Ask YC: Going to switch to django from asp.net, any advice? | Hacker News Reader

Ask YC: Going to switch to django from asp.net, any advice?

1 pointrksprst6 comments

I'm going to start working on a couple of web apps and have decided to switch to django. I am most comfortable with c#/asp.net and mssql, but have decided to try out django for a couple of reasons:

1. I want to develop on os x and not boot into windows (as I also have a couple iphone apps I've done, and I hate using windows... just a personal preference)

2. Windows server prices are expensive (even something like mosso)

3. I want to learn something new, I'm getting bored with c#/asp.net

So I wanted to ask if you guys have any advice about django or about switching away from asp.net? I guess I want to know if (in your guys' opinion) making the switch is worth it?

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That's a pretty broad question. Rather than talk of switching from asp.net to Django, it's important to just run out and do a few quick and dirty projects to get your feet wet. From there you can make a personal decision about it.

If you're looking to learn new things, instead of just picking up a new framework, I think there is a lot to be said for stringing together your own framework. In that regard, PHP is a really easy way to get started, although the language isn't overwhelmingly gorgeous.

Django does open up some interesting work opportunities, especially it's somewhat over-represented in the small/medium newspaper world.

Thanks, I've never made such a drastic switch so it's great to get some feedback from people who have more experience.

I didn't think that django had much work opportunities, so it's great to hear that. I don't particularly like php (though I've made sites with it) so I'd prefer not to go that route. But building my own framework is a great idea, and the challenge will be much more interesting than learning an existing framework.

Go to straight to App Engine. You can always do Django on top of App Engine, but we've found that GAE already comes with most everything we need in a framework.

learn python?

Is that supposed to be helpful? I think it's pretty obvious that you need to learn python.

You're right, I was being snarky. Sorry. But seemed like an obvious answer. Django is actually a great vehicle for learning python for someone who understands basic web development.

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