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HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
For years, SaaS companies seemed untouchable. Now, investors have wiped trillions of dollars from software stocks as AI agents become capable of building functional clones of popular products in minutes. But are these fears justified? In this episode, Matt and Mike break down the growing panic around AI and SaaS. They explore why investors believe AI could destroy software moats, why tools like Claude Cowork and other AI agents are causing concern, and whether the market is overestimating how easily software companies can be replaced. They also discuss the hidden costs of replacing SaaS with internal AI-generated tools, the importance of integrations, maintenance, security, support, and why switching costs may be a stronger moat than many investors realize. Is SaaS actually dying, or is Wall Street pricing in a future that may never arrive? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-2-trillion-ai-panic-is-saas-really-dead Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
Artificial intelligence may live in the cloud, but the infrastructure powering it exists in the real world. As companies race to build hyperscale AI data centers, communities are raising concerns about power consumption, water usage, housing pressures, environmental impacts, and the strain on local infrastructure. In this episode, Matt and Mike break down what data centers actually are, how AI is changing their scale and requirements, and why the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure has become one of the most controversial technology stories of the decade. Are AI data centers worth it, or are the costs starting to outweigh the benefits? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/are-ai-data-centers-good-or-bad Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
Most conversations about AI focus on job displacement, but a different story is unfolding at the same time. As companies rush to adopt AI, entirely new roles are appearing to bridge the gap between powerful models and real-world business problems. In this episode Matt and Mike explore emerging careers like Forward Deployed Engineers, AI Generalists, Prompt & Evals Engineers, and the growing need for developers who can rescue and maintain AI-generated applications. Are these temporary jobs created by a rapidly changing industry, or early signs of what the future workforce will look like? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/ai-isnt-just-taking-jobs-its-creating-weird-new-ones Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
When you launch a website, how long should you expect it to last? Two years? Five years? Ten? The answer depends on what you mean by "last." A website can remain online and technically functional for years while quietly becoming harder to maintain, slower to evolve, less effective at generating leads, or increasingly out of touch with a company's brand and customers. In this episode, Matt and Mike explore the real lifespan of modern websites. They break down the difference between replacing a website because you want to versus because you have to, discuss how technical debt, security, performance, SEO, and changing business needs can force a rebuild, and examine whether modern architectures like headless CMSs, design systems, and component-based development are helping websites stay relevant longer than ever before. Whether you're a developer maintaining client projects or a business owner wondering if your website is due for an upgrade, this episode will help you understand the signs that a website is reaching the end of its useful life - and what to do about it. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/how-long-do-websites-last-and-when-should-you-replace-them Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
AI skepticism might be one of the most valuable developer skills right now - but only if it doesn't turn into stubbornness. In this episode, Matt and Mike discuss the growing divide between developers who reject AI entirely and those who trust it far too much. They explore why blindly accepting AI-generated code can create serious problems in production, why refusing to adapt can hurt your career, and where experienced developers still provide the most value. From architecture and security to maintainability and product-specific context, this episode breaks down the increasingly important role of human judgment in AI-assisted development. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/ai-coding-hype-is-starting-to-crack Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
In this episode, Matt and Mike break down why traditional CSS learning often falls short - and what actually works instead. From building muscle memory and understanding layout behavior to avoiding common beginner mistakes like over-nesting and fighting the layout, this episode is all about practical, real-world CSS skills. We also explore hands-on learning scenarios like navbars, hero sections, blog layouts, and forms-plus a simple framework you can use to improve your CSS faster. And in the age of AI, we discuss why practical CSS knowledge is still essential for debugging and building production-ready designs. If you've ever felt stuck between “knowing CSS” and actually building with it, this episode is for you. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/you-know-css-so-why-cant-you-build-anything Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
GitHub has had a rough few months, with outages, service degradations, Copilot interruptions, and even a merge queue bug that affected real pull requests. In this episode, Matt and Mike look at what's been happening with GitHub, why developers rely on it so heavily, and whether the rise of AI-assisted coding is putting even more pressure on one of the most important platforms in modern software development. Is this just normal growing pain for critical infrastructure, or a warning sign that developers should rethink how much trust they place in a single platform? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/what-is-going-on-with-github Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
