PHP Frameworks vs Ruby On Rails vs etc

[npsken]

I am trying to understand the differences of different web technologies under load (as in lots of users visiting the site).

My basic understanding so far is that every visit to a php site creates a new instance in memory that must be managed by the server, while with Ruby on Rails (or Java) each visit is managed in a new thread with much less overhead.

Can somebody tell me if my understanding is correct and / or help expand my understanding?

 

[Schmide]

They both set up a virtual environment. Only one instance of the PHP or Ruby on Rails/Java system is loaded in memory; however, each unique environment (user/browser/cron) is given its own allocated space. You really cannot make the assumption you are making, their relative load is relatively equal.

 

[npsken]

Thanks for clearing that up for me.