HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business

Site owners are seeing traffic to their websites drop considerably as users begin asking AI questions, instead of searching for solutions on individual sites. Value-based websites seem to be getting hit with the worst of it, as tutorials and listicles are easily presented right inside an LLM's chat window. This leaves many site owners with a dilemma - should they continue to chase SEO trends, or should they reach for something more tuned to AI, like AEO and GEO? With many websites being run by just a few staff members, resources are tight - so every missed pageview matters. In 2026, should site owners worry about SEO, GEO, or AEO? Or maybe even all of them at the same time? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/should-you-worry-about-seo-geo-and-aeo-in-2026 Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of the Web News, Matt and Mike discuss Ryan Dahl's recent comments regarding software engineers in the world of AI. Ryan recently shared his viewpoint via a post on X where he stated that he thinks the era of humans writing code is over - meaning that SWEs may still have work to do, but that writing syntax won't be it. We unpack this viewpoint and further discuss the world of software engineering as AI continues to invade the coding space for hobby coders, professionals, and vibe coders. For those of you that don't know, Ryan Dahl is the creator of Node.js - so his voice carries some weight in the web development space. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-era-of-humans-writing-code-is-over Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

AI tools are changing how software is written - but what does that actually mean for developers right now? In this episode, Matt and Mike dig into whether AI will replace developers or simply reshape the role, all while the tech job market remains challenging for juniors and experienced devs alike. They discuss why developer documentation and tutorial content is seeing traffic declines, how this moment echoes past tech panic cycles like automation in the trucking industry, and what today's uncertainty means for aspiring developers. The conversation also explores career pivots, skill diversification, and whether this is an overreaction - or a genuine turning point for the industry. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/what-do-developers-do-now-in-the-age-of-ai Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Despite Tailwind CSS usage continuing to grow, the company recently revealed a sharp revenue decline tied to the rise of AI coding tools. Founder Adam Wathan explained how tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT reduced documentation traffic, cutting off Tailwind's primary revenue funnel. In this edition of Web News, Matt and Mike explore what this means for Tailwind, the broader open-source ecosystem, and how open-source projects actually make money in 2026. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/how-open-source-makes-money-tailwind-css-debacle

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt continues his experiment to see whether AI can actually teach him React - or if it just leads straight into tutorial hell. After taking Mike's advice to step away from AI and try writing code manually, Matt quickly realizes how hard it is to apply new concepts without guidance, especially when unfamiliar JavaScript ES6 features enter the picture. The discussion dives into learning React through AI-assisted tutorials, the struggle of truly understanding concepts versus simply following along, and how easy it is to fall into endless side-quests like array and object destructuring. Along the way, Matt also reflects on the content-creator dilemma: when learning in public, should you slow down to deeply explore every concept, or push forward and learn what you need as you go? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/can-ai-teach-me-react-stuck-in-tutorial-hell Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Microsoft has been pushing Copilot into nearly every corner of its ecosystem - Microsoft 365, Windows 11, Xbox, and even PC branding - but the reaction from developers and users feels strangely muted. In this edition of the Web News, Matt takes the lead as we check in on Microsoft Copilot, the state of Windows 11, and how the broader Microsoft ecosystem is being perceived heading into 2026. Is Copilot actually useful, or is it just another feature being forced into products people already feel lukewarm about? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/is-microsoft-copilot-any-good

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt and Mike look back at the biggest web development trends of 2025 before making predictions for what's coming in 2026. From the explosion of AI-assisted tooling and supply-chain security incidents to framework fatigue, React Server Component controversies, and Svelte 5's momentum, the landscape is shifting fast. They also discuss why design engineering roles are rising, why exploits and CVEs may accelerate, and how AI will continue to reshape developer workflows in the year ahead. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/web-development-predictions-for-2026 Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was one of 2025's most celebrated games - until the Indie Game Awards stripped it of Game of the Year and Debut Game honors. The reason? The use of Gen AI placeholder assets during development, some of which accidentally shipped and were later patched out. In this Web News, we break down what happened, why the IGAs took such a hard stance, and what this controversy says about Gen AI disclosure, tooling, and modern game development. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-clair-obscur-ai-debacle

