203 | Feature Flags, Framework Wars, and Landing Your Next Dev Job
In this hosts-only episode, Amy and Brad get real about the developer experience - from the stress of job interviews to the complexities of choosing the right framework. They discuss why companies are comparing candidates more than ever, share strategies for answering behavioral interview questions, and debate the merits of Remix versus Next.js (spoiler: Brad's all-in on Remix). The conversation shifts to feature flags and progressive rollouts, with insights from Brad's work at Stripe. SponsorWorkOS helps you launch enterprise features like SSO and user management with ease. Thanks to the AuthKit SDK for JavaScript, your team can integrate in minutes and focus on what truly matters—building your app. Chapter Marks00:00 - Intro00:41 - Sponsor: WorkOS01:47 - Brad's Keyboard and Mouse Shopping Spree04:30 - Keyboard Layout Discussion07:23 - Apple Ecosystem: Reminders and Notes09:23 - Family Sharing and Raycast Integration09:43 - Notion vs Apple Notes for Project Management11:31 - File Storage and Backup Strategies14:00 - Machine Backup Philosophy16:46 - Job Interview Preparation Tips19:40 - Answering the "Weakness" Question21:53 - Addressing Weaknesses: Delegation Examples24:29 - Conflict Resolution Interview Questions25:46 - Company Research Before Interviews27:00 - Tech Stack Considerations: Remix vs Next.js28:30 - Framework Migration Decisions29:30 - Astro for Content Sites31:02 - Backend Languages: Go vs TypeScript32:30 - React Server Components Future34:23 - Feature Flags and Boolean as a Service35:30 - Feature Flag Segmentation and A/B Testing36:54 - PostHog and Analytics Tools38:30 - Progressive Rollouts and Error Monitoring40:20 - Amy's Picks and Plugs43:35 - Brad's Picks and Plugs
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202 | Framework Trade-offs: What Laravel Offers JavaScript Developers
Josh Cirre joins us to discuss his transition from the JavaScript ecosystem to Laravel, revealing why PHP frameworks can offer a compelling alternative for full-stack development. We explore the "identity crisis" many frontend developers face when needing robust backend solutions, how Laravel's batteries-included approach compares to piecing together JavaScript services, and the trade-offs between serverless and traditional hosting environments. Josh also shares insights on Laravel's developer experience, front-end integration options, and his thoughts on what JavaScript frameworks could learn from Laravel's approach to abstraction and infrastructure.Show Notes0:00 - Intro1:02 - Sponsor: Wix Studio1:46 - Introduction to Laravel2:25 - Josh's Journey from Frontend to Backend5:40 - Building the Same Project Across Frameworks6:32 - Josh's Breakthrough with Laravel8:20 - Laravel's Frontend Options10:25 - React Server Components Comparison12:00 - Livewire and Volt13:41 - Josh's Course on Laracasts14:08 - Laravel's DX and Ecosystem16:46 - MVC Structure Explained for JavaScript Developers18:25 - Type Safety Between PHP and JavaScript21:12 - Laravel Pain Points and Criticisms22:40 - Laravel Team's Response to Feedback24:50 - Laravel's Limitations and Use Cases26:10 - Laravel's Developer Products27:20 - Option Paralysis in Laravel30:46 - Laravel's Driver System33:14 - Web Dev Challenge Experience33:38 - TanStack Start Exploration34:50 - Server Functions in TanStack37:38 - Infrastructure Agnostic Development41:02 - Serverless vs. Serverful Cost Comparison44:50 - JavaScript Framework Evolution46:46 - Framework Ecosystems Comparison48:25 - Picks and Plugs Links Mentioned in the EpisodeLaravel - PHP frameworkTanStack Start - React meta-framework Josh created a YouTube video aboutLivewire - Laravel's HTML-over-the-wire front-end frameworkInertia.js - Framework for creating single-page appsVolt - Single file component system for LivewireLaravel Cloud - Managed hosting solution for Laravel applicationsHerd - Laravel's tool for setting up PHP development environmentsForge - Laravel's server management toolEnvoyer - Laravel's zero-downtime deployment toolLaracasts - Where Josh has a course on LivewireJosh Cirre's YouTube channelHTMX - Frontend library Josh compared to LivewireWeb Dev Challenge with Jason Lengstorf (featuring Josh and Amy)Josh Cirre's BlueSky account (@joshcirre)Amy's BlueSky accountBrad's BlueSky account Additional ResourcesLaravel DocumentationSvelte's new starter kit (mentioned as a good example)Nightwatch - Latest product from LaravelLaravel Vapor - Serverless deployment platform for LaravelTheo's Laravel exploration (discussed in the criticism section)Laravel BreezeLaravel JetstreamLaravel Fortify (authentication package mentioned)Adonis.js (JavaScript framework compared to Laravel)Anker USB powered hub (Josh's pick)Grether's Sugar Free Black Currant Pastilles (Josh's pick)JBL Portable Speaker (Amy's pick)
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201 | The Backend Dilemma: Laravel's Strengths in a JavaScript World
