856: Loading UIs, Rust Webpack, New Cookie Types, Conference Talks + More

Key takeaways

When displaying loading states, consider user experience by avoiding unnecessary delays. Use loading indicators strategically.
Hono can be useful for custom backend architectures, but SvelteKit or similar full-stack frameworks are often preferable for new applications.
RSPack offers performance benefits and ease of use but is only one option among several modern bundlers, including RollDown.
Gather as much information as possible when quoting projects without access to the existing code base; provide wide-ranging estimates.
Partitioned cookies help maintain user privacy in third-party contexts, presenting a new approach to handling user sessions.
Understand the implications of different HTTP redirect codes and use them appropriately to avoid affecting SEO.
Technical interviews are not just about skills; personality fit is crucial for both candidates and companies.

Summary

Loading Spinners and UI Feedback

In this episode, the hosts discuss the implementation of loading spinners in user interfaces. They emphasize not adding unnecessary delays to the display of content, which can make the user experience feel clunky. The recommendation is to avoid showing a loading indicator for responses that take less than a certain time threshold (like 300 milliseconds), advocating for a smoother transition to displaying the content instead.

Using Hono with SvelteKit

The discussion includes whether or not to combine Hono with SvelteKit. The hosts clarify that using Hono separately can make sense for custom backend scenarios, particularly those involving legacy code. However, for new projects, it is generally more effective to stick with a full-stack framework like SvelteKit, Remix, or TanStack.

RSPack and Alternatives to Vite

The episode explores the shift from traditional bundlers like Webpack to newer tools such as RSPack, highlighting the advantages of reduced build times and improved performance. The hosts explain that while RSPack is easier for developers transitioning from Create React App, Vite and its ecosystem are strongly supported and growing. They also touch on the Rust-based RollDown, an exciting development in bundling tools, which aims to combine the benefits of ESBuild and Rollup.

Quoting Projects Without Access

Consultation on how to quote projects for potential clients when access to the existing code or CMS is limited. Scott and Wes advise gathering as much detail as possible and giving broad estimates while cautioning that this may change once diving deeper into the code.

HTTP Cookies and Privacy Innovations

The hosts discuss partitioned cookies, a new privacy feature designed to enhance user privacy when using third-party services like comment widgets. This allows for a more secure way to maintain user sessions within isolated contexts, preventing the tracking of users across multiple sites.

Redirect Codes Explained

They break down different HTTP redirect codes, clarifying the differences between 301 (permanent) and 302 (temporary), as well as 303 and 307. They caution against using permanent redirects unless sure of URL stability as it can affect SEO.

Interviewing Tips and Best Practices

Scott and Wes touch on the challenges faced during technical interviews and the importance of personality fit with a team. They stress that past projects can speak volumes, but interview success hinges on personal chemistry just as much as technical ability.

Show notes

Scott and Wes dive into your questions on Hono and SvelteKit, partitioned cookies, redirect codes, and using Rspack instead of Vite. Plus, they share insights on quoting projects, interview best practices, and whether you should slow down those speedy loading spinners.
Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
00:50 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
02:23 Apple developer accounts and certificates.
06:58 Hono, SvelteKit, and using them together.
11:14 Rspack & Rsbuild over Vite? Rspack, Rsbuild.
Rolldown, Rollup.
oxc.
Turborepo.

21:01 Quoting projects without seeing under the hood.
25:26 HTTP cookies, partitioned cookies, and chips. Partitioned Cookies.

30:29 Redirect codes; 301, 302, 303, 307 418 I’m a teapot.

36:22 Gaining inspiration for talks and posts.
40:02 My loading state is too fast! Should I use setTimeout? setTimeout Docs.

42:29 Interviews and landing the job.
49:50 Sick Picks & Shameless Plugs.
Sick Picks Scott: Stainless Steel Cookware.
Wes: Dim Lightbulbs, steelpan.guy on TikTok.
Shameless Plugs Scott: Potluck Submissions.
Wes: Syntax 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