The Problem with Logical AND for Conditional Rendering

Here’s a typical use case with logical AND:

{user.age && <Text>{`Age: ${user.age}`}</Text>}

You might expect this to only render the Text element if user.age is defined, or above 0 (since 0 is a falsy value in JavaScript).

But consider what happens if user.age is 0 (a valid, real-world age). We don’t want the <Text> element to get rendered in this case, and it doesn’t.

However, it creates a pretty unwanted side effect:

• 0 && <Text>...</Text> evaluates to 0.
• React will render the value 0 directly, essentially interpreting it as text instead of a boolean value!
  • In React Native, this is even worse: it will actually crash the entire application with an error about trying to render text outside of a <Text> component!

Example:

const user = { age: 0 };

return (
  <View>
    {user.age && <Text>{`Age: ${user.age}`}</Text>}
  </View>
);

What renders: Just 0. Not the <Text> element.

This happens because && doesn’t enforce a boolean context; it returns the first falsy value or the last truthy value. That means non-boolean values like 0 or "" can sneak through and show up unexpectedly. This can also crash your entire application in the case of React Native!

A Better Alternative: The Ternary Operator (Shorthand “if” Statements)

Instead, I use the ternary (conditional) operator, which makes the intent clearer and avoids rendering unwanted values:

{user.age ? <Text>{`Age: ${user.age}`}</Text> : null}

This guarantees that only a JSX element or null will be rendered; no accidental numbers or strings appearing in your layout.

Improved Example:

const user = { age: 0 };

return (
  <View>
    {user.age ? <Text>{`Age: ${user.age}`}</Text> : null}
  </View>
);

What renders: Nothing if age is undefined, null or 0, and the full Text block if it’s any other number.

Summary: Use the Ternary Operator for Conditional Rendering in React

While using && for conditional rendering may seem like a shortcut, it’s not always safe. This is especially true when your condition might evaluate to a falsy non-boolean like 0. From my experience, using the ternary operator leads to fewer bugs and a more predictable UI.

Use:

condition ? <Component /> : null

Avoid:

condition && <Component />

When writing JSX in React or React Native, I choose clarity over cleverness. The ternary operator keeps my components clean and my debugging sessions short!

The post React Conditional Rendering: Logical AND vs Ternary Operator appeared first on TechOpt.

Why Is App Center Being Discontinued?

App Center has been a go-to choice for mobile developers, providing CI/CD capabilities, automated testing, and distribution for iOS and Android apps. However, Microsoft has decided to sunset the platform, leaving teams to find replacement services that meet their needs. Therefore, selecting the right alternative is crucial. The key factors in choosing an alternative include build automation, real-device testing, seamless app distribution, and over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Best App Center Alternatives for React Native

1. EAS (Expo Application Services)

For teams using EAS, it provides an all-in-one solution for building, updating, and distributing React Native apps. As a result, it is one of the best alternatives to App Center, especially for projects already leveraging Expo.

• Pros:
  • Seamless integration with Expo projects
  • No need for local machine setup
  • Cloud-based builds for iOS and Android
  • EAS Update serves as an alternative to CodePush, allowing for seamless OTA updates
• Cons:
  • Primarily geared toward Expo-managed projects
  • Limited flexibility for bare React Native apps

2. Hot Updater (Self-Hosted CodePush Alternative)

If you relied on App Center for CodePush, a crucial feature for deploying over-the-air updates, you need a replacement. Fortunately, one of the best open-source alternatives is Hot Updater. This is my personal favourite CodePush replacement. It provides similar functionality while allowing you to self-host your own OTA update solution.

• Pros:
  • Self-hosted, offering full control over updates
  • Supports both iOS and Android
  • Intuitive web console for managing versions
  • Plugin support for various storage providers (AWS S3, Supabase, etc.)
• Cons:
  • Requires infrastructure setup and maintenance
  • Needs DevOps expertise for proper implementation

3. Bitrise

Bitrise is one of the most popular CI/CD platforms for mobile development. It offers cloud-based automation, supports React Native out of the box, and provides a flexible pipeline system for building, testing, and deploying apps. Consequently, many teams transitioning from App Center have found it to be a reliable alternative.

