February 9th, 2026 × #CSS#Zero Sync#SvelteKit#Web Development
We built a CSS Challenge platform
Scott and Wes pull back the curtain on building MadCSS, a real-time CSS battle platform from scratch in about two weeks. Expect SvelteKit, Zero sync, a very opinionated diffing algorithm, and one sneaky expiring JWT.
Wes Bos Host
Scott Tolinski Host
#977
Scott and Wes break down how they built SynHax, the real-time CSS Battle app powering the upcoming Mad CSS tournament. From SvelteKit and Zero to diffing algorithms, sync conflicts, and a last-minute hackweek glow-up, this one’s a deep dive into shipping ambitious web apps fast.
Show Notes
- 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
- 00:50 March Mad CSS Tournament.
- 03:19 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
- 03:59 What the heck is a CSS Battle?
- 05:34 The tech stack.
- 13:26 How Zero Works.
- 19:34 Dealing with states and conflicts.
- 24:25 The Hackweek Project.
- 25:29 The Diffing Algorithm.
- 35:22 The bugs.
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