Should I learn Java or PHP?

[bo0ga]

I have an option to take an independent study next semester related to websites. I basically teach myself a programming language of my choice for the semester, and do a project for my professor at the end. He suggested either advanced java or php. I asked him which would help me get the quicker job with the most money. He said php would get me the quicker job, and java would get me the most money. Note - I have already taken a basic java class, so this would be a more advanced class.

What do you suggest I take? Or should I take any other languages?

[baig772]

if you have already taken java classes, then you should learn java, but market is all about Php, java is highly paid but with very less job market.
where as Php have a huge job market

[bo0ga]

So I guess my professor got it right .. so you'd go with the language that pays higher but it's harder to find a job?

[baig772]

hmmm no
i will go woth the language with high job market

[rotten69]

Both of them are FANTASTIC Languages. If you're developing highly dynamic websites, then PHP is your primary choice(NOTE that I'm not saying you can't develop websites in java , but java is a little harder than PHP to get your head around.) Each of them has its own use. Java is mostly used for developing applications. Do a bit of research and see what suits you most.

I'm learning both and finding PHP a lot easier than JAVA. it's just a personal opinion.

If you need any website or anything to get you started, then all you have to do is to give us a yell ;p...

Good luck, buddy.

[baig772]

same here
i have read 2 courses of java but now working in Php, php is much more easier and FASTER then Java :)

[rotten69]

i have read 2 courses of java but now working in Php, php is much more easier and FASTER then Java

Absolutely!

[rotten69]

You can achieve a lot of things by using PHP within a short period of time, whereas Java takes so much time if you're starting to program in it. Of course, there are some exceptions(Pro Java programmers).

[baig772]

and there is no such extra ordinary thing in java which is not present in Php

[bo0ga]

Thanks for the replies. Another quick question. Is PHP necessary if a person is to use a content management system such as Wordpress/Joomla? I kind of see HTML unncessary to learn for example since programs generate the HTML for you .. can the same be said for PHP?

[baig772]

hmm basic knowledge of php is required. but extensive knowledge of CMS is required

[baig772]

you can learn these popular CMS from lynda's tutorials
http://www.lynda.com/WordPress-2-5-tutorials/wordpress-com-2-5-essential-training/601-2.html

[baig772]

http://www.lynda.com/WordPress-2-5-tutorials/wordpress-com-2-5-essential-training/601-2.html
basic knowledge of Php is required. and to know how a CMS works,
i have provided a link to the tutorials of wordpress

[rotten69]

Yes, Content management systems are implemented using PHP for example, Drupal.

[stultuske]

depends on what you are looking for.
don't just go for "quicker and better earning"
there are always those jobs in Java that are:
1. Quickly gained, lousy paid
2. Not quickly gained, very well paid
3. Not quickly gained and lousy paid
4. Quickly gained and very well paid

but, afaik, the same applies to php.

do you want pure and only to work on webapplications?do you also want to be able to write desktop app's? take a look at the possibilities that both languages offer, and choose the one that's closest to your interests.

[peter_budo]

if you have already taken java classes, then you should learn java, but market is all about Php, java is highly paid but with very less job market.
where as Php have a huge job market

Irrelevant as it is dependent on your geo-location

Both of them are FANTASTIC Languages. If you're developing highly dynamic websites, then PHP is your primary choice(NOTE that I'm not saying you can't develop websites in java , but java is a little harder than PHP to get your head around.) Each of them has its own use. Java is mostly used for developing applications. Do a bit of research and see what suits you most.

I'm learning both and finding PHP a lot easier than JAVA. it's just a personal opinion.

If you need any website or anything to get you started, then all you have to do is to give us a yell ;p...

Good luck, buddy.

You couldn't be more mistaken. There is a number of Java frameworks that let you build dynamic websites and have direct support of Ajax/jQuery. Did you ever tried Wicket or Tapestry?

[rotten69]

You couldn't be more mistaken. There is a number of Java frameworks that let you build dynamic websites and have direct support of Ajax/jQuery. Did you ever tried Wicket or Tapestry?

No, I have not tried any Java framework for web development. There are also frameworks called Spring and struts to add to the list you had.

[peter_budo]

No, I have not tried any Java framework for web development. There are also frameworks called Spring and struts to add to the list you had.

There are many frameworks, but I included the one I consider more flexible. Spring MVC is just big monster which beginners may have problem to conquer (given that you need to get first grasp of Spring core before you can attempt anything else), Struts doesn't look too bad, but I still believe Wicket is more simpler then Struts

[rotten69]

Oh well, thanks for the info on Java frameworks.

[Tofayel]

PHP is most popular. So at first you should learn PHP and when you want to be a specialist then go for more.

[peter_budo]

PHP is most popular. So at first you should learn PHP and when you want to be a specialist then go for more.

Depends on what you based your popularity... Given your posting history I'm not surprised over your comment.

[sufyan2011]

if you have already taken java classes, then you should learn java, but market is all about Php, java is highly paid but with very less job market.
where as Php have a huge job market

Baig, whats the situation of IT job over there? There are lot of PHP job in Pak but don't know about Java. Does any company currently working in Java project?

[stoopkid]

If you can pick up PHP or Java, you can learn HTML in a matter of hours. Today is not about knowing 1 language, but being comfortable with multiple ones.

I'm 25 with a History degree and make just under 100k programming PHP/MySQL/HTML/CSS and a little Java/AJAX/jQuery. No stupid Comp Sci degree, no certifications.

Money wise, learn .NET/ASP and you will seriously bank. Understand the ins and outs of programming with Microsoft's Sharepoint is highly lucrative.

Thanks for the replies. Another quick question. Is PHP necessary if a person is to use a content management system such as Wordpress/Joomla? I kind of see HTML unncessary to learn for example since programs generate the HTML for you .. can the same be said for PHP?

[Phaelax]

It's not really a matter which is better, but which one will land you the better job. You'll probably make more money as a JSP developer(which is what I used to do) than PHP, as I see more professional companies using Java over PHP. Companies still have a problem using free or open-source.

If taking classes, I'd go with Java because PHP will be a lot easier to learn on your own as their are more resources online for it. Never hurts to study both.

[baig772]

Baig, whats the situation of IT job over there? There are lot of PHP job in Pak but don't know about Java. Does any company currently working in Java project?

IT market is very good in Pak. many companies are working in both JAVA and Php. but Php has more job market than JAVA in Pak. but companies working in Java atleast have job security :|

[peter_budo]

Given that original poster account is registered for US how does helps him what is on demand in Pakistan? Besides he didn't bother to comment on this for last 7 days, so no blood on carpet for no reason....

[Mehmaan]

~!~ Should I learn Java or PHP? ~!~

My Suggestion is for you: If you are Going to Learn Java, then whynot PHP. Means, you should Learn both.

If Arfa Kareem Can Get I.T Certified Professional Degree from Microsoft Company, then you can Learn Boths.

But If you are talking about Programming or Language wise, so JAVA is better than PHP.
If you are talking about Market Demand, then PHP is better than Java.