Welcome to Hot Web Dev December 2025, featuring the latest technology, web development news and articles. This month features how learning to code has changed since the onset of AI and the effects on the future of the attention span. The tool of the month is a full-stack app to have in your toolbox.
Table of contents
Learning To Code Has Changed
I’m a big fan of Brad Traversy and have followed his YouTube channel for many years. Recently, he reported why he isn’t making any further coding tutorials. Although very sad from a consumer’s point of view, I understand that it must be heartbreaking to spend days or even weeks planning and creating content to be viewed by a limited number of people. Sadly, with the increased use of AI in the form of chatbots, such as ChatGPT, and development tools like Cursor, people no longer want to spend hours scouring the web to find a solution to their question or build an app that can be vibe-coded in 15 minutes.
If you manage a website or blog, you’ll have noticed a significant decline in web traffic over the past five years. We’ve allowed AI to scrape everything online and then wonder why no one views the most popular post you have ever had. They don’t need to.
The average attention span dropped to 47 seconds in 2025. Finding videos longer than a few minutes becomes increasingly stressful. As we move towards “brainrot” – content devoid of meaning or educational value – what can we expect in the future?
Learning Resources
FreeCodeCamp’s new Relational Databases certification is now available. The certification includes interactive lessons, workshops, labs, and quizzes covering core concepts like Bash scripting, SQL, and Git. After completing five certification projects, learners can take the 50-question exam to earn a free verified certification.
Meanwhile the Responsive Web Design Certification includes more theory, practice, and an exam. The coursework from the previous Full Stack Developer Certification has been incorporated into smaller certifications, including the new Responsive Web Design Certification. Legacy certifications remain valid, and there are no plans to implement expiration dates for freeCodeCamp certifications.
Coding & Web Design Resources
The OWASP Top 10, a list of the most critical web application security risks, has evolved over time to reflect changing attack trends. Since its initail release in 2004 phishing has evolved beyond email to target supply chains and other vectors, utilising AI-powered social engineering and ransomware-as-a-service. Cloud misconfigurations and web apps with APIs and microservices have become more prevalent attack vectors.
Broken access control remains a critical issue in web development, despite advancements in authentication. The industry continues to fall short in implementing robust authorisation measures, leaving applications vulnerable to attacks. While AI tools may offer some assistance, human involvement remains crucial in ensuring secure software development.
Source
OWASP Top Ten: 20 years of Application Security
WOW Tool Of The Month
FlyEnv is a comprehensive environment management tool designed to streamline development. It offers multi-version switching full-stack technology support and a seamless cross-platform experience. This integration of essential tools for various programming languages enables developers to concentrate on creation rather than debugging. With support for PHP, JavaScript, Ruby, Java, Go and Rust amongst its programming languages and support for popular databases including MySQL and PostgreSQL.
FlyEnv is open source and ensures consistent environments across macOS, Windows, and Linux, optimising resource usage and providing developer-friendly tools like config management, local web hosting, and one-click SSL.
Must-Read Resources From December 2025
- The Rust Programming Language is NOT hard to learn! (Video)
- How microservice architectures have shaped the usage of database technologies
- Announcing the JavaScript/TypeScript Modernizer for VS Code
- Design is more than code
- Ubuntu Studio 26.04 May Modernize Its Desktop Layout