Articles
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 fourteen articles collected together for you below.
arguments Object vs. Rest Parameters in JavaScriptThe `arguments` object vs. rest parameters in JavaScript, including readability, array behaviour, arrow function differences, and modern best practices.
Understand why HTML form values are always strings in JavaScript, plus safe conversion for numbers, booleans, checkboxes, radio buttons, and FormData.
Use object property shorthand and computed property names in JavaScript for cleaner literals, derived keys, method shorthand, and overwrite cautions.
Object.assign() in JavaScript: Merging and Shallow CopiesUse Object.assign() in JavaScript for merging and shallow copies, with target mutation, overwrite rules, nested‑object cautions, and newer alternatives.
Use feature detection in front‑end work by checking browser capability, choosing enhancement or fallback paths, and avoiding fragile user‑agent assumptions.
Render lists in React with stable keys, avoiding index and random‑key bugs, preserving component state correctly through filtering, sorting, and reordering.
Write safer JavaScript for older browsers by checking support, avoiding fragile assumptions, containing failures, and keeping core interactions usable.
call, apply, and bind in JavaScriptUnderstand call, apply and bind in JavaScript, including this context, borrowed methods, callbacks, partial application and production review caveats.
The JavaScript prototype chain underpins inheritance, enabling object property sharing. Here, I explore its workings, property searching, and quirks.
A practical overview of JavaScript build tools and module formats, covering globals, CommonJS, AMD, Browserify, bundling, and project trade‑offs.
Type coercion in JavaScript explained clearly, including implicit vs. explicit conversion, equality surprises, string concatenation, and number casting.
Thinking of moving from permanent employment to freelancing? Follow these 5 tips for a smooth transition and establish yourself as a successful freelancer.
Controlled vs. uncontrolled components in React explained with form examples, refs, validation trade‑offs, and why each approach suits different jobs.
this Changes in JavaScript Event Handlers and MethodsUnderstand why this changes in JavaScript methods and event handlers, including call sites, arrow functions, bind(), event objects, and context bugs.
forEach and for...ofWith the introduction of the new JavaScript standard ES6, there are some new and interesting ways to loop through data, which I discuss here today.
Keep jQuery plugin usage maintainable with clear wrappers, option defaults, event names, lifecycle checks, CSS boundaries, ownership, and update notes.
Primitive vs. reference types in JavaScript explained clearly, including copying behaviour, mutation, equality, and why arrays and objects surprise beginners.
Lifting state up in React explained clearly, including shared state, single sources of truth, child callbacks, and when moving state higher helps.