Freelancing: what coding language is most valuable.

[Arnack]

Hello,
I am wondering what the most valuable coding language would be to become a freelancer. I was thinking that PHP would be the most useful, but is it the most demanded. Any suggestions?
Thanks

[gnomeontherun]

PHP is top of my list if you are talking about server side languages.

You'll want to pick up the basics of SQL along the way too, but that is because PHP and MySQL go together like peanut butter and jelly.

The other consideration is what about learning a lesser known language so you become more valuable when someone needs to use it? Perhaps Ruby or ASP. I'm not going to tell you what to do, but if you manage to specialize in something you are more likely to be successful.

[Arnack]

Thank you for the reply, Jeremy. It is a good idea I learn a lesser known language as well, that I will do.
Arnack

[VIPStephan]

I say it depends on what you wanna do as freelancer. If you’re gonna be a freelance musician you won’t need any knowledge of coding whatsoever. I, for example, have specialized on front-end development and website design, and the only things I know really good are HTML and CSS. The good thing about it is that it doesn’t just include coding but also skills like accessibility and usability design/development, understanding of semantics in HTML, etc..

If you’re gonna be a pure programmer you don’t need to worry about this. PHP is the most used programming language for web sites and applications, and from my understanding ASP isn’t too far away from PHP logic wise.

The thing is: you won’t be successful if you know just a little bit of everything (or, maybe you would be successful as CEO, having several employees, and still being able to follow discussions etc.). You’ve either gotta be a universal talent or specialize in something that you really like and are particularly good at, then you’ll have success as freelancer – of course only if you can also contribute a few soft skills (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_skills).