What’s new in PHP 8.4

Released: November 21, 2024 • Active support: 2 years • Security support: +2 years • EOL: December 31, 2028 Key New Features 1) Property Hooks Define get and/or set hooks directly on properties to reduce boilerplate and enable virtual properties. 2) Asymmetric Visibility Allow different visibility for reading vs. writing a property. 3) Chain new Without Parentheses Parentheses are … Read more

Fast internet, slow web: a guide to spotting bottlenecks

Perceived speed is often about many small bottlenecks stacked together, not just raw bandwidth. When things “feel slower” after upgrading hardware, it’s usually due to latency, connection setup delays, or routing quirks rather than throughput. Here are some practical ways you can pinpoint where the delays are occurring: 1. Break down the journey of a … Read more

FOSS vs. SaaS

When deciding between Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) forum packages like ForkBB and Software as a Service (SaaS) packages like vBulletin or Fora, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to consider. Below is a detailed comparison of the pros and cons, based on general trends in forum software and specific insights from available web … Read more

PHP 8.x: key database changes

PHP 8.x introduced several changes that can impact SQL database operations, particularly in how database extensions and features are handled. Below is a concise overview of the key changes in PHP 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4 that may affect SQL database operations, based on the PHP changelog and relevant updates: PHP 8.0 (Released November … Read more

Cross-linking: the key to today’s connected web

In the early days of the Web, roughly the late 1990s to early 2000s, blogs and forums often discouraged or outright banned external links due to a mix of technical, cultural, and economic concerns. The primary fear was spam—malicious or promotional content could flood comment sections or posts, degrading user experience and overwhelming moderators. Platforms … Read more

Recommended career paths

The paradigm shift in the tech sector, driven by AI and automation, is reshaping the job market, with many traditional roles being replaced or redefined. However, this shift also creates opportunities in emerging and resilient fields. Below are recommended career paths to navigate this landscape, focusing on roles that leverage AI, require uniquely human skills, … Read more

Major tech companies and layoff numbers in 2025

The tech industry in 2025 has seen significant layoffs, with many companies citing AI integration, automation, and cost-cutting as key drivers. Below is a detailed breakdown of layoffs by major tech players based on available information from 2025, focusing on specific companies and their reported job cuts. Note that exact numbers may vary slightly across … Read more

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