Best Cloud Storage Services for Personal & Business Use

Cloud storage isn’t just “extra space.” It’s collaboration, security, and peace of mind. Let’s dive into the top contenders — each with their own personality, strengths, and weaknesses. At the end, you’ll find a side-by-side comparison table for quick reference.

Google Drive

Intro: Google Drive is almost everyone’s first brush with cloud storage — tightly integrated with Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Android devices.

Pros

  • Generous free tier (15GB shared with Gmail & Photos)
  • Excellent collaboration in Docs/Sheets
  • Smart search powered by Google AI

Cons

  • Privacy concerns (Google scans metadata)
  • Storage is shared across multiple services

Price: Free 15GB, paid plans via Google One: $1.99/month (100GB), $9.99/month (2TB).

URL: google.com/drive

Personal comment: Great choice if you live inside Gmail and Android already. Just watch out for how quickly your shared space fills up.

Microsoft OneDrive

Intro: OneDrive is Microsoft’s answer to Google Drive, built into Windows and bundled with Microsoft 365.

Pros

  • Seamless Windows integration
  • Bundled with Office apps in Microsoft 365
  • “Files on Demand” saves local space

Cons

  • Free storage only 5GB
  • File restore features not as intuitive

Price: Free 5GB, 100GB for $1.99/month, or Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month for 1TB + Office apps).

URL: onedrive.live.com

Personal comment: A must-have for Office users. If you already pay for Microsoft 365, you’re getting OneDrive “for free.”

Dropbox

Intro: Dropbox was the pioneer of simple file-syncing and still has the most reliable sync engine.

Pros

  • Fast and reliable sync
  • Excellent third-party integrations
  • Smart Sync saves space

Cons

  • Only 2GB free
  • Business plans can be pricey

Price: Free 2GB, Plus $11.99/month (2TB), Family $19.99/month (6 users, 2TB).

URL: dropbox.com

Personal comment: If sync speed and reliability are your top priorities, Dropbox still wins. But its free plan feels stingy today.

pCloud

Intro: A European player with unique lifetime pricing and optional client-side encryption.

Pros

  • Lifetime plans (one-time payment)
  • Optional zero-knowledge encryption
  • Good media streaming features

Cons

  • Encryption add-on costs extra
  • No built-in office suite

Price: $49.99/year (500GB), $99.99/year (2TB), Lifetime: $199 (500GB) / $399 (2TB).

URL: pcloud.com

Personal comment: Excellent for long-term planners. Pay once, forget subscriptions — rare in the cloud world.

Sync.com

Intro: A privacy-first cloud service from Canada, offering zero-knowledge encryption by default.

Pros

  • Zero-knowledge encryption included
  • Affordable compared to other privacy-first services
  • Good sharing options with password protection

Cons

  • Fewer integrations with third-party apps
  • Desktop client less polished than Google/Dropbox

Price: Free 5GB, 2TB plan $8/month (billed annually).

URL: sync.com

Personal comment: If privacy is your non-negotiable, Sync.com nails it — even if you lose some convenience.

Box

Intro: Enterprise-focused with strong compliance, admin controls, and integrations for large teams.

Pros

  • Enterprise-grade compliance (HIPAA, GDPR, SOC2)
  • Excellent admin & team controls
  • Integrates with Office & Google Workspace

Cons

  • Free plan limited to 10GB
  • Business pricing higher than competitors

Price: Free 10GB, Business plans start at $15/user/month.

URL: box.com

Personal comment: Overkill for individuals, but if you’re running a regulated business, Box’s compliance toolkit is invaluable.

Backblaze

Intro: A backup-first solution that focuses on affordable, unlimited storage for individuals and B2 cloud storage for businesses.

Pros

  • Unlimited backup for one computer
  • Very simple to set and forget
  • B2 storage is developer-friendly and cheap

Cons

  • Not built for live collaboration
  • Restores can take time

Price: Unlimited backup $9/month/computer, B2 Cloud Storage $0.005/GB/month.

URL: backblaze.com

Personal comment: Perfect if you just need a reliable parachute for your computer files. Not ideal for shared workspaces.

Comparison Table

Provider Free Storage Starting Paid Plan Best For URL
Google Drive 15GB $1.99/month (100GB) Collaboration & Personal Use google.com/drive
OneDrive 5GB $1.99/month (100GB) Office & Windows Users onedrive.live.com
Dropbox 2GB $11.99/month (2TB) Fast Sync & Integrations dropbox.com
pCloud N/A $49.99/year (500GB) Lifetime Pricing & Privacy pcloud.com
Sync.com 5GB $8/month (2TB) Privacy-first Users sync.com
Box 10GB $15/user/month Enterprise Compliance box.com
Backblaze N/A $9/month (unlimited backup) Backup & Archival backblaze.com

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

Understanding the CSS Resize Property

Introduction

The CSS resize property is a powerful tool that allows users to interactively resize elements by dragging their corners or edges. While most commonly associated with textarea elements, this property can be applied to any element that has its overflow property set to something other than visible.

