Ask HN: Would you take a job where back end is only in PHP?
1 nobitanobi 7 6/19/2025, 8:59:09 AM
I am a java dev with 6 YOE working at Walmart. I got a job recently with really good hike but the work there will be writing micro services in PHP.
I don't have any PHP production experience. Does it make sense to take this job? Would having PHP on resume impact future opportunities? Will it affecting get job at FAANG or equivalent companies.
Any advice from senior devs is appreciated.
However, working on legacy PHP code (as I have experienced in the past) ranks within the worst things I could imagine for a job.
But keep in mind that's only me. I wouldn't do a java job either, so I am likely just a bad example
You can justify/spin pretty much anything on a resume.
The language api is somewhat inconsistent due to legacy weaknesses and compatibility.
That said, I prefer old-style PHP (like it was written in version 5ish) instead of the new object orienteted/composer/micro-library stuff (that I consider the javascript virus).
Having moved away from PHP a decade ago, I recently had to update some old code (that I had written originally). And even with almost a decade of not using php, the experience was pleasurable enough.
As a senior the TLDR is: The PHP language itself is fine, the actual code base itself means more (and can either be fine or not), but in the end it is the work environment (do you like your coworkers, bosses and are the time constraints reasonable) that mean the most.
Regarding your CV, I would always prefer a candidate with production experiences in (at least) two different environments to a "one trick pony", so I have a hard time seeing that it could hurt you.
Using PHP in production means:
- The employer organisation is incompetent, or they won't be doing it
- They are also rich, or they'd be bankrupt trying to do it.
Both are good signs if you are looking for a job there.