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RE: Database question

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From: John Foliot - bytown internet
Date: May 16, 2002 5:18PM

ASP, ColdFusion, PHP are common server-based scripting languages which allow
develoers to leverage database information into HTML documents. They
generally can connect to various database types, such as Access, mySQL, etc.
Dynamic web site development relies on three components: the actual
database, the scripting language, and the server which marries the two
together.

ASP is a common and popular scripting language which runs natively on
Microsoft's IIS server. PHP is an "opensource" scripting language which
usually is bundled with most Unix based servers... if your organization does
not currently have the require core files they can be freely obtained over
the net. ColdFusion is a proprietory scripting language which requires it's
on CF server sitting on top of a regular web-server. CF servers can
piggyback on both IIS or Unix/Linux servers. While more expensive than the
2 other examples (which are free), it is quite powerful and relatively easy
to pick up (although I am by no means even an intermediate user, but trust
me, it's not *too* hard). Originally created by a company called Allaire,
you might find that Dreamweaver will interlock nicely with ColdFusion since
it's now owned by Macromedia.

To that end, there is no "best" way to go, although hard core practioners of
the various scripting languages above all swear that theirs is "the best"
<grin>. If you are on a budget and are already running Unix flavoured
servers, than perhaps PHP is the answer for you. However, since it is an
open source type project, while there is certainly a tonne of information
and resources out there for using and developing in PHP, there is no
"warranty" per se... what you get is what you get. If you are looking to
develop a serious, mission critical db based application, than perhpas
investing in ColdFusion is the way to go. Since it's a "for sale" product,
client support is a phone call away, and there are inherent warranties with
the software (I do not work for Macromedia - check their site for promises
and warranty information). Macromedia is also providing more than just
lip-service to web accessibility (to keep this at least a little bit on List
topic).

Try these resources for more info:
http://www.php.net/
http://www.macromedia.com/macromedia/proom/pr/2002/coldfusion_mx_announce.ht
ml


Hope that helps

JF


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