Basic Syntax

resize: none | both | horizontal | vertical | block | inline;

Property Values

none

Completely disables the resize functionality. No resize handle will appear.

textarea {
    resize: none;
}

both

Allows resizing in both horizontal and vertical directions (default for textareas).

.resizable-box {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto;
    width: 300px;
    height: 200px;
    border: 1px solid #ccc;
}

horizontal

Restricts resizing to the horizontal direction only.

.horizontal-resize {
    resize: horizontal;
    overflow: auto;
    width: 300px;
    height: 100px;
}

vertical

Restricts resizing to the vertical direction only.

.vertical-resize {
    resize: vertical;
    overflow: auto;
    width: 300px;
    height: 100px;
}

block and inline

These newer values allow resizing along the block or inline axis, respectively. They adapt to the writing mode of the document.

.block-resize {
    resize: block;  /* Vertical in horizontal writing mode */
    overflow: auto;
}

.inline-resize {
    resize: inline; /* Horizontal in horizontal writing mode */
    overflow: auto;
}
Important Requirement: The resize property only works on elements where the overflow property is set to something other than visible. Common values that work include auto, hidden, scroll, or overlay.

Browser Support

Desktop Browser Support

Browser Support Version
Chrome ✅ Full Support Since version 4
Firefox ✅ Full Support Since version 4
Safari ✅ Full Support Since version 4
Edge ✅ Full Support Since version 79
Internet Explorer ❌ No Support All versions

Mobile Browser Support

Platform Support Notes
iOS Safari ❌ No Support Touch interface limitations
Chrome Mobile ✅ Limited Support Works but not practical on touch
Firefox Mobile ✅ Limited Support Works but not practical on touch
Mobile Consideration: While some mobile browsers technically support the resize property, the functionality is not practical on touch devices due to the lack of precise cursor control needed for dragging resize handles.

Common Use Cases

1. Removing Default Textarea Resize

Many developers disable the default resize behavior of textareas for consistent form styling:

/* Disable textarea resizing */
textarea {
    resize: none;
}

/* Or allow only vertical resizing */
textarea {
    resize: vertical;
}

2. Resizable Content Areas

Create user-customizable content areas in dashboards or applications:

.widget {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto;
    min-width: 200px;
    min-height: 150px;
    max-width: 600px;
    max-height: 400px;
    border: 2px solid #ddd;
    padding: 1rem;
}

3. Code Editor Panes

Allow developers to adjust the size of code editing areas:

.code-editor {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto;
    width: 100%;
    min-height: 300px;
    font-family: monospace;
    background: #f8f8f8;
    border: 1px solid #ccc;
}

Best Practices

Always Set Size Constraints

Prevent users from breaking your layout by setting reasonable minimum and maximum dimensions:

.resizable-element {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto;
    
    /* Set reasonable constraints */
    min-width: 150px;
    min-height: 100px;
    max-width: 800px;
    max-height: 600px;
}

Consider the User Experience

Only make elements resizable when it genuinely improves the user experience. Not every element needs to be resizable.

Provide Visual Cues

Make it clear to users which elements can be resized, especially for non-textarea elements:

.resizable-hint {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto;
    border: 2px dashed #ccc;
    position: relative;
}

.resizable-hint::after {
    content: "↘ Drag to resize";
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 5px;
    right: 5px;
    font-size: 12px;
    color: #666;
    pointer-events: none;
}

Common Gotchas

Forgetting the Overflow Property

The most common mistake is not setting the overflow property:

/* This won't work */
.broken {
    resize: both;
    /* overflow is 'visible' by default - resize won't work! */
}

/* This will work */
.working {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto; /* Required for resize to function */
}

Not Setting Initial Dimensions

Elements without initial width/height may not display resize handles properly:

.resizable-div {
    resize: both;
    overflow: auto;
    width: 300px;  /* Set initial dimensions */
    height: 200px;
    border: 1px solid #ccc;
}

Accessibility Considerations

  • Keyboard Navigation: Resize handles are not accessible via keyboard navigation
  • Screen Readers: Screen readers may not announce that elements are resizable
  • Motor Impairments: Fine motor control required for dragging may be challenging
  • Alternative Methods: Consider providing buttons or other controls for users who cannot use drag gestures

Future Considerations

The CSS resize property continues to evolve. Future specifications may include:

  • Better touch device support
  • More granular control over resize handles
  • Programmatic resize events
  • Enhanced accessibility features

Conclusion

The CSS resize property is a valuable tool for creating user-customizable interfaces. With excellent support across modern desktop browsers and straightforward implementation, it’s an effective way to give users control over element sizing. Remember to always set appropriate constraints and consider the user experience when implementing resizable elements.

