Store level data on server using database

So like the title say im interested at storing data of players and levels in a database on a server. From what i understand there are two main hurdles to this. 1. Connecting to a server and sending / receiving data; So ive googled abit and if im not wrong the selections are: websockets "socket.io with node.js" and using the www class and calling php scripts that handle this. 2. Storing the data Im guessing using a database is the most secure and best way. But there is also json and xml.

So my questions are, should i learn node.js or php? Whats the better way of saving/loading data to/from a server? Its not a multiplayer game i just want to save and load data from a server. Is one way better in my situation, i dont want to over do it.

Im looking at node.js with socket.io right now. Tell me if im going a wrong way about it please.