I have been hearing a lot about Facebook these days. It has become really popular amongst the developer community after Facebook launched its API for public use. I was interested to explore FB after Ram @ Photon worked on a Facebook App project.
I have still not got hands dirty on the Facebook API. Don’t find the time so far. But I managed to browse the site.
Now why is Facebook better then Orkut.
1.Great and Simple UI
The nice shades of blue mixed with other colors make it really pleasing for the user.
2.More Real Users
Facebook comes with an User Verification feature which lets you verify yourself by supplying your phone no. Orkut is full of spammers and idiots these days.
3.Plenty of features
Since Facebook is was initially targeted at the Student and Professional Community its comes with a lot of features. Groups, Events, Photos , Notes
4.Mark Zuckerberg – 23yr Old Founder
Really admire this guy for making a site real big in no time. FB was founded in just Aug 2005.Started the site while still in college ( Some what similar to my story. Actually I started mine in March and still trying to figure out what I want to do with the website).
This guy has redefined the meaning of Social Networking at least in the Business Context.
5. Developer API
In August 2006, It was the first major social network to give access to its API. Its limited to 100,000 requests per day though.
6. Its built on PHP
I am a PHP fan and Facebook is a brilliant example of what you can do with PHP and prove that its nothing inferior to ASP.Net (Orkut)