I wouldn't say PHP has no future. It is one of the most popular and widely used server-side scripting language.
As for whether it is a programming language, it all depends on what's your definition of a programming language.
Traditional programming language (eg C++) requires compiler to make the source files into object files, and linker to link all the object files and libraries into executable. Scripting languages work differently, as in they require some interpreter or preprocessor to parse them, but no compiler or linker involved. In a way, scripting languages are more limited in their usage, but I wouldn't say they are bullshit.
ITs really hard to say which one will be more useful for a job. C++ would be a more difficult language for most people though, and if you only know C++ for console application programming, the opportunities are very limited.
Your question is really too vague. And from your question, I guess you do not have much programming foundation. So why you wanna start doing something that is relatively complicated?
I agree. If you want to make apps with GUI, VB will get you some shiny output faster then C++. But I would personally recommend Python if you want lot's of ouput fast and simple
I don't know Python so I can't really give any recommendation on that. In fact, I don't really code in VB, I am more on C/C++/VC++.
Firstly what do you want to develope? Do you need only client-side coding, or do you also need server-side coding?
If you want to create simple website with no database interaction, you can learn html, javascript, css. If you require some database interaction, you would need to do server-side coding, which I would recommend php and mysql.
It actually depends on what you actually want or foresee yourself in your career path. From your degrees, it seemed that you are more suitable for an R&D job. But I believed your knowledege in algorithms would also be helpful if you are to apply for a software engineer post.
I was faced with a similar dilemma of choosing an R&D or software developer career path when I first graduated 8 years ago. In the end, I decided that I have a deeper passion in creating useful software than pure R&D. So it actually depends on what you really want.
I believe you can get visual studio .Net express edition free also. I seem to have the installation CD lying around my desk.
Anyway, u need to know what u wanna develop first. For web server side application, u can use php, asp, ruby on rails, etc. For desktop application, u can use C/C++, VC++, VB, Java, Delphi, etc. I think VB would be an easier language for a beginner.
