PodRocket - A web development podcast from LogRocket

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.

Evan You, the founder of VoidZero, Vue, and Vite, shares his insights on the evolution of JavaScript tooling. He discusses the fragmentation of the ecosystem and how Vite aims to simplify workflows with VitePlus. The conversation explores the rise of VEAT, the importance of compatibility, and the role of Nitro in server-side rendering. Evan also touches on the balance between speed and quality in development while contemplating the future of AI in web tools and the significance of community engagement in shaping these innovations.

Mitchell Hashimoto, founder of HashiCorp and creator of Ghostty, dives into his innovative cross-platform terminal, Ghostty. He discusses the vision and architecture behind it, emphasizing features like quake-style dropdowns that enhance usability. The conversation touches on the evolution of terminal emulation, addressing user expectations and the need for a cohesive terminal ecosystem. Mitchell also shares insights on community involvement, potential future developments, and how users can embrace Ghostty to improve their daily workflows.

Ben Holmes, a product engineer at Warp and a specialist in local-first web applications, dives deep into the exciting world of browser-based databases. He discusses how running databases directly in the browser can enhance performance and reduce latency. Ben shares insights on navigating the complexities of SQLite in the browser, including authentication and security challenges. He also delves into effective synchronization methods and the future potential of local-first development, shedding light on innovative frameworks and solving data conflict issues.