
Alexander is a writer, traveler, and serial digital entrepreneur. He’s the founder of the Frontend Lists, the Gen X personal growth newsletter Further, and offers small business advice at Unemployable.


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Alexander Hipp


Anil is a content-obsessed marketer who loves driving organic traffic for outstanding companies. He is also the creator of Hack the Content, co-host of The Runner, and owner of several digital commerce sites.

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Anil Vugels


Monika is a writer, musician, and content strategist with a passion for language. When she isn’t helping clients, you can find her writing songs, hiking in a northern forest, or furiously journaling.

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Ann Monika


Robert is a creative writer who loves learning new skills, and helping others. He’s the author of several novels, and in his free time, you can find fim swimming, reading, or baking.

Content Specialist

Robert Britt


In the ever-evolving world of frontend development and design, it is vital to stay abreast of the latest trends, techniques, and best practices. The true masters of the craft are not only adept at coding, but also possess a deep understanding of design principles and user experience. To help you elevate your frontend development skills, we have compiled a list of 17 essential books that every frontend developer should read.

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<a href="https://amzn.to/3AY28jR" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/html-css.png" class="no-lightense" /></a>

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## 1. HTML & CSS: Design and Build Web Sites - Jon Duckett

Aimed at beginners, this beautifully designed book by Jon Duckett provides a solid foundation in HTML and CSS. With clear explanations and rich visuals, you'll learn to create stunning web pages from scratch.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3AY28jR" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/42vHP9a" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/javascript-design-patterns.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>
<div>

## 2. JavaScript Design Patterns - Addy Osmani

In Learning JavaScript Design Patterns, Addy Osmani explores various design patterns and their implementation in JavaScript. This book will help you write clean, maintainable, and scalable code for your web applications.

<a href="https://amzn.to/42vHP9a" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3nE50PN" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/eloquent-javascript.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 3. Eloquent JavaScript - Marijn Haverbeke

Eloquent JavaScript is a comprehensive guide to mastering the language. With clear explanations and practical examples, Marijn Haverbeke takes you on a journey from the basics to advanced concepts, such as asynchronous programming and working with the Document Object Model (DOM).

<a href="https://amzn.to/3nE50PN" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3p71o9c" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/css-secrets.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 4. CSS Secrets - Lea Verou

Lea Verou's CSS Secrets is a treasure trove of expert tips, tricks, and techniques for creating stunning web designs. Master the art of CSS and learn how to craft elegant solutions to common web design problems.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3p71o9c" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3pao88p" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/responsive-web-design.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 5. Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS - Ben Frain

Responsive Web Design with HTML5 and CSS deftly guides you in creating modern, adaptable websites for various devices. Uncovering advanced HTML5 and CSS techniques, this book reveals the art of responsive layouts, refined styling, and features like Flexbox and Grid, equipping you with the expertise to craft visually stunning and highly functional responsive sites for an unmatched user experience.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3pao88p" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3HKk3yj" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/mobile-first.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 6. Mobile First - Luke Wroblewski

In Mobile First, Luke Wroblewski emphasizes the importance of designing for mobile devices first and then scaling up to larger screens. This approach ensures that your web applications will deliver an optimal user experience on a wide range of devices.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3HKk3yj" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3HKHTd2" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/atomic-design.svg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

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## 7. Atomic Design - Brad Frost

Atomic Design is a revolutionary approach to web design that focuses on creating modular, reusable components. Brad Frost's book will help you build scalable, maintainable design systems for your projects.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3HKHTd2" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3LZ24qk" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/web-typography.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 8. Web Typography - Richard Rutter

Richard Rutter's Web Typography is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of typography on the web. Learn how to select the right typefaces, create beautiful layouts, and optimize your text for readability and accessibility.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3LZ24qk" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/44CGBKY" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/you-dont-know-js.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>
<div>

## 9. You Don't Know JS - Kyle Simpson

You Don't Know JS is a series of books that dive deep into the core mechanisms of JavaScript. Kyle Simpson's thorough exploration of the language will help you gain a deeper understanding of JavaScript and improve your coding skills.

<a href="https://amzn.to/44CGBKY" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/428Zt2t" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/javascript-the-good-parts.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

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## 10. JavaScript: The Good Parts - Douglas Crockford

JavaScript is an essential language for frontend developers. In JavaScript: The Good Parts, Douglas Crockford highlights the best aspects of the language, helping you write efficient and maintainable code.

