⬆️ Better, maintainable code

and OpenAI's new model is wild

Author

Journals GG
November 11, 2024

Hey there.

Here’s everything you need to know this week in the world of full-stack development.

Frontend Focus

What's a Single-Page App?
Jake Lazaroff's blog dives into the web development community’s obsession with single-page apps, questioning whether we're all truly on the same page when we use the term. For many, “single-page app” has become a stand-in for “JavaScript framework app,” highlighting how the definition has evolved, sometimes for better, often for worse.

The state of Frontend 2024
The 2024 "State of Frontend" report is here, marking its third edition as the largest of its kind in frontend development. This deep dive covers everything from team dynamics and technology stacks to developer experience and emerging trends. Key highlights include TypeScript adoption, micro-frontends, design systems, and the impact of AI on frontend development.

How can one write better, maintainable React Code?
A standout Reddit thread offers valuable tips on writing better, maintainable React code. Among the advice: “Not every component needs to be reusable,” and “Use TypeScript and ensure it flags any errors.” One key takeaway—avoid useEffect unless interacting with external systems. Good abstractions? Identify and unify repeating patterns. Bad ones? Forcing everything into a pattern. This reddit thread is gold!

Programming

Why your projects take forever
Ever notice how projects drag on despite everyone being busy and "productive"? Most businesses optimize for worker efficiency, fearing the alternative: idle employees costing money. But there’s a catch, while workers stay busy, work-units often sit waiting, slowing overall progress. Busy doesn’t always mean effective.

Automated Chess Robot with Python
The Pi Board is an impressive automated chess system driven by a Raspberry Pi, using an XY stepper motor mechanism and magnets to smoothly move chess pieces across the board, all coded in Python. This blog brilliantly breaks down each stage of its development, with some great videos too.

My strategy against distractions as a software engineer
For software engineers, sustaining focus and cutting distractions has never been more critical. With automation handling routine tasks, what's left is complex work that demands deep concentration. But distractions are everywhere, leaving many feeling sluggish and overwhelmed. Success isn't about pumping out more mediocre code; it’s about impactful contributions. Fran Soto’s article shares strategies to combat distractions and enhance productivity.

Tutorials

AI

Tools