My current setup; software and hardware I am using right now.
Electronics
Dell XPS 13 9380, 16GB RAM, Intel Core i7-8665U CPU @ 1.90GHz x 8
I purchased this refurbished Dell laptop back in 2021 from a reputable vendor named Swoop, and snagged a fantastic deal in the process. However, as the device originally came with Windows installed, I wanted to switch to Linux. This marked my first-ever attempt at installing Linux on a laptop, but I found the process to be surprisingly straightforward. Within an hour, I had successfully installed Ubuntu and was up and running with my new operating system.
ASUS VA24EHL Eye Care Monitor
After acquiring this monitor at a reasonable price, I discovered that it was the perfect size for my needs and apparently provided eye protection, which is crucial considering the extended periods I spend staring at my code. Despite its adjustable height, I elevated it even further by placing it atop an additional stand (also see "Furniture"). I did experience an issue with the monitor at one point, but I was able to get a replacement through the warranty without any trouble, so I can't complain.
Apple Magic Keyboard Numeric Keypad QWERTY Space Grey
My previous iMac keyboard was replaced with this one, which was a lovely birthday gift from my parents-in-law. The keyboard is of high quality, but I rarely use the numeric keypad. Nevertheless, the battery life is impressive. What's even better about this device, along with the trackpad, is its ability to function with any OS via Bluetooth. In particular, it has worked flawlessly with Ubuntu. Despite Apple's reputation for restricting much of their stuff, this one has been an excellent piece of equipment for me so far!
Apple Magic Trackpad White
A friend of mine offered me a good deal on this trackpad when I bought my iMac, and I've been using it ever since. The only downside is its color, which can be confusing at times since my desk is also white with a similar texture. Occasionally, I catch myself tapping on the desk while waiting for the cursor to move. Despite this minor issue, the trackpad works fine and has decent battery life, so I haven't felt the need to replace it.
Bose QuietComfort 25 Headphones
I initially stumbled upon these headphones while browsing through a Dutch electronics store way back in 2012. However, at the time, they were beyond my budget. Later on, I had the chance to buy them at a discounted price, which I promptly seized. While noise-cancelling headphones have become almost essential these days, back then, they were still a novel innovation. Since then, I've been using them consistently, despite the fact that they require a physical (AA) battery and do not support Bluetooth.
Apple iPhone SE 2nd Generation
I appreciate the fingerprint scanner in this model, as I believe it to be a more accessible and more secure (?) While I would prefer to utilize an operating system other than iOS or Android, unfortunately I am stuck with Apple for now. However, I am currently considering purchasing a Murena Fairphone 4. This device is an Android-based phone without much of the "noise" from Google shipped on a device that's also more sustainable because of their use of materials and the fact that owners are able to repair the device themselves.
Belkin Boost Up Wireless Charger 15W Standard Black
My girlfriend gifted me this charger and I've been delighted with its performance. The charger's standout feature is its speed, and the fact that I can place my phone in two different orientations is a big plus for me. Since I still use a headphone with a 3.5mm jack cable (and an Apple adapter), I need to lay my phone down horizontally, and this charger accommodates that perfectly. Despite the fact that the USB-C cable broke down once, I am still very satisfied with it overall.
Furniture
TROTTEN Desk sit/stand, white, 160x80 cm
The ultimate seating option may actually be no chair at all. While it took some time to adjust to the absence of a seat and the sensation of pressure in my legs, after just a few months of working in this manner, I grew accustomed to it and now highly recommend it to others. I find that working while standing helps me stay focused and physically energized. Admittedly, there is a common joke about individuals who use standing desks being unable to stop talking about them, and I reluctantly acknowledge that I may be a part of that group.
ELLOVEN Monitor stand with drawer, white
As previously mentioned when discussing my monitor, the Ikea smart stand is a necessary addition for those who desire a tidy workspace. This stand features a compact drawer with compartments that can be used to store a variety of items, including notebooks, office supplies, cables, and other small accessories. Additionally, the stand enables me to neatly conceal my laptop beneath the monitor, leaving only the screen visible and creating a clutter-free environment.
