PodRocket - A web development podcast from LogRocket

Rafael Gonzaga, a member of the Node.js TSC, dives into the exciting updates in Node.js 24. He discusses the new permission model and enhancements in async local storage. Rafael highlights the improvements brought by the latest V8 engine and reveals future capabilities for built-in HTTP. Security trends and the importance of using the 'IsMyNodeVulnerable?' package are also covered, encouraging developers to upgrade from outdated versions and engage with the ever-evolving Node ecosystem.

Logan Kilpatrick, Group Product Manager at Google DeepMind, dives into the groundbreaking developments of the Gemini 2.5 model family. He shares insights on the innovative text-to-audio features that could transform content creation, especially in podcasting. The conversation also explores advancements in AI music generation and the evolution of Gemini 2.5 Pro, highlighting the importance of model reasoning and effective tooling. Finally, Logan addresses common misconceptions while teasing exciting future possibilities for AI in development workflows.

Ryan Carniato, the creator of SolidJS, shares a decade’s worth of insights on UI architecture and open-source maintenance. He discusses the evolution of frontend frameworks, contrasting SolidJS with React and exploring the shift toward fine-grained reactivity. Ryan debunks myths about performance in front-end frameworks, highlighting the importance of simplicity in dependencies. He also addresses the challenges faced in maintaining open-source projects and envisions the future of developer tools, emphasizing the need for better debugging and dependency management.

Jack Herrington, a software engineer and YouTuber known as the Blue Collar Coder, joins the conversation to demystify server functions in web development. He explains the complexities and trade-offs of using frameworks like Next.js and TanStack Start, touching on the merging of front-end and back-end coding. The discussion navigates the choice between server functions and APIs, emphasizing security and maintainability. Jack also provides insights into getting started with server functions and the future challenges that developers may face.

Chris Coyier, co-founder of CodePen and a seasoned web developer, dives into the evolving world of HTML as we approach 2025. He highlights HTML's slow evolution compared to CSS and JavaScript while emphasizing its foundational stability. Discussions include the importance of backward compatibility, the exciting prospects of declarative shadow DOM for web components, and how the 'inert' attribute can enhance accessibility. Coyier also touches on integrating web components with popular frameworks like React, showcasing the future of efficient and user-friendly web development.

Miriam Suzanne, a talented web developer, artist, and co-founder of OddBird, dives into the philosophy and evolution of web design. She discusses the origins of CSS and the delicate balance between user control and brand identity. The conversation highlights the importance of accessibility and navigating complex design challenges across devices. Suzanne also unpacks the intricacies of the CSS cascade, emphasizing user-centric approaches and adaptive design principles. Prepare for an enlightening journey through the web's creative landscape!

Peter Pistorious, co-creator of RedwoodJS, dives into the evolution from RedwoodJS GraphQL to the Redwood SDK, a cutting-edge React framework for Cloudflare. He discusses the impact of serverless architecture and durable objects in enhancing web development. Pistorious highlights the integration of React Server Components and real-time capabilities, aiming to simplify developer workflows. The conversation also tackles the challenges of open-source self-hosting and the exciting potential of the SDK for future innovation, empowering developers to focus on creativity.

Dan Abramov, a member of the React Core team, dives into the transformative concept of 'JSX over the wire' and the future of React Server Components. He discusses the shift to user-centric data management, exploring Backend for Frontend (BFF) architecture and screen-specific APIs. Listeners will learn about the risks of early adoption of JSX and the advantages of using JSON in React applications. Abramov also highlights the importance of composition in framework design and the evolving interactions between server and client technologies.

Carson Gross, the brilliant creator of HTMX and Big Sky Software, shares insights into the evolution of HTMX and its roots in intercooler.js. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity and stability in web development amidst the rise of modern frameworks like React. Carson discusses why older technologies still hold value and introduces server-side template fragments for improved dynamic rendering. He also highlights exciting projects in the HTMX ecosystem and envisions the future of web development with innovative standards.

Jemima Abu, a Senior Product Engineer at CAIS, shares her straightforward take on functional programming in JavaScript. She emphasizes the importance of predictable code and pure functions for software quality. Jemima also discusses the balance between purity and practicality, revealing how to effectively use higher-order functions like map and reduce. Her insights on immutability and the need for side effects in real-world scenarios provide valuable tips for developers aiming to enhance their coding practices.