While mobile support is limited due to touch interface constraints, the property gracefully degrades, ensuring your interfaces remain functional across all devices. Use it thoughtfully in applications where user customization genuinely adds value.

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

Sympathy vs Empathy: Understanding the Key Differences and Emotional Connection

In our daily interactions, we often encounter people going through challenges, pain, or joy. The way we respond emotionally can make a profound difference in relationships, personal growth, and social harmony. Two words frequently mentioned in this context are sympathy and empathy. Though they sound similar, they represent very different ways of relating to another person’s emotional experience.

What is Sympathy?

Sympathy is the ability to acknowledge and feel concern for someone else’s suffering. When you sympathize, you recognize their pain and may even express sorrow or pity. However, your emotional involvement remains somewhat external—you are aware of their emotions, but you are not experiencing them yourself.

Example: Imagine a friend loses their pet. You might say, “I’m so sorry for your loss. That must be really hard.” Your words express care, but you don’t necessarily feel the depth of their grief yourself.

Sympathy is often the first step in emotional support. It allows you to offer comfort without being overwhelmed by the other person’s feelings. It can be particularly useful when you need to maintain objectivity, such as in professional caregiving or counseling contexts.

What is Empathy?

Empathy goes deeper. It means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and attempting to share their emotional experience. It is an internal process, allowing you to genuinely understand what another person is feeling.

Example: When your friend loses their pet, empathy might lead you to recall your own experiences of loss, feeling a similar grief alongside them. You might say, “I understand how heartbroken you must feel. I feel it with you.”

Empathy requires active listening, imagination, and emotional sensitivity. It strengthens human connections because it creates a bond based on understanding and shared experience.

Key Differences Between Sympathy and Empathy

  • Sympathy: Feeling for someone; externally acknowledging their emotions; showing concern without fully sharing the experience.
  • Empathy: Feeling with someone; internally connecting to their emotions; sharing their perspective and emotional state.

The Philosophical Perspective

The concept of empathy has long fascinated philosophers. Aristotle once wrote, “The greatest gift we can give another is the gift of understanding.” Empathy is precisely this gift—it is a conscious effort to understand and experience another person’s emotional world. Sympathy, while caring, is a gentler, more observational approach, and sometimes insufficient for deeper connection.

Why Understanding This Difference Matters

Recognizing the difference between sympathy and empathy can profoundly impact personal and professional relationships. Empathy fosters trust, encourages open communication, and helps resolve conflicts more effectively. Sympathy can still provide support, but may leave the recipient feeling emotionally distant if overused.

In workplaces, empathetic leadership improves team morale and productivity. In friendships and family, empathy strengthens bonds and emotional intimacy. Ultimately, emotional intelligence—a combination of empathy, self-awareness, and regulation—depends heavily on understanding this distinction.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Empathy

  1. Listen actively without interrupting or judging.
  2. Imagine yourself in the other person’s situation.
  3. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language and tone.
  4. Validate their emotions, even if you haven’t experienced the same situation.
  5. Reflect on your own emotional experiences to connect authentically.

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

How to Build Backlinks & Outreach to Boost Your SEO Authority: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

In the world of SEO, backlinks are often considered one of the most powerful factors influencing your website’s authority and search rankings. As we highlighted earlier, authority is the true SEO superpower, but how exactly do you build that authority? This comprehensive guide dives deep into practical and ethical outreach and backlink-building strategies that anyone—from beginners to advanced marketers—can implement to elevate their website’s authority and climb the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Why Backlinks Are Fundamental to Authority in SEO

Backlinks serve as endorsements or votes of confidence from other websites. Think of them as digital references showing that your content is valuable and trustworthy. However, it’s not just about collecting a high number of backlinks but focusing on the quality and relevance of those links. Poor-quality or spammy backlinks can harm your SEO and reduce your site’s credibility.

Authoritative backlinks directly impact how search engines perceive your site’s trustworthiness. When high-authority websites link to your pages, it boosts your own authority, which helps you outrank competitors and drives targeted, organic traffic. Conversely, focusless link-building or unethical link schemes can cause penalties that set your SEO efforts back significantly.

The Step-by-Step Outreach & Backlink Building Process

Step 1: Research Your Niche and Competitors

Before you begin outreach, it’s critical to understand your market and competitors’ backlink profiles. Use SEO tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to discover where competitors are earning backlinks. Look for:

  • Types of sites linking to your competitors
  • Which pieces of content are attracting the most backlinks
  • Content formats that perform well (how-to guides, infographics, research studies, etc.)

