Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

Join Scott and Wes for a spine-tingling special where coding nightmares come to life! They share chilling true stories of dropped databases, locked-out passwords, and catastrophic code errors. Did you know a single misplaced semicolon can cripple older browsers? The hosts even dive into a fun trivia game about historic browser hacks. With costumes and spooky tales, it’s a thrilling mix of tech terror and laughter that will keep developers on the edge of their seats!

Discover the cutting-edge features of Zed, the new editor built in Rust, and why it's gaining traction. The hosts explore its impressive speed and clean UI, and delve into the fresh extensions marketplace. Listen in on discussions about Zed's Git UI and real-time collaboration capabilities that enhance remote teamwork. They also tackle Zed's built-in AI tools and how it compares to VS Code. Plus, find out what features are still missing and share in their fun recommendations for kitchen gear and lifestyle upgrades!

Dive into the world of S-tier MCP servers transforming developer workflows. Discover how Sentry’s tools streamline error handling and the unique features of SpotlightJS for debugging. Learn about ElevenLabs' magic with phone calls and the benefits of Context7 for accurate documentation. GitHub's MCP registry and framework-specific servers like Nuxt and Svelte enhance precision. Plus, see how Cloudflare simplifies task management, Chrome DevTools enhances inspections, and Stripe accelerates integrations. Custom solutions are also on the rise with Mastra!

Dive into why developers often neglect their personal websites and how to explain their career choices to skeptical parents. The hosts also explore the challenges of user account security, detailing prevention strategies against hacks. Discover the balance between family life and side projects, while also pondering the risks of hosting “legally dubious” websites. Plus, get insights into recommended image handling practices and the realities of trusting generous free tiers in services. A fun mix of tech insights and personal anecdotes awaits!

Scott and Wes explore Chrome's innovative MCP server, a game-changer for browser automation that enhances debugging and interaction. They discuss its ability to fully automate tasks including content scraping and performance analysis, highlighting real-world applications like navigating Domino's website. The conversation also touches on integrating MCP with tools like Figma and addressing console errors. Limitations are noted, such as temp file edits and accessibility checks, while the future of this technology looks promising with expected enhancements.

Kyle Cesmat, a lead on developer experience at Coinbase, talks about the innovative use of AI in software development. He reveals how nearly half of Coinbase's code is generated by AI while maintaining a strong focus on quality and security. The conversation covers tools like Cursor and Claude Code, unique code review processes, and how AI helps streamline workflows from ticket creation to production. Kyle emphasizes that AI is a productivity booster for developers, not a replacement, reshaping the landscape of code writing.

In this insightful discussion, Ricky Hanlon, a React core team engineer at Meta, shares his expertise on modern React features. He delves into transitions, describing them as a way to enhance UI responsiveness. Ricky explains how Suspense works alongside useDeferredValue for smooth user experiences and highlights the importance of perceived performance in UX design. He also discusses data fetching strategies and dispels myths about React's dependence on Next.js. Finally, he teases his upcoming talk at React Conf, promising deeper insights into these topics.

Dr. Courtney Tolinski, a licensed psychologist specializing in children and families, shares insights on mental health. She dives into supporting neurodivergent colleagues and navigating ADHD in the workplace. Topics include the importance of self-disclosure and recognizing traits of autism and ADHD in adults. Courtney discusses utilizing AI as a mental health tool but emphasizes the invaluable role of human empathy. Additionally, she provides practical advice on preventing burnout and detaching self-worth from productivity.

Dr. Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer of Responsible AI at Microsoft, dives into the complexities of Responsible AI. She discusses how developers can impact AI's future by prioritizing user privacy and implementing security measures. Sarah emphasizes the need for human oversight while addressing the growing skepticism surrounding AI's risks. She also highlights the evolving role of developers in integrating responsible practices and shares insights on career paths in Responsible AI, along with her passion for Japanese pottery.

Wes and Scott explore the best Node.js backends for 2025, including Polka and Fastify. They delve into managing database indexes before they become issues and share effective real-world workflows for developers. Discussion shifts to tackling burnout with novelty and side projects. Tips on choosing tech stacks for small CMS projects and dealing with toxic bosses add depth. They also debate whether GraphQL is still relevant against REST and RPC, and question Vercel's influence on web development.