[cdwb77]

I'm in a Web Applications Development program at my school, and a Web site Design program, which shares many of the same required classes, but allows me to take more graphics and animation classes. I'm not really sure what I want to do when I finish, but I want to learn the most useful skills for the widest range of jobs out there. So far, I've completed an XHTML/CSS class, and a Javascript class. I plan on taking a class covering SQL next semester.

I will most likely take PHP and Java classes, but if I could only take one, which one should I take?
And if I do take both PHP and Java, which should I learn first?




Thanks in advance for your input.

[Hadean Fall]

Java, just sayin

[Ryano121]

We get this kind of question all of the time. The short answer? It really doesn't matter.

If you want to go into web design, then PHP would probably be the best choice. On the other hand if you want to get into more general software development, then perhaps Java would be better.

It really depends on what YOU want to do, not us. Which syntax do you like the look of? What features do you like more? It's more of the experience of learning a new language and actually writing stuff rather than a specific language.

A lot of the time you don't get to use the language you want in industry all of the time to do everything, so you have to learn new ones in a short period of time.

Good luck.

[macosxnerd101]

Take both. Each has their uses, as Ryano121 described. Java classes focus a lot on OOP, as Java is a strictly OO language. This helps a lot with organizing your PHP projects, using OOP. In PHP classes, OOP (no pun intended) isn't hit on as hard as it should be, imo. Both have similar syntax has well, so learning one will help you learn the other.

[AMZDeCoder]

Java is a strong programming language, and is very extensive to learn. Also has applications in mobile programming.

PHP is simpler to learn, I have a book titled Learn PHP in 24 hours. Can mail it across to you, if you need it.

Java would set a strong foundation for you, PHP can be learn t easily later on.

[cdwb77]

Thank you.
The Java syntax is a bit intimidating to look at for me, where the PHP syntax looks more easily comprehensible. I agree that Java is probably the better foundation, but I'm having to study pretty hard just to grasp Javascript in the semester I'm in now, so I may not be ready to dive right into a much more complex language.
Isn't PHP used in mobile programming also?

[jon.kiparsky]

You're on a web path. Do PHP, it'll integrate will with what you've already done. Give it a year, then start in on Java.

[Redalin]

You could go either way, but I'd do Java. Once you learn it, everything else is easy to catch onto.