Alexander Schoch

Open source

Webapps should be open source, such that any user can verify that the application does what it promises to do. The applications I write are completely built on open source projects, and I think it is thus my moral obligation to give whatever I do with them back to the community.

I usually license my webapps under the GNU AGPL 3.0 license to make sure that any derivative of my work also needs to be free and open software.

Beautiful

Webapps need to be beautiful to make sure users like to interact with it.

I use Mantine for accessible and beautifully looking pre-made components.

I use Tailwind to style anything exactly the way I want, while also allowing for server-side rendering.

Fast

Webapps need to be fast, such that users with slow internet, for example while on a train, can still enjoy it whitout having to wait for multiple minutes for a page to load.

I use Next.js Server Components to run most JavaScript code on the server, resulting in a lower bundle size and thus faster page loads.

I use Next.js to pre-render pages, which allows users to switch pages with near-instantaneous feedback.

Secure

Webapps need to be privacy-respecting and secure in order to protect its users data.

I use AuthJS for user authentication, allowing for external identity providers or a secure local password database.

I use Prisma to run queries against a database without ever touching SQL. This approach makes sure that inputs are always sanitized and no SQL injections can occur.

I make sure that my applications never call any server that do not respect the user's privacy (e.g. Google Fonts or Google Analytics).

Accessible

Webapps need to be usable by any user, especially if they are disabled in some way. This can range from blindness via color vision deficiency to a broken arm from skiing and thus only being able to use the keyboard.

I use the A11Y Project to check if my applications meet a good standard for accessibility and implement its guidelines.

Reliable

Webapps need to be reliable to make sure they don't randomly crash or do stuff they're not supposed to do.

I use TypeScript to find bugs at build-time instead of whenever some user encounters it on production.

I use Docker to make sure that the application has the same environment on any server and that it is independent on the server's installed packages or its configuration.

Maintainable

Webapps need to be maintainable, such that it can be used for many years, even if the only person proficient with the code is not there anymore.

I only use well-documented and popular technologies that have a low entry barrier and flat learning curve, such as Next.js, React.js or Mantine.

I make sure my applications are well-documented, such that users and developers find their way quickly into the project.

Anyone with some experience in programming should be able to pick up the project and start developing within a few hours.

Open source

Webapps should be open source, such that any user can verify that the application does what it promises to do. The applications I write are completely built on open source projects, and I think it is thus my moral obligation to give whatever I do with them back to the community.

I usually license my webapps under the GNU AGPL 3.0 license to make sure that any derivative of my work also needs to be free and open software.