This weeks newsletter

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+Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 • Niall Maher
+
+# ⚠️ Are you letting AI make you a worse developer?
+
+It’s easier than ever to generate code with AI tools. But here’s the catch: if you don’t understand the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you could end up with bad or broken code. AI isn’t a replacement for solid knowledge.
+
+Think of AI as your helper, not your teacher. You should guide and correct it, not depend on it to fill gaps in your skills. When you truly know the fundamentals, you’ll spot mistakes, write cleaner code, and build better websites.
+
+The tools we use will keep changing, but the core of web development stays the same.
+
+Mastering the basics is how you stay ready for anything.
+
+## 📚 **This Week's Picks**
+
+[**TypeScript Enum Patterns (7 min)**](https://2ality.com/2025/01/typescript-enum-patterns.html)Learn how to use enums effectively in TypeScript with this guide. It’s packed with practical tips and examples to level up your coding.
+
+[**React Scan (GitHub)**](https://github.com/aidenybai/react-scan)Automatically find performance issues in your React app with React Scan. It's open-source and super handy for optimizing your projects.
+
+[**AI is Creating a Generation of Illiterate Programmers (5 min)**](https://nmn.gl/blog/ai-illiterate-programmers)This article dives into the risks of relying too much on AI tools as a developer and why staying sharp with core skills still matters.
+
+[**The Cookie Sandwich Technique: A Web Security Lesson (6 min)**](https://portswigger.net/research/stealing-httponly-cookies-with-the-cookie-sandwich-technique)A clever (but scary) technique to steal cookies! This research explains how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and how you can protect your apps.
+
+[**HTML: Your Best Investment as a Developer (8 min)**](https://christianheilmann.com/2025/01/15/learning-html-is-the-best-investment-i-ever-did/)Christian Heilmann reflects on how mastering HTML can set you up for long-term success. A great reminder that fundamentals matter!
+
+[**7 Lessons from building a small-scale AI application (7 min)**](https://www.thelis.org/blog/lessons-from-ai)Explore what we can learn from AI breakthroughs and how they might inspire creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of tech.
+
+[**Did DeepSeek R1 just pop the AI bubble? (video)**](https://youtu.be/Nl7aCUsWykg?si=iB_ruRFTQ78wrJmj)DeepSeek R1 AI model has proven that it is possible to train and run state-of-the-art reasoning models with minimal hardware. Let's find out why China's latest AI model has big tech and wall street in panic mode.
+
+## 📖 **Book of the Week**
+
+[**The Lean Startup: Continuous Innovation for Radical Success**](https://amzn.to/42w4c1d)Eric Ries' classic is a must-read for developers and entrepreneurs. It’s all about building better products faster by embracing feedback and continuous improvement.
+
+I revisit this book every year because its principles apply to both coding and problem-solving. If you're serious about creating something impactful, this book will keep you focused and adaptable.
+
+## 🛠️ **Something Cool**
+
+[**CSS Battle**](https://cssbattle.dev/)Battle your coding skills in a multiplayer game where you replicate images using CSS! Compete with over 300,000 developers to write the shortest, cleanest code possible. It’s addictive, fun, and a fantastic way to sharpen your CSS game.
+
+## 🧠 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)
+
+## 🎉 **Dublin Event**
+
+Kick off 2025 with an awesome evening of tech talks, food, and hanging out with developers!
+
+We've got two exciting talks lined up, including one that will show you some amazing tricks to make your coding faster and easier using Cursor AI.
+
+👉 [RSVP here](https://www.meetup.com/codu-community/events/305723649)
+
+Don't miss out—it's going to be a great way to start the year!
+
+## 🔗 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)
+
+If you don't want to receive future editions of Codú Weekly, [click here to unsubscribe]([unsubscribe]).