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When I first decided to teach myself coding, I did what most beginners do, I searched online for advice on the best programming language to start with. Almost every blog, video, and forum told me the same thing:
“Learn Python, it’s beginner-friendly” or “JavaScript is everywhere, just start there.”
But here’s my unpopular opinion: PHP turned out to be the perfect programming language for me as a beginner.
While many dismiss PHP as outdated, it gave me quick wins, freelance opportunities, and the confidence to start building real projects. From login systems to my first Laravel experiments, PHP wasn’t just a stepping stone, it became the foundation of my coding journey.
In this post, I’ll share why I chose PHP over Python or JavaScript, how it helped me learn faster, and why I believe PHP still deserves respect in 2025.
How I Started Learning PHP as a Beginner
I wasn’t just looking to code for fun. I wanted skills that could help me earn something on the side. When I browsed freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, one thing stood out: PHP jobs were everywhere.
At the same time, a friend of mine who was already working as a developer told me his team used PHP, specifically the Laravel framework, for real production systems. That gave me confidence.
Soon, I installed XAMPP, read documentation, and started watching YouTube tutorials. What surprised me most was how quickly things clicked once I discovered frameworks like Laravel. PHP just made sense.
PHP vs Python and JavaScript: Why I Chose PHP
The internet is full of debates about the “best” language for beginners. Most people recommend Python or JavaScript. I explored both, but I asked myself one question:
Which language aligns with what I want to do right now?
Here’s why PHP won for me:
- Zero setup pain: Install XAMPP or use shared hosting, and you’re ready.
- Freelance demand: Clients were actively hiring PHP developers, especially for WordPress and Laravel.
- Real-world use: Companies were already using PHP in production.
- Beginner-friendly frameworks: Laravel made backend development structured and approachable.
- Quick wins: I could build working projects faster, which kept me motivated.
Early Beginner Projects I Built with PHP
Starting with PHP, I built small but meaningful projects:
- A login system with database integration (my first “wow, I did this!” moment).
- Contact forms with validation.
- Basic CRUD apps (Create, Read, Update, Delete).
These small projects were far from perfect, but they gave me confidence and helped me understand real-world workflows.
The Challenges of Learning PHP Without a Guide
Not everything was smooth. Tutorials made coding look easy, but when I tried building projects on my own, reality hit.
- Debugging broken code felt overwhelming.
- Concepts like routing, controllers, and migrations took time to sink in.
- Sometimes I questioned if I had chosen the “wrong” language.
But showing up daily, Googling, re-reading docs, and fixing small bugs taught me more than any tutorial ever could.
Why PHP is Still Relevant in 2025
PHP gets clowned on a lot, yet it powers over 70 percent of websites with a known server-side language (W3Techs, 2025).
From WordPress to enterprise systems, PHP continues to run the backbone of the web.
For me, its real strength is accessibility. As a beginner, I didn’t need fancy setups or expensive tools. PHP lowered the barrier to entry and gave me a way to build real projects. And once I discovered Laravel, I felt like I could finally build something professional.
Key Lessons from My PHP Learning Journey
- The “best” programming language is the one that helps you start and keep going.
- Quick wins matter more than trends when you’re new.
- PHP may not be trendy, but it’s practical, accessible, and still very much alive.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Programming Language for You
Every developer’s journey is different. Mine started with PHP, not because it was popular, but because it fit my goals. It gave me confidence, projects I could showcase, and a clear path forward.
If you’re just starting out, don’t overthink it. Pick the tool that matches your goals, not the hype. Start building, and the rest will follow.
Did you start with PHP, Python, or JavaScript? Or maybe another language entirely?
I’d love to hear your story. Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s learn from each other.
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FAQ: PHP for Beginners
Is PHP good for beginners?
Yes, PHP is beginner-friendly. It’s easy to set up, well-documented, and powers many websites. Beginners can see results quickly, which helps with motivation.
Should I learn PHP or Python first?
It depends on your goals. PHP is great for web development and freelancing, while Python is often chosen for data science and AI. Both are valuable.
Is PHP still used in 2025?
Yes. PHP powers over 70 percent of websites. Frameworks like Laravel keep it modern and efficient.
Can I get freelance jobs with PHP?
Absolutely. Freelance platforms list PHP jobs for building and maintaining websites, especially WordPress and Laravel projects.
What projects can I build as a PHP beginner?
Start with login systems, contact forms, CRUD apps, or even small blogs. These give you hands-on experience and make great portfolio projects.