Pádraig

I think I know enough about XHTML and CSS (for now) to get me started.

What would be the most useful language to start learning next? PHP, Javascript?

Thanks,
Pádraig.

Ryan Fait

It depends what you're looking to do. JavaScript is extremely useful if you use it right, and so is PHP. PHP is more of a timesaver with things like includes and managing databases to streamline the passing and storage of information. JavaScript lets you do a lot of neat effects without the use of page-loads. They're very similar languages, so once you learn one, you'll have a head start on the other.

MikeHopley

I would go with Javascript, although includes are really useful (PHP or SSI will do these).

Pádraig

Thanks for the replies!

They both seem equally as difficult to me but I think I will probably go with Javascript.

pa007

Yeah go with JS because then you'll know a bunch of front end development techniques.

Pete.

Ryan Fait

Truly, it depends on what you're looking to do. PHP is far more useful than JavaScript for behind the scenes stuff. If you want an in-your-face site (or at least a few cool web 2.0 features), then JS is for you.

pa007

It depends on your reasons for learning. If it's for your own interest or to build personal sites then, yeah, a server-side language is greta cos then you can do a complete site alone. However if you are looking to work in the industry then I would pick one area to specialise in. Within web design agencies consisting of a decent number of staff, no site is completed by one person. You have front end developers, back end developers, information architects, designers, copywriters. If you're are working alone though, you have to do all of these on your own or outsource. It's good to have a grounding in everything though no matter what you want to do.

Also, as a side note, don't feel like you have to learn PHP if you go for a server side language. There are many different ones around, all with their advantages and disadvantages. I am currently on a quest to understand Ruby. It's a more logical language than PHP, I find, and it also has the added benefit of the Ruby on Rails framework. I've only just realsied how awesome Rails is.

Have a play, I say you learn them all... eventually.

Pete.

c010depunkk

Like the others have said:
- Javascript: front end.
- PHP: back end.

But they are both really useful, I would learn a bit of both before you get too deep into learning just one of them.