# Travis Media

> Programming tutorials, career advice, Linux tips, AI tools, and developer resources for web developers at all levels. Written by Travis — a self-taught developer, YouTuber, and educator.

## Blog Posts

- [Astro SEO Done Right: Introducing astro-seo-kit](https://travis.media/blog/astro-seo-kit/): astro-seo-kit is a new Astro SEO component with Open Graph, Twitter cards, canonical URLs, and JSON-LD built in. Here is why I built it and how to set it up in minutes.
- [Top 10 Terminal Tools I Actually Use Daily (2026)](https://travis.media/blog/top-10-terminal-tools-for-developers/): Ten terminal tools pulled straight from my actual Brewfile, with the one workflow that earns each its slot. Real commands, real use cases, and how to install every one.
- [Most Agent Skills Are Junk. Here's How to Write a Good One](https://travis.media/blog/write-a-good-agent-skill/): There are millions of public agent skills now, and a benchmark of 47,150 of them found most barely move the needle. Here is how to spot the junk and write a SKILL.md that measurably improves your agent.
- [Turn an Old MacBook Pro Into a 24/7 AI Agent Server](https://travis.media/blog/mac-homelab-ai-agent-server/): Got a spare or broken-screen MacBook Pro? Here is how I turned mine into an always-on, closed-lid homelab server for running self-hosted AI agents like OpenClaw and Hermes 24/7.
- [How to Safely Use AI Coding Agents in a Real Codebase](https://travis.media/blog/safely-use-ai-coding-agents/): AI coding agents are fast, but an unsupervised one can delete files, leak secrets, or push junk to main. Here are the practical guardrails I use to let agents run hard without wrecking the repo.
- [AI Agent Evals for Beginners: Testing Non-Deterministic AI](https://travis.media/blog/ai-agent-evals-for-beginners/): How do you test an AI agent when it never gives the same answer twice? Here is a beginner's guide to evals, with practical examples you can copy.
- [14 Practical Claude Cowork Use Cases for People Who Have No Idea What to Use It For](https://travis.media/blog/14-practical-claude-code-use-cases/): Claude Cowork sounds cool, but what would you actually use it for? Here are 14 real, practical use cases that go way beyond chatbot territory.
- [Votelli: Free Local Voice-to-Text for Mac (Works Offline)](https://travis.media/blog/votelli-free-mac-voice-to-text/): Votelli is a free, local voice-to-text app for Mac. Push and hold a key, talk, release. It runs a small AI model on your machine and works fully offline.
- [Make CLAUDE.md Follow AGENTS.md (Without a Symlink)](https://travis.media/blog/claude-md-import-agents-md/): Stop keeping CLAUDE.md and AGENTS.md in sync by hand. One line inside CLAUDE.md imports AGENTS.md so both agents read the same instructions.
- [AI Agentic Loops Explained: How Claude Code Runs Tasks Without You](https://travis.media/blog/ai-agentic-loops-explained/): AI agentic loops are the shift from using AI as a tool to running it as a process. Here is how they work and why developers are paying attention.
- [Why Claude Code Keeps Creating Git Worktrees (and Why That's a Good Thing)](https://travis.media/blog/why-claude-code-uses-worktrees/): If your AI coding agent keeps spinning up git worktrees and leaving your work somewhere that isn't main, here's what a worktree actually is, why agents love them, and how to stop fighting it.
- [What Are Agent Skills? A Practical Guide to SKILL.md Files](https://travis.media/blog/what-are-ai-agent-skills-skill-md/): Agent Skills and SKILL.md files are becoming one of the most useful ways to teach AI agents repeatable workflows. Here is what they are, what they are not, and how to create your first one.
- [What Is MCP? The Model Context Protocol Simply Explained](https://travis.media/blog/model-context-protocol-mcp-explained/): MCP is the open standard that lets AI agents connect to external tools, data, and workflows. Here is the simple explanation developers need, with practical examples.
- [What is SPIFFE? A Simple Guide to the Identity Standard Behind AI Agents](https://travis.media/blog/what-is-spiffe-identity-standard-ai-agents/): Static API keys and long-lived secrets are dying out. SPIFFE is the open standard quietly replacing them, and it's quickly becoming the foundation for how AI agents prove who they are. Here's what SPIFFE actually is, broken down for any developer.
- [Software 3.0 Explained: Andrej Karpathy on How AI Is Changing Programming Again](https://travis.media/blog/software-3-0-ai-changing-programming-karpathy/): Andrej Karpathy's Software 3.0 idea explains why AI is not just another developer tool. It is a new programming layer built around prompts, context, agents, and human verification.
- [Vibe Coding vs Agentic Engineering: Andrej Karpathy's Big Idea for AI Coding](https://travis.media/blog/vibe-coding-agentic-engineering-karpathy/): Andrej Karpathy's move from vibe coding to agentic engineering is not just a naming update. It is a better way to think about building software with AI agents without dropping the quality bar.
- [Omarchy v3.4.0 Screenshot Fix: Restore Clipboard-Only Capture (Shift+Print)](https://travis.media/blog/omarchy-screenshot-clipboard-only/): Omarchy v3.4.0 changed screenshot behavior, but clipboard-only capture still works. Here’s how to restore Shift+Print with a custom Hyprland binding.
- [Running OpenClaw on a Headless Mac (My Pi 4 Wasn't Cutting It)](https://travis.media/blog/running-openclaw-headless-mac/): A Raspberry Pi 4 can run OpenClaw, but barely. Here's how I migrated to a broken MacBook Pro and turned it into a headless OpenClaw server.
- [How to Set Up OpenClaw Skills (And the 5 You Actually Need)](https://travis.media/blog/openclaw-skills-guide/): OpenClaw skills are one of the most underused features. Here's how they work, where they live, and the ones I actually use every day.
- [Mandatory AI Reading for Developers (My 2026 Reading Plan)](https://travis.media/blog/ai-reading-list-2026-devs/): If you're a developer and AI still feels fuzzy, these are the books I'm working through in 2026, in this exact order, to actually understand what's happening under the hood.
- [How to Switch OpenClaw from Claude to ChatGPT (And Why Everyone Is)](https://travis.media/blog/switch-openclaw-claude-to-chatgpt/): Anthropic's TOS looks to block Claude OAuth tokens in OpenClaw. Here's how to switch to a ChatGPT/Codex subscription in about 5 minutes.
- [10 Best Udemy AI Courses to Take in 2026](https://travis.media/blog/top-selling-ai-courses-udemy/): The AI course market on Udemy is massive right now. Here are the 10 best AI courses worth your time and money in 2026.
- [Why Your OpenClaw Bot Forgets Everything (And How QMD Helps Fix It)](https://travis.media/blog/openclaw-memory-qmd-guide/): Your OpenClaw bot keeps forgetting things between sessions. Here's how to fix it with QMD, a free, fully local memory search engine that adds semantic search without API keys or cloud services.
- [Go 1.26: What's New and Why It Matters](https://travis.media/blog/go-1-26-whats-new/): Go 1.26 just dropped with a new garbage collector, expression-based `new()`, self-referential generics, goroutine leak detection, and a completely revamped `go fix`. Here's what matters and why.
- [How To Fix OpenClaw "Device Token Mismatch" Error (Quick Fix)](https://travis.media/blog/openclaw-device-token-mismatch/): Getting 'unauthorized: device token mismatch' on OpenClaw? Here's the quick fix — your gateway token and service file token are out of sync.
- [The Best Google Analytics Alternative in 2026 (I Tried Them All)](https://travis.media/blog/rybbit-best-google-analytics-alternative/): I switched from Google Analytics to Plausible to Rybbit, an open-source, privacy-friendly, cookieless analytics tool that finally gets it right. Here’s why Rybbit is the best Google Analytics alternative for developers.
- [The Best Desk Microphone for AI Dictation in 2026: Why Every Developer Needs the MXL AC-44](https://travis.media/blog/best-desk-microphone-for-ai-dictation/): Voice dictation is taking over the developer workflow. The LA Times just called it a movement. Here's why you need a discreet desk microphone for talking to AI,  and why the MXL AC-44 USB boundary mic is the perfect choice.