Operating Systems
Linux Ubuntu 22.04 LTS
Over the course of my life, I have switched my operating system every decade. When I was 10, I started with Microsoft Windows 95 and XP, which was the computer my parents first bought. Around the age of 20, I switched to Apple MacOS (OSX) because it offered more software for web development at that time, and I was joining a class that primarily used Apple. However, as I approached 30, I found that Apple was not as developer-friendly and open-minded as I had hoped, so I took a leap of faith and switched to Linux (Ubuntu) as my primary operating system. Although I didn't know much about it at the time, I have found that Linux meets my needs and preferences. You can read more about my experience with this last transition on my blog, by the way. I believe that the choice of operating system is a personal one and should be based on individual needs and preferences, rather than on brand loyalty or peer pressure.
Apple iOS
As a web developer, I have been a longtime observer of the mobile software industry and have noticed how Apple's innovation seems to have stagnated in recent years. While I still vividly remember the day the iPhone was first introduced, I can't help but feel that the way Apple controls what goes in and out of their mobile software is limiting for developers. Specifically, I think that progressive web applications are not treated equally to their native apps, which is a significant drawback. As a result, I have transitioned away from Apple over the past few years, seeking alternative software and solutions that meet my needs. While I still use my iPhone due to budget constraints and the lack of an alternative, I would ideally like to transition to a "de-Googled" Android phone in the near future.
Languages
PHP
When I first discovered this server-side language back in 2005, I was captivated by the ability of using contact forms to send emails, which I found to be truly magical (I was 15 at the time). Prior to this, my knowledge of web development was limited to HTML, CSS, and a little JavaScript. The idea of an entire universe of web development waiting to be explored was exhilarating for me, and it continues to be so today! I have been using this language ever since and have witnessed its maturity alongside my own growth as a developer. Prior to discovering Laravel (described below), a PHP framework, I used vanilla PHP to build my web applications, which worked well to some extent. Looking back now with the experience I've gained, I wouldn't write a "framework-less" application again.
JavaScript
My first experience with JavaScript dates back to 2004, when I built my first website using Yahoo Geocities. I discovered a Dutch website called LeeJoo, which provided scripts that allowed for various interactions and special effects on my website. As a 14-year-old, I was fascinated by how JavaScript could add dynamic elements to a website, despite it all happening on the client side. While I enjoyed using snippets of code to add interactivity to my web pages, it wasn't until I discovered jQuery and related libraries that I started thinking about functionally programming applications with JavaScript. Eventually, I switched over to VueJS, a JavaScript framework that I still use today. I find this framework to be absolutely amazing, and I'm currently exploring Vue 3 and Nuxt. Ironically, I used the JavaScript framework NextJS to set up this blog, even though I would have preferred to use Nuxt and Vue. However, as my blog template was built with NextJS, I saw it as an opportunity to learn some React. Though I have found VueJS and Nuxt to be a better fit for me personally.
SQL
During my second year of college, I was introduced to SQL, and while it took me some time to fully understand data querying, especially merging various datasets, this experience has proven invaluable in my web application development journey. Although most of my queries are now performed behind an object-relational mapper (ORM) provided by Laravel, the PHP framework, I had the opportunity to write an API handler from scratch, which allowed for many operations behind API routes and URL parameters. This experience was both challenging and rewarding. Currently, PostgreSQL is my primary database system, but for my WordPress projects, I use MySQL. Additionally, for one of my clients, I'm using SQLServer. However, since many of these queries are used within the scope of Laravel, I have the luxury of not having to write them manually. Despite this, I enjoy learning about different database technologies and look forward to using them for my future projects.
HTML
Although HTML may not be the most thrilling language on the list, it is still worth mentioning as it has been around since the beginning and has evolved alongside other programming languages. Given its significant influence on the core markup of the web, it is understandable that fewer changes or additions are made, regardless of how flashy the marquee tag may seem (*smirking*). Nonetheless, I find great satisfaction in using the most semantically correct elements and adhering to strict HTML compliance. It has become something of an obsession for me to find the perfect element intended for that particular purpose and context. I believe that there is an ideal markup for every website, and if we all strive for this level of quality, the web would become even more indexable and capable of providing value to the world, for example through technologies like ChatGPT.