The entry-level developer job market is sending mixed signals in 2026. On one hand, reports suggest that employment among younger developers has dropped significantly - fueling concerns that AI and automation are squeezing out junior talent. On the other hand, major companies are actively increasing their hiring of entry-level engineers, citing long-term industry health and the growing importance of AI fluency. In this episode Matt and Mike break down what's really happening with junior developer jobs right now. From the so-called “entry-level squeeze” to companies doubling down on early-career hiring, they explore whether this is a true crisis - or just another shift in how developers enter the industry. They also dive into what junior developers should actually be focusing on in today's market, including the balance between strong coding fundamentals and AI proficiency, and how new developers can position themselves to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/the-junior-developer-job-market-in-2026-crisis-recovery-or-both Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
AI tools have made developers faster than ever - but at what cost? In this episode, Matt and Mike dive into the unexpected side effects of using AI heavily in development workflows. From losing a sense of accomplishment to struggling with focus, trust, and long-term skill retention, they explore how AI might be quietly reshaping not just how we work - but how we feel about our work. Is increased productivity masking deeper problems? And are developers becoming too reliant on AI without realizing it? This is an honest conversation about the trade-offs of modern development - and what we might be losing in the process. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/whats-happening-to-me-the-negative-side-effects-of-ai Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
Web apps, PWAs, and native mobile apps - how do you actually choose what to build? In this episode Matt and Mike break down the real-world tradeoffs between web apps and mobile apps, including hardware access, performance, user friction, monetization, and app store vs web distribution. From instant updates and SEO to GPU-intensive apps and background processes, we explore where each approach shines - and where it falls short. If you're building a product in 2026, this is a decision you need to get right. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/web-apps-vs-mobile-apps-choosing-the-right-path-in-2026 Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
2026 is shaping up to be a strange time to be an engineer. AI is evolving rapidly, competition is higher than ever, and many developers are trying to figure out how to stay relevant and valuable in an increasingly crowded field. In this episode, we break down what we think actually makes an engineer stand out today. Instead of chasing every trend or trying to learn every new framework, we focus on the skills that consistently matter: strong fundamentals, real-world problem solving, the ability to navigate messy codebases, debugging, judgment, communication, and the business side of engineering. We also talk about how AI changes the landscape - not as a replacement for engineers, but as something that requires thoughtful integration, good judgment, and practical implementation skills. Whether you're early in your career or a seasoned developer trying to stay sharp, this episode is about becoming the kind of engineer teams rely on. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/how-engineers-stand-out-in-2026-skills-that-actually-matter-now Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
Web development isn't just about clean code and perfect logic-it's a deeply human process. In this episode, Matt and Mike explore the creative, messy, and often unpredictable side of building websites and web apps. From client-developer back-and-forth to real-world trade-offs, shifting requirements, and the motivations behind why projects exist in the first place, this episode dives into the parts of development that aren't written in documentation-but shape every project. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/ai-can-write-code-but-development-is-still-human Related Episode: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/writing-code-was-never-the-bottleneck Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
Everyone online is bragging about running 50, 100, even 500 AI agents at once - but is any of that actually making the work better? In this episode Matt and Mike unpack the growing trend of “agent overload” and why more AI doesn't always mean better results. From losing context in your codebase to creating fragile, overcomplicated systems, we explore how chasing scale with AI can quietly hurt your productivity. Instead of spinning up endless agents, the real opportunity might be slowing down and focusing - using AI to go deeper, not wider. If you've ever felt like your workflow is getting noisier instead of more effective, this episode is for you. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/youre-using-too-much-ai-and-its-hurting-your-work Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
AI coding tools are evolving incredibly fast - but the user experience may not be keeping up. In this episode, Matt shares his first experience trying Codex on Windows and how a simple attempt to generate a classic Snake game quickly turned into a confusing experience filled with permission prompts, unclear setup steps, and rapidly draining usage credits. This sparks a larger discussion about whether AI development tools are moving so quickly that UX is being left behind. In this episode Matt and Mike discuss the gap between tools like ChatGPT and more advanced coding environments like Codex, why developer tools can still feel intimidating even with AI doing the coding, and how today's AI ecosystem feels a lot like the early days of crypto - powerful but sometimes chaotic. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/trying-codex-for-the-first-time-was-confusing Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
