Not Sure What Language Makes The Most Sense

I have no programming experience. I've been writing HTML for the last decade and worked loosely with web related languages like XML, CSS, PHP, and Javascript. Note that I cannot write anything in any of these. I've successfully modify existing code only and even then such modifications were generally minor.

I want to create a website that will have a member registry that will include names, addresses, personal details, and numerous other fields. Eventually there will be tens of thousands of people within it. I'd like to create a simpler form of MySpace for users to create their own small websites within the community which would include custom backgrounds, wiki's, blogs, and several "user friendly" submission systems for things like news, journal entries, wiki entries, etc... I assume this will require a database and that is something I know nothing about. I've worked with them in the past when I installed and ran phpBB forums but all of the hard work was pretty much taken care of by the installer.

Other than this website I do not plan on "programming" anything. If I can avoid learning multiple languages to accomplish this I would like to. This is definitely a situation where I would like to take the path of least resistance. I'm just not sure what that route is. C# and ASP? Java? CSS and XML? I am willing to put in the time but would like to avoid wasting time wherever possible. What would be the best route to go? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

I would recommend PHP. Your post gives me the impression that you were modifying a bit of PHP code. Personally, I use Java for almost all my web applications. Very recently I used PHP for a small webapp for fun. It's not very difficult to learn IMO.

Good luck with your website.

I have successfully modified quite a bit of PHP code in the past. PHP cannot handle the database stuff though can it? No way really getting around learning SQL is there?

PHP can handle databases about the same way as any other high-level language can. You can start with this PHP tutorial to get an idea. There are several books available too. I also find forums a good way to learn a language. You can visit the PHP forum here and check the sticky threads for learning resources.

Learning SQL is something you may not be able to avoid. You can learn the basic SQL syntax and post questions in the appropriate database forum for a better understanding.

I agree with Annie. However, in your initial post you mentioned wiki and RSS - if you are going to offer it, you should consider AJAX - you can bone up on XML and AJAX here. Good luck.

- Mark