Podcast Summary
Caching API data for improved performance: Store fetched API data and its timestamp in a server or serverless function to reduce number of requests and improve app performance
Caching API data is an effective way to improve the performance of your application by reducing the number of requests made to slow or limited APIs. One listener, Chris, asked about this issue in the context of a Jamstack app that fetches JSON from a third-party API multiple times a day, leading to a couple of seconds wait time each time. To address this, Chris considered creating a middleman to fetch the data once a day and then fetching this middleman instead of the third-party API directly. This solution is possible and can be implemented using a variable or an object in your server or serverless function, where the object has two properties: a date property and a data property. This way, you can store the fetched data and its corresponding timestamp, and check the timestamp before making a request to the API. If the data is still valid, you can use the cached data instead. Serverless functions can be a good option for implementing this caching strategy. Overall, caching API data is a common practice to improve the user experience and optimize the usage of APIs.
Improve performance with caching data in memory: Caching data in memory can enhance performance for small data sets in serverless functions or similar environments. However, for larger data sets or complex use cases, consider using a database, text file, or cache service like Redis.
Caching data in memory can be an effective way to improve performance in certain use cases, such as serverless functions or small data sets. This approach involves checking if the data is already stored and if it's stale before fetching it fresh from the API. This method is useful for small data sets and can be easily implemented in a serverless environment, which holds memory for extended periods. However, for larger data sets or more complex use cases, consider using a database, text file, or a cache service like Redis for more control and stability. Regarding Todd's question about introducing Svelte and SvelteKit to his team, it's important to note that SvelteKit is not yet at version 1, and there may be API changes before its release. While these changes can bring improvements, they could also cause confusion and learning whiplash for Todd's team. The SvelteKit team is actively working on refining the framework before its official release, and once it reaches version 1, any API changes made before that point will be locked in. Therefore, it might be a good idea for Todd to wait until SvelteKit reaches version 1 before introducing it to his team to minimize potential disruptions.
SvelteKit's new file system-based routing system: SvelteKit's routing system has changed from using index files with a '.svelte' extension to defining routes by folders, with a 'plus' sign prefix file serving as the page. Developers should stay updated for migration scripts and explore options for generating PDFs server-side, such as services, instructing users, dom-to-pdf, or Puppeteer.
SvelteKit, a popular framework for building web applications, has recently undergone a significant change in its file system-based routing system. Previously, routes could be defined using index files with a ".svelte" extension. However, this practice has been replaced, and now routes can only be defined by folders. Inside these folders, a file with a "plus" sign prefix, such as "plus-page.svelte," serves as the page of the route. This change represents a major shift in SvelteKit's development landscape, and developers are encouraged to stay updated with the latest discussions on GitHub for further information and upcoming migration scripts. In a related question, James asked about generating PDFs server-side, expressing frustration with the limitations of wkhtmltoPDF and its reliance on an older version of WebKit. Ideally, developers would like to use HTML and CSS to create and export PDFs. The available options for generating PDFs server-side include using a service, instructing users to save the HTML page as a PDF, using dom-to-pdf, or employing a browser server like Puppeteer. While services can be convenient, they come with the added cost and potential security concerns. Instructing users to save the HTML page as a PDF is a simple and cost-effective solution, but it requires users to have the necessary knowledge and tools. Dom-to-pdf and Puppeteer offer more advanced capabilities but come with additional complexities and resource requirements.
Rendering and exporting webpages to PDF programmatically: Use a headless CMS like Prismic to simplify the process of rendering and exporting webpages to PDF, eliminating the need for complex browser-based solutions
Rendering and exporting a webpage to PDF programmatically can be a complex process, involving various dependencies and security considerations. One possible solution is using a serverless function to handle the rendering and exporting, making the process more streamlined and secure. HTML Canvas and libraries like HTML to Canvas and Puppeteer can be used, but they come with their own limitations and complexities. A better alternative could be using a headless CMS like Prismic, which allows for easy data modeling, collection, and querying, and can generate websites and components directly from the data. This approach simplifies the process and eliminates the need for complex browser-based solutions.
Balancing industry advancements and personal preferences: To stay competitive in the industry, continuously learn new CSS techniques and adapt to advancements, while maintaining a balance between work and personal life.