<a href="https://amzn.to/428Zt2t" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/42e1xq8" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/web-performance-in-action.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

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## 11. Web Performance in Action - Jeremy L. Wagner

Web performance is crucial for delivering a great user experience. In Web Performance in Action, Jeremy L. Wagner teaches you the techniques and best practices for optimizing your web applications and making them lightning fast.

<a href="https://amzn.to/42e1xq8" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/42ceDUX" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/smashing-ux-design.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

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## 12. Smashing UX Design - Jesmond Allen & James Chudley

Smashing UX Design provides a comprehensive overview of user experience design principles and best practices. Jesmond Allen and James Chudley share their expertise in creating user-centered designs that deliver delightful experiences.

<a href="https://amzn.to/42ceDUX" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/41bVyAV" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/design-systems.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 13. Design Systems - Alla Kholmatova

In Design Systems, Alla Kholmatova explores the principles and processes of creating effective design systems for digital products. Learn how to build a cohesive, scalable, and maintainable system that will serve as the foundation for your web projects.

<a href="https://amzn.to/41bVyAV" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/44ysq9T" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/the-design-of-everyday-things.jpeg" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 14. The Design of Everyday Things - Don Norman

A classic in the field of design, Don Norman's The Design of Everyday Things offers a profound understanding of how users interact with everyday objects. This book will sharpen your ability to create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for your web applications.

<a href="https://amzn.to/44ysq9T" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>

</div>

<div class="book-row">

<a href="https://www.refactoringui.com/" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/refactoring-ui.png" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 15. Refactoring UI - Adam Wathan & Steve Schoger

Refactoring UI is a comprehensive guide to improving the design of your web applications. With practical tips and real-world examples, this book will help you transform your projects from good to great.

<a href="https://www.refactoringui.com/" target="_blank">Get this book</a>

</div>

</div>

<div class="book-row">
<a href="https://amzn.to/3Mby2Qp" target="_blank"><img src="/images/books/dont-make-me-think.webp" class="no-lightense" /></a>

<div>

## 16. Don't Make Me Think - Steve Krug

Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think is a must-read for anyone interested in creating user-friendly web applications. With humor and insight, Krug simplifies the principles of usability and shares valuable techniques for creating intuitive interfaces.

<a href="https://amzn.to/3Mby2Qp" target="_blank">Get this book on Amazon</a>

</div>
</div>


17 Essential Books Every Frontend Developer Should Read


Working in cybersecurity means you’re constantly playing a game of catch-up. Every day you learn something new, but your work is also never finished.

Whether you are a security researcher developing threat intelligence to power IDS / IPS systems or someone trying to plug holes in an area like application security, you will constantly be forced to find new solutions for unknown problems.

To Dutch security engineer Ferry (he prefers us not to share his last name), it’s this ever-evolving part of infosec that’s kept him in the field for over a decade. He currently works for Rijks ICT Gilde, a group of tech consultants who work on a variety of Dutch government IT projects. 

> “The thing I love most about my job is that every day comes with new challenges and opportunities. There are always new vulnerabilities to expose, new detection systems to set up, new hackers to catch. This job really is never done.”

Security engineers love working in the field of cybersecurity, also known as infosec or fosec, for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons is the constant challenge and ever-evolving nature of the field. With new technologies and threats emerging all the time, security engineers are always learning and adapting to stay ahead of potential attacks.

Another reason security engineers enjoy working in fosec is the sense of purpose and importance of their work. With the increasing reliance on technology in nearly all aspects of our lives, the need for robust and effective cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. Security engineers play a critical role in protecting sensitive information and ensuring the continuity of vital systems and services.

Additionally, the field of fosec offers many career opportunities and paths. From incident response and penetration testing to risk management and compliance, there are a wide range of specializations and roles to choose from. This variety allows security engineers to find a career that aligns with their interests and skills.

Finally, many security engineers find the field to be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. The field is full of complex problems and puzzles, and when a solution is found, it can be extremely satisfying.

Overall, security engineers appreciate the dynamic and challenging nature of fosec, the sense of purpose and importance of their work, the variety of career paths available, and the intellectual stimulation and rewards of the field.

Working in cybersecurity means you’re constantly playing a game of catch-up. Every day you learn something new, but your work is also never finished.

Why the security engineers loves working in fosec


About eight or ten years ago, I was excited about smart fabric and connected textiles —  especially about what the next generation could be once the materials evolved. Now, Microsoft’s got me excited again, and, well, skeptical.

