useRef in React
Use useRef in React for DOM access, focus management, mutable values, previous values, integration work, and cases where refs should not replace state.
Articles
Development, page 17 of 23
This is a very broad category within my articles which encompasses any aspect of web development, from initial design and architecture to coding, testing, and deployment.
Below you will find a subset of articles from my blog specifically about Development. This is an area I have worked with for many years, and it has been a regular subject in my writing. There are four hundred two articles collected together for you below.
UseRef in React. 
Using Liquid Templates in E‑Commerce Front Ends. Using Liquid Templates in E‑Commerce Front Ends
How Liquid templates shape e‑commerce front‑end work, including products, collections, snippets, theme constraints, content, and safe customisation.
Checking Rendered HTML for JavaScript Pages. Checking Rendered HTML for JavaScript Pages
Check rendered HTML for JavaScript pages by comparing source and DOM output across metadata, headings, links, schema, content, hydration, and crawlability.
Class vs. Functional Components in React. Class vs. Functional Components in React
Class and functional components are key to React development. In this article I explore differences, advantages, and when to use each in modern React apps.
Advanced Techniques for Responsive Web Design. Advanced Techniques for Responsive Web Design
Discover advanced responsive web design techniques with CSS Grid, `clamp()`, container queries, and JS enhancements for performance‑optimised, adaptive sites.
Client‑Side Rendering and Search Visibility. Client‑Side Rendering and Search Visibility
How client‑side rendering can affect search visibility, and what to check around content, links, metadata, routing, loading states, and fallbacks.
Custom _app and Custom _document in Next.js. Custom
_appand Custom_documentin Next.jsCustom `_app` and `_document` in Next.js explained clearly, including shared layout, global setup, server‑rendered HTML, and what each file is actually for.
Understanding the JavaScript Event Loop. Understanding the JavaScript Event Loop
The JavaScript event loop manages asynchronous tasks in a single‑threaded environment. I explore how it works with the call stack, task queue, and microtasks.
Creating Interactive User Interfaces with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Creating Interactive User Interfaces with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Many websites feel static and unresponsive, frustrating users. This article shows how HTML, CSS, and JavaScript create dynamic, accessible interfaces.
How to Prevent Race Conditions in JavaScript with AbortController. How to Prevent Race Conditions in JavaScript with
AbortControllerHow to prevent race conditions in JavaScript with `AbortController`, including stale search results, request cancellation, and browser support caveats.
Best Practices for Cross‑Browser Compatibility. Best Practices for Cross‑Browser Compatibility
Cross‑browser compatibility ensures a consistent user experience across different browsers. Best practices, CSS and JS techniques, and testing strategies.
Using next/link for Client‑Side Navigation. Using
next/linkfor Client‑Side Navigation
Event Delegation in JavaScript. Event Delegation in JavaScript
Event delegation in JavaScript manages child element events via a single parent listener. Here, I explore how it works, its benefits, and practical use cases.
The React Context API: When to Use It and When Not to. The React Context API: When to Use It and When Not to
The React Context API explained with Provider and Consumer examples, prop drilling trade‑offs, shared app state, and when context is not the right answer.
JavaScript Rendering and SEO Checks. JavaScript Rendering and SEO Checks
JavaScript rendering and SEO checks for pages that rely on client‑side behaviour, including content, links, metadata, fallbacks, and rendered output.
Merging Multiple Objects in JavaScript. Merging Multiple Objects in JavaScript
Merging objects in JavaScript is straightforward once you know the tools. This guide covers Object.assign(), spread syntax, and overwrite behaviour.
Front‑End Risks in Drupal Template Work. Front‑End Risks in Drupal Template Work
Front‑end risks in Drupal template work, from render arrays and markup overrides to cache behaviour, accessibility, JavaScript, CSS drift, and editor output.
Event Bubbling vs. Capturing in JavaScript. Event Bubbling vs. Capturing in JavaScript
Event bubbling and capturing in JavaScript explained through propagation phases, event delegation, target/currentTarget, stopPropagation(), and handler order.