In this episode, Amy and Brad dive into the ongoing debate between Laravel and full stack JavaScript frameworks. They explore both ecosystems from their unique perspectives. Amy shares her real-world experience building a project in Laravel after working extensively with JavaScript frameworks, highlighting where each approach shines and struggles. From Laravel's backend prowess to the cognitive load of context switching between languages, this episode offers practical insights for developers weighing these technology choices.Show Notes00:00 - Intro01:00 - Sponsorship: Sanity01:59 - Origins of the Laravel vs JavaScript Discussion03:59 - Amy's Experience Building a Project in Laravel06:59 - PHP Development and Linting Experience11:59 - Understanding MVC Architecture15:00 - Challenges with JavaScript Backend Services18:00 - Backend Strengths of Laravel20:00 - Frontend Challenges in Laravel23:00 - Comparing Laravel and JavaScript Ecosystem Solutions26:59 - JavaScript Full Stack Frameworks Discussion30:00 - Architectural Differences Between Frameworks33:00 - Framework Choice Considerations38:59 - Picks and Plugs: Newsletter and Cameras42:00 - Picks and Plugs: Games and YouTube Links and ResourcesSanity.io (sponsor)LaravelSam's podcast: Frontend FirstRedwoodJSRemixNext.jsAstroSupabaseInngestResend (email service)Postmark (email service)OpenAIPrismaPHP StormLaravel Blade (templating language)Laravel LivewireAlpine.jsLaravel BreezeLaravel Eloquent ORMAdonis/AdonisJSEpisode 54: Why RedwoodJS is the App Framework for Startups, with David PriceViteStorybookAmy's newsletter: Broken CombInsta360 X2 cameraInsta360 Go 3 cameraStardew Valley (game)Brad's YouTube channelCloudinary channel and Dev Hints series
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200 | Creating Databases as Easily as Notion Pages with Prisma Postgres
Join Amy, Brad, and special guest Ryan Chenkie as they unpack Prisma's expanding ecosystem of database tools. Ryan explains why Prisma launched their own hosted Postgres service and what sets it apart from competitors in the space. The trio examines Prisma's comprehensive feature set including Accelerate for connection pooling, Pulse for real-time events, and optimization tools that help identify performance bottlenecks. They also discuss the upcoming transition from Rust to TypeScript for Prisma's core engine, making it lighter and faster. If you've been curious about modern approaches to database management or wondering which ORM is right for your next project, this conversation provides practical insights and expert perspectives.Show Notes0:00 - Intro1:12 - Working with Prisma and Supabase2:29 - Prisma Postgres Introduction4:17 - Why Choose Postgres6:36 - Prisma's Database Adapter Flexibility8:14 - Serverless Database Architecture11:13 - Connection Pooling with Accelerate14:13 - Pulse for Real-time Database Events16:54 - Studio Integration in Prisma Console18:01 - Database Optimization Tools20:00 - Benefits of Prisma Schema Language22:10 - Prisma Schema vs SQL Definitions23:01 - Comparing Prisma and Drizzle26:24 - Future Improvements to Prisma28:52 - Ryan's History with Prisma32:05 - Learning Resources for Prisma33:37 - Picks and PlugsLinks and ResourcesPrisma ResourcesPrisma WebsitePrisma Twitter/XPrisma YouTube ChannelPrisma Postgres DocumentationPrisma ConsolePrisma VS Code ExtensionPrisma AcceleratePrisma PulsePrisma OptimizePrisma StudioRyan Chenkie ResourcesRyan's Website: https://holodeck.runRyan's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@holodeck_runRyan on Twitter/XFramework and Technologies MentionedRemixRedwood JSSupabasePlanetScaleDrizzle ORMPostgresMySQLMongoDBBrad's ResourcesYouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@bradgarropyRemix Starter: https://github.com/bradgarropy/remix-appAmy's ResourcesBuild12 Projects: https://buildtwelve.comOther Resources MentionedSkylight FrameAura FrameNetflix Show: "Making Fun"Netflix Show: "Is It Cake"
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199 | AI in Web Design: Balancing Speed with Creativity
Join us as we talk with Nir Sadeh, Head of Product at Wix Studio, about the platform designed specifically for web professionals. Nir breaks down how Wix Studio differs from the traditional Wix editor by offering advanced capabilities for agencies and freelancers. Learn about their newest feature—AI-powered visual sitemaps and wireframes—that helps designers quickly create site structures and get client approval. We also explore how Wix balances no-code solutions with developer flexibility, their approach to responsive design using AI, and opportunities in the Wix app marketplace. Nir shares valuable insights about product development, user research methods, and his perspective on the impact of AI on the future of web design.Show Notes00:00 - Intro01:00 - Journey to becoming Head of Product01:48 - Transition from individual contributor to manager02:21 - Team structure at Wix03:42 - Goal setting and KPIs04:36 - Overview of Wix Studio06:08 - Web-based application functionality07:03 - Code editing experiences in Wix Studio08:07 - Client control and access capabilities09:02 - New features: Visual sitemap and wireframes10:57 - AI integration points in Wix12:35 - AI generating layouts and websites14:50 - Upcoming roadmap items15:54 - User creativity surprises16:12 - Wix app marketplace17:34 - Design trends and components18:59 - User research approach20:57 - Data-driven decision making22:16 - Balancing user preferences with brand goals24:02 - Career advice for aspiring product managers25:40 - Balancing customization and consistency26:44 - Mobile responsiveness and browser support28:06 - Native apps and business management28:37 - SEO tracking and analytics29:45 - Picks and PlugsLinks and ResourcesWix Studio - The professional website creation platform discussed throughout the episodeVelo by Wix - The robust code solution mentioned at 06:45Visual Sitemap and Wireframes - The new AI feature launched by Wix StudioWix App Market - The marketplace where developers can build and sell appsVS Code integration with Wix StudioWix Studio AI Assistant - Mentioned as a coding help featureFigma to Wix - Mentioned as having import capabilities to Wix StudioPicks:Severance (TV Show) - Nir's pickRemix Dev Tools (becoming React Router DevTools) - Brad's pickAeroPress - Amy's previous pick (referenced)Prismo filter - Amy's previous pick (referenced)Milk frother - Amy's current pick
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