this weeks newsletter (#1244)

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+Tue, Feb 11, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# Want to Level Up? Start Writing About Code
+
+Writing about coding might not seem important, but it can help you learn and grow as a developer. When you write about what you learn, you remember it better. You also get better at solving problems because you have to explain your thinking clearly.
+
+Writing is also a great way to track your progress. You can look back and see how much you've learned over time. It also helps you explain ideas better, which is useful when working with a team or in job interviews.
+
+Sharing your writing can also help your career. When people read what you write, they see you as someone who knows a lot. This can lead to job offers, speaking opportunities, and new connections. Many developers grow faster in their careers because they share what they learn.
+
+You don’t have to publish everything. You can keep notes for yourself using apps like Notion or Evernote. But if you want to share, you can use a blog or platforms like Codú, Dev.to, or Medium. Even posting short insights on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) can help you connect with others in tech.
+
+The key is to keep things simple. If you can explain something in a way that anyone can understand, it means you really know it well.
+
+Want to dive deeper? Read the full article here: [Full Article](https://www.codu.co/articles/why-writing-about-coding-improves-your-learning-journey-afcri7zg)
+
+## 📚 **This Week's Picks**
+
+**[Building an "Easy" Web Application (6 min)](https://rudyfaile.com/2020/07/06/building-an-easy-web-application)**
+What does it really take to build a simple web app? This post explores the challenges that developers face when trying to make something "easy."
+
+**[On Product-Market Fit (9 min)](https://cra.mr/on-product-market-fit/)**
+A deep dive into the journey of Sentry over the last 15 years. The author shares honest insights on the challenges of finding product-market fit and the endurance needed to succeed.
+
+**[Create React App Deprecation (Issue Open)](https://github.com/facebook/create-react-app/issues/17004)**
+Create React App (CRA) is being deprecated. If you're still using it, now's the time to start looking for alternatives.
+
+**[Cloudflare Incident on February 6, 2025 (7 min)](https://blog.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-incident-on-february-6-2025/)**
+Cloudflare's R2 storage and other services were down for nearly an hour. This post breaks down what happened and how it impacted developers.
+
+**[Dexie.js (tool)](https://dexie.org/)**
+Dexie.js is a lightweight wrapper for IndexedDB that makes working with client-side databases much easier. If you're storing data in the browser, this tool is worth checking out.
+
+**[Oracle Justified Its JavaScript Trademark with Node.js (4 min)](https://deno.com/blog/deno-v-oracle2)**
+Oracle’s legal battle over the "JavaScript" trademark just took a new turn. They’re using Node.js as part of their defense—this post explains what’s going on and why it matters.
+
+**[The Vatican Has Some Thoughts on AI (9 min)](https://every.to/napkin-math/the-vatican-has-some-thoughts-on-ai)**
+Here's something I definitely wasn't expecting a statement on. The Catholic Church has released a statement on AI, sharing its thoughts on the differences between human and machine intelligence and how AI should be used.
+
+## 📖 **Book of the Week**
+
+**[The Coming Wave: AI, Power and Our Future](https://amzn.to/40ADtxW)**
+
+Most AI books today are rushed cash grabs, but this one stands apart. Written by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind (now part of Google), _The Coming Wave_ offers an insider’s perspective on how AI and other emerging technologies—synthetic biology, quantum computing, and autonomous systems—will transform society.
+
+Suleyman explores how these breakthroughs will bring immense prosperity but also unprecedented risks, challenging global stability and governance. The book introduces _the containment problem_: how do we keep these powerful technologies under control while maximizing their benefits?
+
+For developers, this book is an essential read. AI is no longer an abstract concept—it’s shaping the tools we build and the decisions we make. Understanding the broader impact of this technology will help you navigate the future, both as a creator and as a citizen.
+
+## 🛠️ **Something Cool**
+
+**[Use the Index, Luke!](https://use-the-index-luke.com/)**
+
+A great guide that explains SQL indexing to developers, focusing on query optimization and performance tuning.
+
+## 🧠 AI Crush CFP
+
+I'm hosting my first conference!
+
+It's called AI Crush and it's in Belfast. We are looking for presenters to share their insights on May 9th, 2025. This inaugural event represents a unique opportunity to be part of something special in Northern Ireland's growing tech scene.
+
+Whether you're building AI-powered applications, exploring machine learning architectures, or implementing practical AI solutions, we want to hear your story. As a first-year conference, speakers have the rare opportunity to help shape the event's direction and be part of its founding moment.
+
+Think you've got something valuable to share? Know someone who does? The CFP (Call for Presentations) is open now - don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event!
+
+It's dual track (one stage for developers and one for leadership) so we need talks for both stages.
+
+Here's the link: [https://www.crushconf.com/cfp](https://www.crushconf.com/cfp)
+
+## 🔗 Quick Links
+
+- [Codú Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570877292755)
+- [Codú TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@codu.co)
+- [Our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@codu)
+- [Find us on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/codudotco)
+
+If you have any ideas or feedback, reply to this email.
+
+Thanks, and stay awesome,
+
+Niall
+
+Founder @ [Codú](https://www.codu.co/?ref=newsletter)