As a novice web developer who currently knows html5 and css3 (less) and wishes to learn a new YAP, I am presented with the dilemma of choosing which one to focus on first. The options before me are PHP, JavaScript, or Python+Django.

My ultimate goal is to create unique websites on a freelance basis utilizing a ready-made CMS such as WordPress. With this in mind, which YAP would be the most profitable to learn first in order to begin earning income as soon as possible?

Additionally, given my current skillset and familiarity with php syntax, it would make sense to choose a language that builds upon that knowledge and makes for an easier learning experience.

If you have any recommendations for practical books on these languages with a web focus, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Stage 1. Tactical.
To begin earning money quickly, it is recommended to start with PHP. Once you have learned the basics, move on to studying the intricacies of WordPress. Not only will you create layouts, but you will also write plugins which will increase earnings.



Stage 2. Strategic.
After mastering PHP at the level of an average programmer and having some experience in creating Wordpress plugins, it's time to think strategically. Python + Django is the next step to take. Once you have the fundamental knowledge of the language, launch your own projects.

Although it may not bring in revenue immediately, someday you may wake up as the owner of a super-mega startup that will bring in millions of dollars. There is a ray of hope for such a reversal. It is important to note that the startup will likely be on Python rather than PHP due to its capabilities and advantages. In any case, think long-term and invest in your skills.

If you want to learn web development, you should focus on three main tools: Python+Django and JavaScript. Python is easy to learn, especially if you read Lutz's book. Django is also straightforward - just refer to the official documentation. However, JavaScript can be tricky due to its poorly typed nature, so you'll need to learn continuously and pay attention to common pitfalls. Additionally, you should have a basic understanding of web page layout by reading Vlad Merzhevich's book.

It's also essential to study SQL, which is quite simple once you get started. I recommend starting with Martin Grabber's "Understanding SQL" book, then moving on to PostgreSQL tutorials. Once you've covered these basics, you'll be ready to start building your projects!

Why bother with Python and Django if you're planning on building websites using WP, etc.? You can easily obtain the necessary PHP database by building a few sites on WP with the help of Google and manuals. Mastering Benken's book should be sufficient for integrating server-side programming into your workflow.

For frontend work, JS is essential, but knowledge of jQuery is enough to get started quickly. You can use the library without fully understanding the language, but it's still worth diving deeper into JS later on.

If you decide to read books, make sure to do all the examples and type them out yourself rather than copying code from somewhere else. It will be helpful in the long run to think critically about the examples and try to solve problems on your own.

Experience is key and there are only a few books that can truly give you a quick start. Don't forget to continue learning and deepening your knowledge of PHP and databases.

Make sure you have a solid grasp of HTML5 and CSS3 before moving on to more advanced features. Gradually decide whether you want to focus on frontend or backend development instead of trying to do everything at once.

Once you've mastered the basics, consider exploring Python as a potential option for your projects. While you could abandon PHP altogether, it may be beneficial to start with what you know and gradually expand your skill set.

Web development is an exciting field that involves creating websites and web applications for the internet. If you're new to web development, this beginner's guide will provide you with a roadmap to get started. Here are the key steps to becoming a web developer:

Learn the Basics:

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language): Start by understanding HTML, which is the standard markup language used for creating web pages. It defines the structure and content of a webpage.
CSS (Cascading Style Sheets): Learn CSS, which is used to add style and formatting to web pages. It controls the layout, colors, fonts, and other visual aspects of a website.
JavaScript: Gain a basic understanding of JavaScript, a programming language that enables interactivity and dynamic elements on web pages.
Front-End Development:

Build Responsive Layouts: Learn about responsive web design, which ensures that websites adapt and display correctly on different devices and screen sizes.
Frameworks and Libraries: Explore popular front-end frameworks and libraries like Bootstrap, Foundation, or React. These tools provide pre-built components and simplify web development.
Version Control: Understand version control systems like Git, which help you manage and track changes to your codebase.
Back-End Development:

