
Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats
Full Stack Developers Wes Bos and Scott Tolinski dive deep into web development topics, explaining how they work and talking about their own experiences. They cover from JavaScript frameworks like React, to the latest advancements in CSS to simplifying web tooling.
Latest episodes

14 snips
Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
716: JS Perf Wins & New Node.js Features with Yagiz Nizipli
Yagiz Nizipli, a Node.js contributor recognized for enhancing performance and introducing features like .env support, dives deep into the intricacies of performance optimization. He explains how he identifies and measures performance issues and distinguishes the happy path from the hot path. The conversation also covers new Node.js features, including a JSON-based config file and the role of loaders. Yagiz shares insights on integrating TypeScript, the challenges of large-scale projects, and the significance of balancing bundle size against runtime performance.

18 snips
Jan 10, 2024 • 52min
715: Google & MS Duopoly, Frontend to Fullstack, Where to Put Business Logic + more(Potluck)
Wes and Scott tackle the influence of major tech companies and its effect on web diversity. They discuss transitioning from frontend to full stack, emphasizing the balance of practical skills and theoretical knowledge. The duo shares insights on designing effective HTML emails and using automation tools. They also debate the placement of business logic in development, addressing challenges in feature parity across mobile and desktop. Their conversation highlights flexibility in tech stacks while encouraging creativity and collaboration in coding.

12 snips
Jan 8, 2024 • 30min
714: CSS :has() in Every Browser! 10 Uses
Discover the exciting world of the CSS :has() pseudo-class, now supported in all browsers! The hosts dive into its top 10 uses, from selecting parent elements based on children to enhancing form validation with dynamic styling. Learn how to streamline coding with the anywhere selector and tackle complex layouts effortlessly. Explore practical applications that improve user interactions, including dropdowns and buttons. This insight into modern web development showcases how :has() can transform your coding practices!

Jan 5, 2024 • 1h 5min
713: The CSS OG Eric Meyer. 1994 CSS, JS in Fridges, Tailwind, and Web Standards
In this engaging discussion, Eric Meyer, a pivotal figure in CSS and author of "CSS: The Definitive Guide," shares his journey from the early web days to current developments in CSS. He reflects on the evolution of key technologies, the impact of preprocessors like SASS, and the exciting future of CSS across unconventional platforms like gaming consoles and appliances. Meyer also addresses the challenges web developers face keeping pace with rapid changes, explores the critical role of collaboration in tech, and reveals what's on his CSS wishlist!

32 snips
Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 3min
712: 2024 Predictions
Predictions for 2024 shine a light on exciting developments in JavaScript and frameworks like Svelte and Astro. The discussion includes the anticipated rise of server-side JavaScript and the significance of the Temporal API. Performance tooling is set to become user-friendly, while TypeScript support in Node.js could be a game changer. New frameworks like Hano and innovations in CSS, such as Lightning CSS, are anticipated to enhance developer experiences. Plus, the hosts share tech insights, from corporate AI trends to a quirky recommendation for a powerful robot vacuum.

Jan 1, 2024 • 32min
711: The Surprisingly Exciting World of Print + PDF CSS
Dive into the intriguing world of print CSS and discover how it can enhance web development! From loading CSS specifically for printing to generating invoices and high-quality PDFs, the nuances of print styling are unveiled. Learn about CSS counters for organizing documents and the strategic use of the @page rule for customizing layouts. Explore the humorous side of Wi-Fi printing woes and innovative projects that push the boundaries of traditional printing methods. Get ready to elevate your print designs and user experience!

Dec 29, 2023 • 56min
710: A Passwordless Future Passkeys with Anna Pobletts
In this engaging discussion, Anna Pobletts, CTO of Passage and a thought leader in passkey technology, dives into the future of passwordless authentication. She explains how passkeys work and their advantages over traditional passwords, including enhanced security and reduced user error. Anna also addresses the challenges of implementation, navigating device loss, and the evolving landscape of digital security. Industry giants like Amazon are already adopting these technologies, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of online safety.

Dec 27, 2023 • 53min
709: Potluck × Naming Tech × Generators × Layers Follow Up × Sick Picks Page
This discussion tackles the art of naming in programming and its complexities. Generators are highlighted with a real-world application that might surprise listeners. They explore the CSS @Layers feature and share insights on database management strategies. The debate between being a generalist or specialist in web development is analyzed through personal anecdotes. Plus, there's a fun segment on favorite condiments, including kimchi tales. They also candidly address navigating criticism in the coding community, emphasizing the importance of understanding.

7 snips
Dec 25, 2023 • 28min
708: How We Made Syntax.fm Faster
Discover how a podcast website enhanced its speed through smart performance optimizations. The hosts reveal the tactics they used to diagnose slowness and implement changes for a smoother user experience. Listen in as they discuss transforming transcript loading from a clunky process to on-demand access. Also, learn how caching solutions like Redis boosted their site's efficiency. This behind-the-scenes look is packed with insights for anyone interested in web development!

Dec 20, 2023 • 48min
707: What happened in JS, CSS And Web Dev in 2023? 2023 Predictions Results!
The hosts dive into their 2023 web development predictions, revealing an impressive accuracy of 87.9%. They discuss the growing popularity of Deno and new JavaScript APIs like non-mutating array methods. The conversation highlights rising trends in server-side rendering, JavaScript runtimes, and the adoption of modern frameworks like SvelteKit and Astro. They also touch upon the emergence of CSS container queries in production, the significance of code formatting tools like Prettier, and the continuous evolution of the React ecosystem.