[marques_uk]

Hello everyone,

I would like to start learning the basics of either ASP.NET or PHP what is the most used these days? I've been told ASP.NET is this true? Or is there another one preferred?

I've started web designing, and have wanted to learn how to link forms up with databases. I have used asp to create online forms to send directly to emails and php to send details from a form to an excel spreadsheet, but this is as far as I have come. I'd still like to learn other basic skills but I'm not sure which one?

I eventually want to be able to create online shops using databases and need to know the code to set this up. I know this is more complex, but I'm going to start basic and work my way up.

If you do recommend one of these methods would there be any books you would recommend which would teach me the basics?

Many thanks,
Mark

[Nick Tompson]

I'm not entirely sure which one is used the most, but in my experience with both of them, PHP has been the most scalable and easy to use for me.

The PHP tutorial here http://www.w3schools.com/PHP/default.asp here and here http://www.php.net/tut.php will help you learn the basics of PHP.

This website http://www.tizag.com/phpT/ is also quite good for beginners.

[marques_uk]

Hi Nick, thanks for your reply. I was told that although php was still being used, ASP.net was slowly taking over and is now commonly being used for new projects rather than php.

I just wanted to find out for definate, because I don't want to spend ages learning php which might not be used so much in the future.

Many thanks,
Mark

[pvc_]

if you have some previous programming experice, learning php should be fairly easy. IMO, the main difference between the two languages is that asp.net is run on windows servers and php for the most part is run on linux servers that tend to be cheaper. Find out what kindda host and server plans you want, and then go about learning either of the languages. Also, keep in mind that different languages are like tools in your toolbox; different languages are used for different purposes. Most web developers are at least familiar with both of these languages, and if you already know how to code, learning either of them should not take more than a few weeks.

[Nick Tompson]

I for one cannot see PHP getting taken over completely.
pcv_ is completely right.

PHP is more scalable, it is supported on more than just Windows.

[TBH-LSVC]

as what pvc_ has said, PHP is used on linux servers, while asp.net runs on windows'. I belive that both languages are pretty much similar, but php is easier, faster, and more efficient. Besides, most hosting companies have php support.

[marques_uk]

Thanks for your opinions, could anyone recommend any good books to teach me the basics of either php or asp.net?

[TBH-LSVC]

For asp.net, you could have Professional ASP.NET Security, membership , and Role Management. For php, you could have Professional LAMP, or php 5 recipes. I have a video series that teaches php 5 from a-z, but not sure were I've got it.

[marques_uk]

Thank you all. I've decided to learn the basics of ASP.NET.