Hello everyone...I am interested in furthering my knowledge in web technologies ...
The question that arose was which direction to pursue next...I had a few options:
- ASP.NET MVC
- Python (Django)
- Ruby on Rails
It's worth mentioning that PHP is not an option for me...
Initially, I was leaning towards ASP.NET MVC since I have been programming in C# for a long time and I have a good understanding of SQL, ORM Entity Framework, and JavaScript. However, I encountered the issue of high costs associated with Windows hosting, as well as the fact that the project itself was developed for Windows. This left me in a state of confusion...what should I learn next?

(On a side note, I recently heard about the upcoming release of ASP.NET vNext designed for Unix systems. Maybe this will solve the hosting problems and potentially bring more opportunities for ASP.NET...but I'm not sure)))
If anyone has faced a similar problem, I would greatly appreciate your advice on what to do next...

It's great to hear that you're interested in furthering your knowledge in web technologies. Choosing the right direction can be challenging, but each option you mentioned has its own merits. Here are some factors to consider:

ASP.NET MVC: Since you already have experience programming in C# and a good understanding of SQL and JavaScript, learning ASP.NET MVC might be a natural progression for you. However, if cost and platform limitations are a concern, it's worth exploring other options.

Python (Django): Python is a popular programming language with a strong community and a wide range of libraries and frameworks. Django, in particular, is a powerful web framework that follows the model-view-controller (MVC) architectural pattern. It might be a good choice if you're looking for a more lightweight and cost-effective solution.

Ruby on Rails: Ruby on Rails is known for its simplicity and ease of use. If you're interested in rapid development and convention over configuration, this framework may suit your needs. However, keep in mind that the job market for Ruby on Rails might not be as large as that for ASP.NET or Python.

Considering your background and concerns, I would suggest exploring Python (Django) as a potential option. It has a thriving community, excellent dоcumentation, and a lower hosting cost compared to Windows-based platforms. Additionally, Python is a versatile language that can be used for a wide variety of projects beyond web development.

Regarding the upcoming release of ASP.NET vNext for Unix systems, it's definitely worth keeping an eye on. It might address some of the limitations you've encountered with traditional ASP.NET hosting, and could potentially open up new opportunities for the framework.

additional information that might help you in making your decision:

ASP.NET MVC:
- If you have a strong background in C# and are comfortable with the Microsoft ecosystem, ASP.NET MVC can be a great choice. It offers a robust framework for building scalable and maintainable web applications.
- Keep in mind that while Windows hosting can be costly, there are also many affordable hosting options available, including cloud-based services like Azure. Additionally, if the project you mentioned was developed for Windows, it might be easier to work with and make use of existing code and infrastructure.

Python (Django):
- Python is known for its readability and simplicity, making it a popular choice for web development.
- Django follows the "batteries included" philosophy, meaning it comes with many built-in features and a strong ORM, which can simplify development and reduce the need for third-party libraries.
- Python has a large and active community, which means you'll have access to extensive dоcumentation, tutorials, and support resources.

Ruby on Rails:
- Ruby on Rails is an opinionated framework that emphasizes convention over configuration, allowing developers to focus on building the application rather than setting up boilerplate code.
- Rails follows the MVC architectural pattern, providing a structured approach to development.
- While the job market might not be as large compared to ASP.NET or Python, there are still plenty of opportunities available, particularly for startups and small to medium-sized projects.

Try out each of the languages mentioned and develop a basic project, such as a to-do list, in each one sequentially. Dedicate 3-7 days for each iteration, allowing yourself enough time to assess whether you enjoy using the language or not.
Within a month, you will have formed a definitive opinion on which language you prefer to write in and the reasons behind your choice. Should you find that none of the languages appeal to you, don't hesitate to reach out to us again, and we'll brainstorm alternative options.

I have a great interest in writing on ASP.NET MVC and find it enjoyable. However, from a financial and professional perspective, it presents some challenges. The job market for ASP.NET MVC is limited, with only a few available vacancies. Freelancing is also a viable option, but it requires a certain level of expertise to be successful.

In the future, my goal is to work on developing large-scale web applications that can handle high loads. But before diving into such projects, I understand the importance of starting somewhere and gaining practical experience.

Nonetheless, it's essential to remember that passion and enjoyment should always come first when choosing a career path.

You're wise to consider the hosting costs and platform limitations of ASP.NET MVC. Given your C# and JavaScript background, you're already well-equipped to tackle ASP.NET MVC.

If you're looking to expand your horizons, I'd recommend exploring Python with Django or Ruby on Rails. Both frameworks offer a robust and scalable way to build web applications, and their communities are renowned for their agility and innovation.

As for ASP.NET vNext, while it's an exciting development, it's still in its early stages, and its adoption rate remains to be seen. It's essential to keep an eye on its progress, but for now, it's unclear whether it will solve the hosting issues you're facing.

ASP.NET MVC is a Microsoft framework that uses the Model-View-Controller pattern for scalable web applications. Django is a Python-based framework that promotes rapid development with built-in tools like authentication and an admin panel. Ruby on Rails, built on Ruby, follows Convention over Configuration (CoC) and Don't Repeat Yourself (DRY) principles for efficient, maintainable code. Each framework excels in different areas, with ASP.NET suited for enterprise, Django for security and speed, and Ruby on Rails for rapid prototyping.