AI tools can now write code, scaffold entire apps, and even manage parts of the development process - but if building software is easier than ever, why aren't we seeing a flood of wildly successful new products? In this episode Matt and Mike explore the idea that writing code was never actually the biggest bottleneck in building software. Instead, the real challenges lie in figuring out what to build, who to build it for, and how to get people to actually use it. They discuss the hidden work behind successful products - including product management, marketing, stakeholder alignment, and navigating real-world complexity like infrastructure, edge cases, and legacy integrations. If AI can help us write code faster than ever, what does that mean for developers, founders, and the future of building software? Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/writing-code-was-never-the-bottleneck Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
A lot of developers say you should learn a framework from its official documentation - but is that actually a good way to learn React when you're still a beginner? In this episode, Matt breaks down his experience working through the official React docs, including the Quick Start guide, the Tic-Tac-Toe tutorial, and the “Thinking in React” section. Along the way, he talks about where React starts to click, where the docs shine for beginners, and why understanding project structure, state, and component hierarchy matters so much when you're trying to move beyond vanilla JavaScript. In this episode Matt and Mike discuss whether the official React documentation is enough for beginners, how React's learning materials compare to more guided tutorials, and what parts of the docs are especially helpful when you're trying to build real understanding instead of just copying code. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/can-i-learn-react-using-the-official-documentation Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
The web development industry has felt pretty turbulent lately - AI disruption, layoffs, hiring freezes, and endless doom-scrolling. So in this episode, we're flipping the script. There's actually some genuinely good news happening in web development right now. From developer job numbers quietly ticking back up, to Nvidia's internal AI experiment showing productivity gains without eliminating roles, to Interop 2026 launching with all major browser vendors aligned on compatibility - the industry may be stabilizing more than it seems. We also talk about how AI is making our jobs easier (yes, really), why frameworks like React, Vue, and Svelte have matured into stable foundations, and why the “AI bias” toward certain tools is starting to disappear. In this episode Matt and Mike cut through the noise and highlight what's actually going right in web development - and why this might be one of the best times to adapt rather than panic. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/some-good-news-for-web-developers Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
As I dive deeper into React and AI-assisted development, I've realized something uncomfortable - my JavaScript fundamentals weren't as solid as I thought. In this episode Matt and Mike revisit ES6 and modern JavaScript concepts like let vs var, const and mutability, arrow functions, this binding, destructuring, and more. We also explore how frameworks and AI tools can add layers of abstraction that quietly distance us from core fundamentals. If you're working with React, Svelte, or modern tooling, this episode is a reminder that mastering JavaScript fundamentals is still one of the best investments you can make as a developer. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/upgrading-my-javascript-fundamentals-es6-and-beyond Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
Most website project delays aren't caused by bad code - they're caused by communication and decision-making issues. In this episode, Matt and Mike flip the script and talk about how clients can be better partners to their web developers. From vague feedback and false urgency to scope creep and decision-by-committee, we break down the most common developer pet peeves, why they matter, and what small communication changes can dramatically reduce costs, speed up timelines, and improve final results. This isn't about blaming clients - it's about understanding how modern web projects actually work. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/how-to-be-a-good-client-to-your-web-developer Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
In this episode Mike and Matt discuss how code review is becoming one of the most important developer skills as AI takes on more of the actual code writing. With AI generating larger and denser pull requests, reviewing code effectively has become harder - and more critical - than ever. They break down the real cognitive limits humans face when reviewing code, including how many lines can realistically be reviewed at once and why reviews should be timeboxed to avoid missed issues. The conversation focuses on how to anchor reviews around what truly matters in a codebase, such as security, performance, testing, reliability, and user experience. Mike and Matt also share practical tips for becoming a better code reviewer, including creating checklists around critical paths, doing multiple review passes, encouraging smaller cascading PRs, and relying on tools like linters, formatters, and AI to handle nits. They wrap up by exploring how AI can assist with code reviews - summarizing diffs, identifying risky areas, and generating edge cases - while leaving final decisions and tradeoffs firmly in human hands. Show Notes: https://www.htmlallthethings.com/podcast/code-reviews-are-more-important-than-ever Use our Scrimba affiliate link (https://scrimba.com/?via=htmlallthethings) for a 20% discount!! Full details in show notes.
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
“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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.
HTML All The Things - Web Development, Web Design, Small Business
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.