Backend-as-a-service alternatives

and also a CSS new feature and the Favicon origin story

Backends for Devs Without Time

The Fireship Youtube Channel released two videos covering the strengths and tradeoffs of six backend-as-a-service solutions. The combined videos are an excellent menu for small or solo teams. Such services reduce the complexity and risks surrounding the full-stack development of digital products.

PocketBase, a new backend platform using the Go programming language and SQLite database that compiles to a single executable. It is a lightweight alternative to tools like Firebase and Supabase for easy backend development. — PocketBase... The Ultimate Side-Hustle Backend? (Fireship) and also watch I tried 5 Firebase alternatives

CSS is Going Fast

The improving rhythm of CSS is striking to me. We discussed the CSS language’s new container queries feature in a previous post. In this one, we bring another update that enables more maintainable code regarding transformations. IMO everyone starting a new project should consider going full vanilla with CSS dispensing design frameworks or SASS.

With individual transform properties this becomes much easier to write. Instead of dragging all transformations from keyframe to keyframe, you can target each transform individually. — Finer grained control over CSS transforms with individual transform properties (Bramus and Baron)

You can also read more about container queries in the article CSS container queries are finally here (Ahmad Shadeed).

Favicon Backstage

Favicon use is a transparent industry standard these days. This article covers how it all started as a project hack in 1999. It is an entertainment piece that puts a smile on me. It also illustrates how the coding space can be so familiar no matter the era, company, or project’s impact.

The next day, Sun was reprimanded by his manager for letting the feature get by so quickly. As it turns out, Shyam had specifically waited until later in the day, knowing that a less experienced Program Manager would give him a pass. — How We Got the Favicon (Jay Hoffmann)