• Pros:
  • Pre-configured workflows for React Native
  • Easy integration with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket
  • Supports both iOS and Android
• Cons:
  • Limited free-tier resources
  • Learning curve for advanced workflow customization

4. Codemagic

Codemagic is another excellent CI/CD tool that specializes in mobile development. It supports React Native projects and simplifies the build and deployment process with minimal configuration. Additionally, its user-friendly approach makes it a strong choice for teams looking for a quick transition.

• Pros:
  • Optimized for React Native
  • Automated iOS code signing
  • Integration with Google Play and App Store
• Cons:
  • Can get expensive for teams with heavy usage
  • Limited concurrent builds on the free plan

5. Firebase App Distribution

If your primary need is distributing pre-release versions of your app, Firebase App Distribution is a great alternative to App Center’s distribution feature. Moreover, it integrates well with other Firebase tools, making it an appealing choice for teams already using Firebase.

• Pros:
  • Easy tester management
  • Integrates with Firebase Crashlytics for monitoring
  • Works for both iOS and Android
• Cons:
  • No built-in CI/CD
  • Requires additional tools for automated builds

Choosing the Right App Center Alternative for Your React Native Project

The best App Center alternative depends on your specific needs:

• For full CI/CD: Bitrise or Codemagic
• For scalable builds: CircleCI
• For Expo projects: EAS (Expo Application Services)
• For simple app distribution: Firebase App Distribution
• For over-the-air updates (CodePush alternative): Hot Updater

As App Center sunsets, transitioning to a new platform early will help ensure a smooth workflow. Consequently, by selecting the right alternative, you can continue to build, test, distribute, and update your React Native apps with minimal disruption.

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When setting up a new environment, you might wonder whether you should deploy your workload inside an LXC container or a full VM. The choice depends on what you are trying to achieve.

LXC Containers: Lightweight and Efficient

LXC (Linux Containers) provides an efficient way to run isolated environments on a Proxmox system. Unlike traditional VMs, containers share the host system’s kernel while maintaining their own isolated user space. This means they use fewer resources, start up quickly, and offer near-native performance.

When to Use LXC Containers:

• Single Applications – If you need to run a single application in an isolated environment, an LXC container is an excellent choice.
• Docker Workloads – If an application is only available as a Docker image, you can run Docker inside an LXC container, avoiding the overhead of a full VM.
• Resource Efficiency – LXC containers consume fewer resources, making them ideal for lightweight applications that don’t require their own kernel.
• Speed – Since LXC containers don’t require full emulation, they start almost instantly compared to VMs.

Considerations for LXC Containers:

• Less Isolation – Since they share the host kernel, they are not as isolated as a full VM, which can pose security risks if an attacker exploits vulnerabilities in the kernel or improperly configured permissions.
• Compatibility Issues – Some applications that expect a full OS environment may not work well inside an LXC container.
• Limited System Control – You don’t have complete control over kernel settings like you would in a VM.

Virtual Machines: Full System Isolation

Virtual machines in Proxmox use KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) technology to provide a fully virtualized system. Each VM runs its own operating system with its own kernel, making it functionally identical to a physical machine.

When to Use Virtual Machines:

• Multiple Applications Working Together – If you need to run a system with multiple interacting services, a VM provides a fully isolated environment.
• Custom Kernel or OS Requirements – If your application requires a specific kernel version or a non-Linux operating system (e.g., Windows or BSD), a VM is the way to go.
• Strict Security Requirements – Since VMs have strong isolation from the host system, they provide better security for untrusted workloads.
• Compatibility – Any software that runs on a physical machine will run in a VM without modification.

Considerations for Virtual Machines:

• Higher Resource Usage – VMs require more CPU, RAM, and disk space compared to containers.
• Slower Start Times – Because they emulate an entire system, VMs take longer to boot up.
• More Maintenance – You’ll need to manage full OS installations, updates, and security patches for each VM separately.

Final Thoughts: When to Choose LXC Containers vs. Virtual Machines in Proxmox

In general, if you need to run a single application in isolation, or if your application is only available as a Docker image, an LXC container is the better choice. Containers are lightweight, fast, and efficient. However, if you’re running a more complex system with multiple interacting applications, need complete OS independence, or require strong isolation, a VM is the better solution.

Proxmox makes it easy to work with both LXC and VMs, so understanding your workload’s needs will help you choose the right tool for the job. By leveraging the strengths of each, you can optimize performance, security, and resource usage in your environment.

The post LXC Containers (CTs) vs. Virtual Machines (VMs) in Proxmox appeared first on TechOpt.

Tailwind CSS has solidified its place in the modern web development ecosystem, offering a utility-first approach that streamlines styling for complex projects. While Tailwind is a powerful tool, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. In 2025, Tailwind is more popular than ever, but there are cases where it may not be the best choice. Let’s break down when to use Tailwind, and when to consider alternatives.

When to Use Tailwind CSS

1. Complex, Multi-Page Websites

Tailwind shines in large-scale, multi-page applications where design consistency is critical. With reusable utility classes, developers can ensure a unified UI without wrestling with conflicting styles from separate CSS files. Platforms like SaaS applications, dashboards, and content-heavy websites benefit immensely from Tailwind’s scalable approach.

2. Rapid Prototyping

If speed is a priority, Tailwind helps teams iterate faster. Its utility classes allow developers to style components directly in markup, reducing the need for custom CSS. This makes it ideal for MVPs, startup projects, and proof-of-concept applications where time-to-market is crucial.

3. Projects Requiring Design System Enforcement

Tailwind is a great fit for teams that need strict adherence to a design system. The ability to define custom themes, typography, and color palettes in the tailwind.config.js file ensures that styles remain consistent across all pages and components.

Tailwind CSS version 4, which was just released, takes this a step further. This new version of Tailwind allows for most configuration to be done right inside of your main CSS file.

4. Component-Based Frameworks (React, Vue, Svelte, Next.js, etc.)

For teams using modern frameworks, Tailwind works seamlessly with component-driven development. It allows styling to live alongside the component logic, promoting maintainability and reducing CSS file bloat.

5. Web Apps with a Long Development Lifecycle

Maintaining large applications is easier with Tailwind since it reduces CSS complexity. Unlike traditional CSS or preprocessor-based approaches, Tailwind minimizes global styles, making it easier to refactor and extend applications over time.

When Not to Use Tailwind CSS

1. Small, Static Websites or Simple Landing Pages

For one-page websites or simple marketing pages, Tailwind may be overkill. A minimal custom CSS file or even plain HTML/CSS may suffice. Using Tailwind in such cases could add unnecessary overhead without significant benefits.

2. Highly Unique, Artistic Designs

While Tailwind is flexible, highly creative or experimental designs with intricate animations, custom typography, and complex layouts might be better served with traditional CSS, SCSS, or CSS-in-JS. Tailwind’s structured approach may feel limiting for designers who prefer complete freedom over styles.

3. Teams Without Tailwind Experience

Despite its advantages, Tailwind has a learning curve. Developers unfamiliar with its utility-first approach may struggle initially. If a team lacks experience or doesn’t have time to invest in learning Tailwind, sticking to traditional CSS methodologies may be more efficient.

4. Legacy Codebases with Predefined Styles

If you’re working on a legacy project that already has well-structured CSS or a component library, integrating Tailwind could introduce inconsistencies and unnecessary complexity. Migrating to Tailwind in such cases should be a carefully considered decision.

5. Strict SEO or Performance-Optimized Websites Where Every KB Counts

While Tailwind’s PurgeCSS ensures minimal CSS footprint, in some ultra-performance-critical cases, writing minimal, handcrafted CSS might still be preferable. Projects that need to prioritize reducing external dependencies might opt for vanilla CSS instead.

Conclusion: When to use Tailwind CSS in 2025

Tailwind CSS is a top choice for complex, multi-page applications, design-consistent systems, and component-driven frameworks in 2025. However, it’s not always the best tool for every scenario.

For small static sites, highly creative designs, or legacy projects, traditional CSS approaches may still hold an advantage. Understanding when to use Tailwind, and when not to, will help you maximize efficiency while maintaining flexibility in your web development workflow.

The post When to Use (and Not Use) Tailwind CSS in 2025 appeared first on TechOpt.

Debian vs. Ubuntu: Their Origins

Debian

First released in 1993, Debian stands as one of the oldest and most respected Linux distributions. Built around the principles of free and open-source software, it thrives under community-driven development. Many other distributions, including Ubuntu, rely on Debian as their foundation.

Ubuntu

Launched in 2004 by Canonical, Ubuntu aimed to make Linux more accessible. It builds on Debian’s foundation but offers a polished and beginner-friendly experience. Regular updates and strong enterprise support make it a widely adopted choice. Over the years, Ubuntu has played a huge role in spreading Linux and has gained popularity on desktops, servers, and IoT devices.

The Shift in Ubuntu’s Philosophy

Once the go-to distribution for Linux newcomers and professionals, Ubuntu has undergone significant changes. Canonical, its parent company, has made several controversial decisions in recent years. One of the most debated changes is the introduction and enforcement of Snap packages. Unlike traditional package management systems like apt, Snap is a Canonical-controlled format that bundles dependencies with applications. It simplifies software deployment but adds unnecessary overhead, increases startup times, and creates system inconsistencies.

For many users, Snap complicates rather than simplifies Linux usage. Its abstraction layers make troubleshooting harder, and in some cases, it even reduces performance. Additionally, some software once available via apt is now only offered as Snap, limiting user choice. Frustrated by these changes, many long-time Ubuntu users are reconsidering their options.

Debian: Still Raw, Lean, and True to FOSS Principles

Debian, in contrast, remains committed to free and open-source principles. Unlike Ubuntu, which includes extra layers of customization and proprietary elements like Snap, Debian offers a raw and lean experience. Users control what gets installed and how the system is configured, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient setup.

This distribution also provides greater flexibility. Although configuring it initially requires more effort, it rewards users with stability and minimal bloat. By adhering to the Unix philosophy of keeping things simple and modular, Debian ensures a streamlined system. Its extensive repositories provide access to a vast range of free and open-source software, eliminating the need for third-party packaging formats that can hurt performance.

Debian vs. Ubuntu: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

For those seeking a fast, efficient Linux distribution free of corporate influence, Debian stands out as the better choice in 2025. It serves as a rock-solid foundation for servers, desktops, and embedded systems while giving users full control over software choices without Canonical’s restrictions.

That said, Ubuntu still holds some advantages. Users who need enterprise-level support, long-term support (LTS) releases, or better third-party application compatibility may find Ubuntu more suitable. Companies and organizations that require professional support and streamlined administration tools will continue benefiting from Ubuntu’s ecosystem.

For individuals prioritizing performance, freedom, and a clean Linux experience, Debian remains the superior option. It stays true to Linux principles and provides a reliable system that does exactly what users need, without unnecessary extras.

Final Thoughts

Ubuntu has played a crucial role in making Linux more widespread. However, Canonical’s recent decisions have made it less appealing to users who prioritize performance and freedom. Debian, on the other hand, continues to champion the free and open-source philosophy. With its efficiency and customizable nature, it remains a strong alternative. If you want a Linux distribution that respects user choice and avoids corporate bloat, Debian is the best option in 2025.

The post Debian vs. Ubuntu in 2025: Which One Should You Choose? appeared first on TechOpt.

Each of these brands has its strengths and weaknesses, making them better suited for different users.

1. Meross Bulbs

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available on Amazon
• Compatible with HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant

Cons:

• Frequent Wi-Fi disconnection issues, even on the latest firmware
• Unreliable performance on some networks

I personally tried Meross smart bulbs, but they constantly disconnected from my Wi-Fi and wouldn’t respond properly. This seems to be a known issue with Meross bulbs and certain Wi-Fi networks, making them difficult to recommend despite their affordability.

I would not buy Meross bulbs again at all.