- [How to Build a Custom Weather Module for Waybar](https://travis.media/blog/custom-weather-module-waybar/): Learn how to build a lightweight, custom weather widget for your Waybar status bar using the OpenWeatherMap API, curl, and jq. A step-by-step guide for Linux enthusiasts.
- [How To Install DaVinci Resolve on Omarchy (2026 Guide)](https://travis.media/blog/install-davinci-resolve-omarchy-nvidia/): DaVinci Resolve on Arch Linux is infamous for silent crashes and broken UI scaling, especially on Wayland. This post walks through the exact setup that finally got Resolve running reliably on Omarchy with an NVIDIA GPU.
- [Career Advice for Anyone Feeling Stuck in Life (2026)](https://travis.media/blog/career-advice-anyone-feeling-stuck/): Feeling stuck in life or your career? I spent most of my 20s in replaceable jobs until a simple framework changed how I think about work and calling.
- [How to Open a URL in a New Tab Automatically: A Simple Chrome Extension](https://travis.media/blog/open-url-in-new-tab-chrome-extension/): Learn how to open a URL in a new tab automatically with this simple, open-source Chrome extension. No tracking, no bloat, just a clean redirect to your favorite page every time you open a new tab.
- [How to Set Up Pi-hole v6 with Unbound on Raspberry Pi Using Docker](https://travis.media/blog/pihole-v6-unbound-docker-compose-raspberry-pi/): Learn how to set up Pi-hole v6 with Unbound as a recursive DNS resolver on a Raspberry Pi 4 using Docker Compose. Block ads network-wide while maintaining privacy with your own DNS resolver.
- [How to Install Omarchy on a Partition (Dual-Boot Windows)](https://travis.media/blog/install-omarchy-partition-dual-boot-windows/): Omarchy’s installer wipes entire disks by default. This guide shows how to manually install Omarchy on a single partition using Archinstall, with full disk encryption and a shared NTFS drive for dual-boot Windows setups.
- [How to Install WezTerm on Omarchy Linux (When the Standard Package Fails)](https://travis.media/blog/install-wezterm-omarchy-linux/): WezTerm not launching after installation on Omarchy Linux? Here's why the standard package doesn't work and how to install the working version from AUR.
- [How to Set Your Default Terminal in Omarchy Linux](https://travis.media/blog/set-default-terminal-omarchy-linux/): Quick fix for setting your default terminal in omarchy Linux when xdg-terminal-exec picks the wrong one. One config file edit is all you need.
- [Fix "Unknown Terminal xterm-ghostty" SSH Error in Ghostty](https://travis.media/blog/ghostty-ssh-unknown-terminal-error/): Getting "tput: unknown terminal xterm-ghostty" errors when SSH-ing into servers? Here is how to fix it right now, plus how to stop it from happening again.
- [How to Manage Dotfiles with GNU Stow](https://travis.media/blog/manage-dotfiles-with-gnu-stow/): A simple, powerful workflow for managing any Linux dotfiles with GNU Stow. This guide walks you step-by-step through setting up a clean, scalable dotfiles system using a Ghostty config as the example.
- [uvmk: A Global CLI to Scaffold uv Python Projects (Mac, Linux, Windows)](https://travis.media/blog/scaffold-uv-python-projects/): Stop repeating Python setup steps. uvmk is a tiny global CLI that scaffolds uv-based Python projects anywhere, plus zsh/PowerShell helpers that drop you into an activated venv instantly.
- [How to Add a New User in Kubernetes with Certificates & RBAC](https://travis.media/blog/create-user-kubernetes-csr-roles/): Create a Kubernetes user with client certificates and RBAC: generate a CSR, approve it, add kubeconfig creds, and bind least-privilege roles.
- [The Comet AI Browser Shift: How Perplexity Is Changing the Way We Browse the Web](https://travis.media/blog/perplexity-comet-ai-browser-future-of-browsing/): Perplexity’s Comet AI Browser introduces a new way to browse the web, from passive search to AI-powered assistance. Learn what Comet does, the risks, and how to use it safely.
- [Install Kubernetes on Raspberry Pi 5: A Complete Guide](https://travis.media/blog/install-kubernetes-raspberry-pi-5/): Learn how to install Kubernetes on Raspberry Pi 5. This guide walks you through preparing your Pis with Ubuntu and networking, then building a Kubernetes cluster with kubeadm, complete with automation scripts.
- [10 Essential AI & Machine Learning Concepts for Developers in 2025](https://travis.media/blog/ai-machine-learning-concepts-for-developers/): Learn the top 10 AI and machine learning concepts every developer should know in 2025. From model parameters and quantization to RAG, inference, and guardrails, this guide breaks down the essentials for building AI-powered apps.
- [Buying Your First Raspberry Pi 5 (Beginner’s Guide for 2025)](https://travis.media/blog/buying-your-first-raspberry-pi-5/): Thinking of buying your first Raspberry Pi? This 2025 guide covers the Raspberry Pi 5, starter kits, custom builds, SSD vs SD card storage, and step-by-step setup for your first home server.
- [Best Udemy AI Courses for 2025: LLMs & AI Agents for AI Engineers](https://travis.media/blog/best-udemy-ai-courses/): Looking for the best Udemy AI course in 2025? In this post, I will recommend my top three options for LLM engineering and AI Agents that you should enroll in this year.
- [Add Broken Link Checking to Astro Framework with Astro Link Validator](https://travis.media/blog/astro-broken-links-validator/): Learn how to use Astro Link Validator to automatically validate links in your Astro framework site. Catch broken internal pages, missing assets, and bad external URLs during the build process to improve SEO, reliability, and user experience.
- [Git Fetch vs Git Pull: Key Differences Explained](https://travis.media/blog/git-fetch-vs-pull/): Learn the key differences between git fetch and git pull, with clear explanations and examples to help you choose the right command for your workflow.
- [6 Career Truths for Tech Workers in the AI Era](https://travis.media/blog/career-truths-tech-workers-ai-era/): AI is reshaping tech careers. Here are six career truths every developer and tech worker should know to stay grounded and thrive in the AI era.
- [AI Model Parameters Explained: 2B vs 7B vs 40B and Beyond](https://travis.media/blog/ai-model-parameters-explained/): What does it mean when an AI model has 4B, 7B, or 70B parameters, or a name like 235B-A22B? Learn how parameter count affects performance, hardware needs, and what developers and homelabbers should know before downloading and running these models.
- [What Is AI Model Quantization? Run Big Models on Small GPUs](https://travis.media/blog/ai-model-quantization-explained/): Quantization makes it possible to run large AI models like 13B, 30B, and even 40B on consumer GPUs. Learn what quantization is, why it matters for homelabbers, and the benefits of using 4-bit or 8-bit models.
- [Git Merge vs Rebase: Differences, Examples, and Best Practices](https://travis.media/blog/git-merge-vs-rebase/): Learn the key differences between git merge and git rebase with practical examples. Understand pros, cons, and best practices to decide which one to use.
- [8 Must-Read AI Books for Developers and Engineers in 2026](https://travis.media/blog/8-must-read-ai-tech-books/): Discover the 8 best AI books for developers and software engineers in 2026 from machine learning foundations to LLM engineering and AI ethics.
- [How to Squash Multiple Commits Into One With Git Rebase](https://travis.media/blog/squash-multiple-commits-with-rebase/): A quick, step-by-step guide to squash multiple commits into one using Git rebase—plus safe force-push tips and recovery tricks.
- [Master Claude Code: 15 Commands Every Developer Needs to Know](https://travis.media/blog/claude-code-commands-developer-should-know/): Unlock the full potential of your coding workflow with Claude Code. This blog post dives into 15 essential Claude Code commands and features that every developer should master to enhance productivity, streamline tasks, and revolutionize their interaction with AI-powered development.
