These are general words that don't have concrete definitions in the sense that you seem to be driving at. Both are used when some large "thing" is divided into smaller "things". There's no rule that a section is 1/10 of the whole while a part is 1/20 of the whole or any such.

Note that while "part" can be used generally to mean a subdivision, it also has the more specific meaning of a discrete mechanical component within a larger assembly. Like we routinely refer to "car parts" meaning spark plugs, oil filters, alternators, etc. But then these parts can often be broken down into yet smaller parts. Like an alternator may have a rotor, a stator, an armature, mounting bolts, etc. So in the case of a mechanical device, I'd avoid using "part" in the more generic sense. Like I'd say "the front section of a car" rather than "the front part of a car".

It's not necessarily true that a section is smaller than a part. If you said, "For this discussion, we will divide the nation into three major sections, and each of those sections into several parts", I can't imagine that anyone would find that confusing on the grounds that parts should be divided into sections and not vice versa. Divide things up as is convenient in context.

What is the difference between "section" and "part"?
I have been using PHP for a number of years now and have found it to be (relatively) well documented, easy to work with, to setup and to use.

One of its main advantages is its capablility of working, without many modifications, similarly on a Windows or *nix platforms.

It also has good support for connecting to Microsoft SQL Servers, in particular 2005 + 2008 through the mssql module + ntwdblib.dll or FreeTDS.

That being said, the more time I spend developing PHP, the more I feel the need to pick up another scripting language to broaden my skill set and to develop better web-based applications.

Because of this I've spent some time exploring alternative scripting languages in an effort to evaluate their suitability.

At present the biggest hurdle I have come accross is support provided by recent versions of the Open Source scripting languages, specifically: Python 3.2.2, Ruby 1.9.2, Node 0.5.7 for the Windows OS (WinXP in my case) and Microsoft SQL Server (2005 + 2008).

My existing working environ necessitates the requirement for connecting to a MSSQL database.

I'm looking for answers from developers who have experience working with either Python, Ruby or Node.js and using them to interacting with a MS SQL Server.

What would be your recommended Open Source scripting language which has good support for MS SQL Server.

Ideas welcome.

-P.
