Posted by Jerry Stuckle on 07/29/07 13:20

Rami Elomaa wrote:
> Frank kirjoitti:
>> Good morning,
>>
>> I'm a newbie and I'm about to study a scripting language to create an
>> HTML form. What's the best language for this, and why?
>>
>> JavaScript? PHP? PERL? Ajax? ASP? VBScript?
>
> First you need to get your terms right. There's client-side scripting,
> and then there's server-side scripting. PHP, Perl, ASP and JSP (which
> you didn't mention, but it's wort looking into still) are server-side
> languages, JavaScript and VBScript are client-side. Ajax is not a
> language at all, it's the name for a technique that allows javascript to
> communicate with some server-side application.
>

Yes, you need to get your terms right. VBScript is also server-side.

> Choosing between javascript and vbscript, there really is no
> competition, VBScript is microsoft proprietary bullshit, it works only
> in MS Internet Explorer, and knowing that there is a variety of other
> browsers, you can't choose a language that works in only one of them. So
> for client-side scripts you use javascript. And if possible, don't use
> it, try to make everything work with just server-side scripts.
> JavaScript is just an enhancment, not a complete solution.
>

It also works on Microsoft servers, i.e. IIS. While I'm not fond of it,
I do have a couple of customers who use it. It works quite well, when
done properly.

When run on the server, the client doesn't matter, just like any
server-side language.

> Next the choice between PHP, Perl, ASP and JSP. Again, one of these
> languages is microsoft-only, works only in Windows+IIS webserver,
> wouldn't go there. For PHP, Perl and JSP then, JSP is propably the most
> sophisticated since it's completly object oriented language, maybe most
> difficult to learn but worth it. PHP and Perl are good choices both,
> just pick one. Since this is a php group I have to recommend php.
>

ASP is not a language. It is an interface. You can use several
different languages with it.

JSP is also not a language, but a way of adding Java code to web pages.
The underlying code is Java.

Before suggesting someone else get their terminology straight, I suggest
you get yours straight. And get rid of the attitude.

And to answer the op's question - it depends a lot on your previous
experience, what you're going to be doing, the OS and server you'll be
using, and several other things. All of the languages are good - in
their place. But all can also be bad, when not in their place. That's
why there are so many languages.

What you're asking is like asking "Which car should I buy"? Just not
enough information.

I use PHP, Perl, VBScript and Java, depending on the situation. PHP and
Perl are more widely available than VBScript or Java. I also think PHP
is a little easier for a beginner to learn, so everything else being
equal (which it isn't), I would recommend PHP.

--
==================
Remove the "x" from my email address
Jerry Stuckle
JDS Computer Training Corp.
jstucklex@attglobal.net
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