Reference

ColdFusion is used in many enterprise-level web applications. It integrates tightly with other Adobe technologies and platforms such as Flex and AIR. To install and run ColdFusion on your own server, you'll need to purchase a ColdFusion license from Adobe. A good number of hosting providers, however, provide ColdFusion support, often for only a few dollars extra on any hosting plan. Some even offer it free of charge.

Although a full-fledged ColdFusion license can be pricey, you'll likely only need the Developer Edition, which is free and allows you to develop ColdFusion applications locally.

A simple Hello World script in ColdFusion might look like this:

To set up Coldfusion on your own computer for development purposes, you can install the ColdFusion Developer Edition, available here. (Adobe account required, free to signup)

To begin learning ColdFusion, check out the following:
ColdFusion Developer Center
ColdFusion Tutorial and Article Index


Python
Website: http://www.python.org
Cost: Free (Open Source)
License: Python License
Syntax: C-like
API: Python Language Reference

Python is a general purpose scripting language often used to develop web applications. Python is arguably a more powerful object-oriented language than PHP, but the two languages are very similar, and learning one making learning the other easy.

A simple Hello World script in Python might look like this:

Note that on shared hosting, Python scripts are usually run as CGI programs. To set up Python on your own computer for development purposes, you can install the Python libraries, available here.

To begin learning Python, check out the following:
Python Documentation
Python Tutorial
A Beginner's Python Tutorial
Dive Into Python


Ruby
Website: http://www.ruby-lang.org/
Cost: Free (Open Source)
License: Ruby License
Syntax: Unique
API: Ruby Core Reference

Ruby is a newer scripting language that aims to focus on simplicity and rapid development. Ruby is often seen paired with the Rails framework, an MVC framework built on Ruby for rapid application development.

A simple Hello World script in Ruby might look like this:

Ruby is not always available on hosting packages, so be sure to check with your hosting provider and ask for Ruby support if necessary. To set up Ruby on your own computer for development purposes, you can install the Ruby libraries, available here.

To begin learning Ruby, check out the following:
Ruby Documentation
Basic Ruby Tutorial


There are many other scripting languages that can be used to create dynamic websites. I've only listed some of the most common ones here. In addition to the languages themselves, many people often use a framework to aid in the development process. Popular MVC frameworks include Rails (for Ruby) and Cake (for PHP).

Very nice, sir! Thanks goodness for the new front page, I might have missed this.

*smiles @ dM

Nice work spork. This is definitely helpful info.

Is there a chance we might be able to sticky this so that it is easy to find when referring to?

done

Thanks ATNO, that was real quick. WooHoo!

Added a fantastic Python resource I just came across:
http://www.diveintopython.org/toc/

Just as a note. The syntax for ASP.NET is not VB like as it supports three different language sets. Namely VB.NET, C# and then Microsofts attempt at Java.

As for the <% Response.Write %> scenario you hardly use that in ASP.NET. What you are more likely to do is create an <asp:label ID="myLabel" runat="server" /> and then in your code behind page myLabel.Text = "Hello World"

As for the MS specific comment there is also the Mono project with adapters for Apache that run the ASPX pages.

Thanks. I have zero experience with ASP.NET so I was basing that on examples I found online.

I'll update the description soon.

So ASP.NET is like Coldfusion with namespaces ?

Coldfusion was an attempt at processing jsp in a propretory engine

The framework is far more powerful though plus the AJAX extensions.

I still hate web though but I must say in terms of fast fancy development, ASP.NET is way ahead

So people don't do much in Perl anymore..

Perl is more like the Swiss Army Knife of scripting languages. It's still widely used for a lot of things, but other languages are far more popular when it comes to web development.

Perl has more of a place in general shell scripting doesn't it ?

I'd like to get a better grasp of it, if even only for its' regular expression functionality.

Yeah, Perl is much more common -- and arguably much more useful -- in the shell scripting arena. There are some web applications such as YaBB that are written entirely in Perl, but you don't see them as often as web apps written in other languages.


Of course, because then you could save the day!