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

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.

AI often makes headlines for its risks—huge electricity usage, job replacement fears, and ethical concerns around training on human-created work. But is there another side to the story? In this Web News episode, Matt and Mike explores the positives of AI that are often overlooked. From childhood sci-fi dreams of voice-controlled computers to the imaginative worlds of Star Trek, we'll look at AI through rose-coloured glasses and discuss what it could mean for the future when viewed with optimism. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/from-star-trek-to-today-dreaming-of-ais-best-future

On this episode of HTML All The Things, we dive into a Reddit thread where a retail worker-turned-student wonders if pursuing web development is still a smart career move. From market saturation and AI tools taking over entry-level tasks, to alternative tech paths and freelancing, we unpack the tough realities and bright possibilities facing new developers today. If you've been questioning whether coding is still worth the grind—or if your portfolio is enough to land that first job—this conversation is for you. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/can-you-have-a-career-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.

When developers and tech-savvy users interact with technology, they often do it in ways that differ drastically from the general public. While the average consumer might eagerly adopt new features and shortcuts at face value, techies tend to avoid gimmicks, question claims, and create their own workflows. In this episode of Web News, we explore how these different usage patterns affect app design, UX decisions, and the experiences we create as developers. Do we need to design with two audiences in mind—one for the general user and another for the tech-savvy crowd? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/do-developers-use-technology-differently

The developer job market is tougher than ever — but it's not impossible to land your dream role. In this episode, I'm joined by Taylor Desseyn, VP of Global Community at Torc, a talent platform helping top developers connect with companies fast. We dive into: The current state of the tech job market in 2025 Why many developers are struggling to get hired The role of networking and developer communities in job hunting Insider tips for landing a web development or software engineering job quickly What companies really look for when hiring tech talent Whether you're a junior developer trying to break in or a seasoned engineer facing layoffs, this episode is packed with practical career tips to help you stand out and get hired. Keywords to help you find us: developer jobs, tech hiring, software engineer jobs, web development careers, coding job tips, networking in tech, programming careers, tech layoffs, how to get a job in tech.

In what's becoming an annual feature, Matt and Mike discussed the results of the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025. There are an absolute ton of different categories and results in this survey, the guys have cherry picked a few key metrics to drive conversation and debate on the state of the 2025 developer market. With AI tools coming in hot this year (and last for that matter), many think that the industry is in a state of upset - do you think the survey results confirm that? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/stack-overflow-developer-survey-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.

AI is everywhere—popping up in every tool, platform, and app we use. But with all this supposed productivity, why are we spending so much time tinkering with AI tools instead of just... working? In this episode, we dig into whether the time we spend learning and adjusting AI is actually worth it—or if it's starting to backfire. Is this just a phase of growing pains, or will "tinkering" always be part of using AI as it rapidly evolves? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/we-shouldnt-focus-on-ai

In this episode, Matt and Mike explore whether learning the fundamentals of coding is still necessary in 2025, now that powerful AI tools can write, refactor, and explain code in seconds. Do new developers still need to understand things like variables, loops, and logic, or can they jump straight into building projects with AI assistance? We talk about the pros and cons of skipping the basics, when foundational knowledge becomes essential, and how modern devs can balance AI-driven productivity with real skill-building. We also dive into how this all ties into web development, vibe-coding, and the rise of no-code/low-code tools. Whether you're just starting out or building your 10th project, this conversation will help you decide where to focus your learning next. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/are-coding-basics-still-relevant-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.

AI tools are getting faster, cheaper, and—some say—good enough to replace junior developers. In this episode of Web News, we dive into the recent X discussion between Brian Coords, Matt Mullenweg, and others about whether AI agents could do junior dev work for just $12k–$15k a year. Are junior developers truly cooked? Could the career path for new devs become unpaid or low-paid work until you “level up” to senior? We explore the implications for the industry, the future of developer salaries, and whether entry-level jobs are at risk. ‍Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/is-this-the-end-for-junior-developers

In this episode, Mike explores his growing dependence on AI tools like Cursor and ChatGPT to handle everyday coding tasks. From code generation and DevOps to security reviews and task planning, AI is integrated into nearly every part of his workflow. But as these tools take over more responsibilities, Mike asks the hard questions: Am I losing my edge? Should I still code manually even if AI can do it faster—or better? He shares how he uses AI day-to-day, when he steps in to take control, and whether it's time to focus on solving tougher problems that AI can't yet tackle. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/boosting-developer-productivity-with-ai-without-losing-your-edge 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.

As web developers, we often wear a lot of hats — designer, developer, project manager, client liaison, support desk, and more. But where's the line between taking initiative and taking on too much? In this episode, Matt and Mike dig into the slippery slope of overcommitting in web development — whether it's a single project that's way too big or an avalanche of client work that becomes unmanageable. They explore how this can affect your health, your business, and your ability to actually get things done. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/taking-on-too-much-responsibility-as-a-web-developer 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.

