Perl or PHP the future

need some inputs about their future

[operafan]

I've just surfed to PERL.com today & read about the state & future of PERL in general, and was curious if perl is worth it compared to PHP.

I have no background in programmin but am interested to pick 1 or the other and focus on it.
My use of either one will be to simplify certain mundane task and also small web development projects for my own interest.

I really dont know which one to delve into, already have a Learn Perl in 21 days book to start off, but I see PHP really much simpler for web development, they dont need so much of a hassle like the pm's & the cpan modules of perl to download.
I still quite have an inkling towards perl because of it being old fashion & trusted, I like the oldies I must say :)

So you views on these topics are much appreciated, how about python, won't want to do C++ as most of my task are small & simple..
I've searched the forums & found that most lean towards PHP nowadays.
Thanks

[superpower]

PHP is the way to go.

[operafan]

Are you speaking from a web devlopment point of view, I know php is sort of a modern version of perl?

[henry0]

PHP is easier to learn than Perl

[percentages]

I love both...but if you have no background in programming you will find PHP much easier to get to grips with. My wife has no background in programming but managed to pick up PHP in a few weeks, she says Perl syntax is "squiggly"...lol;)

I personally think the short term future is most likely to be with PHP, it is more friendly. Perl certainly has its moments and I still use it when needed, but for most scripting jobs there isn't a lot to sway the decision between the two, and in those instances PHP is usually easier and quicker.

[operafan]

Thanks, I do realise that php is much easier to grasp, upon looking at variants of codes. I'll do some short term planning first (php) then will see how perl fits into my schedule. thanks :)