This is a re-release of a super popular episode from back in 2023 - happy holidays! Learning JavaScript from scratch can be as much about syntax as it is programming concepts, especially when it's your first language. Concepts like knowing how and why you need a place to store bits of data (variables), re-using code snippets instead of writing them repeatedly (functions), making decisions (conditional statements), and working with collections of data (arrays and looping) are all second nature to experienced developers. These concepts are the foundational building blocks that let you solve problems by thinking like a computer (sometimes this is called programmatic logic). In this episode, Matt and Mike discuss these key JavaScript basics including variables, functions, conditional statements, arrays, and looping. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/javascript-basics-learn-these-concepts-first-re-release

Choosing a browser used to be simple - pick Chrome, Edge, or Safari and move on. But in 2025, browser choice has become a much deeper decision, especially for developers and power users. With options like Firefox, Arc, Brave, Opera GX, and even AI-driven browsers entering the conversation, the question isn't just which browser is best - it's what are you optimizing for? In this Web News, we break down how people choose their browser, when it makes sense to switch, and whether paying for a browser experience is actually worth it. ‍Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/how-to-choose-the-right-browser

In this episode, Matt and Mike explore whether AI can effectively teach React through project-based learning. Using a real side project - rebuilding the Xbox 360 Blades dashboard as a web app - they walk through how React concepts like props, state, and component structure are learned through iteration, experimentation, and replacing code as understanding improves. The discussion focuses on learning by building, avoiding overwhelm, and using AI as a guide rather than a shortcut. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/can-ai-teach-me-react-project-based-learning Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

With modern development, we're almost never coding alone. Google, MDN, Stack Overflow, and now AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini are always just a tab away. But what happens if that safety net disappears? In this edition of Web News, we explore the idea of offline programming - whether it's still realistic going into 2026, what skills it actually tests, and whether there's any real value in trying to code without constant internet access. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-art-of-offline-programming

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Mike walks through his development setup in late 2025 - not just the tools he uses, but how he uses them day-to-day. From his MacBook Pro and editor setup to peripherals, travel gear, and gaming hardware, Mike breaks down what worked well over the past year, what didn't, and why certain choices stuck. This isn't a sponsored or affiliate-driven rundown - it's a practical look at a real developer setup after a year of shipping projects, recording podcasts, and experimenting with workflows. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/my-development-setup-in-late-2025 Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

The holidays are coming up, and for many developers that brings up a familiar dilemma - should you keep coding, learning, and building… or should you unplug and take a real break? With fast-moving frameworks, constant updates, and pressure to stay relevant, stepping away can feel risky. But burnout is real, and the holidays are often one of the few chances we get to properly recharge. In this Web News, we talk about whether developers should code over the holidays, when it makes sense to keep tinkering, and when it's healthier to step back and reset. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/should-developers-code-over-the-holidays-hustle-culture

“SEO is dead” has been a running joke for over a decade - but heading into 2026, the debate feels louder than ever. With AI search, shrinking Google traffic, zero-click results, TikTok discovery, Amazon reviews, Reddit research, and AI assistants reshaping how people find information, the real question isn't whether SEO is dead… it's what SEO has become. In this episode, Matt and Mike break down the new world of search in 2025/2026 - where users bounce between Amazon, Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Google, and AI tools before making a purchase. We explore how platforms are stealing traditional website traffic, why “zero-click search” doesn't mean zero opportunity, how brands build trust across multiple ecosystems, and why your website still matters more than it seems. SEO isn't dying - Google-only SEO is. Discover what “Search Everywhere Optimization” really looks like and how developers, creators, and business owners can adapt their strategy for 2026 and beyond. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/is-seo-dead-seo-in-2026 Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of the Web News, Matt and Mike dive into the idea that consumer computing might be reaching a breaking point. With RAM prices skyrocketing, hardware getting more expensive, and the industry shifting toward cloud-powered and AI-assisted workflows, we ask a dramatic question: Is this the end of consumer computing as we know it? We explore how pricing, market consolidation, and changing developer expectations are reshaping the future - and whether everyday consumers will still be able to afford powerful machines in the coming years. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-end-of-consumer-computing-as-we-know-it

