I assume you mean "write" stuff instead of "compile". If you're going to compile something into an executable you're talking about C.
If you're looking to write some sort of application for the web you're most likely talking about PERL as your best choice. It just works well with *nix. PERL and PHP don't compile they're interpreted languages.
I run a variety of PERL applications that work wonderfully. PERL is probably the most popular with people working with web servers and there are a ton of modules for just about every imaginable idea. You had best have total access to your servers if you're going to use PERL so that you can install any and all modules. If you're working through some paid hosting with limited access to your machines then consider PHP. Its much more portable on the whole.
http://www.cpan.org