- [Nextcloud AIO Without Buying a Domain: Local DNS + Caddy TLS Setup](https://travis.media/blog/nextcloud-aio-locally-no-domain/): Deploy Nextcloud AIO locally without buying a domain by using local DNS and Caddy for a self-signed HTTPS setup.
- [Your Network is Your Money: 5 Networking Principles](https://travis.media/blog/networking-as-a-developer/): Five essential networking principles that can transform your professional relationships and open doors to new opportunities. Learn how to connect effectively and nurture your network.
- [Rethinking Tech Certifications: Are They Worth It](https://travis.media/blog/tech-certifications-worth-it/): Let's discuss the real value of tech certifications and how they can shape your career. Learn about the real reason why they are important.
- [7 Essential Apps for Your Homelab Kubernetes Cluster](https://travis.media/blog/essential-apps-homelab-kubernetes/): Discover the top 7 applications to enhance your home lab Kubernetes cluster. From security to management, these tools are essential for a robust environment.
- [8 Must-Read Tech Books for 2026](https://travis.media/blog/8-must-read-tech-books/): Let's look at the top eight tech books to elevate your skills and knowledge in 2026. Perfect for tech enthusiasts and IT professionals.
- [8 Essential Rules for Learning to Code in 2025](https://travis.media/blog/8-essential-rules-learning-to-code-2025/): Discover eight essential rules for learning to code in 2025. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, this guide provides valuable insights into the coding landscape amidst AI advancements.
- [Installing PostgreSQL in Kubernetes with Bitnami's Helm Chart](https://travis.media/blog/installing-postgres-bitnami-helm-chart/): A step-by-step guide to deploying PostgreSQL in Kubernetes using Bitnami's trusted Helm chart.
- [How to Create an IngressRoute With Multiple Paths](https://travis.media/blog/ingressroute-multiple-paths/): Learn how to configure a Traefik IngressRoute with multiple paths and compare it with a standard Kubernetes Ingress setup.
- [The Ultimate Guide to Job Hunting for New Grad Software Engineers](https://travis.media/blog/new-grad-software-engineers/): Complete 2025 guide for new grad software engineers: 6 proven strategies to land your first tech job, navigate AI concerns, and build a layoff-proof career.
- [Fix the Local By Flywheel Error on Mac When Trying To Update the Hosts File](https://travis.media/blog/local-by-flywheel-error-hosts/): Let's look at how to fix the 'Could not update hosts file' error in Local by Flywheel on Mac M2 and M3 machines. We have the solution.
- [Top 5 Rust Books to Master the Language and Ecosystem in 2024](https://travis.media/blog/top-5-rust-books/): Let's explore the top 5 Rust books to master the language and ecosystem. From beginner guides to advanced topics, find the perfect resource for your Rust learning journey.
- [Best AI-Powered Web Scraping Tools for Data Collection](https://travis.media/blog/ai-web-scraping-tools/): Let's look at the best AI web scraping tools for efficient data collection. Streamline your process and gain valuable insights with these innovative solutions.
- [Top 10 JavaScript Interview Questions: Master Your Next Technical Interview](https://travis.media/blog/javascript-interview-questions/): Master the top 10 JavaScript interview questions with detailed explanations and code examples. Boost your confidence and ace your next technical interview!
- [12 Essential Web Development Tools Every Developer Should Know](https://travis.media/blog/essential-web-development-tools/): Let's look at 12 essential web development tools that every developer needs to streamline their workflow, enhance productivity, and build high-quality websites and applications efficiently.
- [Rust in 2026: 12 Compelling Reasons Why Developers Should Master This Powerful Language](https://travis.media/blog/why-rust/): Explore 12 compelling reasons why Rust is becoming essential for developers in 2026. Learn about its safety, performance, and growing ecosystem in this comprehensive guide.
- [9 Profitable SaaS Apps You Could Build Today: Turning Your Programming Skills into Income](https://travis.media/blog/9-saas-apps/): Discover 9 profitable SaaS apps you could build today. Learn how to turn your programming skills into income and explore real-world examples of successful developer-entrepreneurs.
- [Surviving Tech Layoffs: A Developer's Guide to Landing Your Next Role in 2025](https://travis.media/blog/navigating-tech-downturn/): Survive tech layoffs and land your next developer role with proven strategies. Learn to thrive after layoffs, leverage AI, boost your skills, and create new opportunities in the competitive tech job market.
- [How to Significantly Reduce Your Docker Images with Multi-Stage Builds](https://travis.media/blog/docker-multi-stage-builds/): Learn how multi-stage builds can drastically reduce Docker image sizes, enhancing performance, deployment speed, and security. This guide walks step-by-step through this technique
- [How to Create a Pulse Effect With CSS Animation](https://travis.media/blog/css-pulse-effect/): The pulse effect is a popular and eye-catching CSS animation that can draw attention to important elements on your webpage. 
- [Learning to Code in 2025: Why Zero to Mastery Academy Is the Best Platform](https://travis.media/blog/zero-to-mastery-academy/): Discover why Zero to Mastery Academy is the leading platform for starting your coding journey in 2025. Explore courses, reviews, and tips on mastering coding skills.
- [5 Steps to Learn React in 2025](https://travis.media/blog/5-steps-to-learn-react/): React is one of the most popular front-end JavaScript libraries. Let's break down the essential steps to learn React in 2025.
- [Larafast Review: The Ultimate SaaS Starter Kit for Laravel Developers](https://travis.media/blog/larafast-review/): In this article, we'll dive deep into Larafast and why it can save you many hours of development on your next startup idea.
- [Unlocking Career Growth: The Importance of Long-Term Planning](https://travis.media/blog/long-term-career-strategies/): Discover how strategic long-term thinking can transform your career and personal development. Learn the value of investing time wisely for a prosperous future.
- [5 Reasons Laravel is Trending in 2026](https://travis.media/blog/5-reasons-laravel/): In this article, I want to give 5 reasons why I think many more people are finding a newfound enjoyment or a re-found enjoyment in the Laravel ecosystem.
- [How To Reset Your Coding Career In 3 Steps](https://travis.media/blog/reset-your-coding-career-in-3-steps/): Let me give you a few tips for redefining or hitting reset on your coding career so that you can find clarity for the upcoming years.
- [How To Survive Tech Layoffs (5 Actionable Steps)](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-survive-tech-layoffs/): In light of the tech layoffs over the past few years, here are five actionable steps to take in the unfortunate event that it happens to you.
- [40 Lessons About Life From a 40-Year-Old Developer](https://travis.media/blog/40-lessons-about-life-from-a-40-year-old-developer/): In step with turning 43 this year, I've decided to share 40 Lessons about Life that I've learned as a 40-year-old developer.
- [How To Call a GitHub Actions Workflow From Another Workflow](https://travis.media/blog/call-github-actions-workflow-from-another-workflow/): Learn how to call a GitHub Actions workflow from another workflow using workflow_call trigger, jobs dependencies, and secrets inheritance with step-by-step examples.
- [A Review of Voila: The All-In-One AI Assistant](https://travis.media/blog/review-of-voila-ai-assistant/): While many people are chasing the latest and greatest in AI tools, many of us would benefit from ONE, simple tool that does it all! Today I want to share with you the tool that I use.
- [Python File Challenge | How Would You Code It?](https://travis.media/blog/python-file-coding-challenge/): The first in the 'How would you code it' challenge. In this challenge, we'll write a script to delete duplicate files in a folder with Python.
- [How To Pass Any Azure Certification in 2024 | Complete Guide](https://travis.media/blog/pass-any-azure-certification/): Ready to earn your first Azure certification in 2024? This complete guide covers everything you need to know to pass any Azure certification exam, from choosing the right cert to study strategies and exam tips.
- [Programming Is Not Enough | 7 Additional Skills You Need](https://travis.media/blog/programming-is-not-enough/): With all the new technologies out there, being a developer in the traditional sense is not enough. In this post, I want to share 7 additional skills that every programmer needs to know.
