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app/(app)/letters/are-you-letting-ai-make-you-a-worse-developer/page.mdx

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+Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# ⚠️ Are you letting AI make you a worse developer?
+
+It’s easier than ever to generate code with AI tools. But here’s the catch: if you don’t understand the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you could end up with bad or broken code. AI isn’t a replacement for solid knowledge.
+
+Think of AI as your helper, not your teacher. You should guide and correct it, not depend on it to fill gaps in your skills. When you truly know the fundamentals, you’ll spot mistakes, write cleaner code, and build better websites.
+
+The tools we use will keep changing, but the core of web development stays the same.
+
+Mastering the basics is how you stay ready for anything.
+
+## 📚 **This Week's Picks**
+
+[**TypeScript Enum Patterns (7 min)**](https://2ality.com/2025/01/typescript-enum-patterns.html)Learn how to use enums effectively in TypeScript with this guide. It’s packed with practical tips and examples to level up your coding.
+
+[**React Scan (GitHub)**](https://github.com/aidenybai/react-scan)Automatically find performance issues in your React app with React Scan. It's open-source and super handy for optimizing your projects.
+
+[**AI is Creating a Generation of Illiterate Programmers (5 min)**](https://nmn.gl/blog/ai-illiterate-programmers)This article dives into the risks of relying too much on AI tools as a developer and why staying sharp with core skills still matters.
+
+[**The Cookie Sandwich Technique: A Web Security Lesson (6 min)**](https://portswigger.net/research/stealing-httponly-cookies-with-the-cookie-sandwich-technique)A clever (but scary) technique to steal cookies! This research explains how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and how you can protect your apps.
+
+[**HTML: Your Best Investment as a Developer (8 min)**](https://christianheilmann.com/2025/01/15/learning-html-is-the-best-investment-i-ever-did/)Christian Heilmann reflects on how mastering HTML can set you up for long-term success. A great reminder that fundamentals matter!
+
+[**7 Lessons from building a small-scale AI application (7 min)**](https://www.thelis.org/blog/lessons-from-ai)Explore what we can learn from AI breakthroughs and how they might inspire creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of tech.
+
+[**Did DeepSeek R1 just pop the AI bubble? (video)**](https://youtu.be/Nl7aCUsWykg?si=iB_ruRFTQ78wrJmj)DeepSeek R1 AI model has proven that it is possible to train and run state-of-the-art reasoning models with minimal hardware. Let's find out why China's latest AI model has big tech and wall street in panic mode.
+
+## 📖 **Book of the Week**
+
+[**The Lean Startup: Continuous Innovation for Radical Success**](https://amzn.to/42w4c1d)Eric Ries' classic is a must-read for developers and entrepreneurs. It’s all about building better products faster by embracing feedback and continuous improvement.
+
+I revisit this book every year because its principles apply to both coding and problem-solving. If you're serious about creating something impactful, this book will keep you focused and adaptable.
+
+## 🛠️ **Something Cool**
+
+[**CSS Battle**](https://cssbattle.dev/)Battle your coding skills in a multiplayer game where you replicate images using CSS! Compete with over 300,000 developers to write the shortest, cleanest code possible. It’s addictive, fun, and a fantastic way to sharpen your CSS game.
+
+## 🧠 AI Crush CFP
+
+I'm hosting my first conference!
+
+It's called AI Crush and it's in Belfast. We are looking for presenters to share their insights on May 9th, 2025. This inaugural event represents a unique opportunity to be part of something special in Northern Ireland's growing tech scene.
+
+Whether you're building AI-powered applications, exploring machine learning architectures, or implementing practical AI solutions, we want to hear your story. As a first-year conference, speakers have the rare opportunity to help shape the event's direction and be part of its founding moment.
+
+Think you've got something valuable to share? Know someone who does? The CFP (Call for Presentations) is open now - don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!
+
+It's dual track (one stage for developers and one for leadership) so we need talks for both stages.
+
+Here's the link: [https://www.crushconf.com/cfp](https://www.crushconf.com/cfp)
+
+## 🎉 **Dublin Event**
+
+Kick off 2025 with an awesome evening of tech talks, food, and hanging out with developers!
+
+We've got two exciting talks lined up, including one that will show you some amazing tricks to make your coding faster and easier using Cursor AI.
+
+👉 [RSVP here](https://www.meetup.com/codu-community/events/305723649)
+
+Don't miss out—it's going to be a great way to start the year!
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- [Codú Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570877292755)
+- [Codú TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co)
+- [Our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codu)
+- [Find us on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)
+
+If you don't want to receive future editions of Codú Weekly, [click here to unsubscribe]([unsubscribe]).

