DEV Community: Bishes

How I Built a Side-by-Side Diff Checker in 100 Lines of JavaScript (No Libraries)

Bishes — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:59:08 +0000

One of the tools in my DevForge suite is a side-by-side diff checker. No libraries, no frameworks - just vanilla JavaScript and a classic algorithm.

Here's exactly how it works.

The LCS Algorithm

The core is the Longest Common Subsequence (LCS) algorithm. Given two sequences (in our case, arrays of lines), it finds the longest sequence that appears in both. Everything not in the LCS is either an addition or a deletion.

Step 1: Build the DP Table

`javascript
function computeDiff(a, b) {
const linesA = a.split('\n');
const linesB = b.split('\n');
const m = linesA.length, n = linesB.length;

This creates an (m+1) x (n+1) table where dp[i][j] is the length of the LCS of the first i lines of text A and the first j lines of text B.

Step 2: Backtrack to Find the Diff

Starting from dp[m][n], we walk backward through the table:

javascript const result = []; let i = m, j = n; const temp = []; while (i > 0 || j > 0) { if (i > 0 && j > 0 && linesA[i - 1] === linesB[j - 1]) { temp.push({ type: 'unchanged', text: linesA[i - 1], lnA: i, lnB: j }); i--; j--; } else if (j > 0 && (i === 0 || dp[i][j - 1] >= dp[i - 1][j])) { temp.push({ type: 'added', text: linesB[j - 1], lnA: null, lnB: j }); j--; } else { temp.push({ type: 'removed', text: linesA[i - 1], lnA: i, lnB: null }); i--; } } return temp.reverse(); }

When two lines match, we mark them as unchanged. When they don't, we follow the larger DP value - if going left (B's side) is higher, it's an addition; if going up (A's side), it's a deletion.

Rendering the Diff

css .diff-line.added { background: #23863622; } .diff-line.removed { background: #da363322; } .diff-line.unchanged { background: transparent; }

Each diff line gets a class: dded (green tint),
emoved (red tint), or unchanged. Line numbers from both sides are displayed in a column format: old:new.

Why This Matters

No libraries means:

Zero dependencies - no npm install, no build step
Fast load - the entire tool is a single HTML file under 10KB
Privacy - everything runs in the browser, no network requests

Try It

The tool is live at: https://bshes.github.io/json2ts/diff/

The full suite of 10 tools: https://bshes.github.io/json2ts/

GitHub repo (all source, MIT licensed): https://github.com/Bshes/json2ts

The entire suite is free and open source. If you find it useful, star the repo or share it with a teammate.

I Built 10 Developer Tools in One Day - Here They Are (Free, Open Source)

Bishes — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:58:57 +0000

Last week I had a single tool: a JSON-to-TypeScript converter.

Today I have 10.

I spent a day building a full suite of developer tools - all free, all client-side (nothing leaves your browser), and all open source on GitHub.

The Suite

DevForge is a collection of tools I built because I kept opening 15 different tabs every day:

1. JSON ? TypeScript

Paste JSON, get TypeScript interfaces or types. Supports nested objects, arrays, custom root names.

2. CSV ? JSON

Bidirectional conversion with header detection and delimiter support (comma, semicolon, tab).

3. Regex Tester

Live regex testing with flags (g, i, m, s, u, y), match highlighting, and replace functionality.

4. Base64 Encoder/Decoder

Encode text to Base64 and decode Base64 back to text. Unicode-safe.

5. JWT Decoder

Decode JWT tokens into header, payload, and signature components. Read-only - no verification, no security risk.

6. SQL Formatter

Uppercase keywords, indentation control. Handles SELECT, JOIN, INSERT, CREATE - the common stuff.

7. Diff Checker

Side-by-side text comparison with LCS-based diff algorithm. Color-coded additions and removals.

8. UUID Generator

Generate UUID v4 (or v1) in bulk. Copy individual or all at once.

9. Timestamp Converter

Convert Unix timestamps to readable dates and back. Shows seconds, milliseconds, ISO 8601, UTC, and relative time.

10. Color Converter

Convert between HEX, RGB, HSL, and CMYK. Color picker, presets, named color support.

The Tech Stack

Zero frameworks. Zero dependencies. Zero backend.

Every tool is a single HTML file with embedded CSS and JavaScript. They all run entirely in the browser - no data is sent to any server.

Hosted on GitHub Pages. Free forever.

Why I Built This

I'm a solo developer based in Nepal. Building things that help other developers is how I learn, grow, and (hopefully) earn.

The suite is free, but there's a Pro tier ( one-time) that unlocks:

File exports
Batch operations
Custom naming conventions
Priority support

I also do freelance development. If you need a custom tool, API integration, or automation - reach out.

Try It

Use the tools: https://bshes.github.io/json2ts/

GitHub repo: https://github.com/Bshes/json2ts

Hire me: bishes.gr@gmail.com (Payoneer) or 9825755275 (Khalti, Nepal)

What tools should I add next? Drop your ideas in the comments.

I Built a JSON-to-TypeScript Converter and Deployed It in One Hour (Free Open Source Tool)

Bishes — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:45:21 +0000

What I Built

A dead-simple JSON to TypeScript Interface Converter that you can use right now:

Live: bshes.github.io/json2ts

Paste any JSON on the left, get clean TypeScript interfaces on the right. Handles nested objects, arrays, custom root names, and lets you toggle between interface and type.

