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I am stuck over deciding whether to concentrate on php/mysql or java.. am a starter and Ive learned that I have to chose a language to which I would exert my effort to familiarize. I do not know the demand for it neither, just need to know which is the best step for a starter like me. Thanks in advance for your kind input. no offense intended.

flag	asked Feb 1 at 23:24 wannabee 23●2

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As mentioned in some of the answers given, state your objectives in your question. Please rephrase it such that it will be obvious in the title. – Nikki Erwin Ramirez Feb 2 at 9:03

bobsantos · Accepted Answer · 2010-02-06 20:38:32Z UTC

PHP is primarily used for developing web applications so if you plan on creating desktop or mobile applications this would not be the right choice for you. Java is used mainly for developing enterprise applications like financial software as paul_sns may it be a desktop, mobile or web application.
If you want a lesser learning curve go for PHP but be prepared to have at least above average skill in web design since most probably you'll be doing designs at some point in your career.
If you want more career options and job opportunity as Kerwin said go for Java. You can be a desktop applications developer, web developer, mobile developer, etc. You can also leverage your Java knowledge to use other languages(JVM languages) such as Groovy, Scala and Clojure.

As for myself, it would not hurt to know both but I suggest taking the Java path first as it will give you a better grasp on common programming constructs which leypascua mentioned cause if you learn PHP first there is a greater probability of you learning bad programming practices(IMHO) as you go along.

paul_sns · Answer 2 · 2010-02-02 00:08:48Z UTC

It would help if you can share with us what your end goals are.

If you are thinking of creating a web application, and you want it fast, try PHP (or RoR).
If you eventually want to develop mainstream apps like banking/financial software, go with Java. There are lots of available free tutorials like those in javapassion.com. One advantage with Java is you can leverage your knowledge of the language to develop Android applications.

Of course, these are just generalizations. Some may argue that you can also create webapps with very little time using Java and Grails. And one can also develop financial software using Ruby/PHP. What I mentioned above are the common trends at the moment in the industry.

quigonjan · Answer 3 · 2010-02-08 12:51:13Z UTC

at the current trend, its not about what language you have mastered, but how you can adapt to the ever changing technologies. what is in-demand now would likely be obsolete 2 to 3 years in the future (look what happened to vb6).

my suggestion, go for java.. learn OOP, the frameworks, the underlying technologies (especially of webapps), and the best practices. It will just then a breeze learning php as it is way simpler than java.

leypascua · Answer 4 · 2010-02-02 00:50:24Z UTC

It depends on what kind of company (or startup) you want to work for/on.

When I was in college, I was forced to study at least three different languages (even if the demand for it is not that high in the Philippines) in one trimester. Bottom line is, you shouldn't restrict yourself to one language, since demands in the industry are quickly changing.

Your skill in another language may help you solve problems that you are facing using a different language.

I say you learn at least one dynamically-typed language (PHP, Ruby, Python or even Smalltalk) and one statically-typed language (Java, C#, C/C++).

You should also focus more time on studying basic programming constructs, data structures, object-oriented programming and memory management. Knowing these concepts by heart will help you learn most programming languages that are out there.

Kerwin · Answer 5 · 2010-02-02 03:44:49Z UTC

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I suggest learn Java. It's widely used and you will have a lot of options in your career with this as your starting point.

answered Feb 2 at 3:44

Kerwin
339●2

crossroads..php or java

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