Different Favicon for Development

Many developers juggle production and development websites simultaneously. The common frustration? Accidentally viewing the production site instead of the local development environment, leading to repeated refreshes and wasted time. A simple solution? Distinct favicons.

This isn't complicated. Simply use different favicon.ico files for your development and production environments. My workflow (using WordPress) involves managing only the wp-content folder through version control and deployment. Root files, including the favicon, require manual SFTP updates. I just swap out my local favicon.ico and the difference is immediately apparent.

Alternative Approaches:

• Omit the local favicon: Let the browser default icon serve as a clear differentiator.
• Dynamic SVG: Display the branch name within the favicon (a more advanced solution).
• Chrome Tab Groups: Organize dev and prod sites into separate tab groups.
• Browser Extensions: Utilize extensions to prefix titles or color-code favicons based on URLs.

Favicon Best Practices (2020 and Beyond):

While I prioritize functionality over extensive favicon customization (e.g., home screen icons, tile colors), high-resolution displays demand attention. Here's what matters to me:

• High-Resolution Graphics: A 32x32 pixel favicon is insufficient. Aim for higher resolution for crisp display on modern screens.
• SVG Favicons: Scalable Vector Graphics offer superior scalability and flexibility.
• Dark Mode Support: Ensure your favicon renders correctly in dark mode.
• Minimal Code and Files: Keep the implementation simple and efficient.

I'd appreciate insights from anyone who's recently delved into favicon best practices for standard content websites.

Accessibility Note: The term "visual" difference prompts consideration for developers with visual impairments. What alternative methods could enhance site differentiation for them? Suggestions are welcome.

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