I have spent over two years mastering PHP+MYSQL+JQUERY and have been freelancing for a year and three months. Despite having orders and prospects, the negative perception of PHP is becoming a burden. This has led me to consider a switch to another programming language. Should I make the switch, and if so, where should I turn to?



My intuition draws me towards JAVA, rather than PYTHON with its challenging syntax. Given that the C syntax in PHP is similar, it seems logical to transition to a language with a comparable syntax. Additionally, I am inclined towards JAVA due to its reputation as a more robust language compared to PHP's closest competitors.

I am not daunted by the prospect of learning a new language; in fact, I am currently studying English to enhance my programming skills. My goal is to earn $1200+ on odesk by summer and autumn, which I believe will elevate my proficiency as a programmer.

In conclusion, I aim to transition to a new language within half a year and achieve proficiency within a couple of months. While the programming level in Odessa may currently be perceived as basic, I am confident that this transition is achievable. What will be the biggest challenges in switching to a new programming language and how can I effectively overcome them?

Transitioning from PHP to JAVA can indeed be a logical move, given the similarities in syntax between PHP and languages influenced by C. Java, known for its robustness and versatility, offers a compelling alternative for your future projects.
One of the biggest challenges in switching to a new programming language is the learning curve. Each language has its own syntax, rules, and best practices, and it takes time and dedication to become proficient. To overcome this challenge effectively, you can leverage your existing knowledge of PHP and MYSQL as a foundation for learning JAVA. Consider taking online courses, reading relevant books, and engaging in practical coding exercises to familiarize yourself with JAVA's syntax and features.

Another challenge may be adapting to the different ecosystem and tools associated with JAVA development. As a freelancer, it's important to build a strong network of peers and mentors who can provide guidance and support as you navigate the transition. Engage with the JAVA community, participate in forums, and attend meetups or conferences to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the JAVA landscape.

Furthermore, consider working on a small-scale project in JAVA to apply your knowledge in a practical setting. This hands-on experience will not only accelerate your learning but also showcase your proficiency to potential clients or employers.

Regarding your goal of earning $1200+ on platforms like Upwork (formerly oDesk) by a specific timeframe, it's essential to manage your expectations and plan realistically. Building expertise in a new language takes time, and setting achievable milestones will help keep you motivated along the way.
While transitioning to a new programming language presents its challenges, your determination and proactive approach to learning will be key to overcoming them. Embrace the opportunity to expand your skill set, stay connected with the developer community, and remain adaptable as you pursue proficiency in JAVA. Your commitment to continuous improvement is a testament to your dedication as a programmer, and it will undoubtedly contribute to your success in this transition.

I have a skeptical view of most Ruby programmers based on my experiences. I've noticed that many of them also use PHP, and their code quality doesn't differ significantly. However, I do acknowledge the presence of intelligent Ruby developers who don't aggressively promote their language. Similarly, there are proficient PHP programmers who work on simple web applications using Haskell and other languages in their spare time.

I made a personal decision long ago that the programming language itself is not crucial. It's true that sticking solely to PHP has limited benefits. It's important to reach a competent level in at least one platform. Based on your comments, it seems like trying out Java would be beneficial for you. Many of the popular technologies I've encountered for Java possess strong architectural foundations, unlike Yii, which lacks a clear architecture. When your learning process is guided by strict boundaries and standards, you can progress more efficiently. However, tools like Yii make this challenging. Once you understand these best practices and fundamental concepts, transitioning to Java or other platforms will become less daunting. For instance, moving from Java to PHP (assuming you use appropriate frameworks like Symfony2 or Zend2) or to .NET and other platforms becomes relatively smooth.

You could also experiment with Go, Ruby (excluding RoR, known for its dogmatism), JavaScript (knowledge of asynchronous programming languages is valuable), and Python, which is ideal for creating small utilities or daemons. After gaining proficiency in PHP, mastering Java follows a similar path in terms of architectural development capabilities. It seems that you simply lack experience in software development itself.

Regarding the "programmer's depression," it's a common experience unrelated to the specific tools used. Everyone goes through it, and adding some variety to your work can help combat boredom. To address this, I've decided to engage in writing projects in C++ such as audio analysis and classification.

I would suggest that you have the freedom to make your own choices about your career path. It's important to consider which company you want to work for and what level of projects interests you. Take a look at the technologies that these projects are built on.

The options are wide open for you. Apart from the popular languages like Python, Ruby, and Java, there is also the fascinating Scala and the well-established ASP.NET (MVC, Web API, Web Forms).

It's crucial to analyze the demands of the job market. The market itself will provide all the necessary insights. Just keep in mind that a skilled programmer, irrespective of the programming language, has the potential to earn a good salary.

Java's object-oriented nature and C-like syntax will resonate with your current skillset. To overcome challenges, leverage online resources like Oracle's Java tutorials, GitHub projects, and StackOverflow for practical examples. Engage in coding bootcamps or online courses to accelerate learning.
Join Java communities to network and troubleshoot issues. Within six months, you'll be proficient enough to take on Java projects and aim for that $1200+ milestone on Upwork.