Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

General Discussion

Posted by Jonthue Michel
Jonthue Michel
1,462 Points

PHP vs Java!!

Their has been a lot of talk about those two & I just wanted to know your take on the matter. I know its better for a developer to have many tools (programming languages) in your tool belt. But which one could be the one that will sit higher or so in the programming industry between those two?

3 Answers

Konrad Pilch
Konrad Pilch
2,435 Points
Konrad Pilch
Konrad Pilch
2,435 Points

Im not sure, but i believe , if your looking on job, kind of the same, although i think Java could be worth a lil more.

Every programming is better for other things. PHP is for webistes only , server side. Java we could say its for apps like mobile or desktorp etc..

I see Java more for applications and PHP is full database stuff.. i believe Ruby on Rails are taking of PHP anyways. Though u have WordPress that have 20% of the web which is in PHP. So here you go . Each is for different purpose.

Jonthue Michel
Jonthue Michel
1,462 Points

This argument between Java and php basically tells me that some of the things php does Java can do as well. Other ppl was point out that enterprises and larger companies use a Java CMS rather then the ordinary CMS in php.

Jonthue Michel
Jonthue Michel
1,462 Points

Yeah, I see that Java does gave a little more. I'll do both but go heavy on Java then.

Anthony Martinez
Anthony Martinez
13,111 Points
Anthony Martinez
Anthony Martinez
13,111 Points

Both are great choices. PHP seems to more common with backend web development/frontend web development. PHP seems overall more closely associated with desktop programming.

Java seems to be all over the place: desktop, mobile applications (through Android). Both languages have a rich and diverse ecosystem and I don't know which is more prevalent/better. Personal choice!

Konrad Pilch
Konrad Pilch
2,435 Points

From what i know, there isnt a better choice Java vs PHP.

Its like comparing Python vs C. u know what i mean ?

Nd great description : D i had that thought lol better wording xd

Ken Alger
STAFF
Ken Alger
Treehouse Teacher
Ken Alger
Ken Alger
Treehouse Teacher

Jonthue;

My first question would be, what specific area of development are you looking at pursuing? PHP and Java both have their places and jobs abound with knowledge in both, but a blanket question about should I choose PHP or Java without context is like asking which is better a Chevy 1 ton truck or a Ferrari 488 Spider. They are both transportation vehicles and while they can serve the same purpose, I would argue that they are not designed for the same purpose.

Konrad Pilch mentioned that PHP is for "full database stuff." Java is awesome at database stuff as well and can be utilized for web development, mobile development, embedded devices, etc. PHP is indeed great for web development as well and things like WordPress are PHP based. Again, choosing a language often comes down to which language is best for the application, more than how can I make a language do X, Y, and Z.

Post back if you would like more discussion.

Happy coding,

Ken