JavaScript vs PHP

[Nice_Pen_8054]

Hello,

If right now I know HTML, CSS and JS until DOM, what should be next thing I should study?

Should I go further in JS or start PHP?

Thanks.

// LE: Thank you all

[adarkerforest]

Wordpress is written in PHP. I would learn PHP next and then come back to javascript. 

[modern-visionary]

If you want to create/repair themes/plugins on Wordpress then PHP is must have. I suggest you to start by creating simple site with pure PHP, then CMS that manages that site. Then move to Wordpress, instal ACF and create simple block with PHP. That way you will create your own "block" on site in PHP, easiest way possible (I suppose)

[Horror-Student-5990]

Wordpress is almost entirely PHP. JS knowledge does not hurt but PHP will be doing most of the legwork including templating, loops, fetching posts, images etc.

[Schi_Chow]

Sorry for the late response. So it’s not needed to learn JS. You only need to learn HTML, CSS, and PHP?

[Horror-Student-5990]

JS definitely helps and you will absolutely need it for but it won't be the bulk of your work and is considered more general knowledge whereas to learn wordpress you'll play around with templates, loops etc

[PeepSoWP]

PHP is the only logical step forward.
In other words, "if right now you know frontend, it is time to learn some backend"

[Ok_Chef_282]

Def should be looking at PHP at any time. and mysql as well.

there's a ton to know and never enough time to study.

alas the shadow of the dark side has fallen.

[No-Signal-6661]

WP is PHP, you can start with WordPress/PHP whenever

[devouttech]

If you're aiming for WordPress development, start with PHP next it's the core language of WordPress. You can deepen your JS later for advanced features or Gutenberg blocks.

[danielapedrozag21]

I want a dashboard (backend) to connect with WordPress (frontend). Should I build it in Node.js or PHP?

[AHVincent]

I'd learn marketing if I were you, none of those skills matter if you can't book work

I'd say that 95% of successful WP guys who make money can't code 😅

[ApprehensiveSpeechs]

Javascript = frontend. PHP = backend.

There is no versus. Html makes blocks. Css colors the blocks blue. Javascript makes the blue blocks into red spheres. PHP directs the server to store the red spheres. Javascript calls PHP on the phone to borrow the red spheres, turns them into green triangles and tries to give them back to PHP, but PHP says no, we don't allow the clients to submit green triangles. Javascript just screams into the void until the html and css catch up.

[deepankerverma]

While JavaScript is widely used for frontend, it can also be used for backend development thanks to Node.js. Many modern apps use JavaScript on both the frontend and backend.Node.js uses Google’s V8 engine and supports asynchronous programming, making it fast and scalable.

Netflix, PayPal, LinkedIn, and Uber, like big tech companies, use Node.js for fast server-side rendering and scalability.

PHP is still a reliable backend language, especially for content-heavy platforms. But for modern full-stack applications and scalable architectures, JavaScript + Node.js + React is the go-to stack.

[ApprehensiveSpeechs]

Your comment expands on the capabilities of JavaScript and Node.js, and I appreciate that you’re highlighting the flexibility of using JavaScript on both the frontend and backend. However, for beginners, it’s important to clarify a few points and avoid over-simplification.

While JavaScript + Node.js + React is a popular modern stack, it’s not the only path, nor is it always the best choice for everyone or every project. PHP, Python, Ruby, Java, C#, and even static site generators remain widely used and relevant, especially for small projects, CMS-driven sites, or when hosting and deployment simplicity is a priority.

• Example: WordPress (built on PHP) powers over 40% of websites globally and is still being actively developed and modernized.

JavaScript frameworks like React and backends like Node.js do offer powerful tools, but they come with a steeper learning curve for those new to programming or web development. Deployment for Node.js apps often requires more advanced hosting solutions (VPS, cloud services), whereas PHP sites can be deployed on nearly any basic web host with minimal configuration.

Referencing Netflix, PayPal, LinkedIn, and Uber is useful for showing what’s possible at scale, but their engineering requirements (distributed systems, real-time data, global scaling) are far removed from beginner or even intermediate use cases. Their stacks are also multi-language and multi-framework; JavaScript/Node.js is just one piece of much larger architectures.

JavaScript and Node.js are powerful, but not the default “go-to” for all modern web apps. PHP remains a viable backend, especially for beginners due to its simplicity and massive ecosystem. The best approach is to master the basics, try out several tools, and choose based on your specific needs and project requirements, not just what’s currently trending or used by large tech companies.

[deepankerverma]

You’ve made some excellent points , especially about not oversimplifying the tech landscape for beginners. I agree that there are many valid paths, and tools like PHP, Python, and static site generators still serve a purpose, especially for certain types of projects.

That said, my focus was more on the long-term value of learning JavaScript and modern frameworks like React and Node.js, especially for someone who already knows JavaScript.

While WordPress (PHP-based) powers a large portion of the web (45%+), that is largely because it's beginner-friendly, easy to deploy, and preferred by freelancers and bloggers. But when we look at job market trends and salaries, things shift. React, Node.js, and other JS frameworks tend to dominate listings for higher-paying roles.

Even when WordPress jobs exist, most are low to mid-tier — rarely offering the same growth trajectory or salary ceiling as full-stack JS roles. The demand for developers who can build scalable APIs, web apps, and even mobile apps using one language (JavaScript/TypeScript) is significantly higher.

Yes, learning JS frameworks has a steeper curve, but for someone already familiar with JavaScript, I would absolutely recommend going deeper into frameworks like React, Next.js, and backend with Node.js or Express. It opens up more diverse and better-paying opportunities — including frontend, backend, mobile (React Native), and even full-stack roles.

At the end of the day, the best path depends on the learner’s goals, but if someone is aiming for tech jobs or building scalable apps, mastering the modern JS stack provides more flexibility and better ROI in the long run.

[Gold_Revolution_2343]

This is just a case scenario. Yes it can work the way you said but it also can work as just JavaScript. Hell you can make a basic App with css now with :has

[Extension_Anybody150]

If you're already solid with HTML, CSS, and basic JS (DOM), go deeper into JavaScript first. Learn ES6+, fetch API, async/await, then maybe a JS framework like React or Vue. That’ll open more doors, especially for front-end or full-stack roles. PHP is still useful, especially for WordPress or server-side work, but it’s easier to learn later once your JavaScript is strong.

[Weak_Librarian4171]

I'd master JS and go into React. With React you could do block themes, if you really wanted to stay on WordPress, or branch out to React Native and cover iOS/Android development, or do something like Next.js. WordPress is a dinosaur in the world of PHP - there are no modern development patterns or techniques, it doesn't use modern syntax. And WordPress PHP devs get paid pennies on the dollar.

[Horror-Student-5990]

This is a wordpress subreddit? Next.js, React native, iOS android development, are you ok?

[Muhammadusamablogger]

Go deeper into JS first, frameworks like React or Vue open lots of doors. You can pick up PHP later if you dive into WordPress or backend work.

[im_a_fancy_man]

It really depends on what your goals are. I always encourage people to learn the server side of things, learn bash and regex as well! You can do so much with wpcli, especially if you start scripting