Merge branch 'develop' into snyk-fix-fe67fcca779d13aa29ca49c5fded99e3

Author: CarolinaCobo

app/(app)/letters/cornhub-and-more/page.mdx

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+Tuesday, Feb 4th, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# 🌽 CornHub Controversy & Why Dropping F-Bombs Beats AI Search Results
+
+We kicked off 2025 with a bang at our first Codú event of the year, packing the house with eager developers ready to dive into some seriously cool tech.
+
+Hubspot's own [Evan Burbidge](https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-burbidge-a0823361/) took us on a mind-bending journey through the world of 3D drag-and-drop form wizards. Who knew form building could be so spatial? Evan shared the actual tools his team uses at Hubspot, giving us a peek behind the curtain at how they're revolutionizing multi-step forms.
+
+Then things got... corny. In my live coding session with Cursor.com's AI pair programmer, we attempted to build "CornHub" -- a totally innocent website for locating quality corn in your area.
+
+While some AI models (from Anthropic and OpenAI) seemed oddly hesitant to help with our wholesome agricultural endeavor (wink), Deepseek stepped up to the plate, helping us create a beautiful hub for all things corn.
+
+Who knew finding local corn could be so controversial?
+
+## 📚 This Week's Picks
+
+**[Help, My Node Image Has Python! (7 min)](https://labs.iximiuz.com/tutorials/how-to-choose-nodejs-container-image)**\
+Not all Node.js container images are created equal. This guide explains why some images include Python (and other extras) and how to choose the right one to keep your containers lean and efficient.
+
+**[Once You're Laid Off, You'll Never Be the Same Again (13 min)](https://mertbulan.com/2025/01/26/once-you-are-laid-off-you-will-never-be-the-same-again/)**\
+Getting laid off changes more than just your job---it reshapes how you view work, stability, and career growth. This personal reflection explores the emotional and professional impact of layoffs.
+
+**[DeepSeek Stole Our Tech... Says OpenAI (video)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpwoGjpYygI)**\
+OpenAI and AI investor David Sacks claim DeepSeek illegally used OpenAI's technology to train its new R1 model. Microsoft allegedly provided hard evidence. Meanwhile, Alibaba has dropped Qwen 2.5 with some eye-catching benchmark scores.
+
+**[How Are Images REALLY Stored? (42 min)](https://cefboud.com/posts/image-formats/)**\
+Ever wondered how images are actually stored? This article explains the pixel-based structure of images, how different formats like PNG and JPEG optimize storage, and the techniques behind image compression. A must-read for developers working with graphics.
+
+**[Add F\*cking to Your Google Searches to Neutralize AI Summaries (9 min)](https://gizmodo.com/add-fcking-to-your-google-searches-to-neutralize-ai-summaries-2000557710)**\
+Tired of Google's AI-generated search summaries? Adding an expletive to your search prevents them from showing up. It's a weird but effective trick---at least until Google patches it.
+
+**[Open-Closed Principle in React: Building Extensible Components (6 min)](https://cekrem.github.io/posts/open-closed-principle-in-react/)**\
+Writing flexible React components is easier when you follow the Open-Closed Principle (OCP). This article compares rigid, modification-heavy components with a cleaner, composition-based approach that makes extensions seamless.
+
+**[why-did-you-render by Welldone (tool)](https://github.com/welldone-software/why-did-you-render)**\
+A debugging tool for React that helps identify unnecessary re-renders. It monkey-patches React to notify you when components render unnecessarily, improving performance in both React and React Native apps.
+
+## 📖 Book of the Week
+
+**[Radical Candor: How to Get What You Want by Saying What You Mean](https://amzn.to/40ADtxW)**\
+Great communication makes great developers.
+
+In this book, Kim Scott introduces _Radical Candor_, a simple but powerful approach to communication: _care personally while challenging directly_. This helps teams give honest feedback, avoid misunderstandings, and work better together.
+
+For web developers, clear and direct communication leads to better teamwork, fewer mistakes, and stronger projects. Whether you're working with designers, PMs, or other engineers, the ability to speak openly while staying respectful is a game-changer.
+
+If you want to improve how you give and receive feedback, this is a must-read.
+
+## 🛠️ Something Cool
+
+[**Checkbox Race!**](https://checkboxrace.com/)
+
+A oddly competitive game where you race to check boxes. Simple concept, but shows how basic HTML elements can be turned into something fun.
+
+## 🧠 AI Crush CFP
+
+I'm hosting my first conference!
+
+It's called AI Crush and it's in Belfast. We are looking for presenters to share their insights on May 9th, 2025. This inaugural event represents a unique opportunity to be part of something special in Northern Ireland's growing tech scene.
+
+Whether you're building AI-powered applications, exploring machine learning architectures, or implementing practical AI solutions, we want to hear your story. As a first-year conference, speakers have the rare opportunity to help shape the event's direction and be part of its founding moment.
+
+Think you've got something valuable to share? Know someone who does? The CFP (Call for Presentations) is open now - don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!
+
+It's dual track (one stage for developers and one for leadership) so we need talks for both stages.
+
+Here's the link: [https://www.crushconf.com/cfp](https://www.crushconf.com/cfp)
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- [Codú Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570877292755)
+- [Codú TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co)
+- [Our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codu)
+- [Find us on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)

