WebDNA allows the developer to build a wide range of applications, from basic form-to-email to highly sophisticated database-driven intranet sites. While it is not a framework like Ruby on Rails, WebDNA replaces multiple instructions with a single one, allowing the developer to code as much as 3 times faster than with php or asp. WebDNA's flexibility translates to a very small set of instructions required to build virtually any type of server side application. Because WebDNA uses the English language and familiar tag structure, basic HTML is the only background needed, making it ideal for the web designer or webmaster to create dynamic sites without relying on outside programming help.. An unlimited number of ultrafast databases can reside within your site hierarchy. There is no need to use MySQL, Microsoft SQL or PostGres at all, but if you want to, you can.. Writing to and searching through a WebDNA database is integrated into the language itself so that variables are immediately available, using one single syntax. You do not need to learn PHP syntax and MySQL syntax. One single WebDNA command does it all.. WebDNA can interact with Flash, Applets, JavaScript, Ajax, and many other client-side processors to create the perfect client-to-server balance. It will also integrate with any payment gateways and other web services, such as shipping rate quotes, whether object (Java) driven or form driven. WebDNA is a "play nice with others" application.. Whether you need to build a dynamic ecommerce website, web applications, or just password protect a file, WebDNA will allow you to do it much faster and more easily than with any other traditional tools.
Even though I have a core interest in WebDNA, I'm not going to deflate the validity of PHP. It is a daily warrior of server-side programming, and it is the most widely used solution. Also, if you know C++ or Java/Javascript, you already have a head start with PHP.. though you still need to learn the intricacies of the language and the (custom) function libs etc.. which takes years really.
I've been a PHP list member for years now, and what I see **weekly** there is question after question on the smallest/easiest of things. For example, there is currently a 40+ posting thread that started with the question:
"I am having difficulties figuring out how enter retrieved data into a dropdown box for editing."
My gosh, with WebDNA you do this stuff without even thinking now, don't you?... well, most of us at least.
There was recently another thread that was about submitting form input and then trying to loop through the input to do stuff with it on the next page... There were 10's of various answers each with a significant amount of code involved... I just really wanted to say:
[formvariables..][/formvariables]!
Like I said, I see proof/examples of this stuff weekly.
So, my point (and conclusion) is, there are a lot of installations of PHP out there.. but most of them are drones. ...Perhaps someone achieved the ability to make a pre-built forum work, or perhaps PHP was enabled to get some other pre-built app/function working.. but *most* of the PHP installations are like this.. no custom stuff, just enacted to make a pre-built thing work... or maybe just enacted for no reason. ;-)
People who buy and install WebDNA, use WebDNA.
What hanging around the PHP forum tells me is that we (as a WebDNA base group) are operating, relatively, in a higher plane than PHP'ers in regards to
"end result". In other words, the ratio of 'accomplishment' to 'number of users' is astronomically higher with our community than with the PHP community.
Having said this, I know there are some amazing PHP users out there who are creating cutting edge stuff (and more power to them).. but I'll also bet the top tier is not that large.
What PHP has that WebDNA does not have is a multitude of options.. API's, Pre-Built Apps, Custom (Open Source) functions libs/classes to do about anything you need.
(though, I would wager that it takes just about as much time to build an API in WebDNA as it does to install a pre-built API in PHP in many cases. ;-) )
WebDNA was created from the start for the web. It is intuitive, especially to new users. (I like the word 'elegant' too, as someone else expressed). It is simple and to the point, yet offers depth when needed.
My favorite thing to say about WebDNA is that it is a "catalyst for creativity and innovation".
Great language!
fhontas
Pros
I was worrying about having to learn a new language, after years and years of using the same development tools. I like the RAM-based database: runs much faster than usual HD-based ones.
Cons
Half of my team developes with Windows. 6.2 Win of WebDNA not available, yet, according to a recent press release.
Summary
Powerful web delopment language
frankramirez22
Pros
Allows to build virtually any web appli in hours instead of days. Great support and useful talk list.
Cons
No windows version. I have to use a linux preprod server. I would love to use my PC.
Summary
This soft is known for years by a small group of webdesigners zealots who do not want to share their secret :-) seriously, it is a real language, elegant and powerful, and it does not require specific programming knowledge. html understanding is enough to build database-driven websites. It is a lot like XML and easier to learn than javascript. I would define myself as a designer but i built applications with WebDNA that a fellow php programmer still doesn't believe i did it by myself. Used to be an expensive product, but it seems to be fixed now.