Which language should a beginner start with?

BlueCat · #1 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 10:16 AM

Hi everyone,
Looking for your opinion on what programming language to start learning first. I have HTML and CSS experience. I feel comfortable with it and want to move on to programming. I realize this might be determined by my host, site purpose, goals for future enhancements for a site...etc. What I see out there is a lot of Java Script and PHP. Would those be good to dive into? Also, is it a good idea to mix the two in the site or stick with one or the other?

Thanks for your input.

TechieGuy · #2 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 10:31 AM

Javascript and PHP are two different scripting languages.

Javascript is executed on the client's web browser to provide a more dynamic feel to the page.

PHP, on the other hand, is execute on the server, before the web page is sent to the client's browser.

You can mix the two together, and many sites do this. I suggest you learn PHP if you want to get your feet wet with scripting, since it is used extensively. It is more detailed than Javascript, but it should provide with a good base of knowledge with which to work.

Nora · #3 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 10:46 AM

I think PHP is the best next language to dive into. It's extremely powerful and once you understand it, you'll be able to create much better scripts to suit your website's needs. Javascript is useful too, especially Ajax but what are beautiful effects without a solid back-end?

mbalrog6 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 01:30 PM

The question is what are you wanting to achieve?

I would suggest JavaScript first as it is syntactically similar to PHP as it is a C base syntax. It does not require you to have a host that will run PHP. It can be tested simply and will be needed on dynamic web pages anyways and the concepts are similar.

PHP is a server side scripting language and is most useful when used in conjunction with SQL databases whether that is MSSql, MySql, etc... You would need to learn SQL with PHP to make it really useful.

My suggestion is JavaScript first, as it will make learning PHP easier, and you will need to pickup SQL with PHP anyways for most of your application / websites.

I suggest you look at Douglas Crawford Yahoo videos to get a good idea of how JavaScript is used and what it is capable of.

To learn PHP I would suggest this website http://tuxradar.com/practicalphp

hthought · #5 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 03:58 PM

PHP definately. It is a good way to learn dynamic programming and will lead you to the basics about website creation. Also take a look at mysql and smarty because you will sooner or later need both.

James · #6 (**permalink**) 09-03-2009, 06:46 PM

I am not enough of an expert to tell you from my personal perspective, but I read an interesting bit of research you might be interested in.

I was surprised personally because I had seen so many references to javascript and seen it in so many sites, but a study of professional webmasters showed that the vast majority (I think it may have been as much as 80% but I really can't remember for sure) learned php before they learned javascript.

Could it be that learning php first enhances your potential for success? Take it for meaning whatever you want, but it was an interesting study.

Hanratty · #7 (**permalink**) 09-04-2009, 02:25 PM

dot net or PHP with my Sql is the best choice...

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claire0917 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-05-2009, 01:51 AM

You can build a site without Javascript.. Javascript is mainly used for enhancing user experience..

If you want to create a site right away, I suggest you learn php first.

uptown47 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 05:24 AM

Definitely php.

The route I went down (through necessity when I made my first website, not through choice) was:
HTML
PERL
PHP
SQL
JAVASCRIPT
CSS

and then recently a very tiny tincy-wincy miniscule bit of ActionScript (although I'm hoping to learn some more of this in the coming months).

I found PERL excellent for server-side stuff but much too bloated for talking to databases. That's why I switched. I found I could do everything in php that I could do in perl but it was also easy to talk to db's in php.

As the fine folk on here have already pointed out, Jscript is just for tarting things up a bit, not knowing it isn't going to stop you doing anything.

Good luck with your learning...

On a side note, I bought a book called something like Learning php in 21 days and it was a great help to me... can't remember who it was by now and I don't think I've still got it but I'm sure you'll find it if you do a search.

McKnight · #10 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 05:29 AM

My vote is HTML then CSS then PHP.

sequencehosting · #11 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 06:21 AM

I don't have much knowledge on this but my opinion is based on what I have read here.

PHP seems to be the next step for the majority of people. Im also starting to move into PHP now (not very far yet).

I think PHP is an amazing language and can do so much for your website. Javascript can also do some amazing things. I feel if you learn PHP your site will come to life!

BreLove · #12 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McKnight

My vote is HTML then CSS then PHP.

That's how I'm doing it and I don't feel in over my head....yet!

Kind of a level of difficulty thing: HTML-easy concept

, CSS-a little more challenging concept

, PHP-no idea yet

.

BlueCat · #13 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 08:41 AM

You guys are the best - Thanks so much for your replies. If I could ask/discuss a little more on this topic and get your input I would be so grateful.

I'm getting the hint that programming languages have been evolving and growing in recent years and there seems to be no slowing down. I recently read of a new type of PHP called QiPHP. Does anyone know how this compares to plain old PHP?

Also, as someone who is totally green to all the languages how would explain to a noob where to put your head, in an abstract way, when getting into this. For example "read the syntax like you are reading directions when driving in your car."

BreLove · #14 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueCat

Also, as someone who is totally green to all the languages how would explain to a noob where to put your head, in an abstract way, when getting into this. For example "read the syntax like you are reading directions when driving in your car."

for me, it's more like "get behind the wheel and drive". When using W3Schools.com, HTMLdog.com and even Lisa's YouTube tutorials, it's best to open your own Notepad page and practice along. On W3Schools you can practice on the examples within the page.

James · #15 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 04:11 PM

QiPHP is not a new type of php, it is a new "framework" for using php. You can read about frameworks here:

http://www.noupe.com/php/discussing-php-frameworks.html

In a sentence, frameworks are sort of like a combination of an editor and using templates or libraries of code snippets for writing your php code. Before jumping into stuff like that, even though it may seem to make it easy or quicker to set up a form/database or whatever, it is probably best to learn the basics of php first (a good place is tizag.com).

Zend, symfony, and CakePHP are three that are widely used. Quite a few seem to think that CakePHP is the best; Zend seems to be the most popular and best known, however.

Personally, I suspect that unless you know quite a bit about php and have time to learn what amounts to a whole new program it is best not to go with a framework. For most of us operating on a small scale it is just as easy to seek out and insert individual pieces of code as we need them for specific needs. If you are a developer putting out lots of code that would be different. A real pro on the forum might have a better view but that is my thinking.

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