CSS
Believe it or not, when I first learned web design in high school, I was instructed to use inline attributes for styling. I'm not talking about the revolutionary CSS framework Tailwind, which has proven to be a great tool. No, instead, I'm referring to integrating CSS styling onto the tags to which they should be applied. This included not only styles, but also things like <FONT COLOR=red>. Shockingly, this was considered valid and clean code at the time by my teachers. I once mentioned the existence of CSS, but it was dismissed as overkill and unnecessary. While Tailwind has proven some truth to this statement, given its different context and abilities, it has a much better excuse to ignore stylesheets. Nonetheless, this experience has taught me that we shouldn't become too comfortable with what works and what doesn't according to unwritten rules, and we should always look for the most pragmatic approach that works for the majority of our projects.
Frameworks
Laravel
Prior to using Laravel, I worked with Slim, a micro framework designed for developing APIs. It enabled me to quickly set up a REST API and leverage my existing knowledge of PHP. As my project grew, I developed a dynamic query builder that allowed for searching, filtering, and sorting data based on available columns and user input. However, I found that making changes to the framework became increasingly challenging. Switching to Laravel made sense for me as it offered a more standardized way of organizing functionalities by their technical specifications. As I gained more experience with Laravel, I identified potential shortcomings and discovered a new approach to building large-scale applications using domains. With this approach, I separated the business logic into the domain layer and the functions exposed to the outside world into the application layer (such as an API). Additionally, I implemented modules to allow for multi-tenancy, giving specific users and contexts access to certain content and actions. I then connected this back-end architecture to front-end single-page applications (SPAs), separating the concerns of back-end and front-end codebases. This approach allowed me to build any number of SPAs and connect them to the API and its modules, ultimately creating a more scalable solution. While this approach has many advantages, I recognize that it may not be suitable for smaller projects. In fact, I'm currently exploring the possibilities of organizing and building applications using Laravel Livewire, which is a development method relatively closer to Laravel's traditional workflow and allows for a single codebase to serve both front and back-end.
VueJS & Nuxt
As mentioned, I have been primarily using VueJS to build single-page applications (SPAs). From the beginning, I have been delighted by its elegant syntax and clear separation of logic, markup, and styling. Unlike React, where logic and markup are often intertwined, VueJS seems to maintain a more consistent separation between the two. However, building an SPA using VueJS presents challenges, as you must write many things yourself and establish a file structure that works for your specific goals. Although this freedom provides a low-barrier entry point for those new to VueJS, it also means you are responsible for organizing your environment, which can become a daunting task. To address this issue, the VueJS framework called Nuxt provides a default directory structure and automatic routing. However, I found the experience somewhat limiting since Nuxt is designed to take control out of your hands, making it difficult to adjust configurations in the process. This is true for most frameworks, but since Nuxt is built on top of a framework, it is even more challenging to see down the stack. Nonetheless, it does provide some benefits, including a rich ecosystem that allows for easy intergration of packages.
Tailwind CSS
Inline styles have been used for a while, and some teachers have insisted on using them as markup and attributes rather than using stylesheets, which can be considered excessive. While they were right to some extent, Tailwind has revolutionized this approach. Front-end developers no longer need to switch between stylesheets, logic, and markup. Instead, they can focus on applying styles directly to HTML elements without leaving the markup. This approach eliminates the need for clever class definitions and methodologies like BEM and ensures that third-party styling doesn't override any of your code, or vice versa. Although the term "cascading style sheets" suggests hierarchy, tools like Sass and Less have made this idea more achievable. Nowadays, I prefer to use Tailwind for my projects to remove the need of styling hierarchies altogether. While it took some time initially to learn the class names, they actually make perfect sense, which benefits me and anyone else I happen to share my code with. I certainly don't want to come up with class or ID names ever again.
CMS
WordPress
I have been using WordPress almost exclusively between 2008 and 2020, and I have found its theme customization capabilities to be particularly powerful. In fact, I even used WordPress to power my side project, The Laboratory Network. One of its standout features is the "Multisite" function, which allows me to easily manage a network of sites. Additionally, by incorporating the Advanced Custom Fields plugin, WordPress becomes an incredibly versatile tool to work with. However, it does come with somewhat of a learning curve, as you need to familiarize yourself with WordPress's own legacy functions to get the most out of it. As a result, it can take some time to memorize some of their functions. Nonetheless, over the years, WordPress has enabled me to create numerous websites, and I am thankful for the experience and all of the resources it has provided me.
ListItem
Today, I'm working on a headless CMS and I hope to launch its beta this year. While I can't reveal too much just yet, my aim is to build a content management system that is simple enough even my grandmother will know how to use it. It's not meant to be the next WordPress, nor should it be. My primary goal is to publish my first open-source project while gaining valuable experience with various development tools and best practices. I'm excited to launch soon and can't wait to see where this project takes me in terms of new learning opportunities.
Development
Visual Studio Code
My journey as a web developer started with Notepad in 2002 and progressed through various tools like Macromedia Dreamweaver and Sublime Text. However, I eventually settled on Visual Studio Code (VS Code) in 2016. Although I was a big fan of Sublime Text for its responsiveness, clean design, performance, and rich ecosystem, my transition to VS Code speaks volumes about its superior features. I find it to be an incredibly versatile tool for working with different types of files. The beginners find it easy to use, while experienced developers can customize it for better functionality and appearance. As for theming, I use the Aura theme, Fira Code font, and the Material Icon for showing better icons for various files. To work efficiently with multiple languages simultaneously, I recommend the Peacock extension, which allows you to color your window per project. For instance, I use PHP's purple for my Laravel projects and green for my VueJS projects.
Tinkerwell
Tinkerwell, a tool inspired by Laravel's artisan command
laravel tinker, allows you to tinker with your Laravel application by running small functions for debugging purposes. However, Tinkerwell takes this to the next level by executing your code immediately in a compact code editor that features a secondary pane. This allows you to execute functions as if you were the client, providing a helpful way to debug multiple classes or test new functionality in isolation. Although I don't use it as often as I'd like, Tinkerwell has earned a spot in my application's dock thanks to its ability to quickly jump into debugging mode.Postman
Previously, I used Insomnia as my desktop client for testing API endpoints. It worked great until I started experiencing freezing issues during runtime when I had too many requests or routes defined in memory. So, I decided to explore other solutions and came across Postman. While the interface was initially challenging to navigate (compared to Insomnia), it was worth the effort. Postman offers a range of helpful features such as the ability to set global variables, switch between environments, and assign and override parameters per request. Additionally, its cloud-based architecture ensures that all my requests are synced and version control is built-in. Another benefit is the option to document API routes and test them. Overall, I couldn't find anything to dislike about this app.
PgAdmin
PgAdmin is a web-based application that serves as a powerful tool for managing PostgreSQL databases. Although its layout may not be as clean and accessible as that of other PostgreSQL clients like TablePlus, PgAdmin offers a range of advanced features that make it a top choice for users seeking a free and open-source solution. While I have the option to switch between TablePlus and PgAdmin, I prefer the fine-grained control that PgAdmin provides, regardless of its aesthetics. However, I have yet to find a simple way to import and export data, although it's possible that I haven't explored all the options thoroughly.
TablePlus
This database manager is considered one of the best among developers who prefer a simple and clean interface capable of interacting with any type of database engine. I found it to be incredibly useful for performing common tasks, particularly importing and exporting data. Although I previously encountered a bug in the Linux version that caused the app to close immediately upon opening, I eventually found a fix and was pleasantly surprised to be able to use it again. The application's icon/logo (an elephant), which serves as the official mascot of PHP, is a nice touch and enough for me to include it in my dock.
Design
Figma
Before I discovered Figma, I used Sketch on my MacBook Pro for my design work, which was actually a solid application with good capabilities. However, when I learned about Figma and saw how the design industry was embracing it almost immediately, I felt compelled to give it a try. And I'm glad I did, because Figma has become my go-to design tool. One of the things I love about Figma is its cloud-based features that allow me to present designs and collaborate with team members across multiple devices. The interface is clean and intuitive, and the tools are easily accessible while still being able to perform a wide range of design tasks. And the performance of Figma is truly impressive, even on other machines through a web browser. I'm also happy to say that Figma for Linux has been open source since its release, which means it's free to use. But even if they start charging for it in the future, I wouldn't hesitate to pay for it. Figma has provided me with a great experience so far, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the design field.
Pen & Paper
I believe that this page should cover all the tools that I use, whether they are software, hardware, or something more traditional. Drawing and sketching have been a part of my life since I was very young, and I still prefer to start my designs on paper with a pen or marker. There's something special about creating imperfect sketches that just can't be replicated with clean boxes and outlines in software. Drawing on paper gives me a greater sense of control, and I can do it anywhere in the world, without needing a computer or an internet connection. Although I don't design as much as I used to, I still enjoy starting my design process with a sketch on paper before moving to digital tools like Figma.
Communication
Fastmail
I recently switched from Gmail, and I am currently in the process of updating all of my email addresses on various websites. I spent a significant amount of time researching alternative email providers, including Now, self-hosted options, and cloud hosting providers, among others. Ultimately, I found that the service I chose is an excellent choice for individuals who own multiple domains and wish to consolidate them into a single mailbox. The user interface is intelligent, straightforward, and consistently meets my expectations. I may eventually write a blog article about this service, but I must admit that my perspective will be somewhat biased.
Whatsdesk
Although it's an unofficial Whatsapp client for Linux, it works great. However, I do occassionally miss the ability to (video) call people using this app, which is somewhat integrated in my workflow. But knowing how Whatsapp used to be only available on your phone, is already a plus in this regard. I should say I wish Whatsapp was still an independent company and not part of Meta, but here we are... Even though it's an unofficial WhatsApp client for Linux, I have found that it performs exceptionally well and delivers on its promises. However, I do miss the convenience of being able to make video or voice calls through the app, which is an essential aspect of my workflow. Nevertheless, considering that WhatsApp was initially only available on mobile devices, the availability of a desktop client is a definite advantage. Personally, I do regret that WhatsApp is now part of Meta, and I would prefer it to remain an independent company. Nonetheless, this is the current reality, and we have to adapt accordingly.
Discord
Being somewhat of a late adopter, I began exploring this app towards the end of 2022. Upon using it, I noticed that its functionality resembles that of Slack, but with more polished design and the added bonus of making video and audio calls and screen sharing. Even though I'm not using it as active as I would like, it's still a great app that I would recommend. In fact, I think this app actually has the potential to revolutionize communication platforms in general. They have definitely proved to be able able to scale! Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether it will extend to a broader audience in the future. Regardless, it is worth considering the possibility, and I believe the creators should at least attempt to do so.
Productivity
Firefox
As a daily user of various software, I have had the opportunity to experiment with almost all major web browsers out there. However, ever since I made the switch to Linux, Firefox has been my go-to browser for both desktop and mobile use. Although my initial experience with Firefox's developer tools was not seamless, I have now come to appreciate its user-friendly interface and customizable features. While many may argue that speed is the primary factor to consider when selecting a browser, I beg to differ. For me, the decision to use Firefox is based on a combination of factors, including privacy. In today's data-driven world, trust is a scarce commodity, but I trust Firefox to prioritize my privacy above all else. One of the features that I particularly enjoy about Firefox is its ability to send tabs from my phone to my desktop browser seamlessly. I also appreciate the option to configure tabs as "fixed" at the top left of my window, allowing me to reopen my frequently used apps every time I launch my browser. In fact, my three default fixed tabs are Fastmail, ChatGPT, and Brain FM - a truly productive combination that I have been enjoying tremendously. Overall, Firefox is the way forward for me when it comes to web technology. While other browsers may offer flashy features, I am confident that Firefox's commitment to privacy and user experience will keep it ahead of the curve.
Raindrop
If you're looking for a powerful and versatile solution for storing bookmarks, look no further than Raindrop.io. As a web developer, I've bookmarked over a thousand sites with this browser extension and iOS app, and I've found it to be the best option out there. With Raindrop.io, you can organize your bookmarks into custom folders and add a variety of icons to make them easy to recognize. The service also offers a range of other useful features, such as the ability to search your bookmarks by keyword and access them from any device. What sets Raindrop.io apart from other bookmarking services is its clean and intuitive interface. The platform is designed with user experience in mind, making it easy to manage and access your bookmarks with just a few clicks. And the best part? Raindrop.io is completely free. While there are other paid bookmarking services out there, Raindrop.io offers all the features you need without costing you a dime. So if you're tired of having your bookmarks scattered across various browsers and devices, give Raindrop.io a try and see how it can streamline your browsing experience. P.s. If this sounds like an ad, my apologies, but some services just deserve this amount of attention.
