Notes on Drupal, accessibility, and whatever else is on my mind.https://jamesfmcgrath.org/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/apt-update-command-first-step/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/apt-update-command-first-step/Running the apt update command before installing any packages is absolutely crucial. Learn why this simple step matters for system health and security.Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/automated-patching-safer-websites/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/automated-patching-safer-websites/Discover how small, unnoticed website security updates keep your public-facing site secure. Learn about proactive steps for clients and developers to ensure automatic protection.Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/building-a-website-alone/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/building-a-website-alone/They say it takes a village to raise a child. The same applies to building a website representing your business, skills, identity, and future. Right now, I'm playing the role of single parent. I'm…Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/choosing-the-right-tech/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/choosing-the-right-tech/For years, I’ve built digital experiences for others—now, I’m creating something for myself: jamesfmcgrath.org. This site is more than just a blog. It’s a personal space where I can share my thoughts…Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/could-rss-make-a-comeback/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/could-rss-make-a-comeback/A recent LinkedIn comment got me thinking about something I hadn't considered in a while: RSS feeds. The commenter reflected on how Drupal 7 had RSS tools baked into various system parts—views,…Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-0/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-0/Not everyone grew up coding in their teens. Some of us discovered programming in our 30s, 40s, or beyond. Some are just curious. Some are overwhelmed. Some think it’s too late. This series is for…Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-1-variable/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-1-variable/Learn what a variable is in JavaScript, why it matters, and how to write one — in this fun beginner-friendly post from the Ctrl + Alt + Learn series.Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-2-functions/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-2-functions/Learn what a function is in JavaScript, how to write one, and why it’s a key part of programming. Day 2 of the Ctrl + Alt + Learn series is here!Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-3-arrays/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/ctrl-alt-learn-day-3-arrays/Learn what an array is in JavaScript, how to use one, and why they’re so useful. It’s Day 3 of the beginner-friendly Ctrl + Alt + Learn series.Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/drupal-ai-initiative-opportunity/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/drupal-ai-initiative-opportunity/Last week, I wrote about the challenges facing Drupal's professional ecosystem. The paradox I highlighted, a thriving open source project alongside a shrinking commercial ecosystem, struck a chord…Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/drupal-ecosystem-at-a-crossroads/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/drupal-ecosystem-at-a-crossroads/Drupal remains the backbone of many government and public sector websites. The CMS itself is thriving. Recent innovations like Starshot, Recipes, and Project Browser show how active and…Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/facebook-is-not-a-website/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/facebook-is-not-a-website/You've got a small business. It could be a bakery, a vintage guitar shop, or a mobile dog spa. You love what you do, and you're good at it. But when someone asks for your website, you smile and say,…Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/handling-the-small-things-to-conquer-the-big-events/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/handling-the-small-things-to-conquer-the-big-events/It's been a big week—significant world events, big projects, big data, and big ideas. It can be overwhelming to wrap your head around it all. The Monday morning to-do list is long and detailed. Where…Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/importance-of-being-idle/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/importance-of-being-idle/"I sold my soul for the second time, 'cause the man, he don't pay me." – Oasis, The Importance of Being Idle What a week it's been. Last week was my final one at a job I held for years. I didn't have…Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/linkedin-scam-bot-networking-warning/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/linkedin-scam-bot-networking-warning/It started like any other day on LinkedIn. I accepted a connection request from someone with a legitimate-sounding title and a profile that seemed solid at first glance. They even wrote me a short…Mon, 28 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/localgov-drupal-week-recap-hope/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/localgov-drupal-week-recap-hope/A post-event recap of LocalGov Drupal Week. Find out what made the community feel "alive and kicking," from AI insights to Mark Conroy's design tips.Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/making-the-most-of-rss/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/making-the-most-of-rss/In my last post, we explored whether RSS can make a comeback. Judging by the response, many see the value in reclaiming control over content consumption. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) isn’t just an…Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/omposer-2-9-insecure-package-block/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/omposer-2-9-insecure-package-block/The Composer 2.9 update quietly blocks insecure packages by default, significantly enhancing project security. Understand the impact of Composer 2.9 Insecure changes.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/organizing-your-workspace-for-productivity/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/organizing-your-workspace-for-productivity/I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the future of Drupal (that post is coming soon) and how we support new developers and people just entering the professional world. There’s so much noise out…Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/php-memory-limit-server-setting/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/php-memory-limit-server-setting/The PHP memory_limit is a server setting developers often forget but always helps maintain predictable site behavior. Learn why it's critical.Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/reflecting-on-drupalcon/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/reflecting-on-drupalcon/Attending my first DrupalCon was a revelation. I found a space where inspiration, community, and innovation come together. That first DrupalCon experience was in 2022. Walking into the Oregon…Fri, 21 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/regular-maintenance-saves-time-money/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/regular-maintenance-saves-time-money/Learn how implementing regular maintenance now is the ultimate strategy for preventing expensive future repairs and saving your organization time.Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/right-sizing-government-websites/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/right-sizing-government-websites/Right-sizing government websites is one of the biggest challenges for digital teams. Should everything live within one large portal, or do microsites provide a better user experience? The answer…Tue, 18 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/the-first-day/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/the-first-day/On the first day he said let there be light. Well here I am giving up all the convenience of the CMS editor. Writing in markup. A child of AI. Not used to writing on my own. Alone. Unable to…Fri, 31 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-boolean/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-boolean/Learn what a Boolean is in JavaScript, how it works, and why it's essential for logic in code. This beginner-friendly post includes examples, analogies, and a quick coding challenge.Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-function-parameter/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-function-parameter/Learn how function parameters work in JavaScript. This beginner-friendly guide shows how to define and use parameters in your functions with clear examples, a simple analogy, and a quick challenge to try.Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-loop/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-loop/Learn what a loop is in JavaScript, how to use a for loop, and why loops are essential for writing clean, efficient code. Includes examples and a beginner-friendly challenge.Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-return-statement/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-a-return-statement/Learn what a return statement is in JavaScript, how it works inside a function, and why it’s useful. This beginner-friendly guide includes examples, a fun analogy, and a simple coding challenge.Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-an-if-statement/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-an-if-statement/Learn how if statements work in JavaScript, including how to write them, why they're useful, and how to use them to control program flow. Includes examples, analogies, and a simple coding challenge for beginners.Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-an-object/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-an-object/Learn what a JavaScript object is, how to create one, and how to access its properties using dot notation — explained simply in Day 4 of Ctrl + Alt + Learn.Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-console-log/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-is-console-log/Learn what console.log() does in JavaScript, how to use it to debug your code, and why it's one of the most essential tools for beginners. Simple explanation, examples, and a fun analogy included.Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-makes-a-great-team/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/what-makes-a-great-team/We often talk about speed, performance, and clean code in tech. But after working on many projects, I've realized that what makes a great team has little to do with code alone — and everything to do…Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/why-i-love-drupal-microsites/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/why-i-love-drupal-microsites/Drupal Microsites are powerful ways to create focused, user-centered digital experiences. They allow organizations to deliver targeted content efficiently without the complexity of managing a…Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://jamesfmcgrath.org/workflow-automation-benefits/https://jamesfmcgrath.org/workflow-automation-benefits/Workflow automation used to feel reserved for the most technical roles—scripts running in the background, triggered by cryptic logic only developers understood. But that’s changing. Automation has…Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT