I think one of the biggest problems when you get into these debates about PHP vs Ruby/Python is that they are always comparing stock PHP with RoR or Django. When you compare Rails to Cake or one of the other highly popular frameworks out there for PHP then that language closes the gap.
Yes, PHP still has issues, especially with function naming conventions, but it still fascinates me to no end to see PHP bashed mindlessly when if you compared it to the language without the framework you might see a different picture.
Come on guys, wake up and smell the coffee. Every language has its own set of issue, and it has its own set of strengths. If it was about the best, we never would have moved passed languages like Perl and C, both of which I like. I know and use several languages, including PHP, and usually enjoy using each of them when I do.
Oh, and there are several really good (and cheap) hosting providers out there who support PHP, Ruby and Python all on the same setup with no additional charge.
PHP is easier to get into because you don't need a framework to do anything. Ruby and Python both require these, but to take PHP up to the same level as Ruby and Python when they are used with these frameworks, then you have to use a framework as well. At that point, 90% of peoples issues with the language are rendered moot.
Oh, and there are several really good (and cheap) hosting providers out there who support PHP, Ruby and Python all on the same setup with no additional charge.
PHP is easier to get into because you don't need a framework to do anything. Ruby and Python both require these, but to take PHP up to the same level as Ruby and Python when they are used with these frameworks, then you have to use a framework as well. At that point, 90% of peoples issues with the language are rendered moot.