Brain FM
This web service offers soundtracks for any situation, whether it's for focus, relaxation, or something in between. It has been instrumental (pun intended) in helping me concentrate and unwind from work. Although it requires a subscription, it's definitely worth the cost, especially when you consider the price of other media platforms like Spotify (which by the way doesn't provide the same kind of tracks). I consider it to be a fantastic investment and use it every day, whether I'm working or relaxing, or both. In fact, I've found the app so valuable that I was invited to join their Slack community, where I've been able to contribute to the development of new features, which I personally consider to be an honor.
Oh, and by the way, if you're interested, use the link above to get a discount.1Password
This service has proven to be a reliable alternative to LastPass for securing your authentication flow. What sets it apart is its great ease of use and also its ability to automatically create masked email addresses for shady services when combined with Fastmail. This feature has been particularly useful in keeping my personal email address secure. It's also available on various platforms, including Linux. While it does come with a subscription fee, it's a relatively small price to pay for the added security and peace of mind. After all, can you really put a price on protecting your sensitive information?
Dropbox
While there are excellent self-hosted solutions like Nextcloud available, I found that this relatively unpopular app (kidding, of course) is still worth it. I previously used Nextcloud for some time but eventually moved back to Dropbox due to its ease of use and the ability to seamlessly sync with my system files. This allows me to move from one device to another without having to reconfigure adjustments made the previous day. For instance, my Hamster time-tracking app does not have a cloud option. However, I was able to symlink the database file with my Dropbox directory, enabling me to use the app across multiple devices effortlessly. This integration works exceptionally well for me.
ChatGPT
It's ironic that the very words you are currently reading have been enhanced by ChatGPT. This AI-powered tool has been instrumental in helping me write this blog post. As someone who strives for perfection in their writing, I often find myself burdened by the need to double-check and rewrite everything myself. However, with ChatGPT's assistance, that weight has been lifted. I can now jot down my ideas roughly while maintaining their key points and pass them along to this robotic cowriter for refinement. While I have occasionally used AI to come up with programming solutions, I haven't relied on it as much as I could have. In my experience, programming is highly context-specific and tightly written (depending on who you ask). Therefore, it makes sense to only outsource generalized parts of it. I believe in the supportive nature of AI and how it can assist us in achieving our goals more efficiently.
Hamster
This time tracking app is probably the most straightforward one out there. While I'm not entirely sure if it's available on Windows or MacOS, it certainly does an excellent job for me. I can easily enter my projects, starting and ending times and filter through them by either selecting a range of dates, a month, a week, or a day. At the end of each month, I can simply click twice to see the total number of hours I've logged. The only thing this app doesn't support is an hourly rate, but given that it's a simple math problem, it's probably not necessary to integrate it into the app. Although I have encountered a few bugs in the past, they were not significant enough to prevent me from using it. Additionally, it integrates well with my synchronization flow via Dropbox, as mentioned above.
Joplin
Despite occasionally feeling outdated, this application for note taking is an excellent example of an open-source software that offers self-hosted options (e.g. Dropbox or Nextcloud), while also providing native apps for Linux, iOS, and Android. It is a reliable and seamless application that simply works, and I am grateful to the developers who made it available to us all free of charge.
Services
Digital Ocean
While I've used both Digital Ocean and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting, I find Digital Ocean to be more familiar and user-friendly, despite AWS being touted as the superior option for performance, scalability, and features. Digital Ocean's interface is clutter-free and uses simple, human terms (e.g. "Droplets" instead of "Servers"), which makes it easier to understand for those without a DevOps background. However, this simplicity can become a drawback real fast once you start delving into more technical aspects of hosting. There must be hosting services that strike a balance between user-friendliness and advanced capabilities. While I haven't searched for such services yet, I do believe they're out there.
Laravel Forge
For those who aren't familiar, Laravel Forge is a server management service that proved invaluable to me when I was first learning Laravel but had little knowledge about hosting management. Back in 2017, I relied heavily on Laravel Forge to swiftly deploy my server from Digital Ocean, set up TLS certificates, manage databases, web servers, PHP versions, and other essential tasks. Since then, I've gained some experience in managing web application servers, but I still find Laravel Forge's accessible interface and automation capabilities incredibly useful. Plus, their customer service is exceptional. I've reached out to them multiple times when I've encountered problems, and they've consistently helped me resolve the issue. Admittedly, it's not their responsibility to troubleshoot individual servers, but I'm glad they often do.
