May 21st, 2025 × #ai#webdev#javascript
React vs Svelte × Windsurf Worth $3B × Typescript as Const × Layout Shift Tricks × More
In this episode, Wes and CJ discuss the Windsurf acquisition by OpenAI, the future of UI design, securing forms, using JSON for data, comparing React and Svelte, workflows for testing responsive design, and avoiding layout shifts with progressive enhancement.

Wes Bos Host

Scott Tolinski Host
In this potluck episode of Syntax, Wes and CJ answer your questions about OpenAI’s $3B Windsurf acquisition, the evolving role of UI in an AI-driven world, why good design still matters, React vs. Svelte, and more!
Show Notes
- 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
- 02:35 OpenAI acquires Windsurf for $3B
- 05:20 What is the future of UI now that AI is such a heavy hitter?
- 08:45 Handling spam submissions on websites
- 14:18 Duplicating HTML for desktop and mobile websites?
- 17:03 Is it okay to use a JSON file for simple website data?
- 19:04 How to handle anonymous and duplicate users
- 21:55 Working with TypeScript Object.keys() and "any" vs "@ts-ignore"
- 25:51 Brought to you by Sentry.io
- 26:38 What is the difference between React and Svelte?
- 30:24 How should you name your readme file?
- 31:55 How do you find time to refactor code?
- 35:20 Best practices for testing responsiveness
- 39:19 Avoiding layout shift with progressive enhancement
- 46:56 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs
Sick Picks
- CJ: Portable Chainsaw
- Wes: White Lotus
Shameless Plugs
- CJ: Nuxt
- Wes: Full Stack App Build | Travel Log w/ Nuxt, Vue, Better Auth, Drizzle, Tailwind, DaisyUI, MapLibre
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