Which Server Script is the Easiest?

[Rockonmetal]

Ok, I am looking to set up a small test site so I can get my way around the easiest server script.
I heard of these three:
PHP
ASP
SQL
CGI

Which one is the easiest?
Do I need anything to view these (if so please list a link directly to the thing I need to download)? Do I need to use a certain program (other than notepad)

Keep in mind this site is not going up on the web. I am just making one to learn my ways around server scripting.

[BLiZZaRD]

I don't know about ASP, never used it. From what I know about it, it is a Windows Server scripting language and I always use Linux Servers.

from your list, php is probably the easiest to learn, mixed with sql both can be grasped in a few days to a few weeks.

CGI/PERL is a fairly different beast, and needs other restrictions (where to upload etc)

this link is pretty descent but not to overly in depth or complicated.

and PHP Net could be considered the "Defacto" about php standards.

[djr33]

If you're just starting off, go with PHP.
CGI is more complex, and... complicated in use, as said above.


ASP is the 'same' as PHP, but proprietary and only runs on windows, doesn't have as much support/free addins/etc. It's fine... just... no advantage over PHP, and some things aren't great about it... so... no point, really.


SQL, MySQL, etc. are used with PHP, ASP, etc. and are databases that just store info and allow for basic commands, like searching, adding, deleting, etc. PHP/etc is then used to get the info from it and do stuff with it... like displaying it.

I'd recommend MySQL and PHP, but play with PHP first, then get into MySQL when/if you need a database.

Here's a good resource. It starts with php basics (good to do), then gets into MySQL, so no need to do that until you're ready.
http://php-mysql-tutorial.com

Additionally, php.net is a great place for info on PHP, though a bit less user friendly. The function search is wonderful for looking up a certain function, though overall documentation is a little harder to work your way through.

[BLiZZaRD]

Thanks for linking to the same sites as I did... never know... just in case

[Twey]

CGI is an interface, not a language.

The easiest of those is probably ASP, but it lacks a great deal of PHP's flexibility and power. PHP is not much trickier to master, and will serve you much better.

I'm particularly enjoying my experiences with Python and Django at the moment, although that would perhaps not be so desirable for a beginner. Something to think about when you've gained some experience, maybe.

[djr33]

Ha, sorry, BLiZZaRD.

I didn't notice the URL on the first; I assumed it to be a link to an overall explanation of CGI and such

I noticed you did php.net, but I just wanted to expand on how it can be used. It IS daunting at first if you're not familiar with PHP.

[BLiZZaRD]

I see you are attempting to learn python Twey.. that is cool, I too one day hope to be able to take it on.

However, I thought you might like The Python Challenge

If you have seen my site (and I know you have ) it is the same concept, a riddle trail of sorts (this one only 33 levels) but this one deals with the Python Language.

I have heard it is quite well done. Anyway thought you might like to have a look at it



No worries djr, just flipping you a bit of a tough time

[Twey]

No, I learnt Python quite a while ago. I've never tried to use it for web development before now, though, and this is my first encounter with Django.

I've seen the Python Challenge before, and completed the first few levels, then got bored and went off to do something more productive, if I remember correctly

[mburt]

I've seen the Python Challenge before, and completed the first few levels, then got bored and went off to do something more productive, if I remember correctly

How much more productive can you get then learning python . It's only recently getting some popularity, but other than that I don't know anyone that uses it.

[BLiZZaRD]

Oh, well yeah if you already know it I suppose it wouldn't do much good. I heard it was fun though