The web development world never stops moving - frameworks push new versions, browsers release new features, dependabot keeps chiming in, and AI tools like Cursor and the latest LLMs drop at a dizzying pace. In this episode, Mike breaks down why everything updates so fast, how he personally decides what's worth upgrading, and how he stays sane with the nonstop stream of patches, releases, and AI model announcements. From security fixes to real productivity gains, Mike shares practical strategies for keeping your workflow stable without falling behind. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/never-ending-updates-ai-models-cursor-frameworks Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of Web News, we dig into one of the biggest marketing debates heading into 2026: should you try to be on every platform? With SEO shifting beyond Google, brands are reevaluating how they show up across Reddit, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and everywhere else people search for answers. We break down when it makes sense to focus on a single platform, when multi-platform posting actually pays off, and why “being everywhere” isn't always the optimal strategy. From content formats to audience behaviour, we explore what really matters as platforms evolve and fragmentation continues across the web. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/should-you-be-on-every-platform-in-2026

When a client comes in with a dream project and a shoestring budget, what should a developer do? In this episode, Matt and Mike break down the low-budget dilemma - why clients under-budget, when it makes sense to try working with them, and when it's better to walk away. We explore how to trim features without killing quality, how to set realistic MVP expectations, how to handle classic client excuses (“my cousin can do it cheaper”), and how to protect your reputation even when money is tight. If you've ever wondered how far you should cut features or whether a project is still worth doing, this episode dives deep into the realities of balancing budget, quality, and your long-term brand. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/should-you-say-no-to-low-budget-projects Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Google has officially rolled out Gemini 3.0, and in this episode we take a casual but focused look at what's actually improved. Matt and Mike break down the model's major upgrades, run through how Gemini performed in independent audits, and compare those results to competing LLMs. We also discuss what these improvements mean for day-to-day developer workflows, where Gemini still falls short, and whether Google's latest release finally puts them back in the race for AI dominance. Please note that this is a casual conversation and look through some of the release materials, it is not comprehensive news coverage. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/gemini-got-an-upgrade-gemini-3-0

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Mike walks through the new web development tech that's been landing on his radar. From next-gen formatters and bundlers to emerging UI frameworks and terminal-UI toolkits, Mike breaks down what each tool is, why it matters, and where its limitations are today. In this episode Matt and Mike cover: BiomeJS - all-in-one formatter/linter with strong Prettier compatibility Ripple - an experimental TypeScript-first UI framework TanStack Start - a router-first full-stack framework for React/Solid Hono.js - tiny, blazing-fast multi-runtime web framework Rolldown - Rust-powered bundler with major Vite build speed gains Effect - type-safe effects/concurrency runtime for TypeScript OpenTUI - build rich terminal UIs using React/Solid renderers If you want a curated look at early-stage tools shaping how we might build for the web in 2025, Mike's got you covered. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/new-web-development-tech-thats-on-my-radar Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of Web News, we explore whether developers in 2025 should build a web app or launch through an app store. Web apps offer flexibility and reach, but platforms like the App Store and Google Play bring built-in visibility, reviews, and trusted security. We break down the advantages of each approach and discuss whether launching on a platform gives your project a major edge. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/web-app-vs-app-store-which-should-you-build-for-2025

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt and Mike tackle a growing sentiment spreading across social media: coding just isn't fun anymore. What changed? Why are so many developers - new and experienced - feeling burned out or disillusioned in 2025? We break down what originally made coding exciting, from passion projects and creative problem-solving to the thrill of building something entirely new. Then we look at the forces eroding that joy today: elitism in developer communities, the rise of AI-generated code, factory-style expectations, impossible deadlines, layoffs disguised as “project completion,” and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the profession. We also discuss whether the “art” of coding has been lost as AI handles more and more of the hands-on work, and what developers can do to rediscover meaning, fun, and sustainability in their craft - even in 2025. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/why-isnt-coding-fun-anymore Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Junior developers are facing one of the toughest job markets in years. Memes of CS grads lining up for a single position might be funny online, but they reflect a harsh reality—AI is boosting senior developer productivity and shrinking opportunities for entry-level roles. Meanwhile, tighter deadlines and post-layoff workloads mean fewer seniors have time to mentor newcomers. In this edition of the Web News, we discuss what's really happening to junior developers in today's tech industry and what aspiring devs can do to survive - and even thrive - through it. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/its-over-for-junior-developers

