Ask HN: Best framework for photo heavy web application?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4275029

by tevers • 14 years ago

4 13 14 years ago

news.ycombinator.com

What are the pros and cons of Python/RoR for image based application? I am aware that Pinterest and Instagram use python and lesser known (stipple, mulu.me) image based companies went rails.

bherms• 14 years ago

My advice is always use what you know best and I think a lot of people will agree. I've always looked at these questions like this: "What brand of tools should I build my house with?". It doesn't matter. Use what you have.

tevers6• 14 years ago

Thanks for the response.

mhd• 14 years ago

I think this is the wrong part of the puzzle to worry about. Pick whatever you're familiar with for the basic CRUD stuff. The two more complicated bits are a scalable backend and probably some reasonably "hip" interactive frontend (i.e. JavaScript). Whether that's something to worry about from the start is another matter…

tevers6• 14 years ago

I apologize. I should have been more specific. I'm not a developer. Just an 'idea guy' with a budget. Vetting dev shops to build prototype, some specialize in Django and others in RoR. Just would apreciate and advice that may be beneficial. Thanks

jfaucett• 14 years ago

Personally, I don't dev much in either one except occasional python so I'm not an expert here (also probably python biased). But If I were to choose I'd go python because I know the PIL and pythonmagickwand libs are good. Plus python has a more extensive lib set ( in terms of areas i.e. systems, networking, etc) than ruby, and I would think getting Python programmers would be easier and cheaper than Ruby ones...

tevers6• 14 years ago

Thanks for the feedback. Lincoln Loop http://lincolnloop.com/ is the leading Python/Django dev shop I've found so far. Please refer any others that you may know of. Thanks again

true_religion• 14 years ago

I use Django for http://picc.it

There isn't really any reason to pick Django over RoR besides the fact that you know one technology better.

Although, personally I prefer Python because scaling Python via Cython plugins is far easier than RoR via FFI plugins, since you just take prewritten code and annotate types and algorithms to get to the bare metal.

You mentioned that you are an idea guy with a budget, why don't you get in touch my email is in my profile.

tevers6• 14 years ago

Appreciate the input and will do

tevers6• 14 years ago

Advice received so far; PYTHON-Scales easier,Find more and cheaper programmers,

RoR-

projuce• 14 years ago

The language probably won't matter so much. I think you will have just as big a job in business development, design and marketing.

So why not look for a technical cofounder who is quite competent in either python or ruby. Then you can have them do the bulk of the coding and possibly oversee some development by other freelancer/s. Head to a ruby or python meetup, ask if you can jump up for 2 minutes and introduce yourself. There will probably be cofounder speed dating type events in your local area as well.

To pipe up about languages and frameworks, make sure when you build that you are considering Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) so when the time comes you are able to break off the pieces that experience higher load. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service-oriented_architecture

mpd2• 14 years ago

Stipple went with Rails for the sole reason that we were able to iterate and release very quickly in the beginning when I was the only one coding on it, and my expertise is in Ruby and Rails.

We're now heavily Backbone-based on the frontend, however. You should use what you're most comfortable with, as being able to iterate quickly is most important at the start of a project.

As mhd says, the backend is really more important. We're using MySQL, Redis, Cassandra, and a custom Erlang/mnesia based store in ours.

(full disclosure - I'm Stipple's co-founder and CTO)

tevers6• 14 years ago

Thanks! Very insightful! I admire what you and your team have done at stipple and I think it will be huge. With similar aspirations to 'disrupt' an already proven industry away from the norm I am inspired by your progress and feedback! Much success!

mpd2• 14 years ago

thanks!

Ask HN: Best framework for photo heavy web application?

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