CloudFlare
CloudFlare has been an great web service for managing, protecting, and serving my domains. While the company has gained a strong reputation for managing large-scale websites and applications, some people may not be familiar with the full extent of their services. As a proxy between your web server and the outside world, CloudFlare can accomplish a lot, such as hiding your server's IP address, protecting against certain attacks, and optimizing your server assets. Recently, I even used their services for domain name registration, as I found their prices to be very reasonable. Additionally, their load balancing services have been helpful for redirecting traffic from one server to another in case of an outage. While it may not be the primary use case for load balancers, it has been effective for my needs.
GitHub
In the past, I used Atlassian's Bitbucket for my web development projects because it offered unlimited private repositories, which GitHub didn't provide at that time. However, I recently made the switch to GitHub now that it has the same feature. Although I still host some of my projects on Bitbucket, I prefer to use GitHub for newer projects. What I appreciate most about GitHub is its clear interface and thorough documentation. They are undoubtedly the world's leading Git provider and aren't afraid to integrate new features and listen to their community. While I've only used a small part of GitHub to host my projects (most of which I maintain alone), I find it reassuring to know how scalable they are. This means that I can use it for more ambitious projects in the future.
TransIP
TransIP is my primary domain name registration provider, and while I've also tried their email hosting services in the past, I've recently switched to Fastmail to manage multiple domains under one inbox, which I consider to be a more convenient and affordable option than paying for separate inboxes. Although most of my domains are registered with TransIP, I have configured their respective nameservers to point to Cloudflare, last of which provides advanced DNS management tools and security features, making CloudFlare my preferred choice over TransIP. While TransIP can be a bit pricey at times, their service has been excellent overall. While it would be simpler to register all of my domain names with Cloudflare for better overview and specifically easier administration, I'll likely continue using TransIP for the foreseeable future because CloudFlare does not provide all TLD extensions at the moment of writing.
Hover
I've used Hover in the past for some clients, and I've found their services to be pretty great. Although I currently only have one domain registered with them, I think it's worth mentioning them in my overview. The reason for my limited use of Hover is that I'm simplifying my domain administration, and Cloudflare can register some of my domain names while offering a better price, especially for the .io extension (I'm still waiting for Cloudflare to offer support for the .dev extension). While I may not be using Hover for long, I still appreciate their service quality and can certainly recommend them to others looking for a domain registrar.
PingPing
I've been using this website uptime monitoring service and it's proven to be a valuable tool for keeping track of my sites. Whenever any of my websites experience downtime, I'm promptly notified through various channels, allowing me to take quick action before it affects too many people. One thing I appreciate about this service is its clean, user-friendly design. Additionally, I find the pricing to be reasonable, especially given the level of reliability it offers. Furthermore, the service provides status pages that are great to advertise to clients everything is working as expected. Overall, I highly recommend this website uptime monitoring service to other website owners who are looking for a simple, yet dependable and straightforward solution.
Learning
Laracasts
This platform is my recommended source for comprehensive video courses that help me learn new web development skills. In addition to their amazing content, I also appreciate their forum, which provides a space for people to discuss issues and share ideas. Recently, they introduced an AI bot that can address issues even before other people have a chance to respond to a post, which I find impressive. Although I have a lifetime membership, I have to admit that I haven't been keeping up with all of their videos. Initially, I used Laracasts to get started with Laravel, but I know there is so much more to learn. Sometimes, I fall into the trap of thinking that I already know everything that Laravel has to offer (which I don't, really). So, I plan to revisit this site very soon to brush up on (and dust off) my skills.
Laravel Newsletter
This is my go-to source for keeping up with the latest happenings in the world of Laravel. While I may have some mixed feelings about some of the links that are featured, I have found many of them to be valuable and informative in keeping me up-to-date with the latest techniques and features available from Laravel and third-party developers. My ultimate goal is to contribute something worthy to this newsletter in the future and share it with the Laravel community.
