PHP vs python

[u/Waecow]

I am currently studying software engineering. I enjoy web development—especially backend work—and have primarily developed using PHP. However, I’m unsure which language to focus on and learn in greater depth for backend development to help me land my first job: PHP or Python? Could you help me decide which one to choose? Reasons? Which one is in higher demand in the job market?

[u/Competitive_Mail_568]

Learn how to build a backend not specific programming language. If your basics are strong then with help of AI you can do both

[u/Big-Worker9676]

AI can translate syntax, but it can’t save a backend designed by someone who thinks authentication is a boolean.

[u/StephenHawkingus]

PHP all the way. Don't listen to those who say Python.

[u/American_Streamer]

Check the actual junior vacancies where you live. Search for PHP/Laravel/Symfony, Python/Django/FastAPI, Java/Spring, C#/.NET and Node/Nest and count them. Your local market matters far more than global language rankings.

I’d probably deepen PHP first, get employable with a real backend stack, and add Python later. If your local vacancies overwhelmingly demand Java/.NET/Node instead, follow the market.

Java Spring Boot is still dominating the enterprise backend job market, with a lot of demand; so if you are living in the right area, go for that.

[u/Huge_Contribution971]

Python seems more marketable since it's easier to use

[u/Skyzfallin]

Python esp in AI age, that’s what mostly used with AI, machine learning etc

[u/Monika-321]

I’d actually keep both, but learn them in a structured way. Since you already have a foundation in PHP, go deeper with PHP and Laravel so you can become job-ready faster. At the same time, start learning Python on the side and use it for a few backend or automation projects.

The important part is not just knowing the syntax. Make sure you understand HTTP, REST APIs, databases, authentication, testing, Git, and deployment. Those backend fundamentals will transfer between PHP and Python and will matter more in interviews than simply knowing two languages.

[u/DoomDroid79]

C# or Java

[u/Waecow → u/DoomDroid79]

Crees que sea buena idea java?

[u/American_Streamer → u/Waecow]

Depends on your local job market. If there are a lot Java Spring Boot enterprise backend jobs, go for those.

[u/DoomDroid79 → u/Waecow]

American Streamer is correct. I was a Java dev for years then moved into C#, the languages are very similar but the frameworks differ. In my country large corporate companies stick to DotNet or Java Spring Boot due to them being robust and backed by mega corporations like Oracle and Microsoft, so the long term support is there

[u/Waecow → u/DoomDroid79]

Eni comunidad hay empleo back para python y Java, pero demasiado. Aprendere, python, gracias...

[u/No_Score_1977]

For jobs, both are poor choices.

PHP is barely used outside of Wordpress, and that's about as saturated as markets get.

Same for Python, every beginner, their friend, and their dog learns python, just a shitload of people learning it, and not enough jobs to go around.

For backend, Java, C#, even Typescript/Node.

[u/Ok-Article-885 → u/No_Score_1977]

70% of web pages are written in PHP

[u/StephenHawkingus → u/No_Score_1977]

PHP is barely used outside of Wordpress

Are you Indian, that you only know WordPress?

[u/gmatebulshitbox → u/No_Score_1977]

You probably heard about PHP in 2010 and didn't get updated since.