Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

1002: The Real Pricing of LLMs

In this potluck episode of Syntax, Wes and Scott answer your questions about LLM usage-based pricing, security risks from malicious code in interviews, staying current in a fast-moving dev landscape, a new CSS linter, managing Node environments and tooling without losing your mind, and more! SHOW NOTES * 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! * 01:17 Copilot’s new usage-based pricing and the end of cheap AI * Model multipliers for annual Copilot Pro and Copilot Pro+ subscribers [https://docs.github.com/en/copilot/reference/copilot-billing/models-and-pricing?utm_campaign=FY26APR-WW-LCM-BLA-ProPP-IND-Dev-TX-USGCHGMTH&utm_medium=email&utm_source=github#model-multipliers-for-annual-copilot-pro-and-copilot-pro-subscribers] * 08:53 Why Syntax dropped clever ad transitions * 10:33 Debugging issues on the Syntax website with Sentry * 12:51 Brought to you by Sentry.io [https://sentry.io/syntax/] * 13:01 Getting hacked through a fake recruiter and malicious repos * Adib Hanna’s hacking story [https://x.com/adibhanna/status/2046988777789555191] * scammer.md [https://gist.github.com/adibhanna/6c66552b94577951bc4cce877fcf7729] * DeskPad [https://github.com/Stengo/DeskPad] * 17:57 How to catch up after stepping away from dev * 25:10 React components vs native browser APIs * 32:41 New CSS linting tools and Project Wallace updates * csskit [https://csskit.rs/] * 36:06 How to interview developers in the age of AI * 41:21 Managing Node, package managers, and dev environments * 46:59 Sick picks + shameless plugs SICK PICKS * Scott: * ZEISS Lens Care [https://amzn.to/4eOF5No] * KeyboardCleanTool [https://folivora.ai/keyboardcleantool] * Wes: Amaran Halo 100x [https://amzn.to/41X69Tb] SHAMELESS PLUGS * Syntax YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@syntaxfm] HIT US UP ON SOCIALS! Syntax: X [https://twitter.com/syntaxfm] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/syntax_fm/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@syntaxfm] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96077407/admin/feed/posts/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@syntax_fm] Wes: X [https://twitter.com/wesbos] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wesbos/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wesbos] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesbos/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wesbos] Scott: X [https://twitter.com/stolinski] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stolinski/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stolinski] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stolinski/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@stolinski] Randy: X [https://twitter.com/randyrektor] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/randyrektor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@randyrektor] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@randyrektor]

1001: Managing Deadlines + Stress

Scott and Wes tackle the all-too-real stress of crunch time as a web developer—how to handle looming deadlines, avoid sloppy shortcuts, and stay methodical when everything feels like it’s falling apart. They share practical tips on planning, communicating, cutting scope, asking for help, and preventing the chaos from happening again next time. SHOW NOTES * 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! * 02:53 The Importance of Planning and Organization. * 05:16 Slow Down, Take a Step Back. * 06:05 Identifying and Managing Tasks. * 08:35 The Role of Communication in Project Management. * 11:24 Cutting Features and Managing Expectations. * 14:52 The Balance Between Perfectionism and Productivity. * 16:42 Getting To Work. * 19:31 Updating Tools and Issues As You Go. * 22:34 Asking for Help. * 25:29 Prevention. * 30:22 Communicate Clearly. * 32:57 Brought to you by Sentry.io [https://sentry.io/syntax]. HIT US UP ON SOCIALS! Syntax: X [https://twitter.com/syntaxfm] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/syntax_fm/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@syntaxfm] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96077407/admin/feed/posts/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@syntax_fm] Wes: X [https://twitter.com/wesbos] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wesbos/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wesbos] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesbos/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wesbos] Scott: X [https://twitter.com/stolinski] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stolinski/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stolinski] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stolinski/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@stolinski] Randy: X [https://twitter.com/randyrektor] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/randyrektor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@randyrektor] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@randyrektor]

1000: Syntax Episode 1,000!

Wes and Scott celebrate 1000 episodes of Syntax, reflecting on how the podcast started, the team behind it, memorable moments, listener stats, inside jokes, and how the show has evolved over time—from early recordings and sponsors to supercuts, spooky episodes, and what’s next. SHOW NOTES * 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! * 02:01 Intro to Kaitlin * 03:08 Intro to Randy * 06:16 Intro to CJ * 09:01 Intro to Niki * 10:08 Who “yaps” more, Wes or Scott? * 10:28 Brought to you by Sentry.io [https://sentry.io/syntax/] * 18:37 Wes’ supercuts app * 24:04 How Syntax got started * 28:04 Joining Sentry * 29:47 The 6-7 compilation * 30:42 The original Syntax doc * 38:44 Dead Nuts supercut * 38:58 Kaitlin’s journey from Level Up to Syntax * 45:30 Where new listeners should start * 46:41 The Wordle episode and viral moments * 48:24 Most popular Syntax episodes * 48:40 The Halloween episodes and spooky stories tradition * 50:57 Listener stats by country * 55:22 First sponsors and early monetization * 57:30 Who edited the early Syntax episodes? * 59:25 Will there be a Syntax conference? * 01:01:33 How many guests have been on Syntax? * 01:02:58 Evolution of Syntax intros * 01:07:54 More Syntax supercuts HIT US UP ON SOCIALS! Syntax: X [https://twitter.com/syntaxfm] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/syntax_fm/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@syntaxfm] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96077407/admin/feed/posts/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@syntax_fm] Wes: X [https://twitter.com/wesbos] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wesbos/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wesbos] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesbos/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wesbos] Scott: X [https://twitter.com/stolinski] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stolinski/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stolinski] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stolinski/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@stolinski] Randy: X [https://twitter.com/randyrektor] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/randyrektor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@randyrektor] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@randyrektor]