app/(app)/letters/want-to-level-up-start-writing-about-code/page.mdx

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+Tue, Feb 11, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# Want to Level Up? Start Writing About Code
+
+Writing about coding might not seem important, but it can help you learn and grow as a developer. When you write about what you learn, you remember it better. You also get better at solving problems because you have to explain your thinking clearly.
+
+Writing is also a great way to track your progress. You can look back and see how much you've learned over time. It also helps you explain ideas better, which is useful when working with a team or in job interviews.
+
+Sharing your writing can also help your career. When people read what you write, they see you as someone who knows a lot. This can lead to job offers, speaking opportunities, and new connections. Many developers grow faster in their careers because they share what they learn.
+
+You don’t have to publish everything. You can keep notes for yourself using apps like Notion or Evernote. But if you want to share, you can use a blog or platforms like Codú, Dev.to, or Medium. Even posting short insights on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) can help you connect with others in tech.
+
+The key is to keep things simple. If you can explain something in a way that anyone can understand, it means you really know it well.
+
+Want to dive deeper? Read the full article here: [Full Article](https://www.codu.co/articles/why-writing-about-coding-improves-your-learning-journey-afcri7zg)
+
+## 📚 **This Week's Picks**
+
+**[Building an "Easy" Web Application (6 min)](https://rudyfaile.com/2020/07/06/building-an-easy-web-application)**
+What does it really take to build a simple web app? This post explores the challenges that developers face when trying to make something "easy."
+
+**[On Product-Market Fit (9 min)](https://cra.mr/on-product-market-fit/)**
+A deep dive into the journey of Sentry over the last 15 years. The author shares honest insights on the challenges of finding product-market fit and the endurance needed to succeed.
+
+**[Create React App Deprecation (Issue Open)](https://github.com/facebook/create-react-app/issues/17004)**
+Create React App (CRA) is being deprecated. If you're still using it, now's the time to start looking for alternatives.
+
+**[Cloudflare Incident on February 6, 2025 (7 min)](https://blog.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-incident-on-february-6-2025/)**
+Cloudflare's R2 storage and other services were down for nearly an hour. This post breaks down what happened and how it impacted developers.
+
+**[Dexie.js (tool)](https://dexie.org/)**
+Dexie.js is a lightweight wrapper for IndexedDB that makes working with client-side databases much easier. If you're storing data in the browser, this tool is worth checking out.
+
+**[Oracle Justified Its JavaScript Trademark with Node.js (4 min)](https://deno.com/blog/deno-v-oracle2)**
+Oracle’s legal battle over the "JavaScript" trademark just took a new turn. They’re using Node.js as part of their defense—this post explains what’s going on and why it matters.
+
+**[The Vatican Has Some Thoughts on AI (9 min)](https://every.to/napkin-math/the-vatican-has-some-thoughts-on-ai)**
+Here's something I definitely wasn't expecting a statement on. The Catholic Church has released a statement on AI, sharing its thoughts on the differences between human and machine intelligence and how AI should be used.
+
+## 📖 **Book of the Week**
+
+**[The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future](https://amzn.to/40ADtxW)**
+
+Most AI books today are rushed cash grabs, but this one stands apart. Written by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind (now part of Google), _The Coming Wave_ offers an insider’s perspective on how AI and other emerging technologies—synthetic biology, quantum computing, and autonomous systems—will transform society.
+
+Suleyman explores how these breakthroughs will bring immense prosperity but also unprecedented risks, challenging global stability and governance. The book introduces _the containment problem_: how do we keep these powerful technologies under control while maximizing their benefits?
+
+For developers, this book is an essential read. AI is no longer an abstract concept—it’s shaping the tools we build and the decisions we make. Understanding the broader impact of this technology will help you navigate the future, both as a creator and as a citizen.
+
+## 🛠️ **Something Cool**
+
+**[Use the Index, Luke!](https://use-the-index-luke.com/)**
+
+A great guide that explains SQL indexing to developers, focusing on query optimization and performance tuning.
+
+## 🧠 AI Crush CFP
+
+I'm hosting my first conference!
+
+It's called AI Crush and it's in Belfast. We are looking for presenters to share their insights on May 9th, 2025. This inaugural event represents a unique opportunity to be part of something special in Northern Ireland's growing tech scene.
+
+Whether you're building AI-powered applications, exploring machine learning architectures, or implementing practical AI solutions, we want to hear your story. As a first-year conference, speakers have the rare opportunity to help shape the event's direction and be part of its founding moment.
+
+Think you've got something valuable to share? Know someone who does? The CFP (Call for Presentations) is open now - don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!
+
+It's dual track (one stage for developers and one for leadership) so we need talks for both stages.
+
+Here's the link: [https://www.crushconf.com/cfp](https://www.crushconf.com/cfp)
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- [Codú Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570877292755)
+- [Codú TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co)
+- [Our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codu)
+- [Find us on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)