PHP doesn't really have any strengths any more. The last one was ease of use and setup, but nginx and FastCGI seem to have beaten that too. The only things keeping it around as far as I can see are:
* the huge lock-in with existing code + knowledge
* network effects (aka. "Facebook and my mate Ken use PHP, therefore it must be good")
* Most PHP devs don't know/want to know anything else.
Like the post above says, learn anything other than PHP. Python or Ruby are both solid choices - you can go with something wacky, like Lua, Scheme or Erlang, but if you only really know PHP, that might be too much.
It really doesn't matter - just pick a language and (small-ish) project, google for a framework that looks good (Django, Bottle, Flask, Rails, Sinatra, ...) and go! By the time you get that done you'll be better placed to pick something new that works...
First, do not assume that I only know PHP. I enjoy Python, and in fact, Erlang as well. =) Erlang is an especially nefarious little devil in that it almost makes me giddy with how it forces you to think.
I'll make the assumption you weren't talking to me, but rather, the general audience instead.
> Like the post above says, learn anything other than PHP.
Python is an excellent language to learn! I agree. However, people aren't interested in learning a language. Consider the context of my post, and the article, mind you. If you really want to help people choose a language, focus on the the accomplishment.
Case in point: Learn anything other than PHP.
That's the wrong approach. That's not good advice. In fact, that's horrible advice... for someone who wants to build a dynamic website.
And, frankly, if someone is looking to build a dynamic website, PHP makes that insanely easy. Much easier than anything else, especially when their hosting probably already has it up and ready to go.
So the challenge, as I see it, isn't to focus on "Not learning PHP", but simply saying "This is how you create dynamic websites" and use Python to do it.
You know the difference between most PHP tutorials and Python tutorials for beginners? PHP starts you out creating a dynamic website. Python starts you out using the REPL. 1+1 isn't going to inspire anyone. It isn't going to excite anyone.
But getting a form in place that displays the results? That's awesome!
That's the difference. I'm generalizing here, but I think it's a fair conclusion. I know their are articles for Python that focus on that, but they are far fewer then the ones you find for PHP.
And, with regards to this post we are discussing, the author really does just leave it at that.
Learn any language other than PHP is the worst advice you can give to someone who has an idea. They want to be focusing on the idea, not the installation or language. At that stage, they are focused on building, not the tools. You might argue (rightly) that the tools and material matter, but that isn't going to win you people choosing Python.
PHP being easy for beginners isn't just about the setup. It's the entire scope of the project, from the community, to the tutorials, to the software they are already using. If the only thing you focus on is installation, you won't succeed.
Sorry, this is a bit long. Hopefully my point is made.
I see your point, but it's the same point that every other pro-PHP person has made. PHP lets you get stuff done fast... but in a few weeks (or even days depending on the person) Python and Ruby will have overtaken you, because all of the tutorials out there teach you to build a giant pile of insecure spaghetti hacks.
PHP is a terrible language for a beginner to learn, because there's no rhyme or reason to most of the things that it does. Which leads to cargo cult programming and bad habits that take a long time to break.
I don't think you do. Are you really saying that introduction to python should be about REPL and basic syntax, and not accomplish an actual goal?
> because all of the tutorials out there teach you to build a giant pile of insecure spaghetti hacks.
I think this says it all. You really aren't interested in changing anything, just bad mouthing everyone and anyone that will listen. This entire time I've tried to have an honest conversation with you, and at each point, you've done your very best to dismiss what I've said and insult as many people as possible.
You're making a lot of assumptions about what I am and am not saying. Check my profile if you want to see how I think Python should be introduced (hint: by doing actual stuff).
TL;DR: Beyond the very basics, PHP is only going to frustrate beginners. It has confusing syntax and weird special cases. You should pick something different as a first language.
* the huge lock-in with existing code + knowledge
* network effects (aka. "Facebook and my mate Ken use PHP, therefore it must be good")
* Most PHP devs don't know/want to know anything else.
Like the post above says, learn anything other than PHP. Python or Ruby are both solid choices - you can go with something wacky, like Lua, Scheme or Erlang, but if you only really know PHP, that might be too much.
It really doesn't matter - just pick a language and (small-ish) project, google for a framework that looks good (Django, Bottle, Flask, Rails, Sinatra, ...) and go! By the time you get that done you'll be better placed to pick something new that works...