Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

General Discussion

Rizwan Khan
Rizwan Khan
24,089 Points
Posted by Rizwan Khan
Rizwan Khan
24,089 Points

Full Stack Javascript vs PHP Techdegree

Hello, I have completed the Full Stack Javascript track and I'm considering taking the Full Stack Javascript techdegree. However, I'm not confident that I'll be able to complete the techdegree projects especially the ones with React which is too advanced. I like working with databases and the backend. Should I just switch to PHP and complete the PHP techdegree or keep going with Javascript? I have a feeling that PHP is dying and the salaries are not that high. Please suggest.

2 Answers

Lee Vaughn
seal-mask
STAFF
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree seal-36
Lee Vaughn
Treehouse Teacher
Lee Vaughn
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree seal-36
Lee Vaughn
Treehouse Teacher

Hi Rizwan Khan!

Regardless of which Techdegree you choose there are likely to be times where you struggle. That is just a normal part of the learning process and we all experience those ups and downs and periods of self-doubt.

React can indeed be a lot to get your head around but it is also a powerful tool and a very in-demand skill. I am not familiar with the PHP curriculum so maybe Jennifer Nordell could speak to this more but I'm sure there is content in that TD as well that is also quite challenging so it isn't necessarily that one is "easier" than the other.

While you might be right in that you aren't able to complete the React projects now, that is part of what the Techdegree is going to teach you. The first React project isn't until Unit 7 so you will have plenty of opportunities to practice and grow those skills before you have to tackle a React project.

If you haven't already, you might consider doing the 7 Day Free trial, especially for the PHP Techdegree since it sounds like you are already familiar with some of the JavaScript content. Keep in mind, you can always switch Techdegrees so if you start down one path and decide for whatever reason it isn't for you can always change to a different TD.

I hope that helps!

Lee

Robert Manolis
STAFF
Robert Manolis
Treehouse Guest Teacher
Robert Manolis
Robert Manolis
Treehouse Guest Teacher

Hey Rizwan, great question. I don't think PHP is dying any time soon. It is still one of the most popular and widely used server side languages on the web, according to what I'm see when I Google "PHP usage statistics and market share", with something like seven million websites currently relying on it.

As far as whether you should pursue FSJS or PHP, here's a couple things to consider. What's the job market in your area look like? If there are a lot of Full Stack JavaScript developer positions and not many PHP related positions, then FSJS is worth considering. And vice versa.

Also, keep in mind that two of the projects in the FSJS Techdegree utilize React. So if you have an aversion to it, that could present a problem.

Hope that helps, Rizwan. :)