You Used THAT Programming Language to Write What?!

How to determine which programming language—Perl, PHP, JavaScript, Python or Ruby—is right for your task.


When all you have is a hammer, they say, everything looks like a nail. Instead, we give you a look at several language-hammers, so you can make a reasonable decision about when each is the best tool for the job.

You Used Ruby to Write WHAT?!

Deciding when to use any language—including Ruby—depends on the appropriateness to task and the amount of yak shaving necessary. Zed Shaw explains when Ruby's MRI or JRuby is the best language for the job, and when it really isn't.

You Used
You Used "X" to Write What?!

You Used Python to Write WHAT?!

Python is a powerful, easy-to-use scripting language suitable for use in the enterprise, although it is not right for absolutely every use. Python expert Martin Aspeli identifies when Python is the right choice, and when another language might be a better option.

You Used JavaScript to Write WHAT?!


You Used PHP to Write WHAT?!

PHP may be the most popular Web scripting language in the world. But despite a large collection of nails, not every tool is a hammer. So when should it be used, and when would another dynamic programming language be a better choice? We identify its strengths and weaknesses.

PHP's Enterprise Strengths and Weaknesses, Take 2

Zend's John Coggeshall responds to's earlier PHP article with his own list of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of PHP application development.

You Used Perl to Write WHAT?!


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