In response to this LinkedIn question, here's my short answer...

What are the different technologies being used for creating beautiful website? also which is best "PHP", "ASP"? what's the difference?

As a Web Developer, I prefer PHP with MySQL as DB, and Apache on UNIX/LINUX.

I believe a "beautiful website" requires a good Designer who knows XHTML/CSS SOME. In fact, I prefer when a Designer doesn't like coding, as that's a sign that they enjoy design more. However, they still understand how to design with the code in consideration. You should hesitate (and reconsider) if you want to let a print designer design your website.

Page backgrounds, alignment, "the fold," resolutions, color variations, far-too-complex gradients and page footers should never be an afterthought for a good Web Designer. And a wireframe isn't foreign to them, in fact it should be the first mockup they provide.

If you're in a hurry to build a website, and you don't have much of a budget, it's OK to start with a template and modify from there. However, web development is another story...

There's usually a big difference between a good back-end Engineer, and a good front-end developer. With one, you may get a website that runs well, but doesn't match your original design. Lots of details missing. But a good front-end person may match your design exactly, and not know how to apply all the complex hooks for a solid back-end production.

Therefore, for a "beautiful website," I believe you need...

• A "beautiful Designer" (visual/Photoshop).
• A "beautiful Front-end Developer" (XHTML/CSS, knows Photoshop to slice & optimize images).
• A "beautiful Engineer" for the back-end.

...and a very "beautiful Project Manager" to protect them from Marketing and Executive Management who like to change everything, even after sign-off. Someone on the team should know when to say no (politely with reason).