Blog - Arthur Dick

The Little Things

Friday, June 14th, 2024

As a software developer, I spend my days crafting code, building intricate systems, and wrestling with the logic that brings websites and apps to life. It's a world of big picture thinking, algorithm optimization, and feature implementation. But here's the secret: the magic often lies in the little things. Those seemingly insignificant details, the pixels and lines of code most users wouldn't even notice, can make all the difference in the user experience.

Think about it. Have you ever abandoned a website because the font was too small or the buttons were unresponsive? Or maybe you've been frustrated by a clunky navigation bar or an unclear error message. These seemingly minor issues are like tiny pebbles in your shoe – they may not be huge, but they can trip you up and leave you with a negative impression.

Conversely, well-crafted details can elevate your website/app from good to great. A subtle animation that eases the user into a new page. A personalized welcome message that makes them feel valued. A cleverly placed micro-interaction that adds a touch of delight. These are the brushstrokes that paint a picture of care, attention, and user-centricity.

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Tags: software developmentuser experience

Navigating the Unknown

Friday, May 31st, 2024

Staring at a new codebase, a tangled jungle of files and functions, can send chills down the spine of even seasoned developers. The sheer volume of information, the unfamiliar structure, and the cryptic variable names – it's enough to make anyone want to run for the hills. But fear not, intrepid coder! With the right approach, you can transform this daunting task into an enriching journey of discovery.

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Tags: software developmentcode review

Celebrating 20 Years

Friday, May 24th, 2024

Twenty years ago, an idea took root, driven by passion, creativity, and the boundless potential of the early web. It was the beginning of a personal site that would not just endure but evolve over two eventful decades. Today, as I celebrate this significant milestone, it's hard not to muse over the journey that has been. And yet, in a twist that life often presents, my site has become a living testament to the age-old proverb, "The shoemaker's children go barefoot."

In the world of digital craftsmanship where I've devoted my career to creating, enhancing, and advising on the online presence of countless enterprises and individuals, my personal site has often lagged behind. Not for lack of love or desire, but perhaps because it embodied the essence of home – a place of comfort that didn't demand constant attention to thrive.

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Tags: miscellaneouspoetry

The Sneaky Side of Zero

Saturday, May 18th, 2024

In the vast landscape of programming languages, JavaScript stands out as one of the most widely used and versatile languages, powering much of the web as we know it today. However, beneath its seemingly straightforward syntax lies a potential pitfall that many developers often overlook – the importance of specifying the base when working with numerical values. Today, we'll explore this crucial aspect through the lens of a peculiar example: 052.

At first glance, 052 may appear to be a simple numeric value. However, its interpretation can vary drastically depending on whether the base is specified or not. In JavaScript, numerical literals prefixed with '0' are treated as octal (base 8) numbers. Let's delve into the implications of this behavior:

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Tags: software developmentoctal

Code With Comfort

Friday, May 3rd, 2024

For software developers, spending hours pounding away at keyboards is practically a rite of passage. While the passion for coding burns bright, the toll on our hands and wrists can be undeniable. In the quest for efficiency and comfort, many developers have stumbled upon a hidden gem: the Dvorak keyboard layout.

Dvorak, designed in the early 20th century, is an alternative layout that rearranges the keyboard to place the most frequently used letters on the home row, minimizing finger travel and strain. This blog post delves into the potential benefits of Dvorak for software developers, exploring its impact on speed, accuracy, and ergonomic comfort.

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Tags: dvorak keyboardergonomics