Choosing a framework to build a social network website

Question

I’m preparing to build a social networking website, and I’m trying to decide between several frameworks or CMS systems, 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 week or two, say)

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

• Support for: profile (picture, self description, etc.), forum, messaging, friending

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

Answer 1

"Social networking website" is a wide project ! Create it in one week seems to be an heresy...

Please indicate wich type of features are needed, an idea of the number of users... Without specifications it will be difficult to help you.

Anyway, don't make a muddle between real frameworks and CMS projects. In PHP, the main fashion frameworks are ZEND or Symfony for MVC strong development.

Answer 2

If minimal coding and rapid deployment are required, check out the Ning platform (though it's not free, it is cheap and will have you up in hours).

Answer 3

Take a look at BuddyPress for Wordpress. You can set it up (or even build a prototype) in hours, with minimal to no coding.