Abstract:

This study examines the front-end technologies employed by the largest universities in the United States and Poland, focusing on frameworks, libraries, and security measures. Using tools such as BuiltWith and Wappalyzer, data were collected and analyzed to calculate the frequency of technology usage within each group, followed by a comparative assessment.

The findings reveal significant reliance on stable and well-documented technologies, such as jQuery and PHP, in both regions, while modern frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Angular are used less frequently. Polish universities appear more conservative in their technological choices, often favoring advanced form-handling tools like Select2, whereas American universities show greater diversity in adopting newer frameworks. The study also highlights differences in security practices, with mechanisms such as HSTS and reCAPTCHA being more prevalent in the United States.

These results align partially with the research hypothesis, which anticipated more advanced technologies in the U.S. due to higher budgets. However, the findings underscore the prioritization of stability and proven solutions over cutting-edge innovations in higher education. The study's limitations and implications for further research are discussed, emphasizing the evolving needs of users and the potential for modernization in academic web development.