- [A Portfolio Project Checklist for a Developer's Success](https://travis.media/blog/portfolio-project-checklist/): In this post, I'll share how I would create a solid portfolio of projects if I were learning to code all over again.
- [ChatGPT Code Interpreter plugin! | What do we do now?](https://travis.media/blog/chatgpt-code-interpreter-plugin/): The ChatGPT Code Interpreter plugin was announced on July 6, 2023 and has caused quite the buzz. In this post, show you how to use it, discuss the impact it's making, and make a few AI predictions in the near future.
- [The BEST Resource For Learning the Rust Programming Language This Year](https://travis.media/blog/best-resource-learning-rust/): Discover the best online resource for learning Rust programming. Find out why Rust is worth learning and get expert recommendations for mastering this powerful language.
- [Why Most Self-Taught Developers NEVER Land The Job](https://travis.media/blog/self-taught-developers-never-land-job/): In this post, I'll discuss the big hurdle that self-taught developers have a hard time jumping when trying to transition into tech and then I'll give 5 practical tips to help you get through it. 
- [How to embed Google Drive Audio in HTML Audio Tag](https://travis.media/blog/embed-google-drive-audio-html/): There may be times where you want to create an HTML audio tag but instead of storing the MP3 on your server, you want to reference it out of your Google Drive storage. In this post, I'll show you how to do it.
- [Why Self Taught Developers SHOULD Get Certified](https://travis.media/blog/self-taught-developers-get-certified/): In this post, I'll share why, despite all the negativity toward IT certifications, self-taught developers SHOULD get certified to get ahead in their career.
- [My Unconventional, Self-Taught, Coding Story | Unedited](https://travis.media/blog/my-coding-story/): Here's an unedited, unscripted account of my journey of learning to code. From a non-traditional background, to the grind of learning the technology, I'll take you through it all up to the present day.
- [REAL Uses of ChatGPT as a Developer | 12 Practical Examples](https://travis.media/blog/practical-uses-of-chatgpt-developer/): There are a lot of videos showing UNIQUE ChatGPT use cases and prompts, but how do we actually use it beneficially in our day-to-day tasks as developers, DevOps engineers, or IT professionals?
- [10 Must-Have Udemy Courses for Every Developer in 2025](https://travis.media/blog/10-udemy-courses-developers/): Discover the 10 best Udemy courses every developer needs in 2025. From JavaScript mastery to AWS certification, these hand-picked programming courses will accelerate your coding career.
- [Learning To Code In A Recession](https://travis.media/blog/learn-to-code-in-a-recession/): With all of the tech layoffs and freezes happening, how do those learning to code expect to land jobs? In this post, I'll offer some tips to help you navigate through it.
- [How To SSH Into Minikube VM](https://travis.media/blog/ssh-into-minikube-vm/): In this post, you'll learn how to SSH into your Minikube VM using the minikube ssh command.
- [Become a Web Developer From Scratch in 2023](https://travis.media/blog/become-web-developer-from-scratch/): In this post, you'll learn to become a web developer from scratch including the exact courses needed, a precise timeline to follow, and practical, tips for success.
- [Learn to Code With Meta Engineers](https://travis.media/blog/learn-to-code-with-meta-engineers/): Meta just launched two brand new Professional Developer Certificates on Coursera that look promising and even include access to a 200+ employer job board upon completion to help you in your job search.
- [How To Update Your GitHub Personal Access Token (and add origin)](https://travis.media/blog/update-git-personal-access-token-origin/): When your GitHub personal access token expires, it leaves you with an unauthenticated remote origin. In this post, I'll show you how to easily update your remote origin with your newly authenticated token.
- [How To Become A Software Engineer in Six Months: A Blueprint](https://travis.media/blog/become-a-software-engineer-six-months/): Learning to code in six months is most definitely an achievable goal. In this post, I'll point you to a blueprint that will get you there.
- [How To Use BNB In Remix IDE (instead of ETH)](https://travis.media/blog/use-bnb-in-remix-ide/): Not everyone wants to use Ether in their smart contracts, yet the Remix IDE provides this option only. In this post, I'll show you how to actually use BNB instead and how to deploy your contract onto the Binance Smart Chain.
- [How To Retrieve The Latest Crypto Prices From A Smart Contract](https://travis.media/blog/retrieve-price-feed-smart-contract/): Using Chainlink Data Feeds, you can retrieve the latest price of a crypto asset from your smart contract in real-time. In this post, I'll show you step-by-step how to retrieve price data in Solidity.
- [The Ultimate Guide To Blockchain Development For Developers in 2022](https://travis.media/blog/blockchain-development-for-developers/): Where do you begin learning Blockchain development with the many tools out there? In this complete Blockchain guide for developers, I'll cover the exact tools you need with examples along the way, including a simple React app that interacts with the Blockchain itself.
- [How I Passed The Microsoft Azure AZ-104 Certification Exam in 2022](https://travis.media/blog/pass-the-azure-az-104-certification/): An Azure Administrator Certification is a highly sought-after skill by IT companies these days. If you are looking to take the Azure AZ-104 Administrator exam this year, then here is the exact process and resources that I used to obtain it.
- [How To Become a Web Developer Without a Degree in ONE Course](https://travis.media/blog/become-a-web-developer-without-a-degree/): In this post, you'll learn how to become a Web Developer without a degree using just one resource. We'll look at that resource as well as tips to help you learn to code and change careers with success.
- [How To Get Paid More as a Software Developer in 2022](https://travis.media/blog/get-paid-more-as-a-software-developer/): This tech industry is in a golden age and demand for software developers continues to grow. These 4 tips will show you how you can get paid more as a software developer.
- [My Favorite Udemy Python Courses of 2021: Top 5](https://travis.media/blog/favorite-udemy-python-courses-top-5/): In this post, we'll look at 5 of the best Udemy Python Courses of 2021 for those looking to either learn Python or to take their Python skills to the next level.
- [Navigating S3 Using the AWS SDK for Javascript: A Guide](https://travis.media/blog/navigating-s3-using-aws-sdk-for-javascript/): In this post, we'll look at how to navigate S3 using the AWS SDK for Javascript and a build a simple practical project to demonstrate with examples.
- [AWS Cross Account S3 Access: How to Trust and Assume Roles](https://travis.media/blog/setup-aws-cross-account-s3-access/): In this post, you'll learn how to set up AWS Cross Account S3 Access so that you can retrieve or upload files across accounts with a Lambda function. You'll also learn how to assume roles and create a Trust relationship in order to do so.
- [How to use Firebase v9 with React (setup, authentication and CRUD examples)](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-use-firebase-with-react/): Firebase v9 takes a modular approach which is different from previous versions. In this post, I'll show you how to use Firebase v9 with React including setup, auth, and CRUD examples.
- [Do I Need to Know Math to Code? Advice From A Self-Taught Programmer](https://travis.media/blog/do-i-need-to-know-math-to-code-self-taught-programmer/): Teaching yourself to code? How much math do you need to know to have a successful career? In this article, I'll answer that as well as provide resources for you to fill the gaps.
- [How to Use GitHub Copilot in Vscode](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-use-github-copilot-vscode/): Learn how to use GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code. This extension with its new AI Technology literally writes code for you based on your instruction. In this tutorial, we'll test it out.
- [How to Create a React App and .NET API in Vscode](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-create-react-app-net-api-vscode/): In this tutorial, we'll create a React App with a .NET API Backend. We'll also utilize Entity Framework Core for our ORM and Postgres as the database.
- [5 Steps for Learning React JS in 2022: A Blueprint](https://travis.media/blog/5-steps-for-learning-react-js-in-2022/): Planning on learning React JS in 2022? This React JS roadmap will take you from absolute beginner to industry-ready in 2022.
- [React Hook Form Controller v7 Examples (MaterialUI, AntD, and more)](https://travis.media/blog/react-hook-form-controller-examples/): React Hook Form has a Controller component that allows you to use your third-party UI library components with its hook and custom register. In this post, we'll look at a handful of examples of how to use the Controller component with various libraries like AntD and Material UI.
