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Every programming language has loops. Loops perform an operation (i.e., a chunk of work) a number of times, usually once for every item in an array or list, or to simply repeat an operation until a certain condition is met.

JavaScript in particular has quite a few different types of loops. I haven’t even used all of them, so for my own curiosity, I thought I’d do a high-level overview of them. And as it turns out, there are pretty good reasons I haven’t used at least a couple of the different types.

So, for now let’s spend a while exploring the different types of loops, what we can do with each of one, and why you might use one over another. (You’ll think that little play on words is absolutely hilarious by the end.)

The while and do...while loops

First up is the while loop. It’s the most basic type of loop and has the potential to be the easiest to read and the fastest in many cases. It’s usually used for doing something until a certain condition is met. It’s also the easiest way to make an infinite loop or a loop that never stops. There is also the do...while statement. Really, the only difference is that the condition is checked at the end versus the beginning of each iteration.

// remove the first item from an array and log it until the array is empty
let queue1 = ["a", "b", "c"];

while (queue1.length) {
  let item = queue1.shift();

  console.log(item);
}

// same as above but also log when the array is empty
let queue2 = [];

do {
  let item = queue2.shift() ?? "empty";

  console.log(item);
} while (queue2.length);

The for loop

Next is the for loop. It should be the go to way to do something a certain number of times. If you need to repeat an operation, say, 10 times, then use a for loop instead. This particular loop may be intimidating to those new to programming, but rewriting the same loop in the while-style loop can help illustrate the syntax make it easier to stick in your mind.

// log the numbers 1 to 5
for (let i = 1; i <= 5; i++) {
  console.log(i);
}

// same thing but as a while loop
let i = 1; // the first part of a for loop

// the second
while (i <= 5) {
  console.log(i);

  i++; // the third
}

("end");

The for...of and for await...of loops

A for...of loop is the easiest way to loop through an array.

let myList = ["a", "b", "c"];

for (let item of myList) {
  console.log(item);
}

They aren’t limited to arrays though. Technically they can iterate through anything that implements what is called an iterable protocol. There are a few built-in types that implement the protocol: arrays, maps, set, and string, to mention the most common ones, but you can implement the protocol in your own code. What you’d do is add a [Symbol.iterator] method to any object and that method should return an iterator. It’s a bit confusing, but the gist is that iterables are things with a special method that returns iterators; a factory method for iterators if you will. A special type of function called a generator is a function that returns both a iterable and iterator.

let myList = {
  *[Symbol.iterator]() {
    yield "a";
    yield "b";
    yield "c";
  },
};

for (let item of myList) {
  console.log(item);
}

There is the async version of all the things I just mentioned: async iterables, async iterators, and async generators. You’d use an async iterable with for await...of.

async function delay(ms) {
  return new Promise((resolve) => {
    setTimeout(resolve, ms);
  });
}

// this time we're not making an iterable, but a generator
async function* aNumberAMinute() {
  let i = 0;

  while (true) {
    // an infinite loop
    yield i++;

    // pause a minute
    await delay(60_000);
  }
}

// it's a generator, so we need to call it ourselves
for await (let i of aNumberAMinute()) {
  console.log(i);

  // stop after one hour
  if (i >= 59) {
    break;
  }
}

One unobvious thing about for await...of statement is that you can use it with non-async iterables and it will work just fine. The reverse, however, is not true; you can’t use async iterables with the for...of statement.

The forEach and map loops

While these are not technically loops per se, you can use them to iterate over a list.

