This collection ranges from password security debates and PHP performance to HTML standards, API integration, user experience defaults, and working with legacy code.
Authentication Simplicity
Passwords Are Fine by Herman Martinus
In an era of passwordless authentication and passkeys, this is a contrarian take worth considering. Herman argues that traditional passwords, when implemented properly, remain a perfectly reasonable authentication method. The piece challenges the assumption that we always need to adopt the newest authentication patterns, especially when simpler solutions work well for most use cases.
PHP Performance Optimization
Parallel PHP by Nick Gavalas
PHP’s parallel extension unlocks true multi-threading capabilities that most developers don’t know exist. This article explores how to leverage parallel processing in PHP for CPU-intensive tasks. While not appropriate for every scenario, understanding these capabilities expands what’s possible when you need serious performance improvements.
HTML Best Practices
Against Self-Closing Tags in HTML by Jake Archibald
Self-closing tags in HTML are a common pattern borrowed from XHTML, but Jake makes the case for why they’re unnecessary and potentially confusing in modern HTML. It’s the kind of detail that seems minor but affects code clarity and can prevent subtle bugs. His reasoning is solid and has changed how I write HTML.
API Integration Creativity
Combining 3 Transport APIs for One Info Screen by Terence Eden
This is a fun exploration of combining multiple public transport APIs to create a unified information display. It demonstrates practical API integration challenges and solutions, showing how you can mash up different data sources to create something more useful than any single API provides. The creativity in solving real problems with available tools is inspiring.
The Impact of Defaults
The Power of Defaults by Julian Shapiro
Default settings shape user behavior far more than we typically acknowledge. This article examines how thoughtfully chosen defaults can dramatically improve user experience and product outcomes. It’s influenced how I think about product design, what you choose as the default is often more important than what options you make available.
Laravel Caching Strategies
An Introduction to Caching in Laravel by Ash Allen Design
Caching is one of those topics that seems straightforward until you need to implement it properly. This guide covers Laravel’s caching capabilities from basics through more advanced patterns. Whether you’re optimizing database queries or API responses, understanding these strategies is essential for building performant applications.
SVG Deep Dive
SVG Paths by Nanda Syahrasyad
SVG path syntax can be intimidating, but this interactive guide breaks it down beautifully. Understanding how SVG paths work opens up possibilities for creating and manipulating vector graphics programmatically. I’ve returned to this reference multiple times when working with custom SVG implementations.
Legacy Code Wisdom
Ten Commandments of Legacy Code by Scarlet Ink
Every developer eventually inherits legacy code, and this article provides practical guidance for working with it effectively. The advice balances pragmatism with the desire to improve things, acknowledging that perfect refactoring isn’t always possible or necessary. These principles have helped me approach legacy systems with more patience and better strategies.