Creating a Social Networking Website in PHP

Question

What's the best PHP Social Networking Framework (opensource) ASAP (Working prototype in 4 hours!)? I'm looking at something that can handle profiles, where each profile can make multiple posts, and each post can be rated by the community?

I'm looking at BuddyPress with WP MU? Is it possible? Should I go with CakePHP or CodeIgniter? Any Plugins?

Thanks a lot for your feedback.

Answer 1

Check out Elgg – it seems to be exactly what you want.

Answer 2

I think if you are looking at creating a website with such a strict deadline, you'd be better off trying to use a pre-built CMS such as Joomla, Drupal, or a host of other ones out there that are PHP. Most (if not all) are open source meaning you can do development on your own to expand or modify the functionality.

Answer 3

Not in PHP, but if you need that with such short deadline you can get a social networking site ready for free with Django and Pinax (Python).

Answer 4

I have looked at both, BuddyPress seems to have more off the shelf plugins as it is in it's self a plugin of wordpress. buddypress seems a little eaiser to develop for when it comes to db than elgg.

Answer 5

cakephp or elgg.