As a beginner in web development, my aim is to continuously incorporate the most current and advanced technologies into my work.



After gaining proficiency in basic layout techniques, I became interested in learning one of the "server-side" languages. Now, I am faced with the decision between PHP and Ruby. Considering I plan on freelancing, I would greatly appreciate your recommendation on which language to choose.

Although I have no prior experience with web development, I do have a background in Flash and some C-like languages. Additionally, I possess a basic understanding of Python, with no intention of pursuing Django.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Both PHP and Ruby are popular choices for server-side web development, and both have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, I can offer some insights to help you make an informed decision.

PHP is widely used in the industry and has a large ecosystem with vast dоcumentation and resources available. It is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a good choice for beginners. It has strong support for database interactions and is commonly used in content management systems like WordPress. If you plan on freelancing, PHP's popularity could give you an advantage in finding clients and projects.

On the other hand, Ruby has gained popularity due to its elegant syntax and focus on developer happiness. It promotes a coding style that emphasizes readability and maintainability. Ruby on Rails, a popular web framework built with Ruby, is known for its productivity and convention-over-configuration approach. If you prioritize clean and concise code, and value the development experience, Ruby might be a good fit for you.

Considering your background in C-like languages, both PHP and Ruby should feel somewhat familiar to you. Python's influence can be seen in both languages as well, particularly in Ruby's design philosophy. If you have a basic understanding of Python, it might be easier for you to grasp Ruby's syntax and concepts compared to PHP.

Ultimately, I would recommend starting with PHP if you prioritize widespread industry usage and a larger community. Its popularity and extensive resources make it easier to find support and jobs. However, if you value elegance and developer happiness, and are willing to invest time in learning a new language and framework, then exploring Ruby and Ruby on Rails might be a more fulfilling choice for you.

Here are some additional factors to consider when deciding between PHP and Ruby for web development:

1. Performance: PHP is known for its performance, especially when it comes to handling a large number of concurrent requests. On the other hand, Ruby can be slower compared to PHP, although this difference can often be mitigated by using caching and optimization techniques.

2. Community and Ecosystem: PHP has a massive community and a wealth of resources available, including extensive dоcumentation, forums, and libraries. There is a wide range of existing projects and frameworks built with PHP, making it easier to find code examples and solutions to common problems. Ruby also has an active community, although it may be smaller in size compared to PHP. Ruby on Rails, in particular, has a strong and supportive community with many gems (libraries) available to enhance your development process.

3. Job Opportunities: As mentioned before, PHP's widespread usage means there are generally more job opportunities available for PHP developers. However, the demand for Ruby developers, especially those skilled in Ruby on Rails, has been growing steadily over the years.

4. Project Requirements: Consider the specific requirements of the projects you plan to work on. If you anticipate working on projects that require content management systems (CMS) or e-commerce platforms, PHP may be a better fit due to its prevalence in those areas. On the other hand, if you are interested in building web applications with a focus on developer productivity and maintainability, Ruby and Ruby on Rails might be the better choice.

5. Personal Preference: Lastly, consider your own preferences. Which language resonates with you more? What kind of development experience are you looking for? Try experimenting with both languages to see which one feels more comfortable and enjoyable for you to work with.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your goals, the type of projects you want to work on, and your personal preferences. Both PHP and Ruby have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it is worth considering these factors before making a final decision.

Each option has its own benefits. Whichever one you choose, make sure to stay updated with the latest information. Based on my knowledge of PHP, I can say that many online resources are outdated and give a false impression of a language that is continuously evolving. It becomes increasingly enjoyable to work with each new version.

To get started, you can examine the syntax and explore a few Open Source projects, such as different engines. Begin with what you find most appealing and straightforward; you can always switch to another option if needed.

In the realm of technology, there isn't a fixed set of "actual" and "latest" technologies. Instead, various tools exist that can be more or less suitable for specific tasks. It's important to note that the web can be developed using Java, .NET, or even bash, although it is advisable to focus on mastering the fundamentals of programming rather than constantly chasing after new technologies.

Another crucial decision to make is whether to pursue freelance work or prioritize further studying. Relying solely on clients to fund your learning journey may not be the most ideal approach.

Given its widespread usage, particularly in smaller projects, PHP is often preferred over Ruby. However, if you are interested in learning Ruby, it generally offers a more streamlined and less confusing coding experience (with fewer "WTF" moments per second). Comparatively, Ruby on Rails (RoR) can be better compared to frameworks like Symfony2 rather than PHP alone. Therefore, it might be advantageous to study with a focus on the top PHP frameworks.

Regardless of the chosen path, it is highly recommended to continuously explore and remain open to discovering the best elements across various technologies. By staying informed and adaptable, you can leverage the strengths of different technologies to enhance your skills and deliver optimal solutions.