999: Writing Maintainable CSS

Scott and Wes break down what makes CSS truly manageable—from preventing style leaks and embracing fluid layouts to choosing the right methodology, whether that’s utility CSS, component-scoped styles, or CSS modules. They also dive into practical tips like leveraging CSS variables, layers, scoping, and tooling to keep your stylesheets clean and scalable. SHOW NOTES * 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! * 01:31 Understanding CSS Manageability * 01:44 This CSS doesn’t leak to other parts of website. * 03:41 This CSS is easy to maintain. * 05:54 This CSS is reusable. * 06:10 Global Solutions Instead of Local Solutions. * 07:12 Flexibility and Adaptability in CSS * 09:36 Fluid Typography and Responsive Design * fluid-type [https://fluid-type.tolin.ski/] * 12:09 Variables and Consistency in CSS * 13:40 Brought to you by Sentry.io [https://sentry.io/syntax]. * 14:14 Values vs Variables. * Project Wallace [https://www.projectwallace.com/]. * 18:19 Choosing the Right CSS Methodology * 18:48 Utility CSS and Atomic CSS * 22:35 Exploring StyleX and Other Approaches * Syntax Ep 650 [https://syntax.fm/650]. * 25:14 Panda CSS [https://panda-css.com/]. * 25:37 Component Scoped CSS: A Preferred Approach * 29:08 The Evolution of CSS Modules * 34:03 Global CSS: Best Practices * Josh Comeau’s CSS Reset [https://www.joshwcomeau.com/css/custom-css-reset/]. * Scott’s Graffiti UI [https://graffiti-ui.com/]. * 38:22 Harnessing CSS Variables * 41:33 Understanding CSS Layers * 43:52 The Power of CSS Scoping * 46:16 Enforcing CSS Standards with Tools HIT US UP ON SOCIALS! Syntax: X [https://twitter.com/syntaxfm] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/syntax_fm/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@syntaxfm] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96077407/admin/feed/posts/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@syntax_fm] Wes: X [https://twitter.com/wesbos] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wesbos/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wesbos] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesbos/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wesbos] Scott: X [https://twitter.com/stolinski] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stolinski/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stolinski] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stolinski/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@stolinski] Randy: X [https://twitter.com/randyrektor] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/randyrektor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@randyrektor] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@randyrektor]

998: How to Fix Vibe Coding

Wes and Scott talk about making AI coding more reliable using deterministic tools like fallow, knip, ESLint, StyleLint, and Sentry. They cover code quality analysis, linting strategies, headless browsers, task workflows, and how to enforce better patterns so AI stops guessing and starts producing maintainable, predictable code. SHOW NOTES * 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! * Losing two clients in one week [https://x.com/wesbos/status/2044060210503778319] * 04:49 Code quality tools * jscpd.dev [https://jscpd.dev/] * knip.dev [https://knip.dev/] * fallow.tools [https://fallow.tools/] * wallace [https://github.com/projectwallace/wallace-cli] * 14:11 Finding and using components * Storybook AI [https://storybook.js.org/ai] * 17:28 Brought to you by Sentry.io [https://sentry.io/syntax/] * 17:42 Finding bugs * Sentry CLI [https://cli.sentry.dev/] * Spotlight [https://spotlightjs.com/] * 19:55 Formatting and linting * Vite+ [https://viteplus.dev/] * ESLint [https://eslint.org/] * StyleLint [https://stylelint.io/] * clint [https://github.com/stolinski/clint] * 25:41 Headless browsers * agent-browser [https://github.com/vercel-labs/agent-browser] * chrome-devtools-mcp [https://github.com/ChromeDevTools/chrome-devtools-mcp] * Lightpanda [https://lightpanda.io/] * 32:11 Tasks and todos * dex [https://dex.rip/] * beads [https://github.com/gastownhall/beads] * 33:32 Docs * Context7 [https://context7.com/] * 34:22 TanStack Code Mode [https://tanstack.com/blog/tanstack-ai-code-mode] * 36:01 Getting AI to use these tools * 38:18 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs SICK PICKS * Scott: Leaf Two Razor [https://leafshave.com/products/leaf-two-razor] * Wes: Puzzles [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=puzzles] SHAMELESS PLUGS * Phases.fm Podcast [http://phases.fm/] HIT US UP ON SOCIALS! Syntax: X [https://twitter.com/syntaxfm] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/syntax_fm/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@syntaxfm] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/96077407/admin/feed/posts/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@syntax_fm] Wes: X [https://twitter.com/wesbos] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/wesbos/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@wesbos] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesbos/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@wesbos] Scott: X [https://twitter.com/stolinski] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stolinski/] Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@stolinski] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stolinski/] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@stolinski] Randy: X [https://twitter.com/randyrektor] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/randyrektor/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@randyrektor] Threads [https://www.threads.net/@randyrektor]