Category
Tips
48 posts tagged #Tips
- · 2 min read
Using NextDNS to Test an AWS ALB Before DNS Cut-Over
If you need to test a site sitting behind an AWS Application Load Balancer before a DNS cut-over, NextDNS makes it incredibly easy. Instead of messing with local hosts files or network configs, you can share a simple configuration ID with teammates or clients and have them testing the new environment in minutes.
- · 1 min read
Fixing Safari Mixed Content Issues with Vite and mkcert
Safari blocks Vite’s hot module reload (HMR) when your Laravel app runs over HTTPS but Vite serves plain HTTP. Here’s how I fixed it with mkcert, a separate dev-only Vite config, and one extra package.json script.
- · 1 min read
Quick Fix: Nginx PID Errors on macOS (Apple Silicon + Homebrew)
If you run Nginx on an Apple Silicon Mac using Homebrew, you may see errors after a reboot caused by a stale /opt/homebrew/var/run/nginx.pid. I wrote a small ZSH script to remove the stale PID, restart Nginx, and confirm it’s actually serving traffic.
- · 1 min read
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
I was taught that hard work and the courage to take risks bring great rewards. While school showed me how to "play the game," it didn’t help me truly retain knowledge.
- · 1 min read
Understanding the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) — What Developers Should Know
I'm not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. But if you write code or work on websites, you need at least a basic understanding of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) — U.S. Code Title 18, Section 1030.
- · 1 min read
Fixing Border Radius Clipping with CSS contain: paint;
It’s not a magic bullet, but in layout fights, contain: paint; can win the round if the need fits the solution that the CSS property contains.
- · 3 min read
Link Share: Issue #5
I have quite a build-up of links to share. It's been a while, so some may be old news, but it's still worth posting. Grab a coffee and enjoy!
- · 5 min read
How to Configure PHP Memory and PHP-FPM for Scalable Performance on 8, 16, and 32+ GB Servers
Learn how to configure PHP memory limits and PHP-FPM settings for 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB servers to maximize concurrency, avoid swap usage, and scale your app efficiently without wasting memory.
- · 1 min read
Back Up Your Dev Folder on macOS with rsync
Use rsync on your Mac to efficiently back up your project folder while skipping unnecessary files like node_modules, vendor, logs, and caches.
- · 1 min read
Ecosystem > Preference
Ecosystem often matters more than personal preference when choosing dev tools. It's not just about what you enjoy using—it's about what removes friction. Don’t let comfort trap you. Adaptability is part of the job.
- · 2 min read
Cold Archival Storage for Web Devs: What Actually Matters
You need hardcore long-term cold storage—designed to last 50–100 years and survive an EMP. (I had lightning take out a few pieces of equipment once. It happens.)
- · 3 min read
Curious about AI? Start here
A thoughtful starting point for understanding AI—its promise, its risks, and how to use it wisely in a world it’s rapidly reshaping.
- · 1 min read
How to Install Puppeteer/Chrome on a Laravel Forge Server with Unbuntu v24
This step-by-step guide covers verifying Node.js, installing Puppeteer globally, updating package repositories, and setting up required system dependencies for smooth headless Chrome execution.
- · 1 min read
How to Fix Washed Out Colors in Google Chrome Screenshots for Clear and Accurate Images
Resolve washed-out colors in Chrome screenshots by enabling the sRGB color profile via chrome://flags/#force-color-profile or using the --force-color-profile=srgb argument in Puppeteer.
- · 1 min read
Figma Component Properties made SIMPLE (Variants, Boolean, Text, Instance)
Variants are the unsung heroes of Figma design systems, streamlining how we handle components with multiple states or versions.
- · 1 min read
Unlock PHP's Built-In REPL for Faster Debugging
Have you ever wished for a simpler way to test snippets of PHP code on the fly? If so, it's time to meet the built-in PHP REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop).
- · 2 min read
Laravel 11 Migrations: Best Practices for Stability and Scalability
Learn the top best practices for writing Laravel 11 migrations, including avoiding dynamic table names, separating schema from data migrations, and blocking down method rollbacks in production. Build resilient and maintainable database migrations for your application.
- · 2 min read
How to Use Transmit with SFTP and a Bastion Host
Learn how to configure Transmit to connect to an SFTP server via a bastion host with easy-to-follow steps and SSH configurations.
- · 1 min read
The Journey Defines the Destination: Why Compromise Corrupts the Goal
The means mirror the end: bad means result in bad ends. Let your means be rooted in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22).
- · 1 min read
While Angry Send Air In Not Out
Talking while angry is not advised. You need air to go into your lungs at that time, not out.
- · 1 min read
4 Key Learnings From Many Years of Tech Experience
Taking written notes leads to doing work right. Work done right leads to deep learning and the ability to teach. Teaching makes you wise enough to know when to use AI and when AI is using you.
- · 1 min read
Securing Sensitive Data in Laravel: Leveraging PHP's #[SensitiveParameter] Attribute
Here's a tip for Laravel developers. In PHP 8.2, you can use the #[\SensitiveParameter] attribute to mark sensitive parameters in your Eloquent model methods.
![Securing Sensitive Data in Laravel: Leveraging PHP's #[SensitiveParameter] Attribute](https://kevdees.com/uploads/2024/07/q-mh2zk9ngc.jpg)
- · 1 min read
Optimizing Database Queries in Laravel: The Power of Eager Loading
Use Laravel eager loading to optimize database queries and avoid the N+1 query problem.
- · 2 min read
How to Add A WordPress Custom Login Logo
Do you want your WordPress site's logo applied to the login screen? Do you want the logo to link back to your homepage? Are you using a theme with or without full site editing?
- · 2 min read
How To Install GA4 On Shopify Using Customer Events, Pixels, and GTM
To add Google Analytics 4 to the Shopify checkout process using customer events with a custom pixel, use the code snippet on this page.
- · 2 min read
Is It Worth Changing Your WordPress Login URL?
No. As a security measure, I do not advise changing the login URL of your WordPress website, so it is hard to find.
- · 4 min read
Should You Consider Attending a Laracon?
Analysis and personal experience of attending Laracon 2023 conference for Laravel developers.
- · 1 min read
Start Homebrew Installed Version of NGINX When macOS Boots
Configure NGINX to automatically start on macOS boot using Homebrew services.
- · 1 min read
The M1 macOS Bash PHP Functions I Use
I have several bash functions that come in handy every day when working in PHP on my M1 Mac. Enjoy!
- · 2 min read
How To Add Google Customer Reviews to Shopify Checkout
To add Google Customer Reviews to your Shopify site, you need to take serval steps within Google Merchant Center and Shopify.
- · 1 min read
How to automatically restart Apache/Nginx service when your website goes down using CRON
If you need to do some very basic heartbeat checks on a basic web server, Apache or nginx, and automatically restart the server when you no longer receive 200 responses this simple CRON script might be what you need.
- · 1 min read
How To Clear PHP-FPM Logs Daily On macOS (M1 Chipset)
To clear your php-fpm logs daily set up a CRON job to run the following script.
- · 1 min read
Change File & Folder Permissions In Bulk on macOS
Use the find command to change file and folder permissions in bulk on macOS efficiently.
- · 1 min read
Convert MP4 to WebM Lossless on macOS
To convert MP4 to WebM video on macOS, install FFmpeg using Homebrew. And get a video poster too for your video element.
- · 1 min read
Log PHP Data In WordPress To Your Browser's Console
Debugging PHP can be a pain in WordPress. Add this handy code snippet to your theme's functions.php file. The function will log PHP data to your browser's console.
- · 2 min read
Don't Trust The Numbers!
As developers, we can't trust raw data about people. Yet for some reason, when we see stats and figures from studies about people we tend toward blind faith in them.
- · 1 min read
How To Create The Perfect Type Scale in SCSS
Get your type scale spot on with this bit of SCSS. You can use the Type Scale website to determine the typographic scale that fits your design.
- · 1 min read
You Can't Avoid Risk
If you feel uncomfortable making decisions you’re not alone. Life is full of risks. We can’t know everything. Every decision we make comes with risk because there is always a gap in our knowledge.
- · 1 min read
How to Rename the *Master* Branch to *Main* in Git & GitHub
In this post we will cover renaming the branch master to main in Git. Before renaming your master branch to main in git, keep in mind anywhere you are using the master branch should also be updated.
- · 1 min read
Developer. Stop robbing yourself.
Developers. Stop robbing yourself in the software world. Resisting change and new learning. When I resist a tool in order to keep the status quo I rob myself of great satisfaction.
- · 1 min read
Gradient Text With CSS Custom Properties
Create reusable gradient text styles using CSS custom properties and utility classes.
- · 2 min read
Scheduling Meeting Times
Best practices for professional meeting requests that minimize back-and-forth and build client relationships.
- · 1 min read
How to Reset the Primary Key Sequence ID in PostgreSQL
Reset PostgreSQL primary key sequences that fall out of sync using setval and pg_get_serial_sequence.
- · 1 min read
PHP UUID without a Library
Generate UUID v4 identifiers in PHP using simple functions without requiring a library.
- · 1 min read
My Top 3 Marketing Books For Developers
Three essential marketing books for developers who want to master communication and sell their products.
- · 1 min read
Jump-to Links Done Right
Use scroll-margin-top CSS property to properly handle jump-to anchor links on the page.
- · 3 min read
Adding Google Analytics To Your Website While Respecting "Do Not Track"
Add Google Analytics to your website while respecting user privacy and honoring the Do Not Track setting.
- · 1 min read
Increase Mac OSX Key Repeat Speed
Increase keyboard key repeat speed on macOS using terminal defaults commands.
