Web development news

April 2025

React Compiler Release Candidate

The React team just published React Compiler RC, in preparation of the compiler’s stable release

RedwoodJS becomes RedwoodSDK

RedwoodJS evolved into RedwoodSDK - a new React framework built for Cloudflare that begins as a Vite plugin and gives you SSR, React Server Components, server functions, and realtime features.

pnpm 10.9 Released with JSR Package Support

Version 10.9 of the efficient package manager pnpm has been released, notably adding support for installing packages from the JSR (JavaScript Registry).

Microsoft Edge Seeks Feedback on New console.context() Method

The Microsoft Edge team is proposing a new console.context() method to improve contextual logging within browser developer tools and is seeking developer feedback.

ECMAScript Records and Tuples Proposal Withdrawn

The proposal for adding deeply immutable Records and Tuples data structures to JavaScript has been withdrawn due to lack of consensus in TC39.

Optimizing Node.js Performance and V8 Garbage Collection

Insights into Node.js memory usage, how V8's garbage collection works, and techniques for tuning performance.

React Server Components and the 'Impossible Component'

Discussions around React Server Components, the concept of 'impossible components' mixing server/client features, and the evolution of data passing between server and client.

Default Styles for H1 Elements Are Changing

Browsers are changing the default user agent styles for nested H1 elements, a significant update developers should be aware of to avoid unexpected styling issues.

How to Easily Reproduce a Flaky Test in Playwright

Tips and techniques for reliably reproducing flaky tests in Playwright, a common challenge in automated browser testing.

Cloudflare Enhances Next.js and Full-Stack Deployment on Workers

Cloudflare has made it easier to deploy Next.js applications and even full-stack apps with databases directly to Cloudflare Workers, expanding their serverless offerings.

ESLint Adds Support for Bulk Suppressions

ESLint has introduced support for 'bulk suppressions,' providing a more manageable way to adopt stricter linting rules in JavaScript projects.

Exploring TypeScript: TS 5.8 Edition Released

Dr. Axel Rauschmayer has released an updated edition of 'Exploring TypeScript', covering TS 5.8. The book is available for purchase but can also be read online for free.

Tauri vs. Electron for Desktop App Development

Several sources highlight the comparison between Tauri and Electron for building cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies. Tauri, being Rust-based, is presented as a viable alternative to Electron.

React Reconciliation Explained

React Reconciliation: The Hidden Engine Behind Your Components explains React's reconciliation algorithm, which updates the DOM based on changes to the virtual DOM, and understanding how it works is essential for producing faster apps.

Node.js Testing Best Practices Guide

Node.js Testing Best Practices provides a detailed guide to modern testing in Node, offering over 50 battle-tested tips covering various testing areas.

Official Node.js Discord Server

Node.js now has an official community space on Discord, providing a platform for Node.js developers to connect and chat.

Deno vs Oracle 'JavaScript' Trademark Fight

Ryan Dahl provides an update on Deno's fight with Oracle over the 'JavaScript' trademark, including a call for support by signing an open letter.

React Native 0.79 Released

React Native 0.79 brings faster tooling and improvements, including faster startup times for Metro, the React Native bundler, and stable package.json exports and imports field resolution.

JSHeroes Conference in Romania

The annual JSHeroes conference is taking place this May 29-30 in Cluj, Romania, offering a gathering for JavaScript enthusiasts and professionals.

The Post-Developer Era

A fresh look at the current landscape of AI and web development.

Google App Hosting now GA

Host your production server-rendered web apps on Google Cloud.

March 2025

Express 5.1 Released

Express 5.1 marks the transition of Express 5.x to the 'latest' tagged release on npm, signaling a significant update for the Node.js web framework after a period of development and security audits.

Next.js Middleware Security Vulnerability

Next.js released a new version to address a security vulnerability that could allow middleware to be bypassed. Self-hosted deployments should be upgraded immediately. The incident led to discussions and criticism regarding the handling of the vulnerability.

React Trends in 2025

React Trends in 2025 highlights React Server Components, shadcn/ui, TanStack Start, and React Router as key trends for the year.

LLMs for Test Migration at Airbnb

Accelerating Large-Scale Test Migration with LLMs details how Airbnb completed its first large-scale, LLM-driven code migration in moving from Enzyme to React Testing Library.