<Full-Disclosure> I am a hardcore C/C++ programmer by trade, but of course I don't write my websites as compiled CGI applications. I am not a granddad! and I've been known to dabble with other languages including everything from FPGA's to the abortion known as Node.js </Full-Disclosure>
So you want to to clone Etsy?, or some other famous .COM site.
Essentially you have two choices:
1).
Outsource the development - If you have money, and a good idea about exactly what you want. It makes sense to outsource it, 10 guys in working on it from India will complete it far quicker than you working on your own from your mothers basement. However you will have to invest *alot* of time making sure they are delivering exactly what you asked them - you must be very prescriptive with your specifications and design work. I have personal experience working with both near-shore and far-shore outsourcing with mixed results. If you are not particularly adept at programming and have some capital to spare - get someone else to develop it for you.
2).
Build it yourself - While this is a very noble choice, you have to be very pragmatic and self-critical about your own skills. There is no point investing your time/money in a half-assed effort that fails 3 months down the line. You have to be committed, and prepared to do whatever it takes to succeed. Your use of language and words like "wondering", "could work" suggests that you are lacking some of the commitment/direction. Don't panic, this is ok, you are in unfamiliar ground and us as entrepreneurs have all been there!
I was wondering if you could suggest me a language to develop a site like etsy.com. Or even a CMS that could work.
So ikstob, what should I do?
I would persuade anyone to outsource where they can, leave a professional to do it. There is actually another reason I suggest this, in order to outsource the development you are forced to write-down
what you want, and how it should work ... this is more than half the battle for any software project. Without a clear set of directions or requirements you will go nowhere, and not very fast.
Going through this process will get you thinking about your idea in a bigger scale. How will it work? How will I get people onboard? Where does the revenue come from? Who are my competitors?
9 times out of 10, your "OMG BEST IDEA EVUR" just won't stack up, you will save yourself a bunch of time and money and move on to the next thing...
But wait, what about the language I should use?
In programming circles there is a mantra, "use the right tool for the right job". While you could develop your website in x86 assembly language, Node.js, Ruby, Java, Scala or the latest
fashionable language of the week. When it comes to
sustainability of your project, go with the flow ..
PHP frameworks like Laravel (
laravel.com) have transformed the use of PHP from "lol I wouldn't touch that with yours" into an (almost) respectable language. Better yet just about everyone from Creatives, Designers through to hardcore Code Warriors have written or are at least familiar with PHP .. you will find many more developers, and cheaper.
Best of luck, keep us all posted on your progress!!