CSC/ECE 517 Summer 2008/wiki2 1 tm
Rails vs. PHP
While Ruby is fast growing in popularity, there are still more PHP Web applications communicating with MySQL databases. Compare Rails with support for Web applications in PHP. Which are the advantages of each for the developer? For the finished application?
Introduction
This document seeks to enlighten programmers who are deciding between using PHP or Ruby on Rails for their next web application. We will take a look at the differences which matter most in determining just which language is right to your project. Please note that this document does not plan to blindly promote one language over another, it seeks to give you the information needed to decided which language is right for your next application. You may use this information each time you begin a new project and decide on a different language each time.
Fixed Metrics
Fixed metrics will likely affect all projects and programmers making a choice between Ruby on Rails or PHP.
Installation
Filler: Compare and contrast the various implementation differences between PHP and Rails; such as how to properly configure a rails server vs php server. Quickly cover the various hosting companies available that support the two languages.
Learning Curve
Filler: Compare and contrast the barriers to entry into either language including object oriented design in PHP 5 and the MVC pattern in Ruby. Also covered textbooks, classes, and online resources available between the two languages. What languages you already know often affects what language is best for your new project, especially if deadlines are looming.
Applications Available
Fillter: Compare and contrast the availability of applications which have already been programmed and are currently available for both languages. Is what you are developing already available as open source software?
Variable Metrics
Variable metrics must be considered each time a project is taken on. These will likely change between each of your projects. It would be a good idea to evaluate them each time you must choose to use PHP or Ruby on Rails.
Scalability
Filler text goes here
Development Speed
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Development Tools
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Development Libraries
Talk about the various libraries that PHP has, such as Smarty.
Maintainability
Filler text goes here
Programmatic Differences
In the previous section, we examined high level differences between Ruby on Rails and PHP with respect to various metrics. In this section, we focus on programmatic differences in the language that would be directly beneficial to developers themselves. This section should be useful for individuals who have worked in one language and wish to familiarize themselves with the advantages and disadvantages of the other.
Development Model
Ruby on Rails is a full stack framework, and includes components such as ActiveRecord , an object-relational mapper, to interface with databases. In general, Rails places a large emphasis on coding standards and convention when designing Rails applications. PHP, on the other hand, provides a large set of core libraries, with many third party add-ons for additional functionality. For example, databases in PHP may be connected to with low-level API calls, or through higher level APIs such as Pear::DB, ADOdb
External Links
- Rails for PHP Developers