Quickest way from zero to REST api?

[Extrude Ragu]

One common task for scripted systems is to store and access data in an external database.

In the past used Java Servlets and MySQL on a linux machine, but it just feels like such a long and tedious development process with so many gotcha's that I could just never recommend it to anyone who wanted to do this kind of thing for this reason.

What combination of database and web technology do you find quickest to get from zero to working prototype on?

 

[animats]

Probably either PHP or node.js. PHP is available on most low-end hosting services. Pick very strong passwords; PHP sites are under constant attack by mindless bots trying all the standard attacks.

I use Python and Go, but those are more complicated.