What's Old is New

My bookmarks folder is a digital graveyard of articles I intend to read. It's a constantly growing collection, a virtual stack far exceeding any physical coffee table could handle. But this accumulation has a hidden advantage: it reveals recurring themes. Connecting seemingly disparate articles, often published weeks apart, sparks insightful dialogues.

Recently, I unearthed a fascinating trend: a resurgence of interest in web fundamentals and a renewed appreciation for manual deployments.

AI, Web Developers, and Foundational Knowledge

Alvaro Montero highlights the crucial role of adaptation in the face of AI advancements:

The key isn't AI replacing developers, but developers evolving alongside these tools. A strong grasp of fundamentals is non-negotiable; tools alone are insufficient without a solid foundation.

ShopTalk 629: The Great Divide and the Value of Fundamentals

Chris and Dave discuss the shift away from, and then back towards, core web technologies:

Dave: Many skilled CSS, JavaScript, and HTML developers felt sidelined as the market embraced all-in-one JavaScript frameworks. But now, understanding plain HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is increasingly valuable. Knowing how a single CSS line can replace thousands of JavaScript lines is a powerful skill.

Chris: There's a growing respect for fundamental skills. We're seeing that developers overly reliant on React, for example, may lack broader applicability.

Just a Spec: HTML's Resurgence

Jared and Ayush discuss the first State of HTML survey and the surprising depth of HTML knowledge:

The survey revealed a significant interest in HTML, extending beyond basic divs and headings to cover accessibility, web components, and more. It highlights that expertise in HTML and CSS is valuable independent of JavaScript proficiency.

A later episode further emphasizes this point:

Seeing what HTML can do is a revelation for developers solely experienced with React. There's a whole world of possibilities many miss out on.

Reckoning: Part 4 — The Path Forward

Alex Russell's insightful series underscores the importance of prioritizing fundamental skills:

Never hire solely for JavaScript framework expertise. Focus on web standards, accessibility, modern CSS, semantic HTML, and Web Components. This is crucial, especially when using frameworks.

A Regular Reminder: Web Standards Matter

Adrian Roselli notes the cyclical nature of web technology trends:

Developers often tire of specific technologies, only to later advocate for a return to web fundamentals. Companies often overlook deep HTML/CSS/ARIA/SVG knowledge, partly due to the perceived commoditization of these skills.

The Anchor Element: A Hyperlink's Humble Beginnings

Heydon Pickering's series on HTML elements begins with the anchor tag:

The <a></a> element is often mistakenly called a hyperlink or link. A critical error is failing to place descriptive link text within the <a></a> tags.

The AI Myth: Code Generation Without Understanding

Chris Ferndandi cautions against relying on AI-generated code without understanding:

If you don't know how to write code, you shouldn't use AI-generated code. Stack Overflow offers learning opportunities that AI lacks.

Essential Skills for Junior Web Developers in 2024

Frontend Masters emphasizes the enduring value of fundamental skills:

Learning fundamentals is essential for a long-lasting career. This knowledge is transferable and remains relevant despite technological shifts.

And finally, my own contribution...

The Basics: A Course for the Fundamentals

My recent course, "The Basics," focuses on HTML and CSS fundamentals, aimed at clients, friends, and anyone needing a solid foundation.

Beyond HTML and CSS, there's a renewed interest in simpler deployment methods.

Raw-Dogging Websites: Embracing Simplicity

Brad Frost champions a "buildless" approach:

Manual processes, while seemingly inefficient, can be liberating. The time saved avoiding build tool issues often outweighs the effort of manual tasks.

Going Buildless: A Practical Approach

Max Böck offers a balanced perspective:

While build tools might not be entirely obsolete for large projects, a "buildless" approach is viable for smaller projects.

Manual Until It Hurts: A Gradual Automation Strategy

Jeremy Keith advocates a "manual until it hurts" philosophy:

Start manually, then automate only when necessary. Often, the manual approach suffices.

This concludes my review. What other relevant articles have you encountered? Share them in the comments!

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