Smart fabric refers to textiles that embed technology such as sensors and conductive thread into the structure and function of the material.

In the case of Microsoft, the patent is for fabric in a jeans’ pocket. The fabric is embedded with layers of connected sensors that can recognize an object or gesture.  

And, it’s more than just sewing in a few sensors. The patent also details the development of data processing circuitry. It can receive, process, and transmit data from the smart fabric.

Then, there’s a computing system containing a machine learning module. It receives and processes incoming data and builds prediction models. These can recognize an object placed next to the piece of smart fabric or a touch gesture applied to it. 

The computer system can recognize objects commonly held in a pocket and their absence. For example, your pocket sends a reminder to your phone when it fails to detect coins for parking meters or your hand sanitizer. 

As for gesture recognition, rubbing the phone against your pocket could quickly trigger a command on your phone via NFC. It could also have applications in gaming and various consumer products.

### Not Microsoft’s first rodeo

Microsoft’s been interested in smart fabric and smart clothing since the mid-2010s, filing various patents, such as electronically functional yarn for smart shirts and gloves. 

The current patent is most likely an extension of a 2020 project called Capacitivo, where a smart fabric tablecloth identifies foods, such as specific items of fruit placed on the table, or even liquid inside glasses. It’s a somewhat strange use case. 

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<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ITYGILCULPo"></iframe>
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About eight or ten years ago, I was excited about smart fabric and connected textiles —  especially about what the next generation could be once the materials evolved.

Msoft's smart fabric that can detect objects and gestures


A team of researchers at Jilin Engineering Normal University in China recently published a paper indicating they’d built an AI model capable of recognizing human facial expressions.

I’m going to save you some time here: they most certainly did not. Such a thing isn’t currently possible.

The ability to accurately recognize human emotions is what we here at Neural would refer to as a “deity-level” feat. The only people who truly know how you’re feeling at any given moment are you and any potential omnipotent beings out there.

Here are my three golden tips for realistic planning:

* Underestimate how much you can get done in a day
* Overestimate how much time a task will take
* Overestimate interruptions during your day

### The reason some bootcamp grads are set up to fail
* In my experience, not all bootcamps are created equal. They vary widely in acceptance processes, curriculum, program structure, and quality of instructors. They’re designed to push candidates through courses that will have them writing some code fairly quickly.

* As a result, programs are forced to strip away a lot of fundamentals — those basics that help developers understand the “why” behind the code they’re writing.

* When young software developers learn by copying and pasting, it can make troubleshooting difficult when they come across something that doesn’t fit the pattern they’re used to.

* Small businesses and startups are those most likely to hire developers without degrees, but I’ve seen too many bootcamp grads take jobs at startups only to find they haven’t learned enough to make any real impact.

### Up front:
The research is fundamentally flawed because it conflates facial expression with human emotion. You can falsify this premise by performing a simple experiment: assess your current emotional state then force yourself to make a facial expression that presents in diametric opposition to it.

If you’re feeling happy and you’re able to “act” sad, you’ve personally debunked the whole premise of the research. But, just for fun, let’s keep going.

### Background:
Don’t let the hype fool you. The researchers don’t train the AI to recognize expressions. They train the AI to beat a benchmark. There’s absolutely no conceptual difference between this system and one that tries to determine if an object is a hotdog or not.

What this means is the researchers built a machine that tries to guess labels. They’re basically showing their AI model 50,000 pictures, one at a time, and forcing it to choose from a set of labels.

### The problem:
All of this seems useful because, when it comes to outcomes that don’t affect humans, predictions models are awesome.

When AI models try to predict something objective, such as whether a particular animal is a cat or a dog, they’re aiding human cognition.

You and I don’t have the time to go through every single image on the internet when we’re trying to find pictures of a cat. But Google’s search algorithms do.

### Neural take:
This is a total scam. The researchers present their work as useful for “fields like human–computer interactions, safe driving … and medicine,” but there’s absolutely no evidence to support their assertion.

The truth is that “computer interactions” have nothing to do with human emotion, safe driving algorithms are more efficacious when they focus on attention instead of emotionality, and there’s no place in medicine for weak, prediction-based assessments concerning individual conditions.

A team of researchers at Jilin Engineering Normal University in China recently published a paper indicating they’d built an AI model capable of recognizing human facial expressions.

Tech

17 Essential Books Every Frontend Developer Should Read

Why the security engineers loves working in fosec

Msoft's smart fabric that can detect objects and gestures

Why ‘facial expression recognition’ AI is a total scam