Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

Wes sits down with James Mikrut, the founder of Payload CMS, recently acquired by Figma. They dive into the exciting implications of this acquisition, discussing how it enhances collaboration between design and development. Topics include Payload's innovative features, the role of AI in CMS evolution, and how this change benefits users. James also shares insights on the future of web interfaces and the balance between customization and usability, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging.

The hosts dive into the future of web browsers in 2025, highlighting key players like Arc, Firefox, and Opera GX. They explore the unique features of gaming-centric browsers and discuss the challenges of monetizing tools for power users. The emotional farewell to Arc leads to the introduction of its promising successor, Dia. Insights into browser statistics reveal user preferences, while comparisons of rendering engines spark debates about optimal choices. Tune in for predictions on how AI will reshape browsing experiences!

Wes and Scott talk about the new If statements in CSS, breaking down how they work, why they matter, and when to use them. They explore use cases, syntax quirks, and how this feature pushes CSS closer to true conditional logic—no JavaScript required. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! 01:30 Brought to you by Sentry.io 02:37 CSS If statements in action CSS if() functions & reading-flow (in Chrome 137) CodePen - If with style without attr 09:08 Advanced examples and the attribute function CodePen - CSS If() Themes 13:43 Mixing If statements with media queries CodePen - CSS If() Mixed Logic 16:54 Can’t this be done with classes? 18:16 The future of CSS: declarative APIs CSS Battle LIVE! in Denver | Switch Edition 21:10 Is CSS now a programming language? Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Dive into the world of error management in JavaScript and TypeScript! Discover how to effectively throw, catch, and log errors without crashing your app. Learn about error structures, stack traces, and the utility of tools like Sentry. The hosts explore client-side versus server-side strategies, including transforming server errors for client clarity. Gain insights into promise errors, error boundaries, and user experience in error notifications. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their debugging skills!

Jeppe Reinhold, a software engineer at Chromatic and the driving force behind Storybook's Svelte integration, shares insights on the latest advancements in Storybook 9. He discusses the new features like reduced bloat, seamless Vite integration, and enhanced visual regression testing. The conversation highlights the importance of writing robust UI components, testing practices, and accessibility. Jeppe also emphasizes the evolving role of Storybook in making component design simpler and more efficient for developers.

Wes shares his journey of migrating his personal site from Gatsby to a sleek new stack using Waku and React Server Components. He discusses the challenges faced with Next.js, including plugin issues and dynamic imports. The hosts dive into caching strategies and the impressive speed of the new site. A humorous dining anecdote intersperses the tech talk, highlighting a local-first approach in web development. Overall, they offer valuable insights on optimizing performance while maintaining design integrity.

Dan Levine, a VC at Excel and former co-founder of Chartio, shares valuable insights on raising venture capital for tech startups. He discusses what investors seek in early-stage companies and the importance of personal connections in securing funding. Levine compares bootstrapping versus fundraising, emphasizing that great ideas often begin as side projects. He also explores the balance of power between founders and investors, the dynamics of investor involvement in business, and the exciting yet challenging landscape of AI opportunities.

CJ Reynolds, a web developer and educator, joins Wes to explore the ins and outs of the Nuxt framework. They discuss why Vue is a favorite for many developers. The conversation covers Nuxt's routing features, effective data fetching techniques, and the structured ecosystem that makes coding efficient. CJ also shares insights on core and community modules like Pinia and DaisyUI, while weighing the pros and cons of using Nuxt in modern web development. Listeners gain a rich understanding of how Nuxt enhances the developer experience.

Discover the details behind OpenAI’s $3B acquisition of Windsurf and the future of user interface design. The hosts debate the merits of React versus Svelte and share best practices for managing user authentication and spam. Learn about TypeScript features and the importance of refactoring code. They also explore techniques to optimize responsiveness and avoid layout shifts, ensuring a seamless user experience. Plus, stay tuned for tips on battery-powered chainsaws and insights into their latest courses!

In this lively discussion, Erich Gamma, creator of VS Code, and Kai Maetzel, Copilot Lead, dive into the exciting transition of Microsoft Copilot from closed-source to open-source. They explore how AI is reshaping coding practices, the importance of community involvement, and challenges in integrating AI effectively. The duo shares insights on maintaining VS Code's identity within forks and tackles the implications of Copilot's public context for future software development. It's an enlightening chat about the future of coding with AI!