Anyone who decides to master the profession of a programmer faces a dilemma: which programming language to choose for studying? Currently, there are a fairly large number of such languages, some of them are more in demand in the work, others less. Web programming is a complex science, its study is impossible without knowledge of some fundamentals. It is with their development and should begin. There is no single answer to the question of which programming language is better. The choice of language for learning is an individual matter. For starters, it is recommended to read a couple of articles about what constitutes web programming and programs, and then go directly to the language.
Web programming is a special, very fast-growing section of programming aimed at creating dynamic Internet applications. Familiarity with web programming should certainly begin with the study of HTML, CSS, JavaScript (+ jQuery), then PHP. The HTML and CSS specified in this case cannot be called full-fledged programming languages, however, you still have to learn them, since it is with their help that the main part of the site page is created.
Currently, many textbooks have been written on the topic of "programming for beginners." In addition, there are many special training courses posted in the public domain on the network. Therefore, if there is a desire to learn something, problems with the search for material should not arise.
So, which programming language to choose for a start?
HTML is a markup language for hypertext information on the web. Almost all the pages of sites that can be found on the Internet are created using HTML. This language forms the basis of the layout, is interpreted by all browsers and displayed in them as a specific document. HTML is pretty simple. Its mastery is within the power of a middle school student. The main structure of the language is a set of special elements that are enclosed in tags: div, footer, etc. Each of them has a set of attributes: class, style, title, etc. Currently, the latest version of the language is actively used - HTML5, which differs from the previous ones by the appearance of additional tags (asid, menu, etc.).
CSS (cascading style sheets) - a language for describing the appearance of a site page. With its help, the page background is set, fonts are indicated, images are placed, etc. A page created using the markup language looks lifeless and colorless, CSS allows you to make it most similar to the page layout of the site created by the designer. Excellent knowledge of cascading tables, styles allows you to translate into reality the most intricate design fantasies. CSS is based on selectors (classes, elements, identifiers, attributes, etc.). In practice, a file with style sheets is taken out of the HTML-document and connected to it by specifying a link to its location.
Which programming language to choose: JavaScript or PHP?
JavaScript is of paramount importance, not because it is more important, but because programming should be studied, gradually moving from simpler to more complex.
JavaScript (JS) is a programming language used to create site pages to increase the functionality of these pages and the possibility of direct interaction with the user. For example, all pop-ups are written in JS. In simpler terms, JavaScript is a set of specific commands that the browser responds to. Elementary are: alert (), [removed] (), etc. Do not confuse JS with Java.
PHP is a scripting language, which is today the leader among the programming languages used to create Internet resources, provides the greatest interaction between the site and the user. The basis of PHP is so-called scripts - small programs that run at the request of the user.
Mastering the basics of programming on your own is not an easy task; it requires perseverance, patience, commitment, a thorough understanding of the subject, and at the same time it is very exciting and useful. Having studied the basics, assessing their strengths and capabilities, everyone can decide which programming language to choose for further study, stay on track or continue training.
Today, the profession of a programmer is in demand more than ever. And this is not surprising. Perhaps one day a hobby for writing scripts will become your main activity, bringing a very good income and opening up the possibility of a future perspective.