- [My Top 5 Resources for Learning Golang: Beginner to Advanced](https://travis.media/blog/top-5-resources-for-learning-golang-beginner-advanced/): In this post, I'll share my top 5 resources for learning Golang. Whether you are new and looking for a basic Golang tutorial, or advanced looking to go deeper, you're sure to find a solid resource here.
- [Cloudways Review and Tutorial: Managed Wordpress Hosting In the Cloud](https://travis.media/blog/cloudways-review-and-tutorial-managed-wordpress/): Cloudways is a very affordable, managed, multi-cloud hosting platform for PHP sites (including WordPress). In this post, I'll discuss why I recommend it, the benefits, as well as a tutorial of how to get your site set up on CloudWays.
- [Kubernetes Service Accounts: A Complete Guide For Beginners](https://travis.media/blog/kubernetes-service-accounts-complete-guide-for-beginners/): Kubernetes Service Accounts provide identities for services that run in a pod. In this complete guide, we'll cover service accounts basics, RBAC permissions, as well as how they work with third-party apps.
- [How To Configure C# AWS SDK Credentials In Your Project](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-configure-csharp-aws-sdk-credentials/): The AWS SDK for C# allows you to easily configure credentials in your application. Learn how to include these in your project to authenticate with this practical, hands-on tutorial.
- [How To Use the C# AWS SDK Documentation: A Guide For Developers](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-use-csharp-aws-sdk-documentation/): The C# AWS SDK is a complete set of libraries that allow you to develop applications that interact with Amazon Web Services. This article will provide you with the real-world examples needed to set up and use this AWS SDK in your next C# project.
- [How to Run C# in VSCode (and Compile, Debug, and Create a Project)](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-run-csharp-in-vscode/): While many developers use Visual Studio for C# development, I still use VSCode. In this post, I'll show you how to run C# code in VSCode, as well as create a project, run the code, debug and compile it.
- [Top 12 Oh My Zsh Themes For Productive Developers](https://travis.media/blog/top-12-oh-my-zsh-themes-for-productive-developers/): Discover my top 12 Oh My Zsh themes for developers. Learn how to install and customize your terminal with these powerful, productivity-enhancing theme options.
- [KPIBees Review: A Powerful Google Sheets Addon For Data Retrieval](https://travis.media/blog/kpibees-review-powerful-google-sheets-addon/): KPIBees is a powerful add-on for Google Sheets that allows you to easily retrieve data from many sources like Google Analytics, YouTube, MongoDB etc. and have that data neatly populated in a spreadsheet. In this post, we'll look at KPIbees in depth including a few hands-on examples.
- [How to Find Freelance Work Online as a Web Developer](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-find-freelance-work-online-web-developer/): Are you interested in finding freelance work online, but not sure where to find it? This article will show you the best way to find freelance work online as a web developer from my own personal freelancing experience.
- [Where I Find Working Coupon Codes for Udemy Every Time](https://travis.media/blog/where-i-find-working-coupon-codes-for-udemy/): If you're a Udemy user, you know that there are always coupons for Udemy courses floating around the web. This article will show you where to find working coupon codes and promo codes to save on your Udemy course purchases, every time.
- [How to Use Subcommands in Cobra | A Go Cobra Tutorial](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-use-subcommands-in-cobra-go-cobra-tutorial/): Cobra is a powerful command line package for Golang. In this Cobra tutorial we'll look at how to use commands and subcommands as we build out a CLI called remindercli.
- [My Top 20 MacBook Apps for Developers and Productive Content Creators](https://travis.media/blog/top-20-mac-apps-for-developers-and-productive-programmers/): Discover the top 20 MacBook developer tools and apps for programmers and content creators. Boost productivity with essential Mac development tools for coding, content creation, and project management.
- [Pulumi AWS Tutorial: Create a Lambda Function That Sends You Morning Emails Via SNS](https://travis.media/blog/pulumi-aws-create-lambda-sns/): Learn how to use the Pulumi platform with AWS in this complete, ste-by-step guide. This tutorial will walk you through setting up a Pulumi stack, getting familiar with the API, and deploying and managing AWS infrastructure using Pulumi.
- [How to Use ClusterRoleBinding With A ServiceAccount in All Namespaces (or a few)](https://travis.media/blog/clusterrolebinding-with-service-account-all-namespaces/): ClusterRoleBinding is a powerful feature of Kubernetes RBAC that allows you to grant permissions cluster-wide in all namespaces. Let's learn how to use this with a ServiceAccount.
- [Developing AWS Lambda Functions Locally With VSCode](https://travis.media/blog/developing-aws-lambda-functions-locally-vscode/): In this article, I want to share the approach I use regularly to develop AWS Lambda functions (and other serverless projects) locally in VS Code using the benefits of AWS's secret sauce, SAM.
- [How the Grovemade Desk Pad Transformed My Home Office: A Review](https://travis.media/blog/grovemade-desk-pad-home-office/): I just added the Grovemade desk pad and Grovemade desk shelf to my home office and couldn't be more impressed. In this post, I want to share why a desk pad such as Grovemade's makes a difference and how it transformed my home office.
- [Pulumi Tutorial: Automate Kubernetes Deployments and Operations with this Complete Guide](https://travis.media/blog/pulumi-tutorial-automate-kubernetes-operations/): Learn how to use the Pulumi platform with Kubernetes in this complete guide. This tutorial will walk you through setting up a Pulumi stack, deploying and managing infrastructure using Kubernetes, and using the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) resources.
- [How to Change Careers to Software Engineer: Three Paths for 2022](https://travis.media/blog/change-career-to-software-engineer/): Can you change careers and become a software engineer in 2022? Is this still a realistic goal? Absolutely, yes. In this post, I'll share with you three paths you could take to get you there.
- [DynamoDB Crud Examples With Boto3 and Python](https://travis.media/blog/dynamodb-crud-examples-with-boto3-python/): I recently completed a project where I had to interact with DynamoDB via boto3 (AWS SDK for Python). In this article, we'll create a simple DynamoDB database and go over how to create, read, update, and delete using python and boto3.
- [What Age Should You Stop Coding (and should you)?](https://travis.media/blog/what-age-should-you-stop-coding/): Stack Overflow reports that 83% of developers fall within the 18-44 age range. What happens after 44? Do people stop coding? In this article, we'll look at what age you should probably stop coding and whether that's even a good idea.
- [How to Stay In Demand as an Aging Developer](https://travis.media/blog/stay-in-demand-aging-developer/): Turning 40 this year gave me a lot to think about in regards to my own software career and more specifically how to stay in demand as I continue to age in this fast-paced industry. In this article, we'll look at six suggestions.
- [Speed Up Loading of Embedded Videos (not Lazy Loading)](https://travis.media/blog/speed-up-loading-embedded-videos/): With 'lite' embeds you can load your YouTube or Vimeo embedded videos up to 224x faster. This not only increases page speed, but makes your website much more enjoyable.
- [Why I Switched From Ghost CMS to Hugo](https://travis.media/blog/why-i-switched-from-ghost-cms-to-hugo/): I just moved my blog from Ghost CMS over to Hugo, an open-source static site generator. In this article, I'll explain why (especially in light of just moving to Ghost a year ago).
- [My Favorite Udemy Course of 2021 as a Software Developer](https://travis.media/blog/favorite-udemy-course-of-2021-as-a-software-developer/): In this post, I want to share the best Udemy course in 2021 for Software Developers
- [Top 10 Oh My Zsh Plugins For Productive Developers](https://travis.media/blog/top-10-oh-my-zsh-plugins-for-productive-developers/): Discover my top 10 Oh My Zsh plugins to boost your productivity as a developer. Learn how to streamline your workflow and enhance your terminal experience.
- [Automate Your Mornings With Logic Apps](https://travis.media/blog/automate-your-mornings-with-logic-apps/): In this post, we'll be using Azure Logic Apps to automate our mornings. We'll take all the info that we look up in the mornings and have it sent to us automatically via a text message.
- [How To Safely Update WordPress Plugins When There's No Staging Site](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-update-wordpress-plugins-when-theres-no-staging-site-or-backup/): A client asks you to update all their plugins, but there's no staging site to work to assure nothing breaks. How do you properly update their plugins in a safe manner?
- [How to Stay Excited and Fulfilled as a Software Developer Long Term](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-stay-excited-and-fulfilled/)
- [How to Upgrade Git on RHEL7 and CentOS7](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-upgrade-git-on-rhel7-and-centos7/): Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 (RHEL7) comes with git 1.8. And git 1.8 is old and unusable in most situations. So how you do upgrade it. Well, with this script of course.
- [Learning to Code is Easy: Here's Why Many Fail](https://travis.media/blog/learning-to-code-is-easy-heres-why-many-fail/): Learning to code is EASY! But there are many who fail. How can these two both be true? 
- [Learn Docker in One Hour: From Docker Desktop to Deployment](https://travis.media/blog/learn-docker-in-one-hour-from/): In this video, we'll take a fun dive into Docker, learn some definitions, dockerize some apps, push them to Docker Hub, and deploy them to Digital Ocean.
- [Your First Developer Job - 10 Things You Should Know](https://travis.media/blog/first-developer-job-10-things-you-should-know/): So you've landed your first developer job … or perhaps you've already started it.  Here are 10 things you should know to help you succeed.
- [The Best Web Development Courses on Udemy (By Language)](https://travis.media/blog/best-web-development-courses-on-udemy/): Udemy is still one of my favorite sites to level or learn something new. In this post, I'll open up my account and share what I think are the Best Web Development Courses on Udemy, by language.
- [Top 8 Places to Find Developer Jobs Online](https://travis.media/blog/find-developer-jobs-online/): Landing that first developer job can be hard, but knowing the right places to look can help. Here are the top 8 places to find developer jobs online.
- [Manage Docker Easily With VS Code](https://travis.media/blog/manage-docker-easily-with-vs-code/): I manage Docker tasks almost exclusively using VS Code. I can visualize my Docker images, containers, etc., and can run all commands, one-click, with it. Here's how.
- [When Everyone Seems Smarter Than You - Junior Developers](https://travis.media/blog/everyone-seems-smarter-than-you/): Junior developer, do you ever feel like everyone in the room seems smarter than you? Other developers are breezing through the day while you're sweating bullets? Let's discuss.
- [How to automate the psql password](https://travis.media/blog/automate-psql-password/): Password prompts really put a damper on automation. In this post, I want to show you how to automate the psql password so you can run Postgres commands in a scripting environment.
- [How to Create An Uptime Monitor  For Ghost](https://travis.media/blog/create-uptime-monitor-for-ghost/): It's very important that you know if your site goes down. In this post, I'll show you how to create an uptime monitor for Ghost (or any other service).
- [5 Tips For Junior Web Developer Growth In 2021](https://travis.media/blog/5-tips-junior-web-developer-growth/): It's a brand new year with new opportunities. In this post, I want to share with you 5 tips for junior web developer growth in 2021.
- [How To Add Ads.txt To a Ghost Blog, Self-Hosted](https://travis.media/blog/add-ads-txt-to-a-ghost-blog/): If you are looking to add an ads.txt to a Ghost Blog on platforms such as Digital Ocean, there are few minor adjustments you must make. I'll show you how to do it in this tutorial.
- [How to Find a GoDaddy Nameserver IP Address For Any Host](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-find-your-godaddy-nameserver-ip-address/): When setting custom Nameservers for GoDaddy domains, an IP Address is required for each. In this article, I'll show you how to easily locate that IP Address.
- [How To Get The Primary Category Of A Post Only - Reusable Function](https://travis.media/blog/get-the-primary-category-of-a-post/): In light of WordPress's primary category feature, we sometimes just want to just retrieve that one primary category, not a list of all. In this post, I'll show you how to get the primary category of a post only.
- [Finding Freelance Work As A Web Developer: The #1 Method](https://travis.media/blog/find-freelance-work-as-a-web-developer/): There are many ways that new freelance web developers can find work, but in this video I want to suggest what I think is the #1 method to find freelance work as a web developer.
- [Make Steady Money By Hosting Websites For Clients](https://travis.media/blog/make-steady-money-hosting-websites-for-clients/): Hosting websites for clients is easy. You just need a process. In addition, it provides a steady stream of income to an often feast or famine freelance cycle.
- [Where Do I Store An API Key in WordPress?](https://travis.media/blog/where-do-i-store-an-api-key-in-wordpress/): Where can I safely store an API Key in WordPress and not expose it to the public or in the code? In this post, I'll show you two ways.
- [My #1 Resource To Pass Your AWS Certification](https://travis.media/blog/best-resource-pass-your-aws-certification/): An AWS Certification is a highly sought after skill these days. If you are looking to pass your AWS certification, then here is my #1 recommendation for you.
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- [Genesis Sample Theme with Sass & Gulp - A Nice Starter](https://travis.media/blog/genesis-sample-theme-with-sass-gulp-a-nice-starter/): When people ask me about a good Genesis starter theme, I now answer exclusively with the Genesis Sample theme, with an added Sass & Gulp workflow. I'll share it with you in this post.
- [How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome For Good!](https://travis.media/blog/overcome-imposter-syndrome/): I've overcome imposter syndrome for good as a developer. It no longer affects me. In this post I will share 4 things you must adopt to beat imposter syndrome once and for all.
- [How To Be A Successful Web Developer on Upwork](https://travis.media/blog/successful-web-developer-on-upwork/): In this video I'll walk you through my own personal Upwork profile and point out the things that I think will help you become a successful web developer on Upwork.
- [How to Set Up Slick Slider (with arrows)](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-set-up-slick-slider/): The Slick Slider library is a solid option for displaying slideshows on your website and my go-to solution the majority of the time. In this post, I'll show you how to set it up for your next project.
- [How I Learned Ruby on Rails in 2 Days](https://travis.media/blog/how-i-learned-ruby-on-rails-in-2-days/): I have a new approach to growing as a software developer since starting my new job. Using this approach, I was able to pick up Ruby on Rails in 2 days.
- [Why Is Software Development Such a Fulfilling Career?](https://travis.media/blog/why-is-software-development-such-a-fulfilling-career/): Here are three key reasons why I think Software Development is such a fulfilling career for many people. Tune in
- [How I Learned to Code at 34 and How You Can Do The Same Regardless Of Age](https://travis.media/blog/how-i-learned-to-code-at-34/): Software development isn't just for people fresh out of college or people with college degrees. Anyone, at any age or circumstance, can learn and change careers and really, the course of their life.
- [Why I Stopped Freelancing and Became an Employee Again](https://travis.media/blog/why-i-stopped-freelancing-became-employee-again/): Just recently I stopped freelancing and became an employee again. Why did I decide to do this? … And what does this mean, if anything, for Travis.Media. Watch the video for a full explanation.
- [What are WordPress Transients and How Can I Use Them?](https://travis.media/blog/wordpress-transients/): Using WordPress transients to cache data can help to speed up your site's performance significantly. But how do we use them? Let's discuss it in this post.
- [Ultimate Maps: An Open Source, Free Alternative to Google Maps](https://travis.media/blog/ultimate-maps-free-alternative-to-google-maps/): In June of 2018, Google Maps became a pay-as-you-go platform. Depending on your purpose and usage, this may not be a beneficial investment for your business. In this post, I'll show you a solid, free alternative to Google Maps.
- [How to List Out All Post Tags Alphabetized and Indexed](https://travis.media/blog/list-out-all-post-tags-alphabetized-indexed/): I recently was asked by a client to list out all post tags on a page, alphabetized and indexed. Her posts tags were ingredients to her recipes and would allow for an alternative way to search her site. Here's how it looks and the code to go along with it.
- [Two Reasons You Must Learn a Front End JavaScript Framework in 2019](https://travis.media/blog/must-learn-front-end-javascript-framework-in-2019/): Planning to learn a new language or framework in 2019? Well, you may want to seriously consider a front end JavaScript framework or library. Here's why.
- [5 Reasons Why a Web Developer May Want to Stop Freelancing](https://travis.media/blog/5-reasons-web-developer-stop-freelancing/): Sometimes a web developer will take a chance, step out as a freelancer, and be unsuccessful at it. At what point should they stop freelancing and consider becoming an employee again? Here are 5 reasons.
- [Paypal Button Variables: How to Send and Receive Data](https://travis.media/blog/paypal-button-variables-send-receive-data/): Creating a Paypal button is pretty standard, but what if you want to send and receive Paypal button variables with it? Here are a few simple examples of how to do so using Paypal's Payment Data Transfer feature.
- [Display Ninja Forms Submissions On Page By Form Id](https://travis.media/blog/display-ninja-forms-submissions-on-page-by-form-id/): We can display Ninja Forms submissions on a page with its own native code, without WP post_meta calls or writing SQL queries. Also, Ninja Forms has a nice Field Key field where we can label what we want our keys to be so that we can target only the specific data we need. Here's how.
- [Udemy Revenue Share: How Instructors Can Make the Most Profit From Each Sale](https://travis.media/blog/udemy-revenue-share-make-profit/): Being an instructor on Udemy has its advantages as well as disadvantages in regard to Udemy Revenue Share. With most sales, you make at most 50% profit from it, often less. But there is one tactic you can put into practice to drastically increase that profit in your favor.
- [How to Run the Lighthouse Chrome Extension in Incognito Window](https://travis.media/blog/run-lighthouse-chrome-extension-incognito/): To be sure you're getting accurate results when using the Lighthouse Chrome extension to audit your webpage, you'll need to run it in Incognito Mode. Why? Because the results are (often extremely) skewed by the other active extension used in the browser. In this article, I'll show you how to run it in the Incognito window.
- [How to Easily Secure Your wp-config File](https://travis.media/blog/easily-secure-wp-config-file/): There are a number of ways to add better security to your WordPress site. Moving your wp-config PHP file out of the install is a great place to start. In this article, I'll show you two ways to do it.
- [How to Create Sticky Sidebar Ads in WordPress (No Plugin Needed)](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-create-sticky-sidebar-ads-in-wordpress-no-plugin-needed/): Sticky sidebar ads can be effective in WordPress, especially in long posts that leave much of the sidebar area empty. In this article, we'll use a little JavaScript to create this functionality without the need for a plugin.
- [Crayon Syntax Highlighter Abandoned. Here are 3 Solid Gutenberg-Ready Alternatives](https://travis.media/blog/crayon-syntax-highlighter-abandoned-3-gutenberg-ready-alternatives/): After 3 years without an update, the Crayon Syntax Highlighter for WordPress is no longer a reliable source. Here are 3 solid Gutenberg-friendly alternatives you should try.
- [What is an API? A helpful analogy and a few examples](https://travis.media/blog/what-is-an-api-a-helpful-analogy-and-a-few-examples/): What is an API? Sometimes it can be hard to explain or even to understand the concept well. In this post, I want to share a very helpful analogy that I came across to help clear up the concept for you.
- [What programming language should I learn in 2019? (the opinionated guide)](https://travis.media/blog/what-programming-language-should-i-learn-ultimate-guide/): If you are looking for a new language or framework to learn this year, you will have to begin with the simple question, What programming language should I learn in 2019? In this post, I want to give you two practical steps in helping you come to an accurate answer, and a few of my own opinions along the way.
- [A Winning Morning Routine for 30+ Year Old Men](https://travis.media/blog/a-winning-morning-routine-for-30-year-old-men/): After 30, life takes on a new seriousness not realized in your 20's. A winning morning routine can make the overall difference between someone who continually progresses in life and someone who remains stagnant. In this post, I want to discuss its importance as well as some practical steps to creating your very own winning morning routine.
- [10 VS Code Extensions that will boost your productivity](https://travis.media/blog/10-vs-code-extensions-that-will-boost-your-productivity/): In my last post I gave 10 VS Code shortcuts that you need to memorize in order to boost your coding productivity. In this post, I want to mimic that, but instead, provide 10 extensions that will serve to do the same.
- [10 VS Code shortcuts to memorize that will boost your productivity](https://travis.media/blog/10-vs-code-shortcuts-to-memorize-that-will-boost-your-productivity/): Boost your coding productivity with these 10 essential VS Code shortcuts. Master quick navigation, editing, search, and more. Become a VS Code ninja overnight!
- [5 Steps to Become a Freelance Web Developer in 2019](https://travis.media/blog/5-steps-to-become-a-freelance-web-developer-in-2019/): A major goal of many web developers is to step on their own, become their own boss, and ultimately a master of their own fate. In this post I'll give you 5 simple steps to become a freelance web developer, this year, in 2019!
- [The #1 Career Decision For Web Developers & Designers: Start a Blog in 2019!](https://travis.media/blog/1-career-decision-for-web-developers-designers-start-a-blog-in-2019/): The biggest joy of my short freelancing career is actually not building websites, finding new clients, or even teaching. It's blogging! Listen to me: Start a Blog in 2019! Do it.
- [A practical review of Dubb: A powerful video marketing app](https://travis.media/blog/practical-review-of-dubb-a-powerful-video-marketing-app/): Video marketing is not only the future, but the present. There is a new app called Dubb that I am thrilled to introduce. Read on for my review of Dubb and how I'm using it to change how I do email marketing.
- [How Can Anyone Learn To Code In 6 Months? Shouldn’t It Take Longer?](https://travis.media/blog/how-can-anyone-learn-to-code-in-6-months-shouldnt-it-take-longer/): There are hundreds of curriculums out there to help anyone learn to code and they all have different lengths: 12 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, etc. In this article, I'll explain why I think 6 months is the sweet spot, and why going longer may actually hinder your learning.
- [My WordPress Web Development Tools](https://travis.media/blog/my-wordpress-web-development-tools/): I love reading about others' web development tools, processes, shortcuts, and all that good stuff. Thus, I decided to share about my own WordPress Web Development Tools as I think they've evolved quite a bit over time.
- [The #1 Reason You Can Charge Premium Rates On Upwork](https://travis.media/blog/charge-premium-rates-on-upwork/)
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- [JavaScript For Bulma – Creating a Modal](https://travis.media/blog/javascript-for-bulma-creating-a-modal/)
- [Understanding the JavaScript Reduce Method](https://travis.media/blog/understanding-the-javascript-reduce-method/)
- [How To Change The Open Graph Image Size In Yoast](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-change-the-open-graph-image-size-in-yoast/)
- [A Mezzanine Tutorial 2018 – Build a Blog on the Django Framework](https://travis.media/blog/mezzanine-tutorial-2018-build-a-blog-on-the-django-framework/)
- [How to Add and Remove a Class From List Items With Pure JavaScript](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-add-and-remove-a-class-from-list-items-with-pure-javascript/)
- [How To Easily Style A Select Dropdown](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-easily-style-a-select-dropdown/)
- [Learning to Code Later in Life: Am I Too Old To Code?](https://travis.media/blog/learning-to-code-later-in-life-am-i-too-old/)
- [A Simple Guide To Gravity Forms CSS](https://travis.media/blog/simple-guide-gravity-forms-css/)
- [Blogger, your Cookie Plugin isn't doing anything! Here's how to fix it](https://travis.media/blog/your-cookie-plugin-isnt-doing-anything-how-to-fix-it/)
- [Setting VS Code to PHP 7 – Executable Not Found](https://travis.media/blog/vs-code-to-php-7-executable-not-found/)
- [A Thrive Architect Review From An Elementor User](https://travis.media/blog/thrive-architect-review-from-elementor-user/): I've been using Elementor Pro now for almost a year and I love having it in my blog arsenal. I've used it on about half of my blog posts and the majority of my pages mainly for extra decoration and efficiency. However, for a number of reasons listed below I decided to pick up Thrive Architect and try it out. Here is my Thrive Architect review.
