).. even in it's native domain (web based app) it's can't do everything.. i have learnt continuation programming, and i haven't seen php supporting such a powerful technique that can slash development time and programming stress in half Though, php would be still a first language for beginners,, mainly because it's supported by just about every hosting service (paid, u'd be hard presed to find one giving u for free).. also it's nice slacker syntax that gets you up quickly with min fuss.. it also provide a relatively more powerful abstractions than java and languages of that ilk... mmm.. what do you do after your php code? perl of course, then python if u got the time.. don't forget ruby on rails is also a good choice.. finally, if you still haven't got enough.. google Uncommon Web 
