Perl vs. PHP vs. Java

These are the three most popular programming languages for Web development. All are available for free, and most Web designers and programmers are familiar with at least one of them. Microsoft has a scripting language called Active-X that is easy to use, but has major security problems, and works completely only for site users running Windows and Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.

Among Perl, PHP, and Java, the choice is hard. Each has strong points and weak points. You might as well just go with whichever one your designer knows best. If you are determined to learn one scripting language yourself, PHP might be your best choice. PHP is an acronym for "Personal Home Page." Anyone, using any browser on any kind of computer, can read almost any Web site coded in PHP.