JavaScript, Perl And Now PHP, Am I Doing Too Much?

[gobbly2100]

Hey,

I am learning JavaScript and Perl as part of a home course I have paid for to get a qualification in web design management but ultimatly I would most like to be learning PHP but is it wise to be learning them all at the same time?

JavaScript and Perl annoy the hell out of me but I wonder if I learn PHP maybe it will help me in learning because I would me more interested in learning that.

Please share your thoughts, thanks!

[shallowink]

Web Design Management? Like project management for the web?

The language really won't matter. All of them will give you fits till you get some experience working with them. But if you paid for the courses already...I would stick it out. Can always do PHP later.

[AstarothSolutions]

Ultimately what are you wanting to do with these?

There isnt much harm in learning them together though there is always a risk when learning multiple things at the same time that you concentrate on those that interest you and neglect those that dont.

[gobbly2100]

Well the whole HTML/CSS stuff I know very well now and I am building up a small client base doing websites for people but I am finding many that want more than just static pages so I really need to learn PHP to move forward earning a living now but the Perl and JavaScript are only for the qualification.

This is what I am studying http://www.ciwcertified.com

If you think I will struggle with trying to learn another language then I will just have to wait until I have learnt Perl and JavaScript but if you think I could work on PHP also then I will do that.

I have all the time in the world as this is my living basicaly.

Thanks for your posts.

[shallowink]

I would wrap up those courses as quickly as possible then look at PHP. I don't think you would struggle with another language. But there is a thing called focus. Maybe use PHP as a reward :)

[AstarothSolutions]

Wow, they still teach classic ASP rather than ASP.Net and Java but not JSP

If you are doing things for self improvement rather than qualifications (set language courses outside of Sun Java and MS arent really carrying any weight at this point, an IT related BSc has much more weight) it may do to shop around for courses such as local colleges or the OU etc.... if you are considering entered the employed world then Object Orientated Programming theory etc is going to stand you in better stead, generally, than a stronger knowledge of a specific language but lacking in theory on multilayer applications as ultimately different languages are simply syntax which is easy to pick up but the core knowledge of how something should be programmed is universal.

[azizny]

If you are not enjoying it, give it up.

Peace,

[NsaneNoob]

I think you could learn some without taking courses and succesfully master what you learned.

[wilfordsy]

I think it's a good plan to stick with your enrolled courses since you've already invested both money and time. Also, I think it really doesn't matter what language you study as long as you understand the concept of programming. If you already know the flow of the program, any language is good enough since they basically are the same except for their syntax. :)

[awatson]

It's hard to come up with situations where it's bad to learn something new... Plus perl and PHP have a lot of crossover, so it'll help you learn PHP when you get to that.