Here is the thing about the forEach method. Historically it was much slower than using a for loop. I think in some cases that may not be true anymore, but if performance is a concern, then I would avoid using it. And now that we have for...of I’m not sure there is much reason to use it. I guess the only reason that it still may come up is if you have a function ready to use as the callback, but you could easily just call that same function from inside the body of for...of.

forEach also receives the index for each item though, so that may be a thing you need too. Ultimately, the decision to use it will probably come down to whether any other code you’re working with uses it, but I personally would avoid using it if I’m writing something new.

let myList = ["a", "b", "c"];

for (let item of myList) {
	console.log(item);
}

// but maybe if I need the index use forEach
["a", "b", "c"].forEach((item, index) => {
  console.log(`${index}: ${item}`);
});

Meanwhile, map essentially converts one array into another. It still has the same performance impact that forEach has, but it is a bit nicer to read than the alternative. It’s certainly subjective though, and just like with forEach you’ll want to do what the rest of your other code is doing. You see it a ton in React and React-inspired libraries as the primary way to loop through an array and output a list of items within JSX.

function MyList({items}) {
  return (
    <ul>
      {items.map((item) => {
        return <li>{item}</li>;
      })}
    </ul>
  );
}

The for...in loop

This list of loops in JavaScript wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the for...in statement because it can loop through the fields of an object. It visits fields that are inherited through the object’s prototype chain too, though, and I’ve honestly always avoided it for that reason.

That said, if you have an object literal, then for...in might be a viable way to iterate through the keys of that object. Also it’s worth noting that if you’ve been programming JavaScript for a long time, you may remember that the order of keys use to be inconsistent between browsers, but now the order is consistent. Any key that could be an array index (i.e., positive integers) will be first in ascending order, and then everything else in the order as authored.

let myObject = {
  a: 1,
  b: 2,
  c: 3,
};

for (let k in myObject) {
  console.log(myObject[k]);
}

Wrapping up

Loops are something that many programmers use every day, though we may take them for granted and not think about them too much.

But when you step back and look at all of the ways we have to loop through things in JavaScript, it turns out there are several ways to do it. Not only that, but there are significant — if not nuanced — differences between them that can and will influence your approach to scripts.

---

All About JavaScript Loops originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.

Welcome to August’s roundup of the best fonts we’ve found over the last few weeks. 2024’s trend for flowing curves and retro-inspired scripts continues apace this month. We’ve also included some very flexible sans serifs. Enjoy!

If you’re a freelancer, marketplaces like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr might be all too common to you.

Upwork had a golden star reputation in the past, known for providing freelancers with steady, high-paying, and quality gigs.

However, after its acquisition and rebrand in 2015, many freelancers have wondered if the platform still has any potential or if it’s just another mill for low-quality, highly competitive work.

On that note, let’s dive in and:

1. Understand some of the pros and cons of Upwork in 2024.
2. Find insights from actual freelancers who have operated from the platform.
3. Learn some practical tips and tricks to succeed on Upwork.

How Upworks Works

Upwork operates as a marketplace where social media freelancers, agencies, consultants, etc., can provide services to global clients from the comfort of their homes.

The platform stays viable by charging freelancers and clients a service fee to operate on it (the fee is much larger for the freelancers than the clients). In return, the platform handles all the finances, invoices, verification, and job satisfaction.

If you need to apply for any jobs as a freelancer, you need to pay for “Connects” to send your proposals. If your job proposal is accepted, the client must invest initially (which Upwork protects until the job is completed).

Pros of Upwork

A majority of freelancers who we spoke to said the biggest pro of Upwork is that it’s easy to get started on the platform. You don’t need to pay any registration fees—all you need to do is fill in your profile details and get verified.

Says Raquel Gonzalez, a freelance SEO consultant and translator, “Upwork is great if you are starting as a freelancer and find it challenging to reach potential clients. You can apply to many job opportunities, and your payment is protected through them.”

Aside from this, some of the other pros of the platform are:

• You can pick and choose projects to your convenience, cadence, and liking; there are no specific limits to anything.
• You’re also not restricted to any particular area. Upwork allows remote freelancers to connect with clients and work on projects from around the globe.
•  It supports plenty of services, so regardless of whether you specialize in writing, SEO consultancy, designing, marketing, web development, etc., there are plenty of readily available gigs for everyone.
• It’s extremely easy to navigate and added features like work tracking tools, talent badges, customer ratings, job search filters, etc., can improve your efficiency and portfolio.
• They’ve also got a thriving community wherein you can get help from Upwork professionals and other freelancers and agencies operating on Upwork.

Cons of Upwork

Unfortunately, these days, the cons of Upwork far precede the pros.

Amongst the list of cons, one of the major complaints most freelancers have is that the platform now has way too many low-paying gigs, which is creating a race-to-the-bottom situation for many.

In addition, they charge a hefty service fee (5-20% of the project value).

Peace Akinwale, a freelance writer who used to operate from Upwork, says, “Before I deleted my account in 2022, I noticed that most of the jobs on my Upwork feeds are always low-paying jobs (with jobs paying as less as $15 for 1500 words for technical writing).

They also charge a flat 10% service fee on all new contracts regardless of my lifetime billing with a client. If my client ends a copywriting contract and opens a B2B case study writing contract with me, I’ll still be billed 10% of my income.

I rejoined Upwork recently and found that the service fee for hourly projects and fixed-price projects is now 20% of total earnings. 

Aside from the service fee, withdrawal to payment platforms like PayPal/Payoneer attracts significant charges, with Payoneer incurring extra bills from my local bank, too.”

Raquel also agrees with Peace’s opinion by saying, “It’s hard to find a decent-paying job on Upwork (at least at the beginning when you don’t have much portfolio to show your experience), and sometimes the job can be scammy.”

She adds to this point by stating, “The other con is that as a Spanish citizen, we must include essential information on each invoice according to our client’s country, like the Business Registration Number or the TAX percentage. But Upwork automatically creates an invoice in your name and doesn’t add those things, resulting in burdensome bureaucracy.”

These are not the only cons of Upwork, however. Here are a few more cons of the platform according to seasoned users:

• Upwork is extremely competitive and doesn’t have enough great gigs to fulfill the requirements of all freelancers on the platform. Due to the increased competition, it’s also more difficult to get noticed.
• You need to purchase “Connects” to connect with a potential lead. These Connects are paid and cost 15 cents to purchase every Connect. The kicker is that the number of Connects you need to use varies depending on the gig you’re applying to, and you may very well end up using 8-10 Connects per job.
• Upwork is more favorable to clients than users and always considers their side of the story before providing a solution.

Tips for Succeeding on Upwork

Use these four simple tips to get the most out of Upwork. 

1. Be crystal clear in your offer

The best way to stand out on Upwork is to be as specific as possible about your offer and what makes you qualified enough to be trusted with the job.

For example, the top freelancers increase trust in their profile by using professional images, highlighting reviews and testimonials, offering a sustainable rate that works for them, using a strategic offer that hits on customer pain points, etc.

As a reference, an ideal freelancer profile (a boosted profile) on the platform looks like this:

2. Keep track of all your expenses

Another tip would be to create separate accounts as a freelancer to segregate all your business and personal expenses.

For example, you could consider opening a business account and using your business credit card for all your freelance-related expenses to earn extra rewards, cashback, and other perks that would otherwise not be possible.

3. Manage your freelance finances

Adding to our previous point, it’s important to keep track of all the finances associated with Upwork and not just money going out of your business (aka expenses).

As your freelance career grows on Upwork, you might consider opening a joint checking account with a partner or spouse. This can help you manage your increasing income more effectively. 

You can use it to set aside money for taxes, track business expenses, and give your loved one visibility into your freelance success. It’s a great way to organize your finances as you build your business on the platform.

4. Enhance your service offering

A freelancer’s rule for providing exceptional client service is to always go above and beyond when it comes to the simplest of assignments.

On a platform like Upwork, where you can access a worldwide network of peers, leads, and clients, you need to set yourself apart by using tools to improve your service offering.

For example, you can use project management tools to keep track of deadlines, AI translators to converse with leads who use a different language, time-tracking tools to increase productivity, etc.

Next Steps

In this guide, we discussed some of Upwork’s pros and cons and a few tips for making a maximum impact as a freelancer, boosting your hourly rate, and landing prospective clients.

If you wish to gain more such insights, especially as a designer or developer, the Noupe blog has tons of them and expert-led articles for you. Head to the Noupe blog to get access to this information! It’s time to stand out from the millions of freelancers out there.

