Thread

Hi all

  How good is a career in PHP as compared to others like java, dot net etc. ?

I think you can’t compare php with java or .net. Php is meant to be a website specific language while most other languages are all purpose languages. So in the long run it’s better to learn more than just php.

Difficult question, I agree with xwero that just focusing on PHP can limit your market value.
Having said that, getting webdevelopers with sufficient experience is challanging to say the least. I would pay good money to get another decent webdeveloper. But webdeveloping is not just PHP. It’s mucht more, just think about javascript, (x)HTML, css, design structures and patterns etc.

Another thing to consider is that a good developer can develop in any language, giving the time to learn it.

Another thing to bear in mind, is the “not putting all your eggs in one basket” argument. If all you know is PHP and that then loses its popularity (can’t see that happening any time soon) then you might find it harder to get a decent job (the only ones remaining will be maintaining legacy code)

Also, if you do choose to persue a career in PHP, make sure you remember how to do stuff in raw PHP instead of using CI for everything, as in some cases, you might not be able to use CI (although a quick google should refresh your memory)

I was hired as a Web Developer, primarily PHP. Daily in my job I use the standard stuff: XHTML, PHP, MySQL, CSS; but, I am also expected to be very flexible. My particular office is a catch-all for all sorts of development - if we don’t have someone that does it, then we learn how and we do it. So, I do a lot of Python scripts (primarily for maintenance functions), ODBC connectors, bridges between various applications, etc.

Pay wise - I can’t complain one bit. I make $17k more than the average developer in this area. My benefits are excellent (health, vision, dental, 401K with 100% company matching, 100% Tuition Assistance, local sporting event tickets, company events). Overall - I’m very happy.

Some tips, as others have said - don’t limit yourself to just PHP. If you don’t have a degree, get a B.S. in Computer Science, don’t limit yourself to a specialized degree in Information Technology, Web Development, or Game Development. Employers want to know you have the experience to do the job today and the foundation to mold into the job of tomorrow.

Stay current on the leading technologies. One of the best selling points during my interview was the fact that I discussed technologies before my supervisor could ask me about them. I mentioned SVN, jQuery, PHP, Python, Ruby, MySQL, PostgreSQL and SQLite while discussing my past work and personal projects. Those 2-3 sentences answered all of the technological questions he had, without him having to ask them.

Agreed. For me, the PHP world has always been an online freelance area, but not saying I didn’t chase after a few opportunities that were PHP driven on an actual employer basis.  I just didn’t land the job. However, I am currently a Cold Fusion Developer for the OSU Medical Center. My favorite web languages are PHP and Cold Fusion, however I wouldn’t stop short of Java [Servlet Pages]. Our shop, however, may be getting switched over to ASP.net and even though to my much dismay, would be a great opportunity for me. I live in Columbus, Oh, and we are a Microsoft city in and out, so this will make even more ‘sell-able’.

Hi all

  How good is a career in PHP as compared to others like java, dot net etc. ?

It depends entirely on what you want to do as a job. If you want to be a programmer, PHP should be just one of the many many tools you use to ‘get the job done’. I would advice you to at least learn 2 or 3 other languages, both for your own personal benefit as well as your CV.

Unfortunately PHP still has the stigma attached to it, that it’s an hobbyist language. Most enterprise level web applications are still associated with either the .Net platform or Java. It’s no wonder PHP programmers earn less money overall than programmers in other fields. On the up side, more and more companies see the added value of PHP as a frontend language. A lot of high profile, high traffic websites use PHP so it has proven it’s worth as a scalable (mostly frontend) solution.

This is all obviously thinking from an enterprise point of view.

Yeah it’s right.

In Singapore, most of the companies are looking for ASP.NET of Java based Language. I only know about PHP, because most of my time for doing web design and templating. I am seeking job in Singapore for PHP but I found the salary a bit lower than others.

So what are the suggestions, which is better to learn, ASP.NET or Java?

Go for java. I see a lot of companies moving away from .NET and migrating to another language. Java is still growing.

There will always be web applications at least everybody agrees on that.If you make a web application in php or python,it really don’t matter.If it works you are in business.With the latest trends,java always wants to be associated with something huge(more of brand association),i even read an article that there is a php/java framework for java developers.

Again we all agree that java is bulky and we come full circle,“IF IT WORKS,YOU ARE IN BUSINESS”,period.