Around this time of year, I start poking around under ToolGuyd’s hood, tweaking small bits of code here and there.
I’ve been under the weather. Still? Again? Kids are germ distribution systems. That means less time with power tools and more time doing less physically intensive stuff.
My code tinkering is not without purpose.
I’m still working on an updated look and layout, and part of the process has been repackaging some of the existing features and aesthetics that I’d like to keep.
Just like how some homes have more than one layer of roofing or flooring, it’s sometimes easier to build on top of code. Until a point.
ToolGuyd is nearly 18 years old. Some things in the backend are functional but could stand to be optimized.
Prime Day is behind us and Black Friday on the horizon. Over the holiday season I typically refer to the same links multiple times a day. Quick links help me out a ton and I figure the same is true for some of you.
Last year I completely reworked the links into neat tiles that I don’t have to rearrange or think too much about. I really like not having to think about things.
This year, I optimized some of the code for easier editing. I then turned my attention to a couple of other long-hanging items on my code tidying-up to-do list.
Google’s AI Overview and AI Search tools actually came in handy. What’s the difference between arranging items in a centered manner and justifying them? I sometimes forget details like that. The AI overview spelled it out neatly – basically one is for vertical distribution, and the other for horizontal.
The goal is to convert the current layout into a more modular arrangement that can be dismantled and reassembled later. I’m changing the framework. New bones, same skin. It’s easier said than done, and there will inevitably be some changes.
I have been using some of the same scripts for years. WordPress, which powers ToolGuyd, now has some of them built in. Why fix what hasn’t broke?
Click for a Surprise
BOO!
I rarely use the “click to show or hide” function that I built for myself ages ago. I made it less clunky over time. The modern built-in version is even easier. It took me some effort to convert things over, and I still need to modernize the styling. But it’s an operational improvement, kind of. A tool that’s easier to use is used more often.
I reworked our social media links, but I’m not liking the look. But, most of the changes are in structuring, which means I can make aesthetic changes very easily.
Some of you might have seen some changes. That’s part of the point of this email – don’t be surprised if there are subtle tweaks. But you probably won’t notice anything. Or maybe you’ll feel some of the differences. It’s hard to say.
What can I do better?
Where do you think I/ToolGuyd can do better, with respect to the site’s usability? That’s a difficult question, and one I’ve asked it over the years.
A lot of times, everything is great until improvements are implemented. But how do you make improvements if you can’t identify points of pain or friction?
I heavily use my own links, indexes, and articles over the holiday season, which is where a lot of the ideas for improvement come up. I am also absolutely always open to feedback and requests!
Tinkering with the backend is cumbersome and frustrating, but also rewarding. Unless I run into a dead-end. (Sorry, there’s really nothing I can do about the comment section’s reply button and how it can be accidentally tapped while scrolling!)
There’s also the possibility that I break something and don’t realize it. I test on various devices and browser environments, but sometimes something as small as a single quote, semicolon, or other character can break things.
I test things off-site as much as possible, but even that’s not infallible.
Thanks for your patience! And please keep any comments, requests, or feedback coming!