Featured image by Iris Wang on Unsplash

The post Is Upwork Worth it for Freelancers? Pros and Cons appeared first on noupe.

I was just going over the latest CSSWG minutes (you can subscribe to them at W3C.org) and came across a few interesting nuggets I wanted to jot down for another time. The group discussed the CSS Values, CSS Easing, and Selectors modules, but what really caught my eye was adding triggered delays to CSS for things like hover, long taps, and focus states.

The idea stems from an OpenUI proposal, the same group we can thank for raising things like the Popover API and customizable select element. The concept, if I understand it right, is that anytime someone hovers, taps, or focuses on, say, a for a certain amount of time, we can invoke some sort of thing. A tooltip is the perfect illustration. Hovering over the trigger element, the reasoning goes, is an expression of interest and as web authors, we can do something with that interest, like displaying a tooltip.

Whoa, right?! There’s long been chatter about CSS encroaching on JavaScript territory (isn’t it ironic, don’t you think?). Firing events in response to interaction is quite literally the only thing I use JavaScript for. There’s no mistake about that in the CSSWG, as documented in the minutes:

So. Does this belong in CSS? Or should it be elsewhere? Does the approach make sense? Are there better ideas? Most interested in the last.

[…]

Other question; does this belong in CSS or HTML… maybe this is just a javascript feature? In JS you can determine MQ state and change things so it wouldn’t necessarily be in CSS.

And shortly later:

As you were talking; one thing that I kept thinking of; should developers be customizing the delay at all? Original use case for delay is that hover shouldn’t be instant. But if we don’t allow for customizing we can align to platform delay lengths.

But there’s an excellent point to be made about the way many of us are already doing this with CSS animations (animation-delay) and transitions (transition-delay). Sometimes even applying those globally with the Universal Selector or a prefers-* query.

Things get even hairier when considering how values are defined for this. Are they explicit delays (800ms), generic keywords (none/short/medium/long), a custom property, a pseudo-class… something else? I’m glad there’re incredibly smart folks noodling on this stuff.

I think here it would be good to go with time values. CSS is a good place to put it. We have all the ergonomics. The right declarative place to put it.

Whatever the eventual case may be:

I think this sounds reasonable and I’d like to explore it. Unsure if this is the exact shape, but this space seems useful to me.

---

CSSWG Minutes Telecon (2024-08-14) originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.

Pricing projects can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a digital agency or working as a freelance web designer. It’s a topic that comes up frequently in discussions with fellow professionals in my Agency Academy.

Three Approaches to Pricing

Over my years in the industry, I’ve found that there are essentially three main approaches to pricing:

• Fixed price,
• Time and materials,
• And value-based pricing.

Each has its merits and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you make better decisions for your business. Let’s explore each of these in detail and then dive into what I believe is the most effective strategy.

Fixed Price

Fixed pricing is often favored by clients because it reduces their risk and allows for easier comparison between competing proposals. On the surface, it seems straightforward: you quote a price, the client agrees, and you deliver the project for that amount. However, this approach comes with significant drawbacks for agencies and freelancers:

• Estimating accurately is incredibly challenging.
  In the early stages of a project, we often don’t have enough information to provide a precise quote. Clients may not have a clear idea of their requirements, or there might be technical complexities that only become apparent once work begins. This lack of clarity can lead to underquoting, which eats into your profits, or overquoting, which might cost you the job.
• There’s no room for adaptation based on testing or insights gained during the project.
  Web design and development is an iterative process. As we build and test, we often discover better ways to implement features or uncover user needs that weren’t initially apparent. With a fixed price model, these improvements are often seen as “scope creep” and can lead to difficult conversations with clients about additional costs.
• The focus shifts from delivering the best possible product to sticking within the agreed-upon scope.
  This can result in missed opportunities for innovation and improvement, ultimately leading to a less satisfactory end product for the client.

While fixed pricing might seem straightforward, it’s not without its complications. The rigidity of this model can stifle creativity and adaptability, two crucial elements in successful web projects. So, let’s look at an alternative approach that offers more flexibility.

Time and Materials

Time and materials (T&M) pricing offers a fairer system where the client only pays for the hours actually worked. This approach has several advantages:

• Allows for greater adaptability as the project progresses. If new requirements emerge or if certain tasks take longer than expected, you can simply bill for the additional time. This flexibility can lead to better outcomes as you’re not constrained by an initial estimate.
• Encourages transparency and open communication. Clients can see exactly what they’re paying for, which can foster trust and understanding of the work involved.
• Reduces the risk of underquoting. You don’t have to worry about eating into your profits if a task takes longer than expected.

However, T&M pricing isn’t without its drawbacks:

• It carries a higher perceived risk for the client, as the final cost isn’t determined upfront. This can make budgeting difficult for clients and may cause anxiety about runaway costs.
• It requires careful tracking and regular communication about hours spent. Without this, clients may be surprised by the final bill, leading to disputes.
• Some clients may feel it incentivizes inefficiency, as taking longer on tasks results in higher bills.

T&M pricing can work well in many scenarios, especially for long-term or complex projects where requirements may evolve. However, it’s not always the perfect solution, particularly for clients with strict budgets or those who prefer more certainty. There’s one more pricing model that’s often discussed in the industry, which attempts to tie pricing directly to results.

Value-Based Pricing

Value-based pricing is often touted as the holy grail of pricing strategies. The idea is to base your price on the value your work will generate for the client rather than on the time it takes or a fixed estimate. While this sounds great in theory, it’s rarely a realistic approach in our industry. Here’s why:

• It’s only suitable for projects where you can tie your efforts directly to ROI (Return on Investment). For example, if you’re redesigning an e-commerce site, you might be able to link your work to increased sales. However, for many web projects, the value is more intangible or indirect.
• Accurately calculating ROI is often difficult or impossible in web design and development. Many factors contribute to a website’s success, and isolating the impact of design or development work can be challenging.
• It requires a deep understanding of the client’s business and industry. Without this, it’s hard to accurately assess the potential value of your work.
• Clients may be reluctant to share the financial information necessary to make value-based pricing work. They might see it as sensitive data or simply may not have accurate projections.
• It can lead to difficult conversations if the projected value isn’t realized. Was it due to your work or other factors beyond your control?

While these three approaches form the foundation of most pricing strategies, the reality of pricing projects is often more nuanced and complex. In fact, as I point out in my article “How To Work Out What To Charge Clients: The Honest Version”, pricing often involves a mix of educated guesswork, personal interest in the project, and an assessment of what the market will bear.

Given the challenges with each of these pricing models, you might be wondering if there’s a better way. In fact, there is, and it starts with a different approach to the initial client conversation.

Start by Discussing Appetite

Instead of jumping straight into deliverables or hourly rates, I’ve found it more effective to start by discussing what 37signals calls “appetite” in their book Shaping Up. Appetite is how much the product owner is willing to invest based on the expected return for their business. This concept shifts the conversation from “What will this cost?” to “What is this worth to you?”

This approach is beneficial for several reasons:

• Focuses on the budget rather than trying to nail down every deliverable upfront. This allows for more flexibility in how that budget is allocated as the project progresses.
• Allows you to tailor your proposal to what the client can actually afford. There’s no point in proposing a $100,000 solution if the client only has $20,000 to spend.
• Helps set realistic expectations from the start. If a client’s appetite doesn’t align with what’s required to meet their goals, you can have that conversation early before investing time in detailed proposals.
• Shifts the conversation from price comparison to value delivery. Instead of competing solely on price, you’re discussing how to maximize the value of the client’s investment.
• Mirrors how real estate agents work — they ask for your budget to determine what kind of properties to show you. This analogy can help clients understand why discussing budgets early is crucial.

To introduce this concept to clients, I often use the real estate analogy. I explain that even if you describe your ideal house (e.g., 3 bedrooms, specific location), a real estate agent still cannot give you a price because it depends on many other factors, including the state of repair and nearby facilities that may impact value. Similarly, in web design and development, many factors beyond the basic requirements affect the final cost and value of a project.

Once you’ve established the client’s appetite, you’re in a much better position to structure your pricing. But how exactly should you do that? Let me share a strategy that’s worked well for me and many others in my Agency Academy.

Improve Your Estimates With Sub-Projects

Here’s an approach I’ve found highly effective:

1. Take approximately 10% of the total budget for a discovery phase. This can be a separate contract with a fixed price. During this phase, you dig deep into the client’s needs, goals, and constraints. You might conduct user research, analyze competitors, and start mapping out the project’s architecture.
2. Use the discovery phase to define what needs to be prototyped, allowing you to produce a fixed price for the prototyping sub-project. This phase might involve creating wireframes, mockups, or even a basic working prototype of key features.
3. Test and evolve the prototype, using it as a functional specification for the build. This detailed specification allows you to quote the build accurately. By this point, you have a much clearer picture of what needs to be built, reducing the risk of unexpected complications.

This approach combines elements of fixed pricing (for each sub-project) with the flexibility to adapt between phases. It allows you to provide more accurate estimates while still maintaining the ability to pivot based on what you learn along the way.

Advantages of the Sub-Project Approach

This method offers several key benefits:

• Clients appreciate the sense of control over the budget. They can decide after each phase whether to continue, giving them clear exit points if needed.
• It reduces the perceived risk for clients, as they could theoretically change suppliers between sub-projects. This makes you a less risky option compared to agencies asking for a commitment to the entire project upfront.
• Each sub-project is easier to price accurately. As you progress, you gain more information, allowing for increasingly precise estimates.
• It allows for adaptability between sub-projects, eliminating the problem of scope creep. If new requirements emerge during one phase, they can be incorporated into the planning and pricing of the next phase.
• It encourages ongoing communication and collaboration with the client. Regular check-ins and approvals are built into the process.
• It aligns with agile methodologies, allowing for iterative development and continuous improvement.

This sub-project approach not only helps with more accurate pricing but also addresses one of the most common challenges in project management: scope creep. By breaking the project into phases, you create natural points for reassessment and adjustment. For a more detailed look at how this approach can help manage scope creep, check out my article “How To Price Projects And Manage Scope Creep.”

This approach sounds great in theory, but you might be wondering how clients typically react to it. Let’s address some common objections and how to handle them.

Dealing with Client Objections

You may encounter resistance to this approach, especially in formal bid processes where clients are used to receiving comprehensive fixed-price quotes. Here’s how to handle common objections:

“We need a fixed price for the entire project.”

Provide an overall estimate based on their initial scope, but emphasize that this is a rough figure. Use your sub-project process as a selling point, explaining how it actually provides more accurate pricing and better results. Highlight how inaccurate other agency quotes are likely to be and warn about potential scope discussions later.

“This seems more complicated than other proposals we’ve received.”

Acknowledge that it may seem more complex initially, but explain how this approach actually simplifies the process in the long run. Emphasize that it reduces risk and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

“We don’t have time for all these phases.”

Explain that while it may seem like more steps, this approach often leads to faster overall delivery because it reduces rework and ensures everyone is aligned at each stage.

“How do we compare your proposal to others if you’re not giving us a fixed price?”

Emphasize that the quality and implementation of what agencies quote for can vary wildly. Your approach ensures they get exactly what they need, not just what they think they want at the outset. Encourage them to consider the long-term value and reduced risk, not just the initial price tag.

“We’re not comfortable discussing our budget upfront.”

Use the real estate analogy to explain why discussing the budget upfront is crucial. Just as a real estate agent needs to know your budget to show you appropriate properties, you need to understand their investment appetite to propose suitable solutions.

By adopting this approach to pricing, you can create a more collaborative relationship with your clients, reduce the risk for both parties, and ultimately deliver better results.

Remember,

Pricing isn’t just about numbers — it’s about setting the foundation for a successful project and a positive client relationship.

By being transparent about your process and focusing on delivering value within the client’s budget, you’ll set yourself apart in a crowded market.