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Introduction to Zod for Data Validation
As web developers, we're often working with external data that we don’t control and can’t expect to meet our expectations. But with the Zod library, we can define expected data schemas and validate incoming data against them....
Nov 15, 2024
7 mins
Learning Paths for Next.JS Developers with Ankita Kulkarni
In this video, Rob Ocel and co-hosts Tracy Lee, Adam Rackis, and Danny Thompson talk with tech educator Ankita Kulkarni about her journey from engineering leader to full-time educator....
Nov 12, 2024
2 mins
Build Facial Recognition and Chatbot AIs using TypeScript with Jack Herrington
In this JS Drop, Danny Thompson is joined by YouTuber Jack Herrington to explore a unique TypeScript and AI project that lets you recognize TV show characters in real time. Just point your camera at a character, and instantly get their details or even chat with them as if they were real! Jack walks through the tech, explaining how client-side face recognition and server-side AI work together to make this possible using the Versal AI library. They discuss prompt engineering, building efficient APIs, and ensuring smooth, interactive AI responses. Jack also shares potential real-world applications, from entertainment to security. Chapters - 0:32 Project Overview – Jack explains the AI-powered character recognition project - 2:17 Setting Up the Project – Overview of how the application is structured and initial setup - 3:04 Client-Side AI – How face detection and character recognition work on the client side - 5:12 Switching to Server Side – Jack demonstrates server-side AI and setting up API endpoints - 8:20 Explaining AI Tooling – How tools and prompts are used to give context to the AI - 10:01 Detailed Prompt Structure – Breaking down the prompt and character context for AI responses - 12:40 Client-Server Interaction – Using the Versal AI library to manage streaming responses - 15:09 Handling Character Data – Training the AI on specific character images and details - 18:15 Practical Use Cases – Discussing potential real-world applications for the face recognition tool - 21:34 Challenges and Lessons Learned – Jack shares obstacles he faced and how he overcame them - 25:45 Building the API – Tips and considerations for creating reliable API endpoints - 28:40 Handling User Inputs – Testing unexpected questions and how the AI responds - 32:00 Using Advanced AI Models – Jack talks about choosing GPT-4 and issues with smaller models - 35:47 Introducing ProNextJS.dev – Jack discusses his new Next.js course, covering advanced topics - 37:20 Closing Thoughts – Danny and Jack wrap up with final thoughts and a link to the GitHub repo Follow Jack Herrington on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/jherr Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jherr/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jherr Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 11, 2024
2 mins
Fostering a Culture of Optimization and Continuous Improvement with Scott Roehrenbeck
In this episode of The Leadership Exchange, host Rob Ocel, VP of Innovation at This Dot Labs, sits down with Scott Roehrenbeck, CTO of Apptegy, for an in-depth discussion on leadership, process improvement, and the role of people in building effective teams. Scott shares insights from his 20+ years in tech, reflecting on the evolution of his leadership style, the importance of balancing process with flexibility, and how to support team autonomy while maintaining consistency. They also discuss the challenges of navigating turbulent times in tech and strategies for aligning team outputs with business goals. Perfect for anyone interested in tech leadership, process optimization, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Chapters - Introduction to the Leadership Exchange (00:00 - 00:23) - Scott’s Journey to CTO (00:23 - 02:15) - Cyclical Trends in Tech (02:15 - 03:27) - The Challenges of Leadership (03:27 - 06:07) - The Purpose of Process (11:43 - 14:09) - Process vs. Output: What Really Matters (14:09 - 17:20) - Building vs. Buying Process Frameworks (17:28 - 20:57) - The Role of Adaptation in Process Improvement (20:57 - 24:08) - Navigating ‘Religious’ Arguments in Process (24:08 - 27:02) - Defining a Team’s Unique Process (27:02 - 29:41) - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts (29:41 - 30:40) - Thank You to Sponsors (30:40 - End) Follow Scott Roehrenbeck on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-roehrenbeck-5a573431/...
Nov 11, 2024
1 min
Understanding the Difference Between `:focus` and `:focus-visible` in CSS
Understanding the Difference Between :focus and :focus-visible in CSS I have learned my fair share about the importance of keyboard accessibility, so I know that visual indication of the focused element is very important. But the well-known :focus pseudo-class is not always the best fit for this job. That's where :focus-visible comes in. Let's look at the differences between these two pseudo-classes and explore the best practices for using them effectively. What is the :focus Pseudo-Class? The :focus pseudo-class is a CSS selector that applies styles to any element that receives focus, regardless of how that focus was triggered. This includes focus events from keyboard navigation, mouse clicks, and touch interactions. Example Usage of :focus ` In this example, the button will display a blue outline whenever it is focused, whether the user clicks on it with a mouse, taps it on a touchscreen, or navigates to it using the keyboard. What is the :focus-visible Pseudo-Class? The :focus-visible pseudo-class is more specialized. It only applies styles to an element when the browser determines that the focus should be visible. This typically occurs when the user navigates via the keyboard or assistive technologies rather than through mouse or touch input. Example Usage of :focus-visible ` Here, the button will only show a blue outline when focused through keyboard navigation or another input method that usually requires visible focus indicators. Key Differences Between :focus and :focus-visible :focus - Behavior: Applies to any element that receives focus, regardless of the input method. - Use Cases: Ensures that all interactions with the element are visually indicated, whether by mouse, keyboard, or touch. :focus-visible - Behavior: Applies styles only when the focus should be visible, such as using a keyboard or assistive technology. - Use Cases: Ideal for scenarios where you want to provide focus indicators only to keyboard and assistive technology users while avoiding unnecessary outlines for mouse and touch users, typically required by design. Accessibility Implications :focus - Pros: - Guarantees that all users can see when an element is focused, which is critical for accessibility. - Cons: - Can lead to a suboptimal experience for mouse users, as focus styles may appear unnecessarily during mouse interactions. :focus-visible - Pros: - Enhances user experience by showing focus indicators only when necessary, thus keeping the interface clean for mouse and touch users. - Tailors the experience for keyboard and assistive technology users, providing them with clear visual cues. - Cons: - Additional considerations may be required to ensure that focus indicators are not accidentally omitted, especially in older browsers that do not support :focus-visible. - There may be cases where you want to show focus indicators for all users, regardless of input method. Best Practices for Using :focus and :focus-visible To achieve the best accessibility and user experience, combining both :focus and :focus-visible in your CSS is often a good idea. Combining :focus and :focus-visible ` Here is a Stackblitz example of what such styling could look like for you to try out and play with. Additional Tips - Test with Keyboard and Assistive Technology: Ensure that your web application is navigable using a keyboard (Tab, Shift + Tab, etc.) and that focus indicators are visible for those who rely on them. It's never a bad idea to include accessibility testing in your e2e testing suite. - Provide Clear Focus Indicators: Make sure that focus indicators are prominent and easy to see. A subtle or hard-to-spot focus indicator can severely impact accessibility for users who rely on keyboard navigation. Conclusion The :focus-visible pseudo-class offers a more refined way to manage focus indicators, improving accessibility and user experience, particularly for keyboard and assistive technology users. By understanding the differences between :focus and :focus-visible, and applying best practices in your CSS, you can create more accessible and user-friendly web applications. Remember, accessibility should never be an afterthought. By thoughtfully applying focus styles, you ensure that all users, regardless of how they interact with your site, can easily navigate and interact....
