I have been contemplating the idea for a while, and now I think I'm ready to start building a web app. Unfortunately, I have no idea where to start. However, based on the number of '<i>Show HN: Look at the web app I built this weekend...</i>' posts on here, I know there are many people who have experience with building them.<p>A little background: I know some basic Java and am going to continue learning it this year through AP CompSci. I've worked with HTML and CSS, but have only been exposed to Javascript a few times. I have also tried building some Java web apps with Google App Engine, but it seems to take a while to get started.<p>My goal is to build a few web apps in between now and next summer. I would like it to improve my programming, whether that be with Java or some other web based programming/scripting language that I would have to learn. At the same time, I hope to end up with some fun results that could be shared with friends and added to my resume/portfolio.<p>What I've just described is of course what everybody wants. But I am willing to dedicate time and effort to get things done. I am also not afraid to learn a new language, if that what turns out to be best option.<p>Now what I'm looking for is a easy-to-learn platform that I can use to build dynamic web apps on. Preferably one that I could learn from and, at the same time, produce quick results.<p>From what I've heard, PHP might be the best when it comes to web apps. However, I'm not exactly sure how easy it is to learn. I know there are some hip and new extensions to JavaScript, such as Node.js and Backbone.js. Then there is Ruby on Rails, Ajax, etc. And since I already know Java, might I as well try the Play framework (which people seem to like)? Yet there are so many frameworks/platforms out there - how do you choose which one to learn and use for your weekend projects?<p>It'd be great if I could get some feedback on which platforms to use and any tutorials to go along with it. Thanks in advance!