Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

In this potluck episode of Syntax, Wes and CJ answer your questions about OpenAI’s $3B Windsurf acquisition, the evolving role of UI in an AI-driven world, why good design still matters, React vs. Svelte, and more! Show Notes 00:00Devs Night Out02:35WindsurfEp 870: Windsurf forked VS Code to compete with Cursor. Talking the future of AI + Coding05:2008:45 Cloudflare Turnstile14:1817:0319:04Better-Auth21:5525:51Sentry.io26:3830:2431:5535:20Polypane39:1946:56 Sick Picks Portable ChainsawWhite Lotus Shameless Plugs NuxtFull Stack App Build | Travel Log w/ Nuxt, Vue, Better Auth, Drizzle, Tailwind, DaisyUI, MapLibre Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes are joined by Erich Gamma, creator of VS Code, and Kai Maetzel, Copilot Lead, to share some big news about the future of VS Code and Copilot. They discuss what it means for developers, how AI is shaping the future of coding, and why staying open to the community is key. Show Notes 00:0001:0002:4904:31Sentry.io04:55Syntax Denver Meetup05:1906:2508:3109:3110:4713:0114:0614:4919:2321:2323:2728:3629:0331:3133:0738:4240:0343:2044:1345:3948:0749:1052:47 Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Wes talks with Peter Pistorius about RedwoodSDK, a new React framework built natively for Cloudflare. They dive into real-time React, server components, zero-cost infrastructure, and why RedwoodSDK empowers developers to ship faster with fewer tradeoffs and more control. Show Notes 00:0000:52RedwoodSDK04:4908:4612:2014:2516:15 Ep 879: Fullstack Cloudflare18:1423:1424:0726:0429:5331:1434:3536:1640:04Sentry.io41:44 Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes break down the latest in JavaScript news, including new async patterns in Svelte, React Server Component tooling with Parcel, and Redwood’s push into Cloudflare with its new SDK. They also cover what’s new in Storybook 9 Beta, from visual testing to a sleeker, lighter build. Show Notes 00:0002:50Sentry.io03:37Syntax Meetup04:09 React View Transitions08:5811:18 Offscreen Renamed to Activity14:2216:29Asynchronous Svelte Playground19:0425:13Parcel RSC27:15Redwood SDK30:55Storybook 9 Beta Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes sit down with Cassie Evans of GSAP to talk all things animation—from SVGs and scroll timelines to GSAP’s new rebrand and exciting features. They also dig into performance, plugins, and what makes GSAP such a powerful tool for web developers. Show Notes 00:0000:59GSAPCassie Codes01:5304:4405:29announcement07:19Showcase11:01Sentry.io11:26GSAP Docs12:3813:3314:5516:0618:1219:0220:30GSAP with React22:32Scroll Timeline24:2726:31 Timelines29:2434:55Split Text spanran-wrapPhysics 2D Plugin38:44GSAP docs39:5041:09GSAP Video Exporter41:4545:1947:5650:5352:40 Sick Picks Eyesy Video Synthesis Shameless Plugs Smashing Conf Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Wes and Scott talk all things 3D printing—from fixing every day items to organizing tools, printing gadgets, and even teaching their kids entrepreneurship. Show Notes 00:0003:34Sentry.io05:0307:34Gridfinity10:33 Underware14:3415:32Bamboo LabElegooPrusaFlashorge25:26Multiboard31:3340:05Deal Forager46:07Maker WorldyeggiPrintablesThangsThingverse48:08FusionShapr3DOnshape53:0054:30BentoshardsManifoldCADHunyuan3D-2mv-TurboMecagent01:01:25 Sick Picks Alaska Bear Organic Silk Sleep Mask BLV - AMS Riser Shameless Plugs Syntax YouTube Channel Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes break down the tricks and techniques for making your app feel blazing fast—even when it’s not. From optimistic UI to preload-on-hover, it’s all about perception, not just performance. Show Notes 00:0001:12Sentry.io02:3406:0008:0008:2010:5012:3713:3614:4015:4717:1318:5120:0420:2323:4325:5226:4627:31 Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes break down the current state of React Server Components — what they are, how they work, and why they’re so controversial. From framework support to bundling complexity, it’s everything you need to know about RSC in 2025. Show Notes 00:0001:01Sentry.io01:5502:1803:1703:4505:0506:0806:5407:5808:5209:1209:1609:4212:26candycode.comDaishi Kato14:23Michael Jackson Tweet19:29vite-plugin-react-server20:54 Syntax Ep 83322:3923:0123:3925:2827:46 Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Wes and Scott talk with Chad Whitacre, the newest member of the Syntax team, about all things open source—licenses, controversies, economics, and ethics. Chad breaks down what most people misunderstand, and how companies can support sustainable software development the right way. Show Notes 00:0000:3903:39Retrospekt05:00https://syntax.fm/ossOpen Path09:4111:1113:0117:5520:2224:4026:5530:30Sentry.io33:09Fair Source35:16Beerware