Choosing a framework to build a social network website
I’m preparing to build a social networking website, and I’m trying to decide between several frameworks, such as Drupal (possibly Commons), Elgg, Social Engine, Pinax to name a few.

The desired features are:

• Rapid development of initial prototype social networking website with minimal coding required (in a few days or maybe a week, say)

• Control to eventually customize few key components of the website (code about 5% of functionality from scratch)

I have a reasonable background in Python/Django and no experience with PHP, but I’m willing to learn PHP if I need to, since most of the tools (Drupal, Elgg, etc.) are written in PHP.

I’ve done a lot of Google searching, but haven’t found a definitive answer. It also seems that these platforms have evolved a lot over the last couple of years.

Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on these platforms based on my comments above?

Thanks very much in advance!
Scott
Choosing a framework to build a social network website
===

I’m preparing to build a social networking website, and I’m trying to decide between several frameworks, such as Drupal (possibly Commons), Elgg, Social Engine, Pinax to name a few.

The desired features are:

• Rapid development of initial prototype social networking website with minimal coding required (in a few days or maybe a week, say)

• Control to eventually customize few key components of the website (code about 5% of functionality from scratch)

I have a reasonable background in Python/Django and no experience with PHP, but I’m willing to learn PHP if I need to, since most of the tools (Drupal, Elgg, etc.) are written in PHP.

I’ve done a lot of Google searching, but haven’t found a definitive answer. It also seems that these platforms have evolved a lot over the last couple of years.

Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on these platforms based on my comments above?

Thanks very much in advance!
Scott