Which language should I use?

Question

I'm about to produce a prototype for a technology startup that I've just joined, and I'm trying to decide which language to use. It's going to be a simple web tool with a MySQL database in the background and some AI stuff going on in between. I've used Ruby and PHP a reasonable amount in the past, but wonder whether I might be better off going with Python or even Perl. My main programming experience is with C / C++ / Java, but I feel like I want to go for something that will make my life as easy as possible since I'm just developing a prototype.

I guess what I'm looking for is:

• speed of development
• existing AI libraries (e.g. SVMs, neural networks, Bayesian classifiers)
• ease of interacting with a web interface

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Answer 1

Given that its not a simple CRUD app, Java might be a good option. Take a look at Grails ( http://grails.org/ ) it offers much of the scaffolding and code generation that a framework like rails does, but offers seamless integration with any other Java library or framework out there.

Answer 2

Something that manages memory for you. They claim it is the technology change that gives the biggest boost in productivity. I think pound-for-pound c# is incredibly hard to beat.