2. Sengled Bulbs

Pros:

• Available at major retailers and online
• Zigbee and Wi-Fi options available

Cons:

• Wi-Fi bulbs develop color issues and flickering over time
• Zigbee bulbs do not act as repeaters despite being powered devices

I had a few Sengled bulbs over the years. My Sengled Wi-Fi bulbs initially worked great but later started flickering and having color inconsistencies.

Their Zigbee bulbs also don’t function as repeaters, which is a downside if you’re looking to strengthen your Zigbee mesh network.

Sengled bulbs are nice if you want a cheap option, but they don’t seem to have the longest lifespan in my experience.

3. TP-Link Kasa Bulbs

Pros:

• Reliable brand with good integration into smart home ecosystems
• Competitive pricing and available on Amazon
• Has great reviews overall

Cons:

• Recent firmware updates breaking third-party API access
• Potential issues with Home Assistant and other platforms

While I haven’t personally used Kasa’s smart bulbs, I have had experience with their Wi-Fi smart plugs, which were very reliable. I actually swore by TP-Link Kasa smart plugs for years.

However, TP-Link supposedly recently started pushing updates to some devices that block third-party API access, affecting integrations with Home Assistant and other platforms.

Because of this, I’m avoiding new Kasa devices, and this is a significant downside for smart home enthusiasts.

4. Philips Hue Bulbs (Winner)

Pros:

• Rock-solid reliability with Zigbee technology
• Acts as a Zigbee repeater, strengthening your network
• Excellent color accuracy and brightness
• Can be used with or without the Hue Bridge
• Feature-rich Hue app with dynamic lighting effects

Cons:

• Much more expensive than other options

Philips Hue has been a leader in smart lighting for years, and it continues to be the best choice in 2025. I have never experienced dropouts with Hue bulbs, and they always produce vibrant, accurate colors at a consistent brightness. Since they operate using Zigbee, they strengthen the network by acting as repeaters, unlike Sengled’s Zigbee bulbs.

Additionally, the Hue app provides excellent lighting animations and effects, making it a standout choice.

While they are pricier, the reliability and features make them worth it. I’ve switched all my smart lights to Philips Hue in early 2025.

5. Govee Bulbs

Pros:

• Budget-friendly and well-reviewed on Amazon
• Sold at major retailers
• Offers good color accuracy

Cons:

• Uses Wi-Fi, which can be affected by network conditions

Govee has become a popular budget brand, offering smart bulbs that perform well for the price. They are available both online and in physical stores, making them easy to find. However, like other Wi-Fi-based smart bulbs, they may suffer from connectivity issues depending on your network conditions.

If you’re on a tight budget, they can be a decent option, but they don’t match the reliability of Zigbee-based solutions like Philips Hue.

Conclusion: Philips Hue are Still the Best Smart Bulbs!

When comparing these five brands, Philips Hue still comes out on top in 2025. It offers the most reliable connection, great color reproduction, and strengthens your Zigbee network. While it is more expensive, it’s the best investment for a hassle-free smart lighting experience.

If you’re on a budget, Govee is a solid alternative, while Sengled and Meross have had reliability issues over time. TP-Link Kasa would have been a good choice if not for the recent API limitations.

At the end of the day, choosing the right smart bulb depends on your specific needs, but if reliability and performance are your top priorities, Philips Hue wins in every aspect, by a longshot!

The post Best Smart Bulbs in 2025: A Comprehensive Comparison appeared first on TechOpt.

Understanding Zigbee and Wireless Interference

Zigbee operates in the 2.4 GHz band using channels numbered from 11 to 26. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi networks (802.11b/g/n) also use the 2.4 GHz band, which can create potential interference with Zigbee signals. Other sources of interference include Bluetooth devices, microwaves, and cordless phones.

Here’s a breakdown of how Zigbee and Wi-Fi channels overlap:

• Zigbee Channel 11 (2405 MHz) – Overlaps with Wi-Fi channels 1-3 (high interference potential).
• Zigbee Channel 15 (2425 MHz) – Slightly overlaps with Wi-Fi channels 6-7 (a much better choice).
• Zigbee Channel 20 (2450 MHz) – Slightly overlaps with Wi-Fi channels 9-11 (another good option).
• Zigbee Channel 25 (2475 MHz) – Sits near Wi-Fi channel 13 (a solid choice in some cases, but not all devices support it well).
• Zigbee Channel 26 (2480 MHz) – Least interference but has reduced transmission power in some regions.

To visually see the overlap between Wi-Fi and Zigbee channels, you can consult the graph below:

Recommended Zigbee Channels

Based on interference patterns, the best Zigbee channels to use are:

1. Channel 15 (2425 MHz)

This channel is one of the best choices because it avoids heavy overlap with common Wi-Fi channels like 1, 6, and 11. It provides a stable connection for most Zigbee devices.

2. Channel 20 (2450 MHz)

Another great option, channel 20, minimizes interference while maintaining strong signal strength. If you experience issues with channel 15, this is a great alternative.

3. Channel 25 (2475 MHz) – With Caution

Channel 25 can work well in environments where interference is a problem, as it avoids most of the congestion. However, some Zigbee devices may not fully support this channel, leading to inconsistent performance.

You should test each device individually with Channel 25 and make sure that you aren’t experiencing any issues. If everything seems okay, channel 25 should work for you.

Zigbee Channel 11: Why You Should Avoid It

Zigbee channel 11 is the default for many devices, but it overlaps heavily with Wi-Fi channels 1, 2, and 3. If you leave your Zigbee network on channel 11 in a busy environment, you may experience dropped connections and slow response times.

Remarks

• Best Channels: Zigbee channel 15 and 20 provide the best balance of performance and minimal interference.
• Channel 25 Consideration: If your devices support it, channel 25 can work well in certain environments but may not be compatible with all devices. Test your devices for compatibility.
• Avoid Channel 11: Due to its heavy overlap with Wi-Fi, channel 11 is not recommended unless necessary.
• Check Your Network: Use tools like Zigbee2MQTT or Home Assistant’s network map to analyze and optimize your Zigbee network.
• Interference Sources: Besides Wi-Fi, other wireless signals such as Bluetooth, microwaves, and cordless phones can also impact Zigbee performance.
• Multiple Zigbee Networks: If you have more than one Zigbee network, use different channels to avoid interference. For example, I have my Philips Hue on channel 15 and my Home Assistant Zigbee2MQTT network on channel 20.
• Wi-Fi Channel 13: Depending on your region, Wi-Fi channel 13 may not be a concern. In Europe and most parts of Asia, channel 13 is allowed and commonly used, whereas in North America, its use is restricted. This means that interference from Wi-Fi channel 13 may not be an issue depending on where you live.

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What Is ZHA?

ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation) is the native Zigbee integration for Home Assistant.

Pros of ZHA

• Built-in Integration: Comes pre-installed in Home Assistant, making setup quick and easy.
• Native User Interface: Devices are configured and controlled directly through the Home Assistant UI.
• Reliable Local Control: No need for additional software or external MQTT brokers.
• Minimal Maintenance: Works well for most users without extensive configuration.

Cons of ZHA

• Limited Device Support: Compared to Zigbee2MQTT, some exotic or newly released devices may not be fully supported. However, this is much less of an issue in 2025.
• Fewer Advanced Features: Lacks deep debugging tools and advanced configurations.

How to Install ZHA

1. Open Home Assistant and navigate to Settings > Devices & Services.
2. Click Add Integration and search for Zigbee Home Automation.
3. Select your Zigbee coordinator and follow the on-screen instructions. I simply use a cheap Zigbee coordinator USB from AliExpress.
4. Once installed, start adding Zigbee devices through the Home Assistant UI. It uses the zigpy library and supports various Zigbee coordinators, including ConBee, Sonoff, and Texas Instruments-based adapters.

What Is Zigbee2MQTT?

Zigbee2MQTT is an alternative Zigbee integration that allows you to connect Zigbee devices to Home Assistant using an MQTT broker.

Pros of Zigbee2MQTT

• Wider Device Compatibility: Supports more Zigbee devices, including lesser-known brands and custom firmware.
• MQTT Flexibility: Can integrate with other smart home platforms beyond Home Assistant.
• Advanced Features: Offers OTA updates, detailed logging, and better debugging tools.
• More Customization: Allows fine-tuned control of device behavior and settings.

Cons of Zigbee2MQTT

• More Complex Setup: Requires an MQTT broker, additional configuration, and possible troubleshooting.
• Higher Maintenance: Needs manual updates and deeper technical knowledge for advanced features.

How to Install Zigbee2MQTT

1. Install an MQTT broker such as Mosquitto via Home Assistant Add-ons.
2. Install Zigbee2MQTT by adding its repository to Home Assistant Add-ons and following the installation instructions.
3. Configure Zigbee2MQTT by editing its settings to match your Zigbee coordinator.
4. Start the Zigbee2MQTT add-on and pair your Zigbee devices through its web interface. It offers more extensive device support and advanced configuration options.

ZHA vs Zigbee2MQTT: Feature Comparison

ZHA vs Zigbee2MQTT: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?

As of 2025, ZHA has become quite mature and is the recommended option for most users due to its simplicity and stability. It is ideal for beginners or those who want an easy-to-use, built-in solution.

• Choose ZHA if you want a simple, plug-and-play solution with minimal configuration. It works best for users who prefer a native Home Assistant experience and don’t need extensive customization.
• Choose Zigbee2MQTT if you need maximum device compatibility and advanced features like detailed logs, OTA updates, and fine-tuned control. It is the best choice for power users or those experiencing issues with device compatibility in ZHA. However, be prepared for a more complex setup process.

The post ZHA vs Zigbee2MQTT: Best Zigbee Add-On for Home Assistant appeared first on TechOpt.

As a web developer, part of our job is to make sure we’re using available optimizations and adhering to the latest best coding practices. Many of these optimizations rely heavily on clever use of HTML and JavaScript, so technical expertise is key.

1. Optimize LCP Loading Speed

Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) is a critical metric in Google’s Core Web Vitals. It measures the time it takes for the largest visible content element—usually an image or block of text—to load and become visible to users. A slow LCP can negatively impact user experience and search rankings.

To improve LCP:

• Avoid lazy loading the largest image or hero image on your page. This ensures the browser can prioritize its rendering immediately.
• Use efficient image formats like WebP or AVIF for better compression.
• Preload critical resources, such as fonts and above-the-fold images, to help the browser fetch them early.

These changes often involve direct modifications to your HTML structure and strategic resource management through JavaScript to ensure optimized delivery.

2. Lazy Load Other Images

While the largest image should not be lazy-loaded, smaller images and those below the fold can and should be. Lazy loading these assets reduces the initial page size and improves loading speed, leading to a better user experience and higher SEO performance.

Use the loading="lazy" attribute for images or leverage JavaScript libraries for more control. For example:

<img src="example.jpg" loading="lazy" alt="Descriptive Alt Text">

Strategic use of HTML attributes and JavaScript allows you to control how and when resources load, ensuring optimal performance.

3. Lazy Load Unnecessary JavaScript and Unnecessary Content Below the Fold

Lazy loading isn’t just for images—you can also apply it to JavaScript and other content below the fold. This minimizes the amount of resources the browser processes initially, reducing the time to interactive (TTI).

Here’s an example using React:

import React, { lazy, Suspense } from 'react';

const LoginModal = lazy(() => import('./LoginModal'));

function App() {
  const [showModal, setShowModal] = React.useState(false);

  return (
    <div>
      <button onClick={() => setShowModal(true)}>Open Login</button>
      {showModal && (
        <Suspense fallback={<div>Loading...</div>}>
          <LoginModal />
        </Suspense>
      )}
    </div>
  );
}

This approach defers loading the login modal until the user clicks the button. Frameworks like Vue, Angular, or vanilla JavaScript also support similar lazy loading techniques using import(), which you can read more about here.

Implementing these optimizations requires careful use of JavaScript to balance resource management and functionality.

4. Don’t Lazy Load Content Vital to Search Engines

While lazy loading has its benefits, overusing it can backfire. Content critical for SEO, like metadata, structured data, and primary text visible to users, should not be lazy-loaded. Search engines may not fully index this content, harming your rankings.

To ensure vital information is always available:

• Use Server-Side Rendering (SSR) for pages you need to rank well in search engines. SSR renders content on the server before sending it to the browser, ensuring it’s accessible to search engines and users.
• Prioritize preloading critical content while deferring less essential resources.

This balance often involves designing your HTML to ensure critical content is included upfront and leveraging JavaScript for secondary features. Therefore, avoid over-optimization that can harm your site’s accessibility and SEO.

5. Minimize Time to Interactive

Time to Interactive (TTI) measures how quickly a page becomes fully interactive. High TTI can frustrate users and impact rankings.

To optimize TTI:

• Use SSR to render the initial view faster.
• Choose smaller, lightweight JavaScript libraries and avoid running unnecessary scripts on load.
• Combine lazy loading with efficient bundling to defer non-critical scripts until needed.

Reducing TTI requires fine-tuning your JavaScript execution and crafting your HTML to load essential resources efficiently. By optimizing these elements, you can enhance user satisfaction and meet Google’s performance benchmarks.

Conclusion

By following these five technical SEO tips for 2025, you can improve your site’s speed, usability, and search engine visibility. Many of these strategies rely on making deliberate adjustments to your HTML and JavaScript to strike the perfect balance between performance and accessibility. Stay proactive, and your website will thrive in the ever-changing SEO landscape.

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Why Share Code Between React and React Native?

React and React Native share the same core library, making it possible to reuse logic like hooks, contexts, and state management. By sharing code, you reduce development time and avoid duplicating functionality. This is especially helpful for projects that have both a web app and a mobile app with overlapping features.

However, sharing presentation components remains a challenge due to platform differences. Instead, focus on sharing non-UI elements like business logic, data processing, and utility functions.

Methods to Share Code Between React and React Native

1. Using a Monorepo

A monorepo centralizes multiple projects, such as your React app, React Native app, and shared logic, into a single repository. This structure simplifies managing shared code.

Advantages:

• Centralized control over shared logic.
• Simplified versioning with everything in one place.
• Dependency management becomes easier using tools like Yarn Workspaces or Lerna.

How It Works:

• Organize your repository into separate folders for the React app, React Native app, and shared code.
• Link the shared code using a package manager like Yarn.
• Import shared modules in your apps directly as local dependencies.

2. Using NPM Packages

Publishing shared logic as NPM packages provides a modular and flexible approach. These packages can either be hosted publicly on npmjs or in a private repository.

Why This Method Works Well:

• Shared logic stays modular and independent.
• Updating shared logic becomes seamless by bumping the package version in dependent projects.
• Packages can easily be reused in other projects, even outside the React ecosystem.

How to Set It Up:

1. Create a separate repository for shared logic.
2. Develop your code and package it with tools like Rollup or Webpack if needed.
3. Publish the package to npmjs or a private NPM registry.
4. Install the package in both React and React Native projects.

Example:

// Inside shared-package.js
export function calculateDiscount(price, discount) {
  return price - price * (discount / 100);
}

// React App
import { calculateDiscount } from "my-shared-package";

// React Native App
import { calculateDiscount } from "my-shared-package";

This is personally one of my top methods for code sharing as I find it makes sharing complex code between React and React Native super clean and easy.

3. Good Old Copy and Paste

For small, one-off functions that are unlikely to change, copy-pasting offers a simple and fast solution. Although this method lacks scalability, it can work for minor use cases.

When to Use This Method:

• The code is minimal and unlikely to evolve.
• You need a quick solution for prototyping or experimentation.

Drawbacks:

• Maintenance becomes challenging if changes are needed later.
• Inconsistencies may arise if similar logic exists across multiple projects.

Example:

// Copied and pasted in both projects
function formatCurrency(amount) {
  return `$${amount.toFixed(2)}`;
}

Remarks

• Choose your method based on the complexity of shared logic and project requirements.
• NPM packages strike a good balance between flexibility and maintainability.
• Monorepos suit tightly coupled projects but may increase setup complexity.
• Minimize reliance on copy-pasting to avoid long-term maintenance issues.

By adopting these strategies, you can efficiently share code between React and React Native projects, reducing duplication and creating a cohesive development workflow.

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