Dev Tools

Browser APIs and short projects explored one at a time. Each article includes a public GitHub repository.

• A Real Database, No Server to Manage - The first four projects in this series ran entirely in the browser. This one breaks that streak on purpose - a shared guestbook backed by Cloudflare D1, a real SQL database that runs at the edge with no server to provision, patch, or pay for while it is idle.
• Your Browser Can Edit Real Files Now - The File System Access API lets browsers open, edit, and save files directly on your disk - no server, no upload, no download. Here is how I built a full file editor with it.
• Your Browser Has a Database. Most Developers Never Use It. - LocalStorage has a 5MB limit and stores only strings. IndexedDB is the real browser database - structured data, no size cap, queryable indexes. I built a local-first notes app to show how it works. Part 3 of the build-it-small series.
• Speech to Text in the Browser - No Backend, No Bill - The browser can listen as well as speak. Using the SpeechRecognition API, I built a multilingual voice-to-text app with copy, download, and live interim results - zero server, zero cost. Part 2 of the build-it-small series.
• Text to Speech in the Browser - No Server, No Cost, No Excuses - How I built a multilingual Text to Speech app using only the browser's built-in Web Speech API - no backend, no API key, no cost. Part 1 of the build-it-small series.
• Deploying Applications on Cloudflare with D1 and Worker - This article guides developers through creating an application and deploying it on Cloudflare using D1 as the SQL server and Worker, comparable to Azure Functions, for serverless computing. It covers setting up D1, creating a Worker, and integrating them for a scalable application. By the end, developers will have a clear understanding of how to leverage these technologies for their applications.
• Build an AI Learning Assistant with One Command - Create a personalized AI learning system with AITutor, a .NET 8 API that utilizes Clean Architecture, Domain-Driven Design, Redis, and Ollama AI, all set up with a single command line. This project demonstrates the application of latest software architecture principles to an AI-based learning system. AITutor offers a robust and scalable business model with real-time content validation and personalized responses
• Building a Speech-to-Text System with Python - This article explores the process of building a speech-to-text system using Python, leveraging the power of machine learning and natural language processing. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to implement the system, from setting up the environment to deploying the model. The system utilizes the repository available at https://github.com/paolinellih/speech-to-text