696: How to Build a Website or App

This podcast episode touches on various aspects of web development, including website and app construction, frontend tool selection, web development framework choices, and component testing. It also explores the challenges and advancements in CSS variables, the importance of creating diverse programming examples, and the decision-making process for content management systems (CMS) and databases. Additionally, the episode delves into the significance of backend and frontend technology decisions, examines meta frameworks, and emphasizes the strategies and importance of testing and hosting in web development. In a brief tangent, the hosts mention the advantages of soft close toilet seats and purchasing items from Amazon's warehouse section. Takeaways • Building a website or app involves different approaches and steps, including building design systems, choosing front-end tools, selecting web development frameworks, and testing components. • Starting with a design system allows the design to come together through elements like font scales and color palettes, resulting in a system-based design. • Server-side templating languages like PUG and Handlebars aid in turning design components into HTML. • Utilizing pre-designed templates or tools like Tailwind or OpenProps can be beneficial for individuals with varying levels of design understanding. • The choice of using a front-end framework, plain HTML, or web components depends on project requirements and preferences. • Building components in isolation allows for better testing and fine-tuning, enabling optimal integration into larger projects. • CSS variables present challenges in terms of computed values and require better developer tools for comprehensive information and visual representation. • Examples and real data should be considered in the design process to avoid repetitive content and handle dynamic data. • Choosing a content management system (CMS) depends on the need for non-technical content updates or a fully customized solution. • Databases should be evaluated based on project-specific needs, considering alternatives like saving JSON files or using lightweight databases. • Various CMS options are available, such as Strapi, Tina, Payload, Sanity, and Prismic, each offering different features and pricing models. • Backend and frontend technology choices can influence the development process and should be based on individual expertise and comfort. • Meta frameworks, like Astro, combine rendering libraries with additional functionalities for simplicity and flexibility. • Comprehensive testing, including end-to-end testing libraries like Cypress or Playwright, ensures a positive user experience. • Hosting services, CDNs, and easy hosting platforms like Netlify simplify the hosting process for websites and apps. • Buying returned items, such as toilet seats, from Amazon's warehouse section can be a cost-effective option for those seeking a good deal.