Nov 8, 2024
3 mins
Fly.io for Easier Cloud Deployment with Annie Sexton
Annie Sexton, Developer Advocate at Fly.io, to discuss Fly.io’s approach to simplifying cloud deployment. Annie shares Fly.io's unique position as a public cloud that offers the flexibility of infrastructure control with a streamlined developer experience. They explore Fly.io’s private networking and distributed app capabilities, allowing developers to deploy applications close to users worldwide with ease. Annie also addresses common challenges in distributed systems, including latency, data replication, and the balance between global reach and simple, single-region projects. Chapters: - 00:00 - 01:32 Introduction to the Modern Web Podcast and Guests - 01:33 - 04:00 Overview of Fly.io and Annie’s Role as Developer Advocate - 04:01 - 06:35 What Makes Fly.io Stand Out Among Cloud Platforms - 06:36 - 08:57 Distributed Applications: Benefits and Use Cases - 08:58 - 11:28 Understanding Distributed Web Servers and Private Networking - 11:29 - 13:49 Challenges in Distributed Data and Replication Techniques - 13:50 - 16:12 Fly.io’s Unique Solutions for Data Consistency - 16:13 - 18:34 When to Consider a Distributed Setup for Your Application - 18:35 - 20:35 Tools and Tips for Evaluating Geographical Distribution Needs - 20:36 - 22:22 Simplifying Global Deployment with Fly.io’s Command Features - 22:23 - 24:18 Considerations for Latency and Performance Optimization - 24:19 - 26:45 Balancing Simplicity with Advanced Control for Developers - 26:46 - 29:04 Easy Deployment for Hobbyists and Smaller Projects - 29:05 - 31:27 Getting Started on Fly.io with Fly Launch - 31:28 - 33:48 Developer Advocacy and Meeting Diverse Needs in the Cloud - 33:49 - 36:15 Catering to Beginners and Experienced Developers Alike - 36:16 - End Closing Remarks and Where to Find Fly.io and the Hosts Follow Annie Sexton on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-sexton-11472a46/ Github: https://github.com/anniebabannie Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 6, 2024
2 mins
How to Create a Memorable Conference Experience with Vincent Mayers
In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Danny Thompson, Director of Technology at This Dot Labs, sits down with Vincent Mayers, a seasoned tech conference organizer with over 15 years of experience. They discuss the intricacies of running successful conferences, including the challenges of selecting event locations, building community engagement, and creating memorable experiences for attendees. Vincent also shares insights into the evolution of tech conferences, from the importance of shorter talks to the value of the "hallway track" for networking. Tune in for an inside look at how these events shape the tech ecosystem and tips for organizing your own conferences! Chapters - 00:00 - Introduction - 01:45 - Vincent Mayers' Background - 03:50 - Choosing Conference Locations - 06:10 - Building Community and Spreading the Word - 08:40 - Sponsorship and Funding Challenges - 11:00 - Securing Speakers for Tech Conferences - 14:20 - Improving the Conference Experience - 16:30 - Badge Design and the Attendee Experience - 18:50 - Engaging Attendees Beyond Talks - 21:00 - The Role of Tech Conferences in the Java Ecosystem - 23:12 - Attendees Still Using Older Java Versions - 26:00 - Balancing Cutting-Edge Tech with Fundamentals - 28:15 - Evolving Attention Spans in Tech Conferences - 30:00 - The Importance of the Hallway Track - 33:19 - Closing Remarks Follow Vincent Mayers on Social Media Twitter: https://x.com/vincentmayers Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentmayers/ Github: https://github.com/vincentmayers Sponsored by This Dot....
Nov 6, 2024
1 min
The “Bottom-Up” Roadmap to Leadership with Ty Allen, Fractional CPO at Neso Advisors
Ty Allen, Founder and Fractional CPO at Neso Advisors, discusses his product management journey, from his early days at Georgia Tech and a successful startup to leading teams across various industries. Ty shares valuable insights on building adaptable roadmaps, balancing tech debt with feature development, and connecting product strategy to company vision. He also highlights the importance of a “bottom-up” roadmap approach and maintaining flexibility while ensuring strategic alignment. Chapters - 00:00 - 01:32 — Introduction to Leadership and Product Management - 01:33 - 04:16 — The Early Days: From Georgia Tech to Startup Success - 04:17 - 08:03 — Product Strategy and Roadmap Essentials - 08:04 - 12:23 — The Power of Adaptable Roadmaps - 12:24 - 16:30 — Managing Tech Debt and Security in Roadmaps - 16:31 - 19:52 — The Commercial Lens: Monetizing Features and Value Creation - 19:53 - 23:23 — Balancing Innovation and Maintenance - 23:24 - 27:29 — Aligning Product Teams with Company Goals - 27:30 - End — Final Thoughts: Roadmap Wisdom and Career Advice Follow Ty Allen on Social Media Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerallen/ Sponsored by This Dot: thisdot.co...
