About ALABS

What is ALABS?

ALABS is a community blog dedicated to modern web development, where developers of all backgrounds can share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives on building for the web in 2026.

The name "ALABS" is a wordplay combining "A Lab" (a laboratory) and the letter "A" — the initial of its creator, Abdelatif. It represents both a technical laboratory for experimenting with modern web development practices and a community laboratory where diverse voices come together to share, learn, and grow.

The Origin Story

ALABS was born from a deeply personal journey spanning nearly a decade of code, learning, and self-discovery.

2016 — I discovered code for the first time, 10 years ago. It was a revelation, a new way of thinking and creating that immediately captivated me.

2016-2024 — For years, I taught myself to code, learning from online courses, documentation, and countless hours of trial and error. As a self-taught developer, I struggled with impostor syndrome, often questioning whether I was "good enough" without formal training or a traditional computer science background.

2024 — I made a pivotal decision: to pursue a master's degree in Application Design & Development (Concepteur Développeur d'Applications). This wasn't just about credentials — it was about validation, structure, and the opportunity to measure myself against academic standards.

November 2025 — I graduated with my degree. Officially, I became a junior developer. But here's the paradox: on paper, I'm junior (less than 2 years since my degree), yet I have nearly 10 years of hands-on coding experience.

Throughout my studies, something profound happened. My professors, classmates, and examiners consistently affirmed what I had doubted for so long. They told me I was a future great developer and that I had what it takes to lead major projects. That validation, after years of self-doubt, changed everything.

ALABS was born from this experience. It's a platform where experience matters more than diplomas, where everyone — regardless of their path — has a voice and a place to contribute.

The Philosophy

ALABS is inclusive by design. Whether you're self-taught, a student, a beginner, or have 20 years of experience, your perspective is valuable here.

No distinctions. We don't care about your credentials or lack thereof. What matters is your willingness to share, to learn, and to engage with respect and kindness.

All perspectives welcome. Every voice enriches the community. Your unique journey, your challenges, your victories — they all contribute to a richer, more diverse conversation about web development.

Core values: Kindness, respect, and mutual growth. We're here to lift each other up, not tear each other down.

Technical Excellence

ALABS is built to implement the best practices and knowledge I've accumulated over years of development. It's a showcase of modern web development capabilities, where every feature is crafted with attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

This platform isn't just a blog — it's a demonstration of what's possible when you combine passion, experience, and modern tools.

The Technology Stack

ALABS is built with cutting-edge technologies that represent the future of web development:

• Framework: Next.js 16 with App Router — server-first, performance-optimized, and developer-friendly
• Language: JavaScript (ESM) with JSDoc typing — flexibility with type safety
• UI: React 19 Server Components — cutting-edge rendering paradigm
• Styling: Tailwind CSS 4.0 — utility-first, responsive, and highly customizable
• Database: MongoDB (Mongoose) — flexible, scalable document storage
• Storage: Firebase Admin SDK — secure image and media hosting
• Design Philosophy: "Pristine Laboratory" aesthetic — strict monochrome palette, accessibility-first approach

About the Creator

Abdelatif Baha (AbDevWeb) is a French web developer with a passion for modern web development, no-code/low-code tools, AI, and automation.

Born in Paris, raised in Bordeaux, and currently living in Corsica for the past 2 years, Abdelatif now travels between all three cities, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to his work.

Officially a junior developer (graduated November 2025 with a Concepteur Développeur d'Applications degree), Abdelatif has been self-taught for nearly 10 years with multiple projects since 2016. His journey embodies the spirit of ALABS: continuous learning, resilience, and the belief that passion and dedication matter more than credentials.

Connect with Abdelatif:

• GitHub: github.com/Baha-Abdelatif
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/baha-abdelatif
• Professional Website: abdevweb.com

Join the Community

Whether you're just starting your coding journey or you're a seasoned developer, ALABS welcomes your voice. This is a space where everyone belongs, where different perspectives enrich the conversation, and where mutual respect and kindness are the foundation of every interaction.

Read, comment, share, and contribute. Your story matters. Your insights matter. You matter.

Welcome to ALABS. Welcome home.