I'm Dan Denney, a front-end dev at DataCamp.

Ok, ok. I'm technically a Senior Software Engineer II, but front-end dev just rolls off the tongue. This my personal playground for sharing many of the things I enjoy, most of which revolves around web design and development.

[ 87 posts since 2012 ]

Recent Blog Posts logo-rss

They're mostly around front-end dev and web conferences, with some occasional life things sprinkled in.

Read Losing My Loyalty

[ Latest · Front-End Dev · May 17, 2026 ]

Losing My Loyalty

From CoffeeCup to Photoshop, I've been fiercely loyal to my tools for years — but exploration and orchestration are replacing that loyalty now.

Read the post 5 min read
A symbolic split-scene illustration showing the evolution of creative work. On the left: a designer/developer in the early 2000s deeply focused on mastering a single tool. Photoshop palettes, Dreamweaver windows, FTP apps, and thick manuals surround them in a cluttered office. On the right: the same person years later in a clean futuristic workspace orchestrating multiple AI agents through lightweight prompts and skill files. Instead of mastering one application, glowing “recipes” and workflow diagrams float between AI systems. The transition visually represents moving from software expertise to orchestration expertise. Detailed cinematic composition, realistic textures, thoughtful and slightly philosophical tone
  1. Read Later, Meet Stash May 02, 2026 After declaring 'read later' bankruptcy on Pocket, I moved to Notion and I'm now building my own tool for queuing and saving links.
  2. DataTune 2026 Mar 08, 2026 My first DataTune Conf in Nashville — AI adoption struggles, the data science and engineering crossover, and reactions to the newest LLM releases.
  3. Trying OpenClaw Feb 25, 2026 Initial setup and some simple automations while trying out OpenClaw for the first time.
  4. The Best Thing Since Browser-Based Code Challenges Nov 17, 2025 How learning to code shifted from browser-based interactive challenges to adaptive, AI-driven learning.
  5. Tag, You're Subscribed Jul 15, 2025 Why I've leaned hard into email newsletters for industry news, and the ones I love reading most.
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Side Projects

Experiments mixing my interests in music, organization, and modern web development

Seasons of Dan - Spotify listening history

[ Spotify API + AI Generated ]

Music

Listening habits across time periods and AI-generated reviews analyzing the vibe, production, and emotional impact of songs.

Seasons of Dan → Reviews →
Stash - personal read-later app

[ Next.js + Supabase ]

Stash

My own read-later tool with an AI-powered score to help prioritize what's actually worth reading.

Read the build post →

Side by Side - life organizer app

[ Next.js + Supabase ]

Side by Side

A web app for organizing life's events, shared links, local places, and shopping lists in one place.

View on GitHub →

Most Recent Blips

Shorter than a blog post, longer than a tweet. This is where I share quick reactions or stash things I want to remember.

  1. [ Aug 20, 2026 ]

    OpenClaw Code-alongs

    Two DataCamp code-alongs, both built with OpenClaw too

  2. [ Jul 9, 2026 ]

    Remembering The Grid

    A team in 2014 knew we'd be where we are today

  3. [ Jun 23, 2026 ]

    Markdown Twins

    Every post has a markdown version for agents now — exposed, not force-fed

  4. [ May 23, 2026 ]

    Modern Web Guidance Audit

    Using a Chrome-published Claude Code plugin to audit the site for modern web best practices

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October's Finds

Things I've read or watched this month and found worth keeping. Everything gets archived in the library at the end of the month.

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

A side project is the fastest way to upskill in the age of AI

Building a side project is the fastest way to learn new skills in the age of AI. You don’t need to be a coder because AI tools can help you create real software step-by-step. Start small, ask questions, and learn by…

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

The free gradient background generator.

Gradient Lab is a free online tool for creating animated gradient backgrounds with over 20 styles. You can customize colors, animation, and export high-quality images or videos without watermarks. No signup or…

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

Design beyond the surface.

Layers is a tool that helps you explore seven levels of product design beyond just the screen. It works with AI to find real problems and guide design decisions. You can use it to audit, diagnose, and create clear…

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

Increase your conversions immediately.

AI Autocomplete helps you get more conversions fast. It adds real-time prompts to any text box. This way, your agent gets all info upfront and can act right away.

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

I stopped destructuring everything

The author used to destructure many objects automatically but found it made reading code harder later. Now, they keep objects intact to keep context clear and only destructure when it adds meaning. This helps balance…

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

The Building Block Economy

Building software today is about creating small parts, or "building blocks," that others can easily use and combine. This approach leads to faster innovation, more users, and less pressure on developers to make…

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

Bitter Lesson Engineering

The Bitter Lesson says AI learns best when we give it goals, not detailed instructions. We should focus on what we want, not how the AI should do it. Using the smartest AI with the best tools helps it find the best way…

[ Oct 4, 2026 ]

Against bigness

Organizations kill innovation because they treat new ideas as big bets that trigger resistance. Instead, innovation should start small and routine to avoid this "immune system." Leaders must support many small…

View the Library

[ 280+ members ]

Join the Artificial Intelligencers

I co-organize this Nashville meetup for anyone from beginners to experts who are willing to share their personal or professional journeys learning, experimenting, developing, and applying AI. We focus on real tools, real demos, and real talk.

Our monthly events feature 15-20 minute presentations and demos, plus plenty of time for networking and collaboration. Whether you're sharing workflow automation, artistic applications, or research deep-dives, everyone's welcome.

Join on Meetup Visit our website
Artificial Intelligencers meetup website screenshot
Dan Denney No ReservAItions

Cooking and enjoying food and drinks are my hobbies outside of web development. With No ReservAItions, I've found a way to mix the two. I'm using ChatGPT to create reviews for the places that I visit in the spirit of Anthony Bourdain and I'm having so much fun with it!

LP performing with a guitar and broad-brimmed hat beneath white spotlights cutting through deep blue stage haze at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

[ Nashville ]

LP

LP's All Is Not Lost Tour at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville with TailGate orange creamsicle seltzers, PBRs, and a shared gummy.

Close-up of deeply browned halved Brussels sprouts on a white plate

[ Monteagle ]

High Point Restaurant

Misty's birthday dinner at High Point Restaurant with rare ahi tuna, filet mignon, Bibb salad, Brussels sprouts, Stella, and Franciscan red wine.

Close-up of carnitas street tacos topped with chopped onion and cilantro beside grilled jalapeños and onions, with arroz con pollo in the background

[ Altamont ]

Hill Top Mexican Grill

A Sunday stop at Hill Top Mexican Grill for arroz con pollo, carnitas street tacos, and Cokes when it was the only place open in the area.

Filet mignon with mashed potatoes, asparagus, and roasted tomatoes in the foreground, with an amber beer and elk burger with fries across the patio table

[ Jasper ]

Top of the Rock Restaurant & Brewery

The end of a long birthday weekend of hikes at Top of the Rock, with an elk burger, filet mignon, house beers, dessert, and an extraordinary Jasper Highlands view.

View No ReservAItions