Welcome Guy, our Fab New Senior Front-End Developer

It all started in my younger days after I came across a JavaScript-driven website at school; I wanted to know how on earth it was done. I tried to replicate some of what I saw, leading me to learn JavaScript and other programming languages, from Python to building applications in VB.

I wanted to try everything, but eventually, I focused on web apps. My career path started with a focus on backend development at an agency working on a bespoke CRM system. 

After gaining valuable experience in PHP, I sought new challenges and transitioned to a full-stack position at another agency. Having worked with many different languages in my full-stack role, I became increasingly drawn to the front-end aspect of projects, and eventually, I switched over to the front end.

Guy Rubin, Senior Front-end Developer

The greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the websites I've worked on in the wild being used and appreciated by people.

My favourite part of my job is taking a website from a blank page to the finished product. There is great satisfaction in seeing a project evolve from just concepts and wireframes to a fully functional and visually appealing website.

I follow developers and engineers at tech companies like Facebook, Twitch, and Vercel to stay updated with industry innovations through social channels like Twitter. By watching their updates, blog posts, and discussions, I can learn about the latest tools, technologies, and best practices in web development.

If I could only pick one dev tool, I would choose Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Its marketplace of extensions and built-in Git integration means I have everything I need in one place.

It has improved dramatically since the days of Internet Explorer, but I'd still like better browser compatibility and standardisation. Ensuring consistent behaviour across browsers and devices can still be challenging despite web standards and cross-browser testing tools.

Being adaptable, good at problem-solving and finding creative solutions are helpful qualities to have to face the different challenges you will come across.

Node! I use it in almost all projects; its ecosystem of packages and modules available through NPM (package manager) helps accelerate the development process.

One of the first web projects that came to mind was working on an online proposal system. We developed a platform where users could create, customise, and send professional proposals to clients directly from their web browsers. The system allowed users to choose from various templates, add their branding, and customise content to suit their needs.

Today, the platform is widely used by businesses of all sizes, helping them streamline their proposal creation process, improve client engagement, and win more deals.

If you are considering a career in web development, I would say go for it! It is an exciting field with endless opportunities for creativity and problem-solving. Be prepared for continuous learning as technology evolves rapidly, but most importantly, enjoy the journey of building the web!

Yes, AI is integrated into my workflow through tools like Copilot, enhancing productivity and aiding in code development.

AI will change web development in many ways; for example, it could aid in building more robust and reliable web applications. It helps to identify bugs, optimise performance, and automate testing processes.

I would have to use my favourite combo of Next and Tailwind! They are great for building modern, performant web applications with great user and developer experiences.

It is either 'Makes websites' or 'something to do with computers'.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with the family, playing sports, and listening to a good audiobook.

Easy. Scrambled!