Ask HN: What framework to use for side project.
Hi guys, So I'm thinking of starting a web application in my spare time as a side venture. Also using the experience to learn something new. I am a c#/java developer so I have experience with j2ee, mvc 4, and even play framework. But I was looking for something thats new/popular. I was thinking of using ruby on rails as I have heard some good things. But it seems to be going out of favour/security risks arising. Then I hear all these new things like node.js meteor and the likes. I dont want to use javascript as my server side code. Using it on the client side is enough :D. Thanks.
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Premise: You are not familiar with ruby. My suggestion is that use RoR instead of Sinatra because Sinatra is extremely minimal (hence you will have to make lots of decisions initially). But if you go the RoR route, you would understand the usual way of ruby coding.
Then, once comfortable (which would take atleast 6 months), you can shift to sinatra (if you still feel the need).
I think, as some others have said, it's best to ship ASAP by going with what you know.
...BUT, If you're really just looking for something new, and you already know play, why not scala?
Why not try Javascript or C? I'd try AngularJS/EmberJS/Meteor or built something on my own using epoll.
Try Sinatra: http://www.sinatrarb.com
You'd be better off using what you know and shipping as soon as possible.