While it's important to find a work arrangement that suits your personal preferences and skills, it's also crucial to keep up with industry advancements to remain competitive. The speaker shared his experiences working at an agency, freelancing, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the pros and cons of each. He suggested that the best way for someone to improve their CSS skills, especially with newer properties like Flexbox and Grid, is to make a conscious effort to learn and adapt, despite the comfort of being proficient in older techniques. The speaker also highlighted the importance of communication and decision-making in entrepreneurship, and the constant uncertainty of income. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of finding a balance between staying current and efficient while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Mastering new web development tools like CSS Grid and Flexbox leads to a more enjoyable and productive experience.: Regular practice and commitment to learning new web development tools, such as CSS Grid and Flexbox, result in improved layout creation and increased efficiency.
Keeping up-to-date with new technologies in web development, such as CSS Grid and Flexbox, may initially seem challenging, but the benefits far outweigh the learning curve. Once mastered, these tools offer significant ease and efficiency in creating layouts, leading to a more enjoyable and productive development experience. It's essential to commit to regular practice and setting goals for implementing new skills. For those interested in learning CSS Grid, Wes mentioned his 4-hour CSS Grid course, cssgrid.io, as a quick and effective option. Additionally, Andre Nettles asked about tRPC, a technology that Wes and Scott have touched upon but not delved deep into. While they expressed interest, they acknowledged their limited understanding of the topic and encouraged listeners to explore it further. Overall, staying curious and committed to learning new tools and techniques is crucial for staying relevant and successful in web development.
New technologies TRPC and LogRocket: TRPC offers type-safe APIs without schemas or code generation, while LogRocket combines the power of error tracking and user experience analytics to improve conversion rates.
TRPC is a new technology that aims to provide type-safe APIs without the need for schemas or code generation, making it a more streamlined alternative to GraphQL for some developers. While GraphQL offers powerful features, its complexity and the effort required to set it up can be off-putting for some. tRPC, on the other hand, offers a simpler interface for working with APIs in a type-safe manner, which many find appealing. Another interesting topic discussed was LogRocket, a tool that started as an error and exception service but has since expanded to include user experience analytics. This combination allows developers to not only identify and fix bugs but also understand how users are interacting with their websites and improve conversion rates. During the conversation, the hosts also touched on a solution for generating PDFs using Cloudflare Workers and the library jspdf. This method uses HTML to canvas to convert the HTML to an image, which can then be saved as a PDF. However, the specifics of how this is achieved in a worker context were not explored in depth. Overall, the discussion highlighted the potential of these new technologies to simplify and enhance the development process, making it worth exploring further for those looking to streamline their workflows.
Managing Separate Social Media Accounts and Personal vs Professional Content: Maintaining separate social media accounts can enhance professionalism and discoverability, but it can also feel impersonal and require constant switching. A balance between personal and professional content is ideal for developers, who are multi-faceted individuals.
While maintaining separate accounts for different aspects of one's life on social media platforms like Twitter can be beneficial for professionalism and discoverability, it can also feel less personal and require constant switching. The speaker shares his experience of using HTML canvas for blur effects before CSS blur was available and how it was perceived as "magic" by other developers. He also discusses his thoughts on mixing personal and professional content on Twitter, believing that a balance is ideal, as developers are multi-faceted individuals. He expresses concerns about posting personal content and the importance of considering one's audience. Ultimately, the speaker values seeing personal hobbies and interests on social media but doesn't want them to overshadow professional content.
Managing Multiple Social Media Accounts and Programming Preferences: Balancing personal and professional content on social media can be challenging, while prototypes and classes have similarities but differ in syntax and preference in programming.
While some people maintain separate social media accounts for personal and professional use, others use a single account for both. The use of alt or burner accounts can be a response to online negativity, but managing these accounts can be tricky. Social media platforms like TweetDeck can help monitor and manage multiple accounts, but it's important to find a balance between personal and professional content. Regarding programming, using prototypes or classes doesn't necessarily determine if one is doing functional programming or not. Both can feel similar, and classes are essentially prototypes under the hood. However, the syntax of classes may be preferred by some developers. Ultimately, the choice between prototypes and classes depends on personal preference and skill level. Another key point from the discussion was the mention of Waluigi, a character from the Mario series, and a reminder that Wario, another Mario character, has also been around for a long time. The speakers also touched on the topic of using classes in programming, mentioning that they personally don't use them often. In summary, the conversation covered topics ranging from social media account management to programming preferences, with a fun detour into the world of Mario characters.
