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Posted by Andreas Fischer
Andreas Fischer
8,256 Points

Don't know on which path to focus. Any tips?

Hi everyone!

I have the following "dilemma":

I watched the great course by Paul Boag about setting up a web design business (https://teamtreehouse.com/library/how-to-run-a-web-design-business). Now, I have an idea for a business and a niche that exists but doesn't get targeted exclusively where I live. The best way to serve the future clients would definitely be a CMS like wordpress. Now I looked into wordpress and its customization and to me it seems like it's basically a lot of php.

Now here is the problem: I'm currently studying heavily the trifecta of web development (HTML, CSS, JS) but not php and now I don't know whether I should focus on HTML/CSS/JS or php/wordpress. I don't want to interrupt my progress in HTML/CSS/JS because it's in a lot of demand and also quite fun! But on the other hand I want to provide my potential customers a good service by knowing wordpress.

I'm a bit stuck here and any advice is highly appreciated!

2 Answers

Victor Ruiz
Victor Ruiz
16,570 Points
Victor Ruiz
Victor Ruiz
16,570 Points

Hi Andreas,

I would suggest taking in a few tracks to help you decide what you like to do. Html Css and JS are still use in wordpress development, so the basics wont be forgotten. Php might seem a bit difficult at first but just remember how you started learning html and css. You pick it up relatively quick. So no worries just see what you like more.

Good Luck Coding!

Andreas Fischer
Andreas Fischer
8,256 Points

Hi Victor,

thanks for the heads up. I'll stick to HTML/CSS/JS now and then learn about PHP. And you are right, a few months ago I had no clue about HTML/CSS or JS and now I've already put together two sites with them. Time flies... :-)

Shawn Denham
seal-mask
PLUS
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Shawn Denham
Python Development Techdegree Student 17,802 Points
Shawn Denham
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree
Shawn Denham
Python Development Techdegree Student 17,802 Points

I will answer you question with a question :)

How comfortable are you with the trifecta? There is always more learn in all 3, but do you feel you have a pretty firm grasp on them? (would you rate yourself at least a 4-5 out of 10 on all three?)

If the answer is yes I would recommend you start down the php/Wordpress track since you are talking about your business here.

If the answer is no I would stay with studying the "trifecta" until you are comfortable with it since your Wordpress design business is going to rely really heavy on your understanding html/css for sure.

Hope that helps!

Andreas Fischer
Andreas Fischer
8,256 Points

Hi Shawn,

thanks for the input!

I feel quite comfortable with HTML and CSS, JS still needs a lot of work. I will follow your recommendation and learn more about those three first, especially JS, and then work my way into WP.