Nov 4, 2024
1 min
Angular Signals for Simpler State Management and DOM Performance
In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, host Rob Ocel is joined by Adam Rackis, Danny Thompson, and guest Braydon Coyer, Senior Front-End Developer at LogicGate to talk about using Angular Signals for improved state management and DOM performance. Braydon explains how Signals simplify Angular development and offer better readability and efficiency compared to traditional methods like RxJS. The conversation also touches on hiring in the AI era, discussing challenges around take-home tests and live coding, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the interview process. Chapters - 00:00 - Introduction - 00:57 - The Angular Renaissance - 02:24 - Signals in Angular - 03:27 - Transitioning to Signals - 04:19 - Signals in Utility Development - 05:09 - RxJS and Signals - 07:52 - Signals vs Other State Management Solutions - 09:34 - Testing Signals - 10:29 - Control Flow and Standalone Components in Angular - 12:02 - Angular's Evolution and Accessibility - 13:28 - Angular’s Framework Governance - 17:10 - Hiring in the Age of AI - 19:15 - Pair Programming and Real-Time Problem Solving - 22:24 - The Role of AI in Interviews - 27:58 - Wrapping Up Follow Braydon Coyer Twitter: https://x.com/BraydonCoyer Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braydon-coyer/ Github: https://github.com/braydoncoyer...
Oct 30, 2024
1 min
Java’s AI Evolution: Semantic Caching JVM, and GenAI Architectures with Theresa Mamarella & Brian Sam-Bodden
In this episode of the Modern Web Podcast, Danny Thompson, Director of Technology at This Dot Labs, hosts a conversation with Theresa Mammarella, JVM Engineer at IBM, and Brian Sam-Bodden, Applied AI Engineer at Redis. They explore their talks at JCONF in Dallas, Texas, covering topics like GenAI architectures in the Java community and OpenJDK's Project Valhalla. Their conversation covers Java’s evolution, AI applications, semantic caching, and how these technologies are impacting development workflows and performance optimization. Chapters - 00:00 - Introduction - 01:00 - Brian on GenAI in the Java Community - 01:47 - Java’s Safe Evolution Path - 02:17 - Teresa on Project Valhalla - 03:54 - Value Classes and Performance - 04:33 - Brian on Semantic Caching - 06:54 - Challenges of Rewording Prompts - 09:15 - What is RAG Architecture? - 11:34 - Java’s Role in AI - 13:57 - Cost of LLMs and Caching Strategies - 15:57 - Teresa on Java’s Future - 18:22 - Learning Resources for Java Developers - 20:44 - Addressing Misconceptions About Java - 22:39 - Final Thoughts Follow Theresa Mammarella & Brian Sam on Social Media Theresa Mammarella Twitter: https://x.com/t_mammarella Brian Sam-Bodden Twitter: https://x.com/bsbodden Theresa Mammarella Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmammarella/ Brian Sam-Bodden Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambodden/...
Oct 29, 2024
1 min
How to Create a Website from Scratch with Nuxt Studio, Nuxt Content, and Nuxt UI
In this JS Drop, Simone is joined by Ferdinand and Baptiste from Nuxt Labs to explore the latest updates in the Nuxt ecosystem. Ferdinand kicks off with an introduction to Nuxt Labs and its dual mission of supporting the open-source Nuxt framework while building sustainable products like Nuxt Studio, Nuxt Content, and Nuxt UI. Baptiste takes over with a live demo, showcasing how to create a website from scratch using Nuxt Studio. He demonstrates the platform’s powerful content management features, showing how Nuxt Content integrates to manage and edit website content easily. Baptiste highlights Nuxt UI components and how they simplify coding by providing ready-to-use elements. The demo also features live editing and previews, making collaboration easier for both technical and non-technical users. Ferdinand wraps up by emphasizing Nuxt Studio’s user-friendly design and hints at exciting future updates, including branch management and internationalization support. This session highlights Nuxt Labs' commitment to enhancing the Vue.js ecosystem with versatile, user-focused tools. Follow Baptiste Leproux and Ferdinand Coumau: Baptiste Twitter: https://x.com/larbish Ferdinand Twitter: https://x.com/CoumauFerdinand Baptiste Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baptiste-leproux-618842b0/ Ferdinand Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferdinand-coumau-nuxt/ Sponsored by This Dot...
Oct 25, 2024
1 min
The HTML Dialog Element: Enhancing Accessibility and Ease of Use
The new dialog element streamlines the implementation of accessible dialogs, modals, and other kinds of non-modal dialogs....
Oct 25, 2024
4 mins
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