Where would we be without our beloved tools and apps? I'm going to share my favourite tools, apps and websites that I use as a front end developer to get more done in less time.
What is a Rob?
Rob is an experienced UI developer and marketer who likes simple, organised thinking and making clever things happen in progressive web apps. I like JavaScript (a lot!), React (amongst other frameworks), and solving problems. You can find me working on things at GitHub. Say hi on me[at]robkendal.co.uk.
What's more, I also run a podcast all about front end development and careers in tech. You can listen to the podcast now or find out more on The Front End Podcast website.
Latest articles
Worried about your GitHub graph and that you're not coding as much as others. Don't worry, I'm here to tell you why the GitHub activity graph can be a double-edged sword.
Want to save files to the client using JavaScript? Let's look at how to save a file client-side using s simple handful of vanilla JavaScript
Redux can be a tricky concept to get. By using React's useReducer Hook we can replace complex Redux configurations and still use state management.
Want to spice up your text-effects in CSS? Check out this quick tip on creating funky text backgrounds with the CSS background-clip property.
Can you build a simple, lightweight code and syntax highlighter using Prism JS and React? Sure you can. I'll show how I did it in no time flat.
Merging arrays in JavaScript isn't all that tricky. Getting unique values in merged arrays can be. We'll look at some different methods and approaches in JavaScript that create unique arrays, including the shiny Set object.
Part two of the series on learning to use React and Redux with an API and a data handler utility to act as a bridge between our components and application state.
We all run into coding problems and get stuck. Fortunately, I've got 10 great tips to help you become a better debugger and to get your code flowing again.
Learn how to use React and Redux with an API and a data handler utility to act as a bridge between our components and application state.
Whether you're brand new to remote working, unsure if it's the right fit for you, or simply curious about how us seasoned remoties (can I coin this phrase??) operate, I've got some tips, tricks and advice based on my experiences in working in a globally distributed software development team.
Whether you're a budding frontend developer or have been coding a while, what exactly should you know as a frontend developer?
Building a React project and have the error 'Hooks can only be called inside the body of a function component'? We'll solve the 'invalid hook call warning' error and get your project back on track.
Ever found yourself just plain stuck? In this article, we'll be looking at some tips, tricks and ideas to help move past creative block, especially for developers.
What are some of the factors that prevent companies from building a remote workforce, or at least offering remote working as a more common hiring option?
Want to use Parcel JS with frameworks like React but keep using shiny new JavaScript things like the proposed new class properties? Well read on my coding adventurer as we're going to learn to configure Babel and Parcel to do just that.
In this article, I wanted to help people to understand a little more about what imposter syndrome is, how it can hold you back, and what you can do about it, even leveraging it to drive you to become better.
If you're looking to land your first job as a web developer in the tech industry, then I have a ton of advice that might just give you the boost you need.
You can build a Parcel JS website using React, instead of using Create React App. In this article, we'll look at how to add in the missing parts of the Parcel JS bundler to allow us to build sites with React.
Parcel JS is a Webpack alternative that helps you build modern JavaScript projects. If you're looking for a simple Webpack alternative, try this Parcel JS starter kit.
Rapid front-end development that scales well depends on solid design systems. We'll explore why design systems are important, how they help and one I've love to use: Bulma CSS framework.
Following on from my recent article on how to build a Node JS API server that uses JSON files, I wanted to share another recent experience I had: using CSS custom properties to apply a custom theme to a React website.
There are lots of articles on how to build a Node API server but they're either quite duff or very complex. None of them seem to deal with reading and writing to JSON files. Well let's change that by building our own Node API server using JSON data storage!
In this code article, I'm going to show you how to load fragments of HTML from a folder and output them onto a page using Webpack and require.context().
Use my free, tried-and-tested Webpack project starter kit if you'd like to get your next web app or JavaScript project started quickly
After applying for development jobs, I've been thinking a lot about how relevant are tech tests? Are they still a useful tool to make a hiring decision?
How do you find time to refactor your code? The answer is simple: continuous refactoring. Learn how to reduce your future development technical debt
After living with the nest ecosystem for over a year, I review the nest outdoor cam, nest protect and nest thermostat to see how good their smart home is
How can I access Google Sheet spreadsheets with JavaScript? I'll walk you through the handy Google Sheets Reader so you can fetch data with ease.
Let's look at arrow functions in the ES6 version of JavaScript. Learn what arrow functions are, how to use arrow functions and how they help with this.
CSS-in-JS is demonised and heralded on social media, but is CSS-in-JS really all that bad? Or is it the digital devil? Read why I think everyone's wrong
Fighting imposter syndome and other tips and tricks from a job hunting journey in the tech industry
Ever wondered how martial arts could help you start a business, become better at your job, improve your life? Here's how it worked for me.
Having a child has made me think about how I could use some of my new found parenting skills to improve my web development and working life