CS 4402-01 Learning Journal Unit 5
CS 4402-01 Learning Journal Unit 5
started by conducting research using credible sources such as MDN Web Docs and W3Techs.
and application areas. After gathering the necessary information, I organized my findings into
a structured comparison, paying attention to clarity and balance. I made sure to apply APA
As I worked through the research, I realized I had some preconceived notions about these
languages, especially PHP. Before this assignment, I assumed that PHP was becoming
obsolete, and JavaScript was the dominant player in modern web development. However, my
research revealed that PHP still powers a significant portion of the web, particularly due to its
role in popular content management systems like WordPress. This surprised me and made me
rethink the importance of established technologies, even in a rapidly evolving field like web
development.
I shared my initial thoughts and draft comparison in the class discussion forum, where I
received some valuable feedback from a peer. They pointed out that I had underemphasized
PHP’s role in database integration and server-side processing. This feedback was helpful
because it made me revisit my work with a more balanced perspective. I also had a brief
rather than simply summarizing facts. This pushed me to be more analytical and reflective in
my writing.
Emotionally, I went through several phases during this process. At first, I felt overwhelmed
because comparing two languages in so many areas felt like a large task. However, as I broke
the assignment into smaller steps—research, note-taking, drafting, and revising—I started to
feel more in control. By the time I submitted my final draft, I felt satisfied that I had gained a
One of the biggest challenges was keeping my own biases in check. Because I have more
experience working with JavaScript, I found myself initially focusing more on its strengths
and overlooking PHP’s contributions. I had to consciously remind myself to approach both
languages with an open mind, focusing on facts rather than personal preferences. This was a
valuable lesson in objectivity, a critical skill for both academic work and my future career in
technology.
Through this process, I recognized that I am developing several important skills. Beyond the
ability to evaluate credible sources, and my academic writing skills. More importantly, I am
realizing that learning is not just about acquiring facts but about developing the ability to
What I am thinking about now is how this comparison fits into the broader trend of full-stack
development. With tools like Node.js allowing JavaScript to work on both the client and
server side, I am curious about how this might shape future web development practices. At
the same time, PHP’s continued relevance shows that legacy technologies still hold
significant value in the real world. This reflection has reinforced my belief that flexibility and