PHP vs ASP vs ColdFusion

Based on the recent artilce in comparing ASP, ColdFusion and PHP, I would like to understand the learning cureve effort assuming that I have background in HTML only .

Thanks

Clarence

Clarence,

It's tough to actually say which would be better for your needs. If you have any programming knowledge (general concepts of programming, and not the syntax), then any one could be beneficial for you. However, based on you saying you know HTML, ColdFusion is supposed to be an easy language to branch off into (haven't used it myself), as it is closely related to the style of HTML, using tags.

Check out Clint Tredway's articles to see if it would interest you:

http://www.devarticles.com/art/1/189
http://www.devarticles.com/art/1/210

The problem with ColdFusion is the hefty price tag. Sure its "easier" to learn, but the cost could put you off. If your looking for a totally free solution try PHP, or if your using Windows NT, 2000 or XP, you can use IIS to use ASP

Hi Ben and Frankie,

Thanks for the tip on cost of ColdFusion . Do you have any numbers on market share of ColdFusion users vs the others ?

In Asia ( Singapore) where I live , ColdFusion seems to be gaining ground . Insitutions seems to prefer ASP or ColdFusion , rarely using PHP . I am not sure if that is the mentality issue as things that are free tend to be not popular as it should be.

Ben and Frankie, what is your thought on ?

I really want to spent time to learn a new lanhuage where my skills will be portable and popular in places like Canada or the US , not just in Asia .


Thanks for all your debate and I look forward to hearing from anyone who can contribute to this debate .

Cheers !

Clarence