In this episode, Mike sits down with legendary developer and content creator Marko Denic - a full-stack web developer, educator, and agency owner with more than 260k followers across social media. They talk about Marko's journey from building websites to building an audience, how content creation transformed his career, and what role AI plays in his work today. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/leveraging-social-media-and-content-creation-w-marko-denic

In this episode, Matt and Mike compare JavaScript and Python for building LLM-powered chatbots. They explore how each ecosystem handles tool calling, type safety, performance, and framework support — from TypeScript's tight end-to-end types to Python's dominance in data and ML. They also discuss architecture patterns that mix the best of both worlds, helping teams choose the right stack for scalable, efficient AI projects. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/javascript-vs-python-which-is-better-for-building-llm-chatbots Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this Web News episode, Matt and Mike dive into the big question — is WordPress still relevant in 2025? With modern tools like Webflow, SvelteKit, and Next.js gaining traction, does WordPress still deserve its spot as the world's most popular CMS? The duo explore its staying power, the ecosystem that keeps it alive, and whether developers should still be learning it today. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/is-wordpress-still-relevant-in-2025

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt dives into the nuances of researching for a client. Learn how to take a client's diverse needs, turn them into actionable plans, and present solutions that fit perfectly—all while balancing technical expertise with a client-friendly approach. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-art-of-client-research-turning-client-needs-into-actionable-plans Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this Web News, Matt and Mike discusses the recent AWS outage and what it says about our overreliance on centralized services. From fragile cloud infrastructure to “move fast and break things” culture, this episode explores how we built systems that can take entire industries offline — and what developers can do to make technology more resilient, including offline-first features and smarter UX design. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/our-tech-is-too-fragile-aws-outage

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt sits down with Quincy Larson - founder of freeCodeCamp.org - to talk about the future of learning to code in 2025. They discuss how AI is changing developer education, how to escape tutorial hell, and what makes freeCodeCamp's free, open-source approach so effective. Quincy also shares insights into building a non-profit tech education platform and advice for aspiring developers looking to go freelance or start their own projects. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/inside-freecodecamp-learning-to-code-in-2025-w-quincy-larson Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Mike opens up about the real challenges he faces as a web developer. From procrastination and work-life balance to imposter syndrome, AI overreliance, and the ongoing question of management versus hands-on coding — he dives into the struggles that often go unspoken in the dev world. Mike shares how he tries (and sometimes fails) to overcome these hurdles, offering a candid look at the ups and downs of staying productive and motivated in tech. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/struggling-learning-and-trying-again-my-biggest-challenges-in-web-development Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of the HTML All The Things Web News, Matt and Mike discuss a viral Reddit post where a web developer says their manager's use of ChatGPT has made their job a nightmare. They unpack whether this is the new workplace reality or a case of AI overstepping its bounds. Along the way, they share their own client experiences, talk AI etiquette, and explore how developers can set healthy boundaries when working alongside artificial intelligence. Show Notes: www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/a-chatgpt-nightmare-ai-etiquette Original Reddit Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/webdev/comments/1o80iri/chat_gpt_is_making_my_job_into_a_nightmare/

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt breaks down CSS for absolute beginners. You'll learn what CSS is, where it goes, and how it makes websites look beautiful. From understanding selectors and specificity to learning why classes beat IDs for flexibility—this crash course keeps things simple, visual, and easy to understand through audio. Matt also walks through common CSS mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/css-crash-course-for-absolute-beginners Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

While working on the HTML Crash Course, Matt realized how easy it is for experienced developers to skip foundational steps when teaching. In this episode, Matt explores why learning order is so important and how educators can make programming more accessible without overwhelming beginners. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-importance-of-learning-order-in-coding

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt sits down with Shant Dashjian, a developer educator at Scrimba and founder of Pro Coding Mentor. Shant shares his journey from learning code to mentoring aspiring developers, highlighting the importance of building strong fundamentals, gaining real-world experience, and staying consistent when the going gets tough. We talk about what makes an effective mentor, how developers can make the most of coding bootcamps and platforms like Scrimba, and why community is often the missing link in a student's success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to give back by mentoring others, this episode is full of practical advice and insights to level up your career. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/developer-education-and-mentoring-w-shant-dashjian Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Modern web development feels easier than ever — but only on the surface. In this episode, Matt and Mike break down which parts of web dev have truly become simple thanks to frameworks, AI scaffolding, and one-click hosting… and which parts remain tough as ever. From complex third-party integrations and security concerns to scaling, debugging, and design systems, they explore the deeper challenges that still require human creativity and technical judgment. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/is-web-development-too-easy-now Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of the Web News, Matt dives into a thought he had while out on the golf course: are we ever going to have tech that's so seamless it doesn't pull us out of the moment? We'll talk about the current state of ‘analog' versus ‘digital' experiences, why even the most advanced wearables can't fully disappear into the background yet, and what it might take to reach a future where technology is truly invisible but still helpful. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/phones-golf-and-the-problem-of-always-being-connected

Learning HTML is the first step to building websites, but it can feel overwhelming when you're starting from scratch. In this crash course, Matt and Mike break down the absolute basics of HTML in a way that's clear, practical, and beginner-friendly. You'll learn what HTML is, how tags work, why structure matters, and how semantic HTML makes your sites more accessible and SEO-ready. We'll also cover how search engines use your HTML, why clean code helps ranking, and what to focus on before diving into CSS and beyond. Whether you're brand new to coding or brushing up on fundamentals, this episode will give you the foundation you need to start building the web. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/html-crash-course-for-absolute-beginners Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

When beginners try to learn coding, jargon-heavy tutorials can leave them feeling confused and discouraged. In this Web News episode, Matt and Mike discuss the importance of using accessible language when writing tutorials, landing pages, and guides. Developers don't need to explain every detail, but making your explanations approachable helps more people learn faster and feel more confident. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/making-developer-tutorials-beginner-friendly

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt explores his new development workflow centered around spec-driven development. With AI tools and coding agents becoming more powerful, the key to success isn't just in writing code—it's in writing clear, detailed specs first. Matt breaks down what spec-driven development is, why it works so well with large language models, and how it can transform the way developers approach projects. From lowering hallucinations and compressing prompts to enabling parallelization and automated testing, you'll learn how structured specs can unlock more efficient, accurate development. Matt also shares real-world examples, including a spec for a dark mode toggle, and outlines how specs evolve into implementation docs for step-by-step coding. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/my-new-development-workflow-spec-driven-development Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode of Web News, Matt and Mike dive into two massive worm attacks that recently hit npm, targeting packages used in millions of projects. While the attackers aimed to steal crypto wallet keys, the actual damage was small—but the implications are enormous. We break down how these man-in-the-middle attacks worked, why shadow dependencies are such a big risk, and what tools like pnpm's minimum release age can do to help. We also discuss whether AI might allow developers to skip quick one-time npm packages entirely, reducing dependency sprawl and potential vulnerabilities. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-shai-hulud-worm-attack-npm-hack

In this episode, Matt sits down with developer and solutions architect Nathaniel Rogers to discuss the challenges of working with non-tech-savvy founders, the differences between startup, product-based, service-based, and app-based business models, and how to guide entrepreneurs through both technical and business hurdles. Nathaniel shares his experiences helping clients with everything from basic tools like Calendly to full-scale applications, and dives deep into the fascinating trend of vibe coding—where non-technical people build scrappy solutions that eventually need professional polish. Together they explore what vibe coding means for the industry's future and how developers can bridge the gap between ideas and reliable execution. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/fixing-vibe-coded-apps-w-nathaniel-rogers Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt and Mike explore how freelancers can handle diverse client requests with confidence. From quick initial calls and clarifying client goals to managing knowledge gaps and knowing when to outsource, they share strategies for simplifying complex requests, building trusted networks, and keeping communication transparent. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/handling-the-variety-of-client-requests-as-a-freelancer Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Uptime ideals vs reality in the AI era. A recent post from Theo (t3.gg) calling out sub-90% uptime on a major AI service reignites the question: how seriously should we treat downtime for non-critical apps? In this episode Matt and Mike dig into SLAs, the real cost of monitoring and rapid support, why “always-on” isn't free, and whether 24/7 expectations turn developers into shift workers instead of on-call responders. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/does-downtime-matter

In this episode of HTML All The Things, Mike sits down with Jesse Hall, Staff Developer Advocate at MongoDB and creator of the popular codeSTACKr platform. Jesse shares his journey from working at Geek Squad to becoming a self-taught developer, educator, and now an advocate at one of the biggest players in the database space. They discuss the principles that make technical concepts “click” for beginners, how to help teams move from relational-first thinking to designing flexible MongoDB schemas, and the pitfalls to avoid when working with document databases. The conversation also dives into MongoDB's role in the AI landscape, including Jesse's “AI in Two Lines” approach and what it really takes to go from toy chatbots to robust agentic systems. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/from-geek-squad-to-mongodb-advocate-w-jesse-hall Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Landing a tech job can feel like a marathon—getting the interview is tough, and nailing it is even harder. In this episode, Matt shares insider tips from his experience interviewing dozens of engineers, highlighting the strategies that helped candidates stand out. From making a strong first impression to handling tough technical questions, these insights will help you prepare, perform, and leave a lasting impression in your next interview. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/interview-tips-to-help-you-land-a-job-in-web-development

When it comes to starting an online business, one of the most common pieces of advice is to “niche down.” Instead of trying to cover an entire industry or topic family, niching down means choosing a smaller slice of the pie to specialize in. In this week's Web News, Matt and Mike explore whether that same strategy can apply to developers. Is there value in mastering a narrow set of skills and becoming the go-to authority in that niche? Or does broad knowledge provide more flexibility in a fast-moving industry? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/should-you-niche-down-as-a-developer

In this episode of HTML All The Things, Matt chats with Dylan Israel about balancing careers in content creation and web development. Dylan has done it all — from building popular YouTube videos and courses, to co-hosting the Self Taught or Not podcast, to landing a role at Amazon. We dive into whether content creation was ever a full-time goal or simply a stepping stone, and what it really takes to break into web development today. Dylan also shares advice for self-taught and traditionally taught devs, thoughts on burnout vs dedication, and his perspective on AI's impact on junior developers. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/content-creator-or-web-developer-w-dylan-israel Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Is web development truly recession proof? In this episode of the HTML All The Things Podcast, Matt and Mike explore how different types of recessions—tech downturns, regional slumps, and global crashes—impact developer jobs and freelancing. They discuss why tech's deep connection to so many industries can make developers more resilient, how side hustles and niche targeting can provide security, and why major economic downturns often spark new online opportunities. Drawing on community perspectives and industry insights, this episode unpacks what it takes to keep your career strong in uncertain times. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/is-web-development-recession-proof Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of the Web News, Matt and Mike discuss Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's controversial decision to fire engineers who refused to adopt AI tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor. After purchasing enterprise licenses, Armstrong gave employees just one week to integrate the tools into their workflows, even holding a Saturday meeting to enforce compliance. Was this “heavy-handed” approach justified, or did it cross the line? We break down the story, explore the ethics of forcing AI adoption, and consider what this means for the future of engineering culture. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/was-the-coinbase-ceo-too-harsh-ai-firings

Every developer has war stories about a project that went sideways—too many abstractions, tests that didn't catch what mattered, or a late-night deploy with no rollback plan. In this episode, Matt and Mike dig into the seven biggest mistakes teams make when building web apps and how to avoid them. From over- and under-engineering, leaving hard problems until the last minute, and wasting time in low-impact areas, to skipping security basics, ignoring observability, and neglecting CI/CD, we cover the traps that derail projects. Along the way, we share practical strategies—like building for 10× growth (not 100×), using tracer-bullet proofs of concept, scoping by impact, and shipping behind feature flags. Whether you're launching your first SaaS or scaling an enterprise app, these lessons will help you build faster, safer, and smarter. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/top-mistakes-that-developers-make-when-building-a-web-app-and-how-to-prevent-them Powered by CodeRabbit - AI Code Reviews: https://coderabbit.link/htmlallthethings Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.