
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

Apr 4, 2022 • 26min
Types in JS?
This discussion dives into a new proposal for optional and erasable type syntax in JavaScript, comparing it with traditional typed languages. The evolution of type systems, driven by the complexity of apps, highlights how tools like TypeScript enhance productivity. However, there are downsides, especially for beginners, as types can clutter code and lose their validity at runtime. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in implementing a type system and the desire to integrate JSX and TypeScript directly into browsers.

Mar 30, 2022 • 1h 2min
Syntax Highlight
Wes and Scott review various listener-submitted websites, highlighting design strengths and areas for improvement with humor and practical advice. They discuss the balance of aesthetics and functionality in web design, emphasizing accessibility and usability. Tools like FreshBooks and Prismic are explored, showcasing innovative features for small businesses. The conversation touches on typography and color usage, while also critiquing unique elements in website design. Additionally, they delve into popular culture, comparing themes from a Netflix series to design principles.

Mar 28, 2022 • 21min
What’s Up With Vitest?
Discover the ins and outs of Vitest, the modern JavaScript testing framework that's gaining traction. The hosts discuss its speed, smart test rerunning, and built-in features like mocking and snapshots. They also explore the seamless integration with Vite, making testing more efficient. Learn about the benefits of co-locating tests and using functional organization in development. Plus, gain insights into the importance of error tracking with Sentry and managing notifications effectively with MagicBell. Tune in for a tech-savvy treat!

Mar 23, 2022 • 1h 12min
Our Stacks Explained
The hosts dive into their evolving tech stack for selling online courses, detailing their API architecture, including Node API with SvelteKit. They discuss transitioning from traditional hosting solutions to MUX for video management, enhancing user experience through customizable features. Insights on headless CMS advantages and optimizing customer dashboards reveal how they track user interactions effectively. Personal anecdotes about payment processing and ergonomic tools add a relatable touch, blending technical depth with entertaining storytelling.

Mar 21, 2022 • 25min
SSL Certs, Approvals and Cloudflare
The hosts dive into the intricacies of setting up SSL certificates and how services like Cloudflare can simplify this process. They share valuable debugging tools like LogRocket that aid in tracking issues. Challenges with domain verification and the need for multiple SSL certs are discussed, alongside strategies for effective traffic management. The conversation touches on dynamic IP addresses, load balancing, and the complexities involved in DNS configurations, all while emphasizing the crucial role SSL plays in securing websites.

Mar 16, 2022 • 1h
Potluck - Handling Auth × Are Web Dev Real Developers? × Handling Git Conflicts × Converting PNG to Box-Shadow × Bad Docs vs No Docs × Making Shopify Headless
Wes and Scott tackle handling authentication in apps and share strategies for managing access control. They debate whether web developers are 'real' developers and discuss best practices for handling Git conflicts. The duo also reveals a fun project that converts PNGs to CSS box-shadow values. The importance of documentation takes center stage as they argue that bad docs are better than none. Plus, insights on making Shopify headless and integrating with content management systems add to the rich discussion.

Mar 14, 2022 • 24min
Hasty Treat WTF × SSR vs JamStack vs Serverless?
Dive into the fascinating world of web development as the hosts dissect the differences between Server-Side Rendering, Jamstack, and serverless architectures. Discover why pre-rendered pages are essential for SEO and speed, while dynamic content integration tools like Svelte shine. Curious about the ideal scenarios for each approach? They cover that too! Plus, hear about the evolving trends in web rendering strategies and how services like Cloudinary enhance media optimization. Tune in for a tech treat!

Mar 9, 2022 • 59min
Part 2 of Wes and Scott React to the State of JS
Dive into key findings from the 2021 State of JavaScript survey, exploring mobile and desktop libraries, and the evolving world of testing frameworks. Discover insights on monorepo tools, like Lerna and Yarn, alongside personal anecdotes about grocery delivery experiences. The conversation also includes a look at JavaScript runtimes, the rise of TypeScript, and the always entertaining hot sauce debate. Tune in for a lively discussion on the latest trends and challenges in web development!

Mar 7, 2022 • 36min
Sticker Mogul 2022
Dive into the fascinating world of sticker selling! Discover the journey of creating, designing, and shipping sticker packs. Hear about unique collaborations with Indonesian artists and the challenges of global distribution. The hosts share insights on the economics behind sticker packs and how sponsorships help keep prices low. From shipping logistics to humorous licensing challenges, this lively discussion reveals the creativity and community behind the art of stickers.

Mar 2, 2022 • 54min
Wes and Scott React to the State of JS
Wes and Scott dive into the fascinating findings from the 2021 State of JS survey, discussing developer demographics and trends in JavaScript frameworks. They humorously tackle misconceptions about survey results and highlight the increasing popularity of frameworks like Svelte and Alpine JS. With a nod to browser support challenges, they emphasize user satisfaction and the need for innovative solutions. The conversation also shifts to the speed benefits of modern tools like Vite and PNPM, revealing how technology is evolving to meet developers’ dynamic needs.