
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

Jul 5, 2023 • 48min
What are Headless Components?
Discover the world of headless components and their transformative impact on web development. Explore their flexibility across frameworks like React and Vue, and learn how they enhance accessibility. The hosts share practical examples and humorous anecdotes, including tech event insights and extreme weather experiences. They also discuss Figma's latest features and the role of AI in podcasting, including quirky Spotify innovations. Tune in for a mix of tech tips and engaging conversation!

11 snips
Jul 3, 2023 • 29min
Lightning CSS
Dive into the exciting world of Lightning CSS! Discover how this innovative tool enhances developer experience with rapid live reloading and built-in features. Explore the latest advancements in color spaces like P3 and the power of native CSS nesting. Learn about CSS layers and how they provide better control over your style management. Plus, get insights on performance optimization techniques and the compatibility of Lightning CSS with popular tools like Vite and Parcel.

Jun 30, 2023 • 59min
Supper Club × Messaging Queues and Workers with Armin Ronacher
In this discussion, Armin Ronacher, a principal architect at Sentry and a key contributor to Flask and Werkzeug, dives into the world of messaging queues. He breaks down their role in managing event data and scaling applications, highlighting how Sentry handles data overload with innovative strategies. Armin also shares insights on why Python remains popular in AI, his experiences with Rust, and the intricacies of building efficient queuing systems—plus, he touches on modern JavaScript's challenges and prospects!

Jun 28, 2023 • 1h 2min
WTF is an ORM
Wes and Scott dive into the world of Object-Relational Mapping (ORM), breaking down its benefits and potential downsides. They explore popular ORMs like Prisma and Sequelize, comparing their features and applications. The duo humorously reflects on their dental visits while transitioning to serious topics like TypeScript's challenges with ORMs. Listeners will find insights on Drizzle's integration with PlanetScale and the complexities of using ORMs in JavaScript environments. Prepare for a blend of tech talk and relatable humor!

22 snips
Jun 26, 2023 • 42min
Where to Register a Domain
Discover the ins and outs of domain name registration! Learn about the differences between domain registration and DNS, along with privacy features like proxy registrations. The hosts share their experiences with various registrars, including GoDaddy and Namecheap, alongside tips to avoid bait-and-switch pricing. They dive into domain migrations, outlining key steps to ensure a smooth transfer, all while adding personal anecdotes that lighten the tech talk. Tune in to sharpen your domain registration skills and get savvy about online real estate!

4 snips
Jun 23, 2023 • 60min
Supper Club × Why Netlify bought Gatsby, GraphQL Data Layer, and Headless CMS with Dustin Schau
In this supper club episode of Syntax, Wes and Scott talk with Dustin Schau about Netlify Connect, Gatsby, GraphQL, and more. Show Notes 00:35 Welcome 01:20 Who is Dustin Schau? Dustin Schau (@SchauDustin)
Develop and deploy websites and apps in record time | Netlify
02:49 Is Valhalla from Gatsby? How to Source Content from a Headless CMS | Gatsby
Valhalla Content Hub | Gatsby
Netlify Connect Brings All Content Sources & CMS Apps Together
05:41 Valhalla is now Netlify Connect 09:32 How often should you scrape or cache from another API? 10:36 What about auth? 13:41 Will Netlify Connect be open source or paid? 18:48 Is GraphQL it? Overview | urql Documentation
GQty
22:35 What odd data sources are you trying to connect? 26:06 How does Gatsby send out to APIs? 29:00 What CMS should people use? The Markdown CMS | Tina
The platform to bring your best ideas to life | Contentful
The Composable Content Cloud - Sanity.io
31:22 What do you think of component based CMS? SEO Enterprise Rank Tracker - A Keyword Rank Tracking Tool Like No Other | Nozzle.io
35:36 What are your thoughts on the React ecosystem? 43:33 What’s the future for Gatsby? 46:14 Supper Club questions folivora.ai - Great Tools for your Mac!
Noodlesoft – Noodlesoft – Simply Useful Software
Dank Mono: The coding typeface for aesthetes
DSchau/dotfiles: :wrench: .files, including ~/.macos — sensible defaults for macOS development (catered to Node.js)
Deploy app servers close to your users · Fly
Hono - Ultrafast web framework for the Edges
Stream Movies & TV Shows | Plex
The Free Software Media System | Jellyfin
56:29 SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ××× ××× SIIIIICK ××× PIIIICKS ××× Arc Browser
Resend React Email
Shameless Plugs Netlify
Netlify Connect
Tweet us your tasty treats Scott’s Instagram
LevelUpTutorials Instagram
Wes’ Instagram
Wes’ Twitter
Wes’ Facebook
Scott’s Twitter
Make sure to include @SyntaxFM in your tweets Wes Bos on Bluesky
Scott on Bluesky
Syntax on Bluesky

Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 7min
Potluck × Warp × Skeleton UI × Edge Functions × Donut Scoping
Wes and Scott tackle pressing developer questions, from rate-limiting APIs to the ins and outs of TypeScript enums. They dive into the Wasp framework for full-stack development and discuss the pros of skeleton UIs. Balancing coding with life is key, as they emphasize the need for diversifying activities. The potential of edge functions for local audiences is examined, along with comparisons of popular web frameworks like Redwood.js and Laravel. They also share experiences from tech conferences and the latest in CSS management, including donut scoping.

Jun 19, 2023 • 17min
AsyncLocalStorage + AsyncContext API
The hosts dive into AsyncLocalStorage, explaining its role in maintaining consistent contexts in server-side operations. They discuss why it's not widely adopted in frameworks yet and compare it to traditional context methods. Practical applications in modern frameworks like SvelteKit and React highlight its advantages for managing authentication tokens. Additionally, they address challenges and potential pitfalls, shedding light on how this evolving API can improve state management in asynchronous JavaScript applications.

Jun 16, 2023 • 1h 4min
Supper Club × JavaScript on Hardware, Micro Controllers, ESP32 with Nick Hehr
Nick Hehr, a staff engineer at Betterment and a microcontroller enthusiast, shares his passion for integrating JavaScript with hardware. He discusses the joys of running JavaScript on microcontrollers like the ESP32 and highlights beginner projects that can kickstart creative building. The conversation dives into innovative uses of RGB LEDs in home automation, the importance of community resources in hardware programming, and exciting upcoming projects that blend functionalities of technology and creativity. It's a perfect mix for aspiring hardware hackers!

Jun 14, 2023 • 58min
Electronics for Beginners
Dive into the world of DIY electronics with fascinating discussions about microcontrollers like the ESP32. Learn the ins and outs of soldering and hear engaging project stories, including hacks for children's safety with AirTags. Discover the importance of resistors and capacitors, and their impact on everyday devices. Explore advanced technologies like millimeter wave sensors and coding with JavaScript for microcontrollers. Plus, get inspired with practical projects that make electronics accessible and fun for everyone!