Smashing Magazine Newsletter
This newsletter is primarily focused on front-end development, whereas the Laravel newsletter is more geared towards back-end development. Although I appreciate much of the content that Smashing Magazine produces, I find it can be overwhelming to keep up with all of it at times. As a result, I often have several unread copies of their newsletter in my inbox, which can be a bit of a burden. Nevertheless, I believe their content is high-quality and informative, and I do learn a lot from it. Perhaps I'll write a blog post on how to manage newsletter overload and this "Fear Of Missing Out" at some point in the future.
TLDR Dan Newsletter
I stumbled upon this newsletter by chance, but it has proven to be an invaluable source of information for me as a web developer. It covers a broad range of topics in tech, science, and development, and I've found the content to be consistently interesting and relevant to my interests. What sets this newsletter apart is its curation - I appreciate that I'm only presented with the best and most interesting articles once a day, rather than being bombarded with endless thumbnails like on Twitter or other news apps. As someone who has a lot to keep up with, this newsletter is a godsend. It's also helped me discover that there are many others out there with similar interests to mine. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to stay up to date when it comes to tech.
Personal Newsletters
In addition to the Laravel newsletter, I am subscribed to several other newsletters that help me stay informed about web development, particularly back-end topics. One of my favorites is Freek van der Herten's newsletter, which offers fresh and innovative ideas related to PHP and Laravel. While some of the content may require a bit of effort to digest, I find it to be well worth my time. Brent Roose's newsletter is also a great resource for advanced PHP topics and includes personal thoughts about the future of PHP as a language. While it can be a deep dive at times, I always find it interesting. Matt Stauffer's newsletter is another one I subscribe to, as it covers both personal aspects of being a developer and useful links related to PHP and Laravel. I appreciate his honest and candid writing style. Lastly, I am subscribed to the Tailwind CSS newsletter to keep up with the latest developments in Adam Watham's toolset. While it is not a curated newsletter like others, it provides me with the latest updates and changes exclusively related to Tailwind CSS and its associated tools.
Online Events
I also wanted to mention an online event that has been a great source of inspiration and knowledge for me: Laracon. This occasional event brings together speakers from the Laravel community and the broader web development industry to share their insights and experiences. The talks are always informative and inspiring, and they allow me to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the world of Laravel development. Attending Laracon is a fun way to sync up with the rest of the community and gain a sense of the road that lies ahead. I have found it to be a valuable resource for innovating and exploring new possibilities in web development. Based on my observations, I suspect that the next edition of Laracon will likely focus on the use of AI as part of the development workflow and its application to products and services. I am excited to see what insights and ideas will emerge from this event and how they will shape the future of web development.
Video Channels
As an enthusiast of Linux and open-source initiatives, I have discovered a great source of information and entertainment in The Linux Experiment channel. Hosted by a French guy named Nick, this weekly video channel provides updates on the latest developments in Linux, hardware, and other small-tech solutions in a fun and light-hearted way. I find it inspiring to keep up with the latest news and advancements in the Linux community, and watching The Linux Experiment has become a fun lunchtime ritual for me. Nick's engaging personality and clear explanations make it easy to stay informed and entertained at the same time. Overall, I highly recommend The Linux Experiment to anyone interested in Linux or open-source technologies. It's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments while enjoying a bit of humor and entertainment along the way.
Hydration
Flat White
For those who are unfamiliar, a flat white is a coffee drink that is similar to a cappuccino, but with the added kick of a shot of espresso. For a long time, I found myself torn between ordering a cappuccino, a regular coffee (Americano), or simply an espresso. It wasn't until I decided to add an extra shot of espresso to my cappuccino that I discovered the deliciousness of a flat white. When I made this request, the bartender asked if I wanted a flat white, which apparently was similar, to which I replied "Oh... Sure." It may not be the most thrilling tale, but it's one that has forever changed my coffee order.
Water
There are countless brands of bottled water available, and I've been fortunate enough to try some of the higher quality ones. While some individuals can discern a noticeable contrast between branded water and tap water, I'm personally not really able to do so. Fortunately, this saves me money in the long run. However, recently I discovered a new type of water bottle that does add flavour, in a surprising way, in fact. Since then I've developed a habit of using my favorite Air-Up water bottle and aim to refill it at least once throughout the day to ensure I stay properly hydrated.