Server-Side Programming: Familiarize yourself with server-side programming languages like Python, PHP, or Node.js. These languages handle the logic and functionality of web applications.
Databases: Learn about databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB. Databases allow you to store and retrieve data for your web applications.
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Understand how to integrate with external APIs to fetch data or provide services from other platforms.
Full-Stack Development:

Combine Front-End and Back-End: Expand your knowledge to become a full-stack developer, which involves working on both the client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end) of web applications.
Frameworks and Tools: Explore full-stack frameworks like Django (Python), Ruby on Rails (Ruby), or MEAN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, Node.js) to streamline your development process.

That's great to hear that you're interested in expanding your web development skills! Considering your goal of creating unique websites using a ready-made CMS like WordPress, I would suggest focusing on JavaScript as your next programming language.

JavaScript is widely used in web development and is essential for creating interactive and dynamic websites. It will allow you to enhance the user experience by adding interactivity, form validation, and even building complex web applications. With JavaScript, you'll have the flexibility to create custom functionalities and make websites more engaging.

Once you have a good grasp of JavaScript, you can easily integrate it with WordPress by leveraging plugins and themes. This will give you the ability to customize WordPress websites according to your clients' requirements, which is a valuable skill in the freelance market.

Of course, it's worth mentioning that gaining knowledge in PHP or Python+Django can also be beneficial in the long run. PHP is the language behind WordPress, so it can be valuable for customizing and extending WordPress functionality. Python+Django, on the other hand, is a powerful framework for building web applications and can open up opportunities for more complex projects.


Here's some additional information to help you make an informed decision:

PHP: PHP is a popular server-side scripting language that is widely used in web development, especially for building dynamic websites and applications. It is known for its compatibility with WordPress, as WordPress itself is built using PHP. By learning PHP, you'll have the ability to create custom themes, plugins, and extensions for WordPress. It can be a profitable skill to have, as there is a high demand for WordPress developers in the freelance market.

Python+Django: Python is a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language, while Django is a powerful web framework that simplifies web development with Python. Together, they form a strong combination for building web applications. If you are interested in creating more complex projects beyond WordPress, learning Python+Django can be a great choice. Django provides a high-level abstraction, making it easier to develop robust and scalable web applications. It can open up opportunities for freelancing in a broader range of projects.

In the end, it's important to note that each language has its own advantages and can lead to profitable opportunities. However, considering your goal of working with WordPress and creating unique websites, JavaScript is the primary language you should focus on initially. It will allow you to enhance the user experience, create interactive elements, and customize WordPress websites, making you stand out as a freelance web developer.

Given your goal of creating unique websites using a CMS like WordPress and your familiarity with PHP syntax, I'd recommend focusing on JavaScript first. Now, you might be thinking, "But I already know some PHP, why not build on that?" Here's the thing: JavaScript is a more versatile and in-demand skill, especially when it comes to client-side scripting and dynamic web development.

Learning JavaScript will also make it easier for you to pick up other programming languages, including PHP. Plus, JavaScript is used in a wide range of applications, from web development to mobile app development, so it's a valuable skill to have. Additionally, JavaScript is used extensively in WordPress, so it'll be a great asset to have when working with the CMS.

As for practical books on JavaScript with a web focus, I'd recommend "Eloquent JavaScript" by Marijn Haverbeke, "JavaScript: The Definitive Guide" by David Flanagan, and "JavaScript and DOM Scripting" by John Resig.

Now, if you want to go the PHP route, you can't go wrong with "PHP and MySQL Web Development" by Luke Welling and Laura Thomson, or "PHP Cookbook" by David Sklar and Adam Trachtenberg.

But let's get real, if you want to make some real money as a freelancer, you need to learn JavaScript, and fast. It's the language of the web, and every client wants dynamic, interactive websites that'll make their users go wild.