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Roman Timoshenko
9,339 PointsNode.js or PHP for back-end developer?
Hey gang,
There is a topic on the subject already in the Treehouse community, and I read it all. Twice I think :)
I am at a point where I learned most of what I need to know in PHP, actually I was about to try and build a simple website with the (little) knowledge I have.
Than a friend of mine came to me, asked me what am Im doing all day. I said "Well, Im knee deep in PHP". His first reaction was to tell me to drop it instantly and to turn my attention to node.js and MongoDB. The reason it so affected me is that he has enough experience in the field to know what's going out there (he is no pro like many people here but still I can't dismiss his words being a noobie myself). He worked 3 years as a back-end developer, working mostly in node.js.
So my question is this - What most of the companies now a days look for - PHP developers or Node.js/JS back-end developers? It is really what it comes down to.
I don't want to find myself in 2-3 years becoming this dinosaur programmer that uses PHP while everyone around has moved to the revolution. That is - Node.js/JS.
3 Answers
Roy Penrod
19,810 PointsIt really comes down to what your goals are.
If you're building your own web app for yourself or your own company, use what works best for you.
But if you're wanting to work as web developer for an established company, search the job listings in your area and see what employers are wanting.
For example, I live in Northwest Arkansas (near the Wal-Mart home office) and no one is advertising for Node.js or Ruby on Rails. They all want PHP experience.
Ken Alger
Treehouse TeacherRoman;
Both technologies are useful in today's market place and, I would guess, will be around for the foreseeable future. In terms of which one to choose it really will depend on the company for which you want to work and what they use. In terms of which one to concentrate your time on learning, how about build out your website idea using both technologies and seeing the advantages/disadvantages to each? You will learn the similarities and differences which can be a huge bonus when you move onto paid work as you will have a better idea of which tool from your tool box to grab.
Just my thoughts.
Ken
Jesus Mendoza
23,289 PointsYeah I think Node.js is raising in popularity but that does not mean PHP will become obsolete though, it depends of what you like.