Web development essays.
Craft notes from the build — the techniques and trade-offs of making websites properly.
Offline-First PWAs: Building Software That Works With No Signal
For field teams in basements and lift shafts, connectivity is optional but the work is not. How offline-first PWAs are built — and why we chose one for IssuesID.
→ Read essay
Image Optimisation Beyond WebP: AVIF, LQIP and the New Defaults
AVIF is now broadly supported and LQIP has matured. Here is the 2026 baseline we ship for image-heavy sites and the tooling that makes it automatic.
→ Read essay
Edge Rendering Explained: When It Is Worth the Complexity
Edge rendering promises sub-50ms responses worldwide, but it comes with real trade-offs. Here is when the complexity actually earns its keep.
→ Read essay
Astro vs Next.js vs Gatsby: A 2026 Framework Shootout
We built the same content-heavy site three ways. Here is how Astro, Next.js and Gatsby compare in 2026 on build time, runtime performance, DX and ecosystem.
→ Read essay
Server-Side Tagging on a Gatsby or Next.js Site: Why and How
Server-side tagging fixes problems client-side GTM cannot: short cookie lifetimes, ad blockers, consent, and data ownership. Here is when it is worth the setup — and when it is overkill.
→ Read essay
The Rise of React Server Components
React Server Components are changing how we think about building web applications. Here's what they mean for performance, developer experience, and the future of React.
→ Read essay
Web Performance Metrics That Actually Matter
Not all performance metrics are created equal. We look at the Core Web Vitals and other metrics that genuinely impact user experience and search rankings.
→ Read essay
Next.js vs Gatsby: Which React Framework Should You Choose?
Both Next.js and Gatsby are excellent React frameworks, but they shine in different scenarios. Here's how to decide which one fits your project.
→ Read essay
CSS Grid vs Flexbox: When to Use Each
CSS Grid and Flexbox are both powerful layout tools, but they solve different problems. Here's a practical guide to knowing when to reach for each one.
→ Read essay
TypeScript: Why We Use It on Every Project
TypeScript has moved from "nice to have" to essential in modern web development. Here's why we standardised on it and what it means for our clients.
→ Read essay§ Subscribe
One letter,
once a month.
Studio essays, postmortems and the occasional Risograph print drop. No forms, no tracking pixels — email us and we'll add you to the list.
hello@codedrips.com →