When all you have is a hammer, they say, everything looks like a nail. Instead, we give you a look at several language-hammers, so you can make a reasonable decision about when each is the best tool for the job.

You Used Ruby to Write WHAT?!

Deciding when to use any language—including Ruby—depends on the appropriateness to task and the amount of yak shaving necessary. Zed Shaw explains when Ruby's MRI or JRuby is the best language for the job, and when it really isn't.

You Used "X" to Write What?!

You Used Python to Write WHAT?!

Python is a powerful, easy-to-use scripting language suitable for use in the enterprise, although it is not right for absolutely every use. Python expert Martin Aspeli identifies when Python is the right choice, and when another language might be a better option.

You Used JavaScript to Write WHAT?!

The key to understanding when (and when not) to deploy JavaScript has as much to do with the intent of the target application as it does JavaScript itself.

You Used PHP to Write WHAT?!

PHP may be the most popular Web scripting language in the world. But despite a large collection of nails, not every tool is a hammer. So when should it be used, and when would another dynamic programming language be a better choice? We identify its strengths and weaknesses.

You Used Perl to Write WHAT?!

Every programming language has its strengths...and its weaknesses. We identify five tasks for which perl is ideally suited, and four that...well, really, shouldn't you choose something else?