Wave Report

The Forrester Wave™: Dynamic Programming Languages, Q3 2007

Python Is An All-Purpose Leader; PHP And Perl Are Popular Options

August 16th, 2007
Jeffrey Hammond, null
Jeffrey Hammond
MG
Michael Goulde
With contributors:
Mike Gilpin , John Rymer , Katie Smillie

Summary

Forrester evaluated leading dynamic programming languages across 90 criteria and found that Python, PHP, and Perl have established leadership, thanks to their dynamic programming language capabilities and breadth of focus. Python represents the best combination of features, breadth of applicability, and strong community. PHP also had strong functionality and community but tends to be used for fewer types of applications. Perl has somewhat less functionality than Python or PHP but is also widely used and has a strong community. ECMAScript is a standard that has been implemented in several vendors' products, including JavaScript in Mozilla and JScript in Internet Explorer. It is a Leader, but it is typically used for building Web pages, and although it has good features for accomplishing that purpose, it is seldom used for other purposes. Ruby is also a Strong Performer with solid functionality and wide applicability, but because of its relative newness, it has a smaller, though enthusiastic, following.

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