Choosing the right framework

[Carsten Gehling]

Oh how often this subject may come up...

The thing is, I've come to the decision of abandoning PHP as much as
possible (old projects still remain...), and use Python for all purposes.
Reason: One language to fit it all (instead of having one language for
webprogramming, one for batches, etc...)

I stand now at the point where I must choose a framework for my web
application development. I've skimmed a few: mod_python, pso and Zope.
However, I cannot decide on which to choose.

I've read descriptions and comments on
http://www.python.org/cgi-bin/moinmoin/WebProgramming to get other's
opinions. The user comments are sparse though, so I've decided to ask here.

I like the ideas behind Zope. For instance the "long running process"
feature that improve performance and retain scripts between requests, among
other things. I do not, however, like the design of the management
interface, it would not appeal to my customers. I'm not yet knowledgable
enough about Zope, to know if this can be changed. Anyone who can elaborate?
(MaxM don't answer "Plone"... ;-)

mod_python seems the choice, if I want the feature of retaining scripts in
memory between requests and want to write my own managemen interface. I
don't know, if it allows for application variables (variables shared
globally between sessions).

pso looks like the framework that is easiest to deploy. If run under
mod_python, it also retains scripts in memory, but does it allow for the
aforementioned application variables? And does the performance match up
compared to mod_python and Zope?

It'll probably be run behind an Apache httpd server, so I guess Twisted is
out of the question.

What is your preferred framework? And why?

To those who would ask "What do you want to do with it", the answer is:
General purpose web application development. Porting (enhancing) of my
existing CMS (built in PHP - it's badly in need of a rewrite, so the time is
right for changing to Python).

I am to start on a new web project in the beginning of next week, and I
would like to use this opportunity to make the switch from PHP to Python.
Which is why I ask and don't just spend 2+ more weeks to dig further into
the above mentioned frameworks before making the decision.

- Carsten