We all know what it's like to be fired—but what about firing a client? In this week's Web News, Matt and Mike explore what happens when a freelance relationship goes sour. Is it ever okay to walk away from a paying client? What if they're disruptive, draining your time, or you've simply lost interest in their project? They break down when it's appropriate to cut ties and how to do it professionally. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/is-it-ever-okay-to-fire-a-client Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode, Matt and Mike dive deep into web app security by walking through a simple SaaS note-taking app and breaking down vulnerabilities at each layer—from frontend and backend to auth and hosting. With 16 billion credentials recently leaked and AI increasing attack complexity, even indie devs need to lock things down. They cover common security pitfalls like XSS, CSRF, IDOR, insecure cookies, and more—along with practical mitigations using tools like tRPC, Prisma, and Next.js. Whether you're building solo or part of a team, this episode will help you build safer apps from the ground up. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/we-should-care-more-about-web-app-security 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.

Sometimes a customer asks you to do something that you've never done before - when it's mission critical this can be nerve wracking. We've all Googled and researched our way to learning new skills before, however, putting them to use and into production straight away seems daunting. - What's your policy when it comes to implementing a critical feature for a client, when you're brand new to the tech at hand? - Do you disclose that you're new at it? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/trying-new-things-on-customer-sites

In this episode, Matt shares his “Write for Google” process — a strategic, keyword-first approach to planning SEO-friendly content. He walks through how he researches keywords, analyzes top-ranking articles, and builds heading structures that make writing feel like filling in the blanks. Matt also explains how he uses AI as a helpful second set of eyes to validate ideas and fine-tune outlines before writing begins. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/write-less-rank-more-my-fill-in-the-blank-seo-method Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode, Matt and Mike dive into developer experience (DX) — what it is, why it matters, and how improving it can make you a better developer. They share personal stories of frustrating build processes, game-changing tools, and scripting away pain points. Whether it's speeding up deployments, eliminating unnecessary rebuilds, or embracing platforms like Vercel and PlanetScale, there's never been a better time to take your DX into your own hands. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/why-developer-experience-matters Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Most coding guides are built for beginners—but what if you're already a working developer? In this episode, Matt shares his personal struggle with upgrading his coding skills after years of using no-code and low-code tools to deliver client sites. From outdated certifications to modern dev stacks, we explore how "situational developers" can navigate learning gaps, avoid repetitive beginner content, and figure out what skills actually matter next. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/leveling-up-your-dev-skills-when-youre-not-a-beginner-but-feel-like-one Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

What happens when a real developer uses AI to build something in a language and toolset they've never touched before? In this episode, Matt shares the story of how he created a free, custom-coded Google News sitemap generator using Node.js, GitHub Actions, and the Webflow API—with help from AI. The catch? He had no prior experience with any of those tools. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/what-happens-when-a-real-developer-starts-vibe-coding Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Ever wonder what a developer really does at a tech startup? In this episode, we break down a full week—from scattered meetings and deep work to deployments, sprint planning, and handling the chaos of outages and DDoS attacks. Get a behind-the-scenes look at balancing coding, team support, and product planning in a fast-moving environment. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/week-in-the-life-of-a-developer-at-a-tech-startup Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Anthony Shew from Turborepo to talk all things monorepos. They explore the pros and cons of monorepos versus traditional multi-repo setups, and how Turborepo compares to other tools like pnpm workspaces and Nx. Anthony shares tips on getting the most out of your monorepo, common pitfalls to avoid, and where monorepos might not be the right fit. They also dive into how AI tools like Cursor and Windsurf benefit from having full codebase context—and whether that context can become a downside. To wrap things up, Anthony gives a look at what's next for Turborepo. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/turborepo-changed-how-i-use-monorepos-w-anthony-shew Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of Web News, we dive into our personal coding companions — from chill playlists and brain-boosting podcasts to TV shows that keep us motivated (or distracted

In this episode, Matt and Mike explore what it takes to transition from being a developer employee to becoming a tech founder or business owner. They break down how your personal situation—time, money, dependents, and hobbies—can impact your readiness to make the leap. This isn't just about technical skill. You'll need to think strategically, handle business admin, understand local laws, and price your services or products properly. Plus, they ask a critical question: do you actually want to own a business, or would a different job be a better fit? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/should-you-go-solo-transitioning-from-developer-to-entrepreneur Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Are you constantly bombarded by notifications? In this episode of Web News, Matt and Mike dive into the growing problem of digital overwhelm — from buzzing phones to nonstop pings — and how minimal phones might be the answer. We explore distraction-free devices like the Minimal Phone and Light Phone 3, how they work, and whether switching to one could help you focus, reduce anxiety, and reclaim your time.

