Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

872: Too much AI × Disappointed in Firefox × Planning New Projects × Hard Truths

Jan 29, 2025

Wes and Scott tackle juicy web development topics, from the best HTML tags for product grids to using TypeScript for null checks. They dive into the rising influence of AI on coding practices and share thoughts on various web browsers, critiquing Firefox and praising Edge. The duo discusses project planning challenges and the importance of proper dependency management. Plus, they reflect on the evolving landscape of tech opinions and share unique perspectives on deploying apps with SvelteKit while laughing over family adventures with a metal detector.

57:43

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Quick takeaways

Using semantic HTML like 'section' and 'article' tags improves product grid structures for e-commerce, enhancing clarity and independence of items.

Managing TypeScript null checks effectively is vital, as developers face challenges when querying elements that may not exist, impacting code stability.

Adapting to AI in web development is necessary for productivity, as those resistant to change risk falling behind in a competitive landscape.

Deep dives

Choosing the Right HTML Elements for E-commerce

When building an e-commerce storefront, selecting the appropriate container element for product grids is crucial. The discussion suggests that using a 'section' tag for the overall grid and individual 'article' tags for each product is optimal. This approach emphasizes that products are self-contained entities within the document, allowing for better semantic structure. Unlike lists, grids of products require clear representation of their independence rather than implying a particular order.

Intro

2min

Understanding HTML Semantics: Lists and Articles

2min

Enhancing Product Data and TypeScript Practices

6min

Adapting to AI and 3D Design in Technology

11min

Navigating Web Development Challenges and Browser Choices

3min

Exploring Web Browsers and Dependency Management

7min

Syncing and Deploying: Navigating App Development

25min

Exploring New Tools and Family Adventures

2min

Wes and Scott answer questions about HTML semantics, TypeScript, adapting to AI’s impact on web development, and the best and worst browsers for developers. They also tackle project planning, deploying SvelteKit apps, and navigating online opinions in tech.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
01:04 Best container element for a grid of products?
04:50 TypeScript null checks
09:44 Adapt to AI or get left behind
- Syntax Episode 870
13:13 Why did 3D never take off?
18:53 Podcast audio and video in one feed?
- Who Smarted?
21:06 Brought to you buy Sentry.io
22:30 Best and worst browsers for web dev?
- Firefox
- Edge
- Chrome
- Arc
- Safari
27:39 Why use a lock file for managing dependency versions
- Don’t gitignore your lock files!
30:34 Should you build your own sync engine?
- Scott’s Naive Sync Example
34:21 Best practices when starting a new project from scratch
- Habit Path
38:33 How to deploy a SvelteKit app on something other than Vercel or Netlify
- Coolify Crash Course
42:54 The reality of online opinions in tech
48:10 Spending $120k on an app idea
54:12 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs