ASP.NET or PHP?
Lucky we are today because as web developers, we have so many options to choose from if we want to make our website as unique and as maintain-able as possible. The amount of options leave us confused to where actually should we put our mind and effort to? Take for example this topic: ASP.NET or PHP. Both were created to help developers create dynamic webpage as easy and as convenient as possible. The war between these two does not stop with in its function, the price too is being debated. How would you go about creating dynamic websites as efficient and as effective as the free alternative?
In my opinion, these two, although has the same function, are different. It is only a matter of taste and preference. Here I dissect their features based on the following criteria: Cost, Supported Operating Systems, Performance, Stability, and Functionality, Database Connectivity.
Cost
ASP.NET web hosting has higher startup cost than PHP because ASP.NET will have to use Microsoft Windows operating system which will cost a lot, moreover, they need to buy the needed tools to use like a database(MSSQL), IDE(Microsoft Visual Studio), Web design and development (Dreamweaver), and other things needed in setting up a website.
If you use PHP, this will be different because it costs absolutely nothing to start and most applications in web development, programming, and database management are offered free of charge. All the tools and components required area also free of charge.
Supported Operating Systems
ASP only supports Windows operating system and needs .NET Framework to operate. Apache are free alternative to .NET Framework, can function in any operating system (Windows, Unix[Mac], or Linux).
Performance
PHP is interpreted language, which means it runs the code as you write. ASP.NET on the other hand, uses compiled language in which the code has to be compiled first before it is run. Compiled code is faster than interpreted because applications must be reduced to machine instructions at runtime where compiled language are run only if you compiled it.
Stability and Functionality
Both ASP.NET web hosting and PHP web hosting function the same, create dynamic forms, websites, and applications.
In terms of stability, I find PHP to be more stable than ASP.NET which proves how powerful people all over the world can help and contribute in creating better applications and development tools.
Database Connectivity
PHP by default, uses MySQL, a free and open source alternative to Microsoft SQL Server that ASP.NET web hosting use. But both can be run these two databases with no issues or problems involved.
Conclusion
Whether you are a web developer or just a website hobbyist, your choice should be based on your preference and not on finding the best ASP.NET web hosting or PHP web hosting that people usually debate about. The best method to determine your preference is through experience. You can try both and see how well it gets to your needs, although you will not get that much freedom when you try ASP.NET web hosting over PHP but it sure pays to explore and experiment.