In this episode, Matt and Mike explore the 80/20 rule and how developers can use it to boost productivity, reduce burnout, and prioritize what matters—plus how AI is reshaping the rule itself. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/what-the-80-20-rule-really-means-for-web-developers Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Endless ideas, abandoned projects, and a pile of unused domain names—sound familiar? In this episode, Matt and Mike explore how developers can avoid false starts and take meaningful first steps when launching new projects. They dig into why buying a domain name might feel productive (but often isn't), when it's actually the right move, and how jumping into real problem-solving helps build momentum and deeper focus. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/the-first-step-trap-why-buying-domain-names-isnt-starting-your-project Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this edition of Web News, Matt and Mike discuss the rapidly evolving world of AI, and AI tooling. As web developers, the guys are no stranger to online tools that promise to do everything under the sun - but lately it feels like an infinite amount of new ones are coming out all the time due, powered by AI. Is it possible to keep up with everything that's coming out? Should you even bother trying?  Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/overwhelmed-by-ai-youre-not-alone Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode, Matt and Mike talk about the current state of the dev world—layoffs, AI tools, and the unstable job market—while highlighting the real opportunities that still exist. They share actionable ways to stand out, build useful projects, network, and niche down to land work in a tough economy. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/how-to-get-a-web-development-job-in-2025 Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode of HTML All The Things, Mike chats with William Madden, Developer Advocate at Prisma, to uncover what makes modern ORMs essential in today's development workflows. They break down what an ORM is, why developers should care, and how Prisma sets itself apart in the crowded ORM space. William also dives into the technical challenges of building an ORM, the reasoning behind Prisma's shift from Rust binaries to TypeScript, and what's on the horizon for the platform. Whether you're deep in backend development or just getting started with databases, this episode offers insights you won't want to miss. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/why-prisma-is-still-the-best-orm-w-william-madden Try out Prisma: https://www.prisma.io/docs/getting-started Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

As developers and business owners, it's easy to get stuck in the daily grind — coding, responding to emails, handling support — and forget to actually build the business. In this episode, Matt and Mike dive into what it really means to work on your business instead of just in it. The guys explore strategies to avoid becoming your own overworked employee, how to delegate or automate low-leverage tasks, and the mindset shifts that help you move from operator to true owner. Inspiration for this episode came from the guys' own experience regarding their business for the past few years, where the workload from clients has overwhelmed their day-to-day, leaving strategy and business development completely stagnant. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/work-on-your-business-not-just-in-it Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Tom Barrasso from Cloud Phone to explore why flip phones are still relevant in 2025. They discuss the rise of digital detox, who's using feature phones today, and how developers can still build apps for low-spec devices. From KaiOS and Cloud Phone to nostalgia and screen-time reduction—this is a deep dive into the flip phone revival and the tech powering it. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/why-flip-phones-still-matter-in-2025-w-tom-barrasso Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

Even if you're not "doing DevOps," understanding it can seriously level up your development career. In this episode, Matt and Mike dive into why every web developer should care about DevOps practices, even at a basic level. They explore how deployment pipelines work, how Git supports safe code changes, and how you can prevent and fix production issues faster. You'll hear real-world examples showing how small habits—like writing good commit messages, checking build logs, and knowing when to rollback—can make you a better teammate and a more reliable developer. Whether you're working with GitHub Actions, Vercel, Jenkins, or another CI/CD system, this episode will help you work smarter, troubleshoot faster, and stay calm under pressure. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/what-junior-web-developers-need-to-know-about-devops Use our affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.

In this episode, Matt and Mike explore the temptation to always chase the latest and greatest in tech—whether it's new frameworks, tools, or workflows that dominate developer discourse. While the buzz can be exciting, blindly adopting bleeding-edge technology can lead to serious downsides like poor documentation, tiny communities, and unstable tools. The guys discuss how these risks affect both personal and client projects, when it's actually worth going cutting-edge, and why it's perfectly okay (and often smarter) to use tried-and-true tech. If you've ever felt FOMO seeing everyone jump to the next hot thing, this one's for you. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/the-hype-trap-why-cutting-edge-isnt-always-the-best-choice 20% off Scrimba with our affiliate link. Full details in the show notes.

In this episode, Mike shares his theory that AI will make it easier to prototype and launch startups, potentially opening more opportunities for developers outside of big tech. Matt and Mike compare working in startups versus big tech across several categories like career growth, pace, culture, job security, and more. Drawing on personal experiences and industry research, they explore how each environment can shape a developer's career—and how AI might change the game. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcasts/startups-vs-big-tech-for-web-developers