This research informs your strategy by identifying relevant sites where you can potentially secure backlinks and content ideas that resonate well in your niche.

Step 2: Create and Identify Link-Worthy Content on Your Site

Your outreach will be far more successful if you have valuable, link-worthy content to offer. Here are common types of content that attract backlinks:

  • In-depth Guides and Tutorials: Comprehensive resources that solve problems thoroughly.
  • Original Case Studies and Data: Unique research or analysis that others can’t find elsewhere.
  • Insightful Opinion Pieces: Thought leadership content that influences industry perspectives.
  • Visual Content: Infographics, charts, and videos that summarize complex information effectively.
  • Interactive Tools and Templates: Useful resources like calculators, checklists, or templates that users continuously rely on.

Regularly audit and update your content to keep it relevant and valuable, which increases its attractiveness for backlinks over time.

Step 3: Build an Outreach List with a Personal Touch

Effective backlink outreach is highly personalized and targeted. Start by identifying potential linkers such as bloggers, journalists, webmasters, and influencers relevant to your niche. Gather essential contact information, including:

  • Email addresses (preferably personal or direct contact)
  • Social media profiles (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
  • Contact forms or outreach submission links

Segment your list by industry relevance, site authority, and relationship potential to tailor your outreach messages accordingly.

Step 4: Craft Personalized, Value-Oriented Outreach Emails

Stand out in crowded inboxes with emails that show genuine research and value. Include the following elements for maximum impact:

  • Polite Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your website.
  • Contextual Reference: Demonstrate familiarity with the recipient’s website or recent articles.
  • Value Proposition: Explain clearly why your content is valuable to their audience and how linking benefits them.
  • Call to Action: A low-barrier ask, such as reviewing your resource or considering linking to your content.

Example subject lines:

  • “Thought you might find this useful for your [Article/Topic]”
  • “Resource suggestion to complement your recent post”
  • “Quick idea to improve your [Topic] content”

Step 5: Follow Up with Professional Persistence

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a reply right away. Most successful outreach campaigns require at least one polite follow-up within 7-10 days. Use this second email to:

  • Briefly restate your content and offer
  • Express continued interest in collaboration
  • Keep tone helpful and courteous without pressure

Consistent, respectful engagement can convert initial “no responses” into fruitful backlink opportunities.

Step 6: Develop Guest Posting Opportunities for Authority Building

Guest blogging remains a proven strategy to build authoritative backlinks and brand recognition. To do this effectively:

  • Identify authoritative blogs that accept guest posts
  • Research their audience and recent content thoroughly
  • Pitch unique, non-promotional article ideas related to their niche
  • Deliver high-quality, original posts that seamlessly include backlinks to your site

Guest posts build relationships, expand your reach, and drive high-quality inbound links from relevant sites.

Step 7: Leverage Social Media, Communities, and Forums

While backlinks from social media don’t directly impact rankings as much, active participation increases visibility, referral traffic, and link-building opportunities. Engage by:

  • Sharing your content in relevant LinkedIn groups, Facebook communities, Reddit forums, and niche discussion boards
  • Commenting meaningfully on influencers’ posts and articles
  • Connecting with industry thought leaders to open backlink avenues

Social proof also indirectly strengthens your site’s perceived authority and online presence.

Step 8: Monitor and Protect Your Backlink Profile Routinely

Building backlinks is ongoing; protecting your profile is just as important. Regularly:

  • Use Google Search Console and third-party tools (Ahrefs, SEMrush) to monitor new and lost backlinks
  • Analyze backlinks for quality and relevance
  • Disavow toxic or spammy backlinks that might hurt your SEO
  • Maintain relationships with sites linking to you for continued collaboration

This active management preserves your authority and maintains a clean SEO profile.

Best Practices for Ethical and Effective Backlink Building

  • Always prioritize relevance: links should come from sites related to your industry or target audience.
  • Steer clear of black-hat tactics, including link buying, link farms, or automated spammy link generation.
  • Create genuinely useful and original content that naturally attracts links.
  • Focus on building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships instead of transactional link exchanges.
  • Be patient; authority and backlinks compound over months and years, not days.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid with Backlink Building

  • Sending generic, mass outreach emails without customization or real value.
  • Chasing backlinks indiscriminately from irrelevant or low-authority websites.
  • Neglecting follow-up, which often leads to missed opportunities.
  • Overlooking the importance of preparing high-quality content before starting outreach.
  • Ignoring the impact of technical SEO and on-page factors that support backlink effectiveness.

Conclusion: The Synergy of Backlinks and Authority for SEO Excellence

Backlink building and outreach are much more than routine SEO tasks—they are strategic, relationship-driven activities that materially increase your SