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General Discussion

Posted by Jose Linares
Jose Linares
5,062 Points

PHP or Ruby?

Hi, I just wanted to know what's is "better" for a beginner in back-end. Thanks.

3 Answers

Leen Leenaerts
Leen Leenaerts
1,096 Points
Leen Leenaerts
Leen Leenaerts
1,096 Points

If you don't have programming experience at all I would go for a strongly typed language like C#, Java etc. It learns you to think abstract

Jose Linares
Jose Linares
5,062 Points

I do have programming experience with C++ and a little Java too.

Robert Richey
PLUS
Robert Richey
Courses Plus Student 16,352 Points
Robert Richey
Robert Richey
Courses Plus Student 16,352 Points

Hi Jose,

After spending some time with both languages, I can't really recommend one over another. Python is a bit less verbose, but that's just splitting hairs and not a reason to really favor it over PHP. When I glance at job boards from time to time, there still seems to be an overwhelming majority of companies looking for PHP developers - usually using some sort of MVC framework like Laravel or as a WordPress developer.

Personally, I find more joy coding in Python - much the same way as DHH loves using Ruby.

Edit: well, that was a bit of a fail! I misread the question as PHP or Python. With that said, I think you could substitute everwhere I said Python with Ruby and my opinion will remain similar. The only difference being that there may be at least as many or more Ruby careers advertised on job boards as PHP.

Jose Linares
Jose Linares
5,062 Points

haha thanks for the help. PS: It was not a fail at all. :)

Will Macleod
PLUS
Will Macleod
Courses Plus Student 18,780 Points
Will Macleod
Will Macleod
Courses Plus Student 18,780 Points

I am personally going down the path of learning PHP 1st and then once Ive mastered that I will go on to learn ruby. I spoke to a software engineer that has over 25+ years experience in the field and it will be less confusing for your mind if you transition from PHP into Ruby. I could not remember the exact reasoning so I'm sorry but its what feels right

Jose Linares
Jose Linares
5,062 Points

Thanks Will. That's what I've decided to do.