Guest Cory LaViska shares the evolution of his web components library Shoelace into Web Awesome with Font Awesome. They discuss web technologies, CSS, web components, and developer tools. The conversation includes challenges in code implementation, transitioning projects, and accessibility in tools. They also touch on a compiler-based web development concept and driving habits humorously.
Shoelace library joins Font Awesome to create Web Awesome with enhanced web components.
Smooth transition ensured with tag changes and user feedback-driven updates for Web Awesome.
Web Awesome offers versatile deployment options catering to various user preferences.
Deep dives
Evolution from Shoelace to Web Awesome
Shoelace, an innovative library of web components, is evolving into Web Awesome under the partnership with Font Awesome. The transition involves rebranding, expanding the team, and enhancing the existing low-level components like buttons, tabs, and text fields. With a successful Kickstarter campaign, Web Awesome aims to offer a balance between free open-source components and premium offerings.
Transition and Compatibility Plans
As Schulich transitions to Web Awesome, some tags will change, such as from SL button to WA button. Despite some alterations, efforts are made to ensure a smooth transition for existing users. Primarily driven by feedback, updates are approachable and accompanied by an extensive change log. While essential changes are planned, the team aims to maintain ease of migration and enhance user experience.
Flexibility in Tooling and Deployment
Web Awesome caters to a diverse user base by offering a versatile deployment approach. Users can benefit from a hassle-free CDN install for quick usage or opt for npm installation for advanced tooling capabilities like TypeScript and auto-complete features in VS Code. By providing both options, Web Awesome ensures accessibility and customization for varying user preferences.
Transition to Simplification of Build Steps and Tooling
The podcast discusses a transition towards simplification in build steps and tooling in large organizations using JavaScript. Despite the ongoing importance of build processes like minification, a shift is seen with type annotations becoming native to the language and improvements in CSS, allowing for tasks previously done with tools like SAS to now be accomplished with native CSS. This shift aims to reduce complexity and make the development ecosystem more inclusive by minimizing the need for specialized knowledge and extensive dev tooling setup.
Web Awesome Components and Value Proposition
The episode explores the development of Web Awesome components and their value proposition, offering a wide range of components for free and additional features in the Pro version. The discussion highlights the components' utility in helping users quickly build functional interfaces without concerning themselves with detailed design early on. The podcast emphasizes the affordability and comprehensive offerings in Web Awesome Pro, indicating that it is underpriced compared to similar solutions, with a strong focus on open-source principles and community engagement.
Shoelace creator Cory LaViska joins Amal & Jess to tell them all about the forward-thinking library of web components that just joined the Font Awesome family to create Web Awesome.
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