What to learn and where to learn it?

Discussion in 'Programming' started by Grand, Dec 29, 2006.

  1. #1
    Hi,
    Ok, so now know HTML. Hoorah. That was easy. Now I all I have to learn is CSS, JavaScript, PHP, ASP, CGI, SQL etc.
    The question is, which one(s) should I learn? Do I need to know certain ones before I learn others? Are some of them useless or will be obsolete in the near future? I'll learn CSS, I know that's important, but I was wondering if I could have some advice on which other programming languages I should learn. Also, if you could post any books or websites that could be helpful that would also be appreciated.

    Thanks!
     
    Grand, Dec 29, 2006 IP
    gemini181 likes this.
  2. aaron_nimocks

    aaron_nimocks Im kind of a big deal Staff

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  3. Grand

    Grand Peon

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    #3
    Thanks for that, I'll check those links out.

    So it seems I'll need to install PHP, MySQL and Apache on my system, is that correct? This won't make my computer into a server or anything crazy like that will it?
     
    Grand, Dec 29, 2006 IP
  4. KC TAN

    KC TAN Well-Known Member

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    #4
    Installing PHP + MySQL + Apache is very easy with xampp :) Check out:

    www.apachefriends.org/en/xampp.html
     
    KC TAN, Dec 30, 2006 IP
  5. streety

    streety Peon

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    #5
    There is also wamp which is my personal preference.

    Depending on what you want to do in the future should dictate what you decide to learn now.

    If you anticipate working as part of a team which will possess a variety of strengths you would do well to concentrate on one area and study it in detail. For example, if you are interested in graphic design I would suggest becoming comfortable with HTML, CSS and javascript. Alternatively if you want to concentrate on the programming side of things then a passing knowledge of html and css would be enough to create a basic scaffold while you concentrate on a programming language.

    Whether you should learn php, asp or cgi will depend on what you intend using in the future. My personal preference would be for php and I would strongly suggest coupling that with a database such as mysql.
     
    streety, Dec 30, 2006 IP
  6. Anduril66

    Anduril66 Well-Known Member

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    #6
    Should you install MySql and PHP on your desktop if your desktop is not a server, and you do not have Apache installed? I have Apache/MySql/PHP on my webhost that I upload files too, but is it possible to test the php files on your desktop without uploading to your server? Thanks.
     
    Anduril66, Dec 30, 2006 IP
  7. gemini181

    gemini181 Well-Known Member

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    #7
    Many people choose early on between open-source (PHP), and the Microsoft Platform (ASP, .Net, etc). It's hard to be an expert in both worlds, and your future options will be affected by the choice.

    I'm open-source all the way, but if you want a corporate job, it may pay to consider your options very carefully. Also note, open-source has made (some) progress getting accepted in the corporate world.

    Great questions, BTW.
    Happy New Year :)
     
    gemini181, Dec 31, 2006 IP
  8. streety

    streety Peon

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    #8
    wamp and xampp install apache, php and mysql on your desktop computer so it is like having your own web server on your desktop. It makes developing a lot quicker than endlessly uploading files.

    You can run php scripts without a web server but these are run via the command line rather than through a web browser. It isn't how most people use php
     
    streety, Jan 1, 2007 IP
  9. alvarez16

    alvarez16 Well-Known Member

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    #9
    I would recommend learning PHP and mysql, and then going back and learning CSS.

    Thanks
     
    alvarez16, Jan 1, 2007 IP
  10. Grand

    Grand Peon

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    #10
    Thanks for the replies. So PHP and MySQL it is then. I think I'll learn CSS first, I know I'll use HTML and CSS (it's crazy, you can layout a page without tables!). PHP sounds good. Thanks.
     
    Grand, Jan 2, 2007 IP