Why Start a Developer Blog in Late 2024?
There's something special about owning your own blog, especially after a break of more than ten years. While many choose LinkedIn, Twitter, or other networks to publish technical and professional content, why choose a personal blog format, often perceived as "dated"? The answer is simple: the freedom to create, post what you want, and shape your space in your own image, without compromise. Here are some reasons why I decided to relaunch my blog with Next.js 15, a simplified platform without unnecessary frills.
Freedom and Control: Why a Personal Blog?
When posting on social media, you're inevitably subject to platform rules: preferred content types, formats, algorithms, etc. With a personal blog, everything changes: the space is yours. You have 100% control over your content, design, and even the direction of your articles. You don't have to follow forced trends, but simply write about what you're passionate about.
For example, if tomorrow I want to publish an in-depth guide on advanced TypeScript usage with Next.js, I know this content will remain available as long as I decide, without risking getting lost in the flood of LinkedIn posts.
Technical Choices: A Modern but Minimalist Blog
This blog is built with Next.js 15, and choosing this technology isn't random. As developers, we're often tempted by ready-made solutions, but returning to simple and controlled development helps understand the basics and optimize every detail.
Here's an overview of the stack I chose and the reason for each decision:
- Next.js 15: for its simplicity, speed, and server-side rendering (SSR) capabilities, ideal for SEO.
- TypeScript: ensuring code robustness by adding static types, essential for a long-term project.
- Markdown articles, versioned on GitHub: no database needed. All articles are written in markdown files, maintaining a simple, fast, and lightweight architecture. Content is versioned on GitHub: each new article is simply a commit, simplifying content management.
- Minimalist design: a clean style that puts content first. No distracting widgets, no heavy visual effects – just content.
Why Not Stick to LinkedIn or Other Networks?
A blog is a space where you can allow yourself long, detailed articles with comprehensive examples, without format constraints. For example, publishing a technical article on LinkedIn with complete code can be a frustrating experience: code readability is limited, formats aren't flexible, and you don't have complete control over the layout.
Example: an in-depth article on best practices for migrating to Next.js 15. On a blog, you can structure this article as follows:
- Introduction to Next.js 15 benefits
- Migration steps with detailed examples
- Common problems resolution with in-depth solutions
- Conclusion and perspectives for future versions
A More Targeted and Loyal Audience
A personal blog attracts readers interested in your expertise and universe, not those passing by between notifications. If you publish regularly, you'll see the audience gradually building, with visitors returning for each new article. A blog also allows you to get authentic feedback, often more constructive than simple social media "likes".
What You'll Read Here
The articles will cover everything I'm currently passionate about in development: Next.js, TypeScript, React, but also topics like Flutter, Kotlin, and Symfony. You can expect guides, tips, and concrete experience feedback. Here's an example list of articles that could appear on the blog:
- Why I Chose TypeScript for My Blog: Experience Feedback
- Best Practices for Optimizing Next.js Application Performance
- Setting Up a Modular Architecture with React and TypeScript
- Discovering Kotlin for Mobile Development: Pros and Cons
Conclusion: A Space for Free and Authentic Expression
In sum, this blog is a space I'm building in my own image, without social media constraints. If you too want to create content about what really excites you, why not consider a blog? You don't need sophisticated design or advanced features: sometimes simplicity is key. The most important thing is finding a format that reflects who you are and where you're free to express yourself.
So, welcome to my blog! I hope you'll find ideas, tips, and inspiration here for your own projects.