really depends on where you are applying this knowledge. i would say you should know both javascript and php

P.S.: there is not much difference in HTML and XHTML

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Not really an javascript fan so i think that PHP is the way to go.

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Or you could stop worrying about it. If you want to learn some programming learn something, anything. Whatever you learn, learn it the right way with no shortcuts or excuses, and you'll do just fine.

I agree with the others. You can do much more with PHP. Plus JS frustrates the &*%$ out of me.

Apologies, I didn't see that you wrote that earlier. I still don't want people to think that PHP is the only technology that matters on the web. This is in spite of the fact that PHP is the server language that I use personally.

I personally learned PHP before I learned JavaScript, but before I learned either I had other programming experience. If someone is starting off with one of these two technologies, I think, ideally, you would either have some experience or else study something else first. Of course, if have it in your blood it won't matter what you learn, you should be having fun and learning just how the logic of programming works.

I like Steven Mount's response

I am not sure what your project involves. I would recommend you to focus on javascript first if your project involves a lot of 'client-side' programming and focus on PHP first if your project mainly involves 'server-side' programming. Look up the two terms above if you are not yet familiar with them.

I personally learned PHP first and picked up javascript along the way. There are many similarities between the two. The main difference is how you write the code and when you trigger it.

As for outsourcing, it is always better to outsource your work if you have some understanding in the field. Of course you don't have to have any, but you will be able to better explain yourself and you are likely to see better results if you are knowledgeable in the field.

Good luck.