Notes and Observations

This page collects short technical notes and observations that tend to recur during small web projects. They are mostly reminders rather than tutorials, and are written with future reference in mind.

Keep tools simple unless there is a clear reason not to

Many tasks only need a small browser-based utility: a calculation, a conversion, a quick visual check, or a single-purpose interface that avoids the overhead of heavier software. In those cases, “minimal but correct” tends to be the right target.

Most “feature requests” are really requests for clarity

People often ask for more options, but what they usually want is a clearer path to the right result. A small number of carefully chosen inputs, sensible defaults, and plain language feedback usually beat configuration-heavy designs.

Prefer narrow scope over cleverness

A narrow tool can be easier to trust. When something is meant to answer one question well, it’s often better to write it in a way that is easy to audit later. That usually means readable code, limited dependencies, and predictable output.

Document “why”, not only “what”

Notes are more useful when they capture the reasoning: what problem existed, what alternatives were considered, and why one approach was chosen. This helps future-you avoid repeating the same investigations.

Small checklist that helps

• Is this solving a real recurring problem, or a one-off curiosity?
• Can the UI be reduced to a single “happy path”?
• Are there any edge cases worth explicitly stating?
• Would a short explanation reduce misuse more than another feature would?