Features

Instant conversion - Paste JSON, get TypeScript
Nested objects - Generates separate interfaces for each level
Array support - Detects array item types automatically
Custom root name - Name your root type
interface / type toggle - Choose your preference
Copy to clipboard - One click
Dark theme - Easy on the eyes

Pro Version - One-Time

Pro features include export as .ts file, custom naming conventions, batch conversion, optional field detection, and priority support.

Request Pro Key

Hire Me

I am a developer from Nepal available for freelance work. I build tools, APIs, and full-stack applications.

Payoneer: bishes.gr@gmail.com
Khalti: 9825755275
GitHub: github.com/Bshes

Check it out: bshes.github.io/json2ts

Built by @bshes - Drop me a line if you need a custom tool

I Built a Free JSON-to-TypeScript Converter and Deployed It in One Hour

Bishes — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:44:50 +0000

What I Built

A dead-simple JSON to TypeScript Interface Converter that you can use right now:

Live: bshes.github.io/json2ts

Paste any JSON on the left, get clean TypeScript interfaces on the right. Handles nested objects, arrays, custom root names, and lets you toggle between interface and type.

Features

Instant conversion - Paste JSON, get TypeScript
Nested objects - Generates separate interfaces for each level
Array support - Detects array item types automatically
Custom root name - Name your root type
interface / type toggle - Choose your preference
Copy to clipboard - One click
Dark theme - Easy on the eyes

Pro Version - One-Time

Pro features include export as .ts file, custom naming conventions, batch conversion, optional field detection, and priority support.

Request Pro Key

Hire Me

I am a developer from Nepal available for freelance work. I build tools, APIs, and full-stack applications.

Payoneer: bishes.gr@gmail.com
Khalti: 9825755275
GitHub: github.com/Bshes

Check it out: bshes.github.io/json2ts

Built by @bshes - Drop me a line if you need a custom tool

How to Automate Your Small Business with Free AI Tools in 2026

Bishes — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 16:14:06 +0000

How to Automate Your Small Business with Free AI Tools in 2026 in 2026: A Complete Guide

Introduction

The landscape of how to automate your small business with free ai tools in 2026 has evolved dramatically. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding the modern approach is essential for staying competitive.

Why This Matters Now

In 2026, the barrier to entry has never been lower. Free tools, open-source resources, and AI-powered assistance mean that anyone with dedication can build production-quality work. The key is knowing which tools to use and how to combine them effectively.

The Free Tool Stack

Here are the essential free tools that power modern ai automation workflows workflows:

Tool	Purpose	Free Tier
ChatGPT / Claude	AI assistance, code generation, research	Full free tier
VS Code	Code editor	Free
GitHub	Version control, collaboration	Free with unlimited repos
Vercel / Netlify	Hosting	Generous free tiers
n8n / Make	Workflow automation	Free plans available

Getting Started

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

Start by creating a dedicated workspace. Use free tools to maximize your efficiency:

Install VS Code (free, open-source)
Create a GitHub account (free)
Set up your project structure

Step 2: Learn the Core Concepts

Master these fundamental concepts before diving into advanced topics:

Architecture patterns that scale
Best practices for maintainable code
Testing strategies that save time
Deployment workflows that automate releases

Step 3: Build Real Projects

The best way to learn is by building. Start with:

A simple CRUD application
An API service
A full-stack project with authentication

Advanced Strategies

Leveraging AI for Productivity

Artificial intelligence has transformed development workflows. Here is how to use it effectively:

Code generation: Use AI to generate boilerplate and repetitive code
Debugging assistance: Describe bugs to AI and get targeted fixes
Documentation: Let AI write and maintain your docs
Testing: Generate test cases automatically

Automation That Saves Hours

Set up these automations to reclaim your time:

Continuous Integration: Auto-run tests on every commit
Automated Deployments: Ship code with zero manual steps
Dependency Updates: Auto-review and merge safe updates
Monitoring Alerts: Get notified before users notice issues

Best Practices

Code Quality

Write self-documenting code with clear naming
Follow the principle of least surprise
Keep functions small and focused
Review your own code before submitting

Performance Optimization

Measure before optimizing
Use caching strategically
Optimize database queries
Implement lazy loading

Security Considerations

Never trust user input
Use environment variables for secrets
Keep dependencies updated
Implement rate limiting

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Over-engineering: Start simple, add complexity only when needed
Ignoring errors: Handle edge cases from day one
Skipping tests: Tests save time in the long run
Not documenting: Future you will thank present you

Tools and Resources

Free Development Tools

VS Code - Best code editor (free)
GitHub - Version control (free)
Vercel - Hosting (free tier)
Netlify - Hosting (free tier)
Supabase - Backend as a service (free tier)

AI Tools

ChatGPT - AI assistant (free tier)
Claude - AI assistant (free tier)
Perplexity - AI research (free tier)
GitHub Copilot - AI coding (free tier)

Learning Resources

FreeCodeCamp - Free coding courses
MDN Web Docs - Web development reference
Dev.to - Developer community and articles

Conclusion

How to Automate Your Small Business with Free AI Tools in 2026 in 2026 is more accessible than ever. With free tools, abundant learning resources, and AI assistance, anyone can build professional-quality work. The key is consistent practice and a willingness to learn.

Next Steps

Pick one project and build it to completion
Share your work on Dev.to or GitHub
Join communities and contribute to open source
Keep learning and iterating

This article was created with assistance from AI tools. All content is reviewed for accuracy and quality.

Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.