I'm thinking of developing a website that basically acts as a simple marketplace for ppl to put postings to sell their stuff (similar to Craigslist). However, I am not familiar with much programming, especially web-based (I only know very very beginner-level Java). What language is best used, then, for such sites to manage various aspects, such as the database of the posts, the anonymous contact mechanism that Craigslist has, etc? A side note, how does Craigslist earn money? I still haven't been able to figure that out Thanks!
Just about any web-scripting language can be used to make a site like craigslist. PHP, ASP, ColdFusion, Ruby on Rails. All that's required is the ability to make use of a database and a bit of programming knowledge to be able to write code to do what you want. If you're familiar with JAVA, you may want to try the OOP route and make use of RubyOnRails, ASP .NET, or PHP's OOP functionality. Craigslist makes money?!
oic. I was thinking of learning PHP since it seems to be the most popular one (easier to get help, more references, etc.). About Craigslist, if I recall correctly, I think the ads posted in certain areas (such as New York) require a nominal fee. What kind of advertising would be best for such sites then? The one I have in mind is a CPM-based rather than CPC
I just looked it up. They charge a fee for job ads. Anyway, another idea for generating revenue would be to offer premium and featured listings.
have you thought about using an open source classifieds program instead of building one from scratch?
http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Programming/Languages/PHP/Scripts/Classified_Ads/ these should be a good start. also i think there's one called noah classifieds in Fantastico