License40:00Open Source Pledge45:4148:31wait49:39 Mercedes-Benz embraces Open SourcePorsche Open Source Platform51:3353:46Plausible56:1256:4459:16 Sick Picks Save The Cat! Shameless Plugs Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes break down the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a new open standard that gives AI agents secure, tool-like access to your dev environment. They cover how it works, why it’s a big deal for AI coding workflows, and real-world use cases like GitHub, Sentry, and YouTube. Show Notes 00:0000:49Wes MCP Shirt03:09Sentry.io03:33MCP05:0607:1107:2807:3508:2410:3914:10SVGL14:5717:24Building Sentry’s MCP with David Cramer18:5421:19Smithery23:0224:4024:4925:1925:3226:2426:28FastMCP27:00 Cloudflare28:0128:47 Episode 87329:2729:3530:37MCP prompts30:48MCP roots Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Wes and Scott talk about the origins of Syntax, sharing how a friendly course name conflict led to a mastermind group, then a podcast, and eventually a full-blown media brand. They also reflect on key milestones, from early episodes and sponsorships to joining Sentry, expanding the team, and what’s next. Show Notes 00:0000:51Scott Tolinski & The Origins of LevelUpTutsLevelUpTutorialsWesBos.com09:31Episode 001: React Tools15:30Delicious BrainsFreshBooks18:5322:36SVGs with Sara Soueidan23:38Live at JAMstack_conf27:58Sentry.io28:34 600th Episode! Major Announcement and Swag Giveaway!33:56Randy Rektor36:39Rating and ROASTING Coding Desk SetupsCJ ReynoldsKaitlin Bloom41:47Sentry.shop46:0147:23 Sick Picks Crucial X10 Pro 4TB Portable SSDMONVICT Cordless Glue Gun Shameless Plugs Syntax YouTube Channel Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Light mode? Dark mode? Scott and Wes break down the best ways to implement theme switching in CSS, from prefers-color-scheme to manual overrides. Plus, tips on handling shadows, icons, and the dreaded flash of dark mode! Show Notes 00:0001:05Sentry.io02:0602:31 drop-in.css04:4105:3208:1509:1312:3815:4818:4319:33Tailwind dark-mode19:5222:2522:28Lea Verou contrast-color24:3925:2226:20Polypane Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Wes and Scott talk about the ins and outs of accepting payments online—from choosing processors like Stripe and PayPal to handling fraud, taxes, custom checkouts, and more. Show Notes 00:0002:34StripePayPalSquareAuthorize.net09:2918:2223:1025:30Sentry.io28:34Lemon SqueezyGumroadPaddleBeacons32:5141:25 Sick Picks ParcelParcels App Shameless Plugs Syntax YouTube Channel Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes talk about the planning process for a major redesign of the Syntax.fm website. They share their thoughts on organizing tasks, choosing tech, handling styling, and the debates that come with deciding what to keep and what to change. Show Notes 00:0001:36Sentry.io02:48Syntax.fmLevel Up TutorialsTravis Neilson04:4105:5309:50Episode 770: Design Systems With Brad Frost12:2715:5416:3818:3719:5620:5321:3523:4224:33 Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Is Vibe Coding the future of software development or just a fun way to experiment? Scott and Wes talk about coding with AI, the risks of ignoring the details, and the cool (and sometimes cursed) projects they’ve Vibe Coded. Show Notes 00:0000:3101:3002:46Levelsio Airplane Game04:49Sentry.io05:3907:2510:11Scott’s Piano UI on XEpisode 876: MIDI & Music In the BrowserWes’ Roomba on XWes’ Roomba on YouTube Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Wes and Scott talk about Infrastructure as Code and how SST makes deploying to AWS easier than ever. They dive into SST’s features, developer experience, and how it simplifies managing services like databases, email, and more. Plus, insights on Cloudflare integration, auto-scaling, and real-world use cases. Show Notes 00:00 Supper Club × Next.js on AWS + Serverless with Dax Raad02:37Sentry.io04:52SSTAWS05:4012:33SST’s docsCloudflare15:42 Infrastructure for TS Devs: Kubernetes, WASM and Containers with David Flanagan Supper Club × Flightcontrol with Brandon Bayer19:0522:1324:5227:38https://sst.dev/docs/live30:5235:18 Sick Picks Aquaphor Healing Ointment Magnetic Picture Hanger Frame Shameless Plugs Syntax YouTube Channel Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads

Scott and Wes dig into the wild world of CSS fonts—covering fallbacks, variable fonts, and new tricks like text-box-trim. They also break down font-display, font kits, and how to avoid layout shifts when loading custom type. Show Notes 00:0001:06Sentry.ioDamnit Sans02:5303:27 Font Display07:40Fallbacks10:45Fontainefont-kitWakamai FondueSyntax Ep. 782 Font Variation Settings16:2317:46v-fonts19:10text-box-trim examples21:28 Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads