15 Must-Read Software Development Blogs

At the risk of stating the obvious, it seems that you aren’t lounging in the jacuzzi of your private yacht.
Alas, it happens to the best of us.

To right that wrong, you just need to reach the top of your software developer career ladder.

To this end, sharpen your professional skills by following the best software development blogs.

We've picked 15 top software development blogs packed with useful information for developers and non-developers alike.

Let's take a look.

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Ranking criteria for software development blogs

Picking out these 15 software development blogs wasn't random. We used specific criteria to make sure we chose blogs that would really help software developers.

Here's what we looked for:

• Content quality: Does the blog have good web content? We looked for blogs that share helpful, well-researched information on developing software.
• Blog post frequency: How often does the blog post? Blogs that share new content regularly can offer the latest information.
• Expertise and authority: Who's behind the blog? Blogs written by knowledgeable developers or well-known tech companies can offer trustworthy advice.
• Relevance of topics: What does the blog cover? Software development is a big field. We looked for blogs that talk about a variety of topics.
• Community engagement: Is there a discussion on the blog? Blogs where readers ask questions and share ideas can be an extra source of learning.
• User experience: Is the blog easy to use? A blog that's simple to navigate can make learning easier.
• Variety of learning resources: What kind of content does the blog offer? Blogs that share videos, podcasts, or downloadable resources can appeal to different types of learners.

We believe these criteria resulted in a well-rounded list of software development blogs that cater to different tastes and learning styles. But remember, there's no "best" or "worst" blog.

All the blogs on our list are great resources for developers. They stood out based on our criteria, but the most important thing is to find blogs that you enjoy and learn from.

Follow one, or follow them all.

Then go back to your regularly scheduled programming of GitHub and memes.

Top 15 software development blogs to follow

We’ve shown you how we ranked the blogs, and why. Now, let's take a look at the 15 software dev blogs you should definitely follow.

1. Smashing Magazine

Source: Smashing Magazine

Launched in 2006 by Sven Lennartz and Vitaly Friedman, colorful, almost whimsical Smashing Magazine provides a wealth of resources for web developers and designers.

It features articles that explore complex topics, ebooks, and workshops on practical tech skills. It also hosts conferences and spaces where professionals can share and learn.

Key features

• Provides a broad spectrum of articles and ebooks for continuous learning.
• Runs practical workshops to help developers apply their skills.
• Organizes industry-related conferences for knowledge sharing and networking.

Notable post: If you're interested in the core principles of impactful website design, then 10 Principles of Good Web Design is a must-read.

2. Tuts+ Code

Source: Tuts+ Code

Launched in 2008 by founders Collis Ta'eed, Cyan Ta’eed, and Jun Rung, Tuts+ Code is a key part of the larger Tuts+ learning network. This dedicated blog shares practical tips, in-depth tutorials, courses, and the latest news in the coding world.

The best part is that it doesn’t just focus on developer topics; Tuts+ covers web design, music, and even business.

From beginners taking their first coding steps to seasoned developers eager to master a new language, Tuts+ Code has something for everyone.

Key features

• Provides practical tips and extensive tutorials for developers.
• Keeps readers up-to-date with the latest coding news and trends.
• Being part of a larger learning network, it offers access to a diverse range of learning materials.

Notable post: Check out this intuitive piece about overcoming imposter syndrome in your career.

3. SitePoint

Source: SitePoint

SitePoint was founded in 1999 by Mark Harbottle and Matt Mickiewicz, and has evolved into a comprehensive educational platform for web development. One of its biggest draws is its library of books, written by top professionals in the field.

From tips on mobile app development and new technology trends to step-by-step guides on important programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, SitePoint has it all.

Key features

• SitePoint's library of free and paid books written by industry experts is a great resource for learning about a variety of tech topics.
• The site offers many kinds of content: articles, videos, online courses, and more. They cover everything from the basics to more advanced subjects.
• SitePoint has been a trusted resource in the web development community for over two decades.

Notable post: SitePoint's guide on Troubleshooting Kubernetes: Unauthorized Access and More is a clear and detailed resource for anyone struggling with Kubernetes issues. It breaks down some of the common problems users face and provides effective solutions.

4. DZone

Source: DZone

DZone, established in 1997 by Rick Ross (not that Rick Ross), is a rich resource for developers at any stage of their career. It's a community-driven blog with over two million developers.

Dzone publishes articles and tutorials from both the DZone team and external contributors. These guides cover a broad range of topics too, from agile software development, AI, and cloud technology to DevOps.

Key features

• DZone encourages contributions from both the core team and external developers, making it a collaborative platform.
• The blog covers a wide range of topics, including coding tutorials, reports, tech news, and best practices in software development.
• Regular updates to the Refcardz collection provide a repository of quick reference cheat sheets on different tech topics.

Notable post: WireMock: The Ridiculously Easy Way. This post stands out for its casual yet detailed take on WireMock Basics.

5. CSS-Tricks

Source: CSS-Tricks

Founded in 2007 by Chris Coyier, CSS-Tricks is more than a blog. It's a community hub for web developers, offering not just well-written articles but also code snippets, video guides, and active discussions. Its cool, user-friendly interface and the convenience of a newsletter subscription make it a favorite among the developer community.

They’ve also recently partnered with DigitalOcean, and members get a $200 coupon to build their own DO-hosted site once they sign up.

Key features

• CSS-Tricks is known for its extensive content on CSS, but it also covers a wide variety of other web development topics, making it an all-rounder.
• It’s not a one-man show! The blog features guest posts from industry pros, adding a dash of variety and fresh insights.
• CSS-Tricks also delivers its latest posts straight to your inbox with their newsletter subscription.

Notable post: Making Calendars with Accessibility and Internationalization in Mind is a simple yet insightful guide on creating inclusive and user-friendly digital calendars.

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6. CodePen Blog

Source: CodePen

CodePen Blog was established by co-founders Chris Coyier (yes, the very same), Tim Sabat, and Alex Vazquez in 2012. This blog is an exciting and educational platform for front-end developers and designers alike.

The blog is also an extension of the CodePen community, a social coding platform where developers can show off their work, seek feedback, and learn from each other. Besides articles, the CodePen Blog also highlights useful pens — code snippets created by the community.

Key features

• CodePen Blog has an online code editor where you can post code snippets and even get the community to comment on them.
• Regular updates on CodePen Challenges engage community members and help hone coding skills.
• There is a heavy focus on user-submitted content, besides articles. CodePen takes building in public to a whole new level.

Notable post: CodePen Radio. Not a blog post, but worth mentioning. This is an engaging series of podcasts featuring industry experts and discussions about CodePen.

7. David Walsh's Blog

Source: DWB

David Walsh's Blog, named after the writer and software developer himself, has been a useful platform for budding software developers since its establishment in 2007.

Known for his work at Mozilla and his contributions to the open-source platform, David brings his vast experience to bear in his insightful articles, offering a unique perspective to his readers. He writes his blog posts personally, keeping the tone informal and friendly, which helps make complex ideas more digestible for his audience.

Key features

• The blog has a strong focus on JavaScript and web development.
• David's practical coding experience lends a hands-on approach to his posts.
• He regularly shares snippets of useful code and scripts.
• Encourages reader interaction and builds a sense of community.

Notable post: Interview With a Pornhub Web Developer — Need we say more?

8. A List Apart

Source: A List Apart

Conceived in 1997 by the visionary web developer Jeffrey Zeldman, A List Apart has grown into a lively community filled with passionate web enthusiasts.

It's more like an online clubhouse where design buffs, content creators, and coders come together to exchange ideas and share experiences. What's cool about it? They open their doors to contributors worldwide, it’s a huge melting pot of web wisdom.

Key features

• They welcome input from professionals worldwide, adding a wonderful diversity of voices.
• The site hosts in-depth articles and engaging discussions on everything web-related.
• The content is carefully curated by domain experts, which keeps the quality high.
• Each article comes with a pretty cool doodle.

Notable post: That's Not My Burnout —This empathetic piece addresses the issue of burnout in the tech industry, a topic close to many developers' hearts. Here, Donna Bungard shares personal experiences and offers helpful advice on how to manage and prevent burnout.

9. CodeNewbie

Source: CodeNewbie

CodeNewbie, founded by Saron Yitbarek in 2014, is a supportive, diverse community for anyone learning to code.

The blog, though not frequently updated, is rich with approachable coding tutorials, relatable learning experiences, and inspiring success stories. The real gem, however, lies in its insightful podcast series filled with relatable people describing their shockingly familiar forays into tech.

Key features

• Wide variety of topics for all programming levels.
• An inclusive and supportive tone for new learners.
• Provides a variety of podcasts in addition to blog posts.
• Created and led by a woman.

Notable post: The podcast episode, "Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergence in Tech", sheds light on how workplaces can better support neurodivergent individuals.

10. Joel on Software

Source: Joel on Software

Joel on Software is one of the early luminaries in the field of software development blogs.

Founded in 2000 by Joel Spolsky, a former Microsoft programmer, this blog offers an insightful blend of practical advice, industry observations, and software management wisdom.

Joel's enlightening articles have also influenced many in the software industry, contributing to books and shaping conversations worldwide.

Key features

• Authentic perspective and pragmatic advice from a seasoned industry expert.
• Variety of topics, including project management, coding, and software development practices.

Notable post: In the post, "The Joel Test: 12 Steps to Better Code", Spolsky presents a straightforward checklist for software teams to gauge their quality control effectiveness.

11. Scott Hanselman's Blog

Source: Scott Hanselmann

Scott Hanselman's Blog is a personal testament to his lifelong love affair with coding.

Created by Scott Hanselman, a Microsoft programmer and tech educator, this blog carries a warm, personal tone that complements its in-depth technical discussions. Hanselman's posts cover a vast array of topics, from .NET development to tips for setting up your home office.

Scott Hanselman also runs a podcast called 'Hanselminutes' with more than 900 episodes, and a YouTube channel where he shares helpful videos.

Key features

• Personal anecdotes and humor make technical topics more engaging.
• Diverse content, including podcast transcripts and personal productivity tips.
• Youtube channel with practical videos.

Notable post: A remarkable post on Scott's blog is Using Home Assistant to integrate a Unifi Protect G4 Doorbell and Amazon Alexa to announce visitors. In this engaging post, Scott shows readers how to make a smart home even smarter, by integrating a doorbell with Amazon Alexa.

12. Software Engineering Daily

Source: Software Engineering Daily

Software Engineering Daily is the blog for software enthusiasts who are looking for in-depth discussions and unbiased commentary. This blog delivers fresh content on software engineering, philosophy, data, and ethical hacking.

Key features

• Daily podcast episodes that cover the latest trends and ideas in software engineering.
• Informative interviews with industry professionals.
• Content that appeals to a wide range of software enthusiasts.

Notable post: One notable post is "10 Privacy-Enhancing Technologies Every Engineer Should Know About," where Sean Falconer shares practical tips for engineers to create more secure and privacy-aware software solutions.

13. Toptal Engineering Blog

Source: Toptal

Toptal Engineering Blog was created to provide a platform for professional software engineers in the Toptal network to share their knowledge and experience with the wider community.

The blog features articles written by verified experts in their respective fields that range from web and mobile development to data science. The blog is updated frequently with new content that is relevant to current trends in software development.

Key features

• The blog provides detailed tutorials that are easy to follow and understand.
• Contributors can be hired directly from their article page.

Notable post: We recommend reading "The Comprehensive Guide to JavaScript Design Patterns". It’s a great tutorial that provides an overview of design patterns in JavaScript and how they can be used to improve code quality and maintainability.

14. The Daily WTF

Source: The Daily WTF

The Daily WTF is a humorous blog that was founded in 2004 by Alex Papadimoulis. The blog is dedicated to “Curious Perversions in Information Technology” and recounts tales of disastrous development, from project management gone spectacularly bad to inexplicable coding choices.

Key features

• Invites users to share their own "WTF" moments.
• Offers a mix of amusing anecdotes and serious discussions.
• An active comments section.
• Runs "CodeSOD" (Code Snippet of the Day), a popular section where bewildering pieces of real code are dissected for educational purposes.

Notable post: "The Case of the Missing Signal," a funny and enlightening tale of a satellite connection vanishing into the digital ether — or did it?

15. The Overflow

Source: The Overflow

Born from the same minds that brought us the The Overflow Q&A platform, the Overflow Blog simplifies topics on the ever-evolving field of computer programming.

With its pulse on the trends and shifts in the developer community, it offers a deeper dive into topics that matter to software professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Best part? They have a useful newsletter, too.

Key features

• Broad coverage of trending software topics.
• Detailed yet accessible posts.
• Unique insights from Stack Overflow's user data.
• Regular updates about the Stack Overflow platform.

Notable post: We recommend "How to Make Good Code Reviews Better." It’s a great article that provides tips on how to improve your code reviews and ensure high-quality and helpful reviews for the long term.

Honorable mentions

While the following blogs didn't make it into our top 15 list, they still deserve recognition for their valuable contributions to the software architecture community. They are:

1. WeAreDevelopers (WAD): WAD is not only an OG in the software development scene; it also hosts one of the largest developer conferences in Europe. Their blog — and magazine — covers a wide range of topics, including cutting-edge technologies, career advice, recruiter tips, and community-driven insights.
2. Hashnode: Hashnode is focused on helping developers grow their careers. It covers topics such as coding, career growth, and personal development. The main feature of Hashnode is its open-door policy to publishing — anyone can blog on their own domain.
3. Hackernoon: This blog primarily publishes stories about programming, blockchain, AI, and startups. They also accept contributions from seasoned professionals, as well as emerging voices.