Functional and Object-oriented Programming: Both functional and object-oriented programming have their merits and can be effectively used depending on the situation. For CMSs, JavaScript-based options offer excellent functionality but can have communication challenges, while PHP CMSs have robust templating, plugin, and theming systems for quicker development.
Functional programming and object-oriented programming (OOP) are not mutually exclusive. While Wes personally leans more towards functional programming due to its ease of testing and personal preference, both approaches have their merits and can be used effectively depending on the situation. Regarding CMSs, there are JavaScript-based options like Ghost that offer excellent functionality, but the lack of communication between packages or systems can be a challenge. The PHP CMSs, on the other hand, are popular due to their robust templating, plugin, and theming systems, making it easier to get started quickly. Ultimately, the choice between JavaScript and PHP CMSs depends on individual needs and preferences.
Headless CMSs in JavaScript land require additional features and plugins: Popular options like Keystone, Strapi, and Ghost offer great flexibility but may require custom plugins. Services like Auth0 can help handle authentication and authorization. Age is not a barrier to learning new tech skills, and anyone can develop the ability to learn quickly and effectively.
Headless CMSs in JavaScript land offer great flexibility but come with the challenge of needing to build or source additional features and plugins yourself. For instance, if you need a yoga booking plugin, you may have to build it yourself or use a service. However, popular options like Keystone, Strapi, and Ghost are excellent choices. Additionally, services like Auth0 can help handle authentication and authorization for your application, saving you time and effort. Another important point discussed was the ageism issue in the tech industry. The belief that age is a barrier to learning new skills is not justified. People of all ages can learn and excel in technology, especially with the right mindset and dedication. The idea that younger developers have more time and fewer responsibilities is not an excuse for anyone. The ability to learn quickly and effectively is a skill that can be developed at any age. Lastly, it's worth noting that as we age, our brain pathways become more solidified, which can make learning new things seem more challenging. However, this doesn't mean it's impossible. With the right approach and motivation, anyone can learn and grow in their tech skills.
Learning new things isn't limited by age: Even as we age, our brains remain capable of learning new skills and experiences. Don't let mental barriers hold you back from trying something new.
Our brains have a tendency to become more efficient and set in our ways as we learn and grow older, but this doesn't mean we can't learn new things. The feeling of being stuck in our ways might be more of a mental barrier than an age-related one. A great example of this is a person who made a career change later in life to become a developer and thrived in the new and exciting environment. Additionally, there have been concerns about Stripe, a popular payment provider, with reports of funds being held and accounts being frozen for extended periods. While some may see this as a reason to switch to another provider, others may view it as a natural evolution for a growing company. Regardless, it's important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before making a decision. Overall, the discussion highlights the importance of being open to new experiences and not letting age or perceived limitations hold us back.
Balancing security and user experience with payment providers: Sign up and get approved with payment providers like Stripe as soon as possible to avoid delays and inconvenience due to security checks and bad actors.
While companies like Stripe focus on improving the developer experience, they also face challenges in preventing fraud and bad actors, which can lead to delays and inconvenience for legitimate users. The speaker shares personal experiences with the complexity of dealing with large payment providers and the importance of being proactive in setting up accounts and getting approvals as soon as possible. The speaker also shares a personal anecdote about the importance of having good water pressure. In the world of technology, there are always going to be bad actors trying to cause issues, but it's important for companies to balance security with a positive user experience. So, if you're considering using a service like Stripe, it's recommended to sign up and get approved as soon as possible to avoid any potential delays. And on a lighter note, the speaker also shared a "sick pick" of a high-pressure water faucet for the kitchen, emphasizing the importance of having good water pressure for maintaining cleanliness.
Discovering an Affordable Pressure Washer and a Great Podcast: Found an impressive, affordable pressure washer on Amazon, outperforming pricier Home Depot options. Enjoyed a captivating history podcast with no bias or slant.
The speaker discovered an affordable, high-quality stainless steel pressure washer on Amazon, which outperforms more expensive options from Home Depot. He was impressed by its lack of flow restrictor, powerful spray, and versatility, allowing two people to use it at once. Additionally, he recommended the "Literature and History" podcast for history enthusiasts, praising its engaging and in-depth storytelling without a slant or bias. Lastly, he promoted his own websites, Level Up Tutorials and Westbos.com/courses, offering web development tutorials and courses, respectively. Listeners were encouraged to check out these resources and subscribe to their podcast for more content.