- [How To Place GDPR Checkboxes in WordPress](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-place-gdpr-checkboxes-in-wordpress/)
- [How Much Should I Charge For Freelance Web Development](https://travis.media/blog/how-much-should-i-charge-for-freelance-web-development/)
- [How to Make Extra Money On Upwork While Learning To Code](https://travis.media/blog/make-extra-money-on-upwork-while-learning-to-code/)
- [How To Run Gulp Tasks According To Environment: Production or Development](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-run-gulp-tasks-according-to-environment-production-or-development/)
- [How To Find Your Specific Calling In Web-Based Business](https://travis.media/blog/find-your-specific-calling-web-based-business/)
- [10 Valuable Lessons Learned In My First 6 Months Freelancing Full-time](https://travis.media/blog/10-valuable-lessons-learned-in-my-first-6-months-freelancing-full-time/): In this post I will share 10 valuable lessons learned in my first 6 months freelancing full-time in hopes that it may benefit my readers looking to take the same path.
- [The ONE THING That Will Help You Reach Your Coding Career Goals](https://travis.media/blog/the-one-thing-that-will-help-you-reach-your-coding-career-goals/): What are your coding career goals? To learn to code and become a JavaScript developer in 1 year? To start a thriving, cutting-edge web agency? Whatever it is, if you fail to plan your steps you will find yourself sidetracked and distracted by every new course and program out there. In this post, I want to show you a framework to help you better reach your coding career goals.
- [Key Features of Visual Studio Code That Coders Should Be Using](https://travis.media/blog/key-features-of-visual-studio-code-that-coders-should-be-using/)
- [5 Growth-Stunting Habits To Avoid As You Learn To Code](https://travis.media/blog/5-growth-stunting-habits-to-avoid-as-you-learn-to-code/): Are you learning to code at a good pace and making steady progress toward your goals, or are you running into roadblocks and setbacks that keep you feeling less confident of your career development? In this post you will discover 5 growth-stunting habits that you must avoid as you learn to code and progress as a new developer.
- [10 Actionable Steps To Increase Website Traffic And Turn Your Hobby Blog Into A Profitable Business](https://travis.media/blog/10-actionable-steps-to-increase-website-traffic-turn-your-hobby-blog-into-profitable-business/): Since the beginning of of this year I have been able to increase website traffic by 500%. This comes as a result of taking what had been largely a hobby blog, and transforming it into a purposeful, yet passionate, business. In this post, I want to show you how to do this for your own blog by providing 10 actionable steps to help you take your blog from hobby to profitable business.
- [Social Bee Review : The All-In-One Social Media Tool](https://travis.media/blog/social-bee-review-the-all-in-one-social-media-tool/)
- [How To File Taxes When Freelancing On The Side: A Simple Guide](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-file-taxes-when-freelancing-on-the-side-a-simple-guide/)
- [The Best Music To Listen To While Coding: My Top 2 Choices](https://travis.media/blog/best-music-to-listen-to-while-coding-my-top-2-choices/)
- [How To Make CSS Changes Without Any Coding Knowledge](https://travis.media/blog/make-css-changes-without-any-coding-knowledge/)
- [Introducing 20 Minute Methods - JavaScript](https://travis.media/blog/introducing-20-minute-methods-javascript/)
- [What does that e mean in JavaScript and jQuery?](https://travis.media/blog/what-does-that-e-mean-javascript-jquery/)
- [Have you read the book Rework? What a breath of fresh air](https://travis.media/blog/read-the-book-rework-breath-fresh-air/)
- [The Mindset You Should Adapt To Pass Your Next Coding Interview](https://travis.media/blog/mindset-to-pass-your-next-coding-interview/)
- [The 4 Best Udemy Courses For Web Developers And Designers](https://travis.media/blog/4-best-udemy-courses-for-web-developers/): Among all the talk of bootcamps, college degrees, nanodegrees, etc., there is a much, much more affordable alternative out there: Udemy.
- [The Difference Between a Parameter and an Argument](https://travis.media/blog/the-difference-between-a-parameter-and-an-argument/)
- [5 Top Exercise Plans For Coders and Programmers: Start today!](https://travis.media/blog/5-top-exercise-plans-for-coders-and-programmers-start-today/): Discover 5 effective exercise plans for coders and programmers. Boost your physical health to enhance mental performance and coding success.
- [Learn To Code Faster By Understanding These 3 Concepts](https://travis.media/blog/learn-to-code-faster-by-understanding-these-3-concepts/): It's been a little over a year now since I began to take coding seriously. I often think, What could I have done differently that would have helped me to learn to code faster?
- [How To Exclude Categories From A Specific Search Form In WordPress](https://travis.media/blog/exclude-categories-from-a-specific-search-form-wordpress/)
- [How to Display the Primary Category for a Product or Post In WordPress Loop](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-display-the-primary-category-for-a-product-or-post-in-wordpress-loop/)
- [How To Create A Custom Checkbox In Gravity Forms](https://travis.media/blog/create-custom-checkbox-in-gravity-forms/)
- [How To Strikethrough Text In The Beaver Builder Pricing Table](https://travis.media/blog/strikethrough-text-beaver-builder-pricing-table/)
- [The Best Invoicing and Accounting Software For Freelance Web Designers](https://travis.media/blog/the-best-invoicing-and-accounting-software-for-freelance-web-designers/)
- [4 Reasons Why Every Web Developer Should Start A Blog](https://travis.media/blog/4-reasons-why-every-web-developer-should-start-a-blog/): What do you do when you get stumped on a coding predicament? Most of us jump to Google. And what comes up in the search results? Blogs! Blogs showing off new code. Blogs aimed on marketing the blogger. Blogs full of new experimentation. And blogs that aim to bring value back to the coding community. Thus, every Web Developer should start a blog.
- [6 Types of Upwork Job Listings You Should Skip](https://travis.media/blog/6-types-upwork-job-listings-you-should-skip/): Let's look at 6 types of Upwork job listings you should avoid to save time and ensure success. Learn how to identify red flags and find the best freelance opportunities.
- [How To Make An Item Grow On Hover with CSS](https://travis.media/blog/how-to-make-an-item-grow-on-hover-with-css/): Let's create a hover effect that makes items grow using CSS. Enhance your web design with this simple, step-by-step guide.
- [How To Manually Update A WordPress Plugin Via FTP](https://travis.media/blog/manually-update-a-wordpress-plugin-via-ftp/)
- [Freelance Newbie, Should You Do Work For Free Up Front?](https://travis.media/blog/freelance-newbie-should-you-work-free-up-front/)
- [Hate Your Job, Hate Your Life: Change Begins Today](https://travis.media/blog/hate-your-job-hate-your-life/)
- [Who Buys the Wordpress Theme? Developer or Client?](https://travis.media/blog/who-buys-the-wordpress-theme-developer-or-client/)
- [How I Got My First 2 Freelance Clients](https://travis.media/blog/first-2-freelance-clients/)
- [After Being Outsourced, It Is Time For A Major Change](https://travis.media/blog/after-being-outsourced-time-for-major-change/)
- [Should I Learn Multiple Programming Languages or Just Master One](https://travis.media/blog/should-i-learn-multiple-programming-languages-or-master-one/)
- [Spark A Child's Interest In Coding With This Silly Program](https://travis.media/blog/spark-child-interest-in-coding-with-silly-program/)

## Key Pages

- [About](https://travis.media/about/): Learn about Travis and the mission of Travis Media
- [Blog](https://travis.media/blog/): All programming and developer articles
- [Resources](https://travis.media/resources/): Curated tools, courses, and dev resources
- [Udemy Deals](https://travis.media/udemy/): Handpicked Udemy course deals for developers
- [Linux Cheatsheet](https://travis.media/linux-cheatsheet/): Quick reference for Linux commands
- [Reading List](https://travis.media/reading-list/): Books Travis recommends for developers

## Additional Resources

- [RSS Feed](https://travis.media/rss.xml): Subscribe to the latest posts
- [Sitemap](https://travis.media/sitemap-index.xml): Full site index