[Zope] How good is Zope?

[Casey Duncan]

On Thursday 18 October 2001 07:44 am, Greg Conway allegedly wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I've just stumbled across Zope looking for a platform I can develop
> web-based Db apps under, and having worked through the first couple of
> chapters and the tutorial it's all looking pretty rosy so far...

Welcome.

>
> I have previously set up some small web-based Db's using PHP4 and MySQL,
> but need something where several developers can work on one project in an
> organised fashion, so Zope seems to provide in an easier-to-use fashion. I
> notice from the help files that Zope bills itself as an alternative to PHP
> - can I integrate PHP into it or do I not need it if we have Python?

No, you don't need PHP. You have Python, DTML and Page Templates (among 
others) to take its place.

>
> I've never programmed in Python, but it seems fairly straightforward and
> not too removed from other scripting languges.

Python is the easiest and most productive language I have used thus far. It 
is very easy to read as well as write, making it easier to learn about how 
Zope works by reading the code.

>
> My question really, I spose, before I dive in and start writing things, is
> how good is Zope? Does it have any obvious limitations? What's the support
> like?

The biggest limitations are its steep learning curve (which is offset by very 
rapid development times and this great community) and quite possibly the 
seemingly unlimited options in the way you can implement things. Of course 
that is a pro to.

> I subscribed to this group about 12 hours ago and seem to have a healthy
> number of messages, so it looks pretty well supported - is this 'cause Zope
> is great, or are you all unfortunate victims that have somehow got locked
> in and now can't get out?!!

I doubt anyone is here that isn't here by choice. There are certainly more 
"popular" systems out there than Zope, though I doubt you will find one with 
the sheer flexibility and power Zope offers (once you get past that learning 
curve).

>
> Anyway, many thanks for any help!
>
> Regards,
>
> Greg Conway.

hope you stick around.

/---------------------------------------------------\
  Casey Duncan, Sr. Web Developer
  National Legal Aid and Defender Association
  c.duncan@nlada.org
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