Ask HN: Need help determining how to build my project

[xs]

I'd like to create something similar to a family tree online app (like geni.com). I'm unsure what languages I should use to build it with. My IT strong points aren't in programming and this project is going to require me to sit down and learn some languages. My problem right now is that I don't know what languages I should use.

So with the idea of a family tree online app in mind here are some of the specifications. - I do not want to use flash. - The app needs to be zoomable and scrollable (sort of like google maps) - The app needs to be able to add content without reloading the page. Perhaps there's a little "+" sign and when I click it, I can add a tag/title/description/picture - The app needs to be able to save your work for that user to retrieve later on. - The layout that a user is able to create in is sort of widget based where the user can add a new bubble and then in that bubble they are able to add text or content.

I started programming this with HTML5 canvas and Javascript, but I'm stuck on creating a connection to the database that isn't directly from Javascript (because that seems very insecure to me). But I'm not just stumped on how to interact securely with the database, but also I'm concerned that I won't be able to build out the app with just javascript and may need something else like ajax or something but I'm unfamiliar with what each language does now.

[LarryA]

Well to do stuff like Google maps does, you have to use javascript as a lot of the magic you want involves AJAX technologies. Sorry to say its probably something that going to take you at least a year to learn well enough to do it yourself. You need to partner up with someone into web development (especially AJAX) to get it going any quicker.

[petervandijck]

You're clearly in over your head, it's clear from your question that you don't even understand what you're asking.

If you really want to learn yourself, break down the questions into smaller questions, and then ask them at stackoverflow.

Alternatively, if you really want to get this built, hire someone or get someone to work with you.

[Sadranyc]

I think this question would be more appropiate in http://stackoverflow.com than here. Your doubts are pretty technical for the scope of this community.