app/(app)/letters/cornhub-and-more/page.mdx

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+Tuesday, Feb 4th, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# 🌽 CornHub Controversy & Why Dropping F-Bombs Beats AI Search Results
+
+We kicked off 2025 with a bang at our first Codú event of the year, packing the house with eager developers ready to dive into some seriously cool tech.
+
+Hubspot's own [Evan Burbidge](https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-burbidge-a0823361/) took us on a mind-bending journey through the world of 3D drag-and-drop form wizards. Who knew form building could be so spatial? Evan shared the actual tools his team uses at Hubspot, giving us a peek behind the curtain at how they're revolutionizing multi-step forms.
+
+Then things got... corny. In my live coding session with Cursor.com's AI pair programmer, we attempted to build "CornHub" -- a totally innocent website for locating quality corn in your area.
+
+While some AI models (from Anthropic and OpenAI) seemed oddly hesitant to help with our wholesome agricultural endeavor (wink), Deepseek stepped up to the plate, helping us create a beautiful hub for all things corn.
+
+Who knew finding local corn could be so controversial?
+
+## 📚 This Week's Picks
+
+**[Help, My Node Image Has Python! (7 min)](https://labs.iximiuz.com/tutorials/how-to-choose-nodejs-container-image)**\
+Not all Node.js container images are created equal. This guide explains why some images include Python (and other extras) and how to choose the right one to keep your containers lean and efficient.
+
+**[Once You're Laid Off, You'll Never Be the Same Again (13 min)](https://mertbulan.com/2025/01/26/once-you-are-laid-off-you-will-never-be-the-same-again/)**\
+Getting laid off changes more than just your job---it reshapes how you view work, stability, and career growth. This personal reflection explores the emotional and professional impact of layoffs.
+
+**[DeepSeek Stole Our Tech... Says OpenAI (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpwoGjpYygI)**\
+OpenAI and AI investor David Sacks claim DeepSeek illegally used OpenAI's technology to train its new R1 model. Microsoft allegedly provided hard evidence. Meanwhile, Alibaba has dropped Qwen 2.5 with some eye-catching benchmark scores.
+
+**[How Are Images REALLY Stored? (42 min)](https://cefboud.com/posts/image-formats/)**\
+Ever wondered how images are actually stored? This article explains the pixel-based structure of images, how different formats like PNG and JPEG optimize storage, and the techniques behind image compression. A must-read for developers working with graphics.
+
+**[Add F\*cking to Your Google Searches to Neutralize AI Summaries (9 min)](https://gizmodo.com/add-fcking-to-your-google-searches-to-neutralize-ai-summaries-2000557710)**\
+Tired of Google's AI-generated search summaries? Adding an expletive to your search prevents them from showing up. It's a weird but effective trick---at least until Google patches it.
+
+**[Open-Closed Principle in React: Building Extensible Components (6 min)](https://cekrem.github.io/posts/open-closed-principle-in-react/)**\
+Writing flexible React components is easier when you follow the Open-Closed Principle (OCP). This article compares rigid, modification-heavy components with a cleaner, composition-based approach that makes extensions seamless.
+
+**[why-did-you-render by Welldone (tool)](https://github.com/welldone-software/why-did-you-render)**\
+A debugging tool for React that helps identify unnecessary re-renders. It monkey-patches React to notify you when components render unnecessarily, improving performance in both React and React Native apps.
+
+## 📖 Book of the Week
+
+**[Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean](https://amzn.to/40ADtxW)**\
+Great communication makes great developers.
+
+In this book, Kim Scott introduces _Radical Candor_, a simple but powerful approach to communication: _care personally while challenging directly_. This helps teams give honest feedback, avoid misunderstandings, and work better together.
+
+For web developers, clear and direct communication leads to better teamwork, fewer mistakes, and stronger projects. Whether you're working with designers, PMs, or other engineers, the ability to speak openly while staying respectful is a game-changer.
+
+If you want to improve how you give and receive feedback, this is a must-read.
+
+## 🛠️ Something Cool
+
+[**Checkbox Race!**](https://checkboxrace.com/)
+
+A oddly competitive game where you race to check boxes. Simple concept, but shows how basic HTML elements can be turned into something fun.
+
+## 🧠 AI Crush CFP
+
+I'm hosting my first conference!
+
+It's called AI Crush and it's in Belfast. We are looking for presenters to share their insights on May 9th, 2025. This inaugural event represents a unique opportunity to be part of something special in Northern Ireland's growing tech scene.
+
+Whether you're building AI-powered applications, exploring machine learning architectures, or implementing practical AI solutions, we want to hear your story. As a first-year conference, speakers have the rare opportunity to help shape the event's direction and be part of its founding moment.
+
+Think you've got something valuable to share? Know someone who does? The CFP (Call for Presentations) is open now - don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!
+
+It's dual track (one stage for developers and one for leadership) so we need talks for both stages.
+
+Here's the link: [https://www.crushconf.com/cfp](https://www.crushconf.com/cfp)
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- [Codú Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570877292755)
+- [Codú TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co)
+- [Our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codu)
+- [Find us on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)

app/(app)/letters/css-magic-ai-breakthroughs/page.mdx

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+Tuesday, Jan 21st, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# 🪄 CSS Magic, AI Breakthroughs, and My Big Announcement!
+
+I've been busy ramping things up for [AI Crush](https://www.crushconf.com/)!
+
+I'm really excited to start announcing speakers and partnerships as we aim to build our first conference. It's an incredible experience so far, and I can't wait to share more soon.
+
+For now, here are some great reads and tools to brighten your week. Let's get into it!
+
+## 📚 This Week's Picks
+
+**[DeepSeek's Reasoning Model Beats OpenAI's O1 (5 min)](https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/20/deepseek-claims-its-reasoning-model-beats-openais-o1-on-certain-benchmarks/)**  
+DeepSeek has made a model that can think and reason better than OpenAI's O1 in some tests. This could be a big step forward for AI tools.
+
+**[Think Twice Before Using GitHub Actions (7 min)](https://ninkovic.dev/blog/2025/think-twice-before-using-github-actions)**  
+GitHub Actions are great, but they can also bring problems. This article explains what to watch out for and how to avoid common issues.
+
+**[CSS `text-box-trim` Is Here! (4 min)](https://developer.chrome.com/blog/css-text-box-trim/)**  
+A new CSS tool makes text layout easier and more predictable. This is great for frontend developers looking to save time and fix common design problems.
+
+**[The Challenge of Secure Memory in Modern Systems (10 min)](https://lwn.net/Articles/1003780/)**  
+This article talks about how computers can keep memory safe while still working fast. It's a good read for anyone interested in how computers really work.
+
+**[Accessibility Essentials for Front-End Developers (8 min)](https://martijnhols.nl/blog/accessibility-essentials-every-front-end-developer-should-know/)**  
+Learn the basics of making websites that everyone can use, including people with disabilities. These tips are simple to follow and can make a big difference.
+
+**[Searchlight (repo)](https://github.com/ravelantunes/Searchlight)**  
+​​​​​​​Searchlight is a native macOS, open-source PostgreSQL client designed to be simple, lightweight, and developer-friendly. It offers a clean and intuitive interface for managing databases and running queries without the complexity of full-scale database management tools.
+
+## 📖 Book of the Week
+
+**[Feel-Good Productivity: How to Do More of What Matters to You](https://amzn.to/4hnL2PA)**  
+The secret to productivity isn't discipline. It's joy.
+
+Most people think productivity is all about hard work, frustration, and grind. But Dr. Ali Abdaal shows a happier way to success.
+
+In this book, he shares research-backed ideas to help you get more done while feeling good about it. You'll learn:
+
+- The three things that make productivity enjoyable
+- How to beat procrastination and stay focused
+- Ways to avoid burnout and find lasting happiness
+
+With stories of founders, athletes, and Nobel winners, this book shows how to work smarter, not harder. It's full of easy tips you can start using today to live better and accomplish more.
+
+## 🛠️ Something Cool
+
+**[ARIA DevTools](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/aria-devtools/dneemiigcbbgbdjlcdjjnianlikimpck)**  
+This Chrome extension makes it easy to check how accessible your website is. It shows the roles, states, and properties of elements on your page.
+
+## 🧠 AI Crush CFP
+
+I'm hosting my first conference!
+
+It's called AI Crush, and it's in Belfast. We're looking for presenters to share their insights on **May 9th, 2025**. This inaugural event is a unique opportunity to be part of something special in Northern Ireland's growing tech scene.
+
+Whether you're building AI-powered applications, exploring machine learning architectures, or implementing practical AI solutions, we want to hear your story. As a first-year conference, speakers have the rare opportunity to help shape the event's direction and be part of its founding moment.
+
+Think you've got something valuable to share? Know someone who does? The CFP (Call for Presentations) is open now—don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!
+
+It's dual-track (one stage for developers and one for leadership), so we need talks for both stages.
+
+[Submit your proposal here](https://www.crushconf.com/cfp)
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- [Codú TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co)
+- [Our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codu)
+- [Find us on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+**If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.**
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)

app/(app)/letters/database-decisions-nextjs-secrets-and-37-pro-frontend-tips/page.mdx

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+Tuesday, Jan 7th, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# 🔥 Database decisions, Next.js secrets, and 37 pro frontend tips
+
+Hey there! 👋
+
+Ready to kick off 2025 with fresh tech insights?
+
+After our holiday break, we're back with curated resources to help you.
+
+Whether you're looking to level up your database knowledge, optimize Next.js performance, or explore emerging tech trends -- this week's picks will get you started strong.
+
+## 📚 This Week's Picks
+
+[**How to Choose the Right Database (4 min)**](https://www.swequiz.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-database-in-a-system-design-interview)
+This article discusses how to choose a database for system design interviews.
+
+[**The amazing, but unsettling future of technology... (video)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4H2fTgHGuc)
+Take a look at 13 trends in technology that will affect programmers and software engineers in the year 2025.
+
+[**37 Tips from a Senior Frontend Developer (9 min)**](https://dev.to/_ndeyefatoudiop/37-tips-from-a-senior-frontend-developer-251b)\
+Shares some advice from a senior frontend developer with 5+ years of experience
+
+[**How to Optimize Next.js Web Apps for Better Performance (15 min)**](https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/optimize-nextjs-web-apps-for-better-performance)\
+Who couldn't use a little more performance in their Next.js apps?
+
+[**tailwindcss-motion (GitHub Repo)**](https://github.com/romboHQ/tailwindcss-motion)\
+A Tailwind CSS plugin from RomboHQ that provides a simple animation library with an easy syntax.
+
+[**zizmor (GitHub Repo)**](https://github.com/woodruffw/zizmor)\
+A static analysis tool for GitHub Actions. It can find many common security issues in typical GitHub Actions CI/CD setups.
+
+[**LogLayer (JavaScript Logging Library)**](https://loglayer.dev/)\
+A layer on top of Javascript logging libraries to provide a consistent logging experience.
+
+[**Rules for Writing Software Tutorials (25 min)**](https://refactoringenglish.com/chapters/rules-for-software-tutorials/)\
+This article provides guidelines for writing effective software tutorials
+
+## 📖 Book of the Week
+
+[Software Architecture: The Hard Parts: Modern Trade-Off Analyses for Distributed Architectures](https://amzn.to/41ZrxbB)
+
+This book provides expert guidance on navigating complex architectural decisions in distributed systems. Written by veterans Neal Ford, Mark Richards, Pramod Sadalage, and Zhamak Dehghani, this book helps developers tackle challenges like service granularity, data management, and system coupling.
+
+Perfect for experienced software architects looking to build scalable, maintainable distributed systems. Best suited for readers with significant development experience who want practical approaches to architectural trade-offs.
+
+## 🛠️ Something Cool
+
+**[Codewars](https://www.codewars.com/)**
+
+Codewars offers coding challenges across 55+ languages with a unique leveling system that makes practice engaging yet manageable. Each "kata" (challenge) is community-rated for difficulty, letting you progress naturally from fundamentals to advanced concepts.
+
+Unlike LeetCode's interview-focused problems, Codewars emphasizes practical programming patterns and creative problem-solving. With solutions visible after completion, it's an excellent platform for learning from others' approaches while building interview-ready skills.
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- Codú TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co](https://newsletter.codu.co/l/OKhlNrmpjTTHP763xCz1UNOw/p8DcaDEDbL8FJC5y1tmH4w/EEOHywhMSrHPNxKbF3Ps892Q)
+- Our YouTube channel: [https://www.youtube.com/@codu](https://newsletter.codu.co/l/OKhlNrmpjTTHP763xCz1UNOw/iJvccMa1dTBysEZfCVFzkw/EEOHywhMSrHPNxKbF3Ps892Q)
+- Find us on Twitch: [https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)