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Jeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsPython or PHP?
I want to be able to build blogs and online stores and feel that PHP would be my best choice, but I feel I am not giving credit to Python as much as I should. So I am looking for advice before I spend several hundred or thousands of hours learning a language just to face my fear of wishing I learned the other.
I did a little research and I know I am comparing apples to oranges. Some have good sides and others have bad sides.
Thanks for your input in advance!
4 Answers
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,860 PointsIn my personal opinion, I have done the basics of both Python (and Flask) and PHP. Myself, I am much more drawn to PHP. I'm really not sure why, I just seem to understand and grasp it much easier than Python.
If I were you, I would do the PHP Development Track and see if you like it. Then do the Learn Python Track.
Once you've done both, you, yourself, will be much more able to make the decision on which route you want to focus on. Each of these track doesn't take more than a week or two (with minimal to moderate study), and you should be able to feel which one is for you.
Like I said, I've done both... I'm definitely a PHP person.
:)
jason chan
31,009 PointsPython and php are both good languages. One is not more difficult than the other. You can apply the concepts to both except there is few nuances.
Python doesn't have case/switch. Yeah when I found out coming from php and javascript. I was like ¯_(⊙︿⊙)_/¯
Jeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsSo would learning both at least later on be redundant? I know it wouldn't hurt to learn both but, if they do the same thing wouldn't it just be a waste of time?
Codin - Codesmite
8,600 PointsDepends what your end goal is, for example if you are looking to get a job, the better of the two languages for getting a job is going to depend on your location.
For example here in London if I go to a job website there will be:
40,000 PHP Developer jobs advertised
4000 Python jobs advertised
So the obvious choice would be PHP right?
Unfortunately no, on that same website based in London there is 250,000 PHP Developers registered looking for jobs, and only 6000 Python Developers so essentially it is easier to get a job as a Python Developer here in London.
Personally I am a PHP developer that dabbles in Python every now and again, the market for PHP developers here in London is so saturated I decided to go freelance and start my own business instead.
Kevin Korte
28,149 PointsI'm curious if you're at this fork in the road, why aren't you considering Ruby too?
Jeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsI actually wanted to learn Ruby but after doing a little research I found that Python and PHP were more commonly used. So I figured that it would be more difficult to get a job.
Kevin Korte
28,149 PointsFair enough, that's a good reason to to pick your language. Around me it tends to be the other way. Not much python, more ruby opportunities.
Will say this, it gets easier to learn a new language, with each language you learn, generally speaking.
Jeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsSo if I did want to learn all 3 languages how long would you, yourself spend on learning them until you felt comfortable?
Kevin Korte
28,149 PointsMan, that's a tough question. The first language probably the better part of a year, language two and three probably at least 6 months. But that answer is a bit like throwing darts at a dart board, blind.
Jeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsAlright, just coming into this I am just trying to get a idea of what to expect. Thank you!
Jeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsJeremy Coleman
5,449 PointsI have done PHP but I have trouble remembering the Syntax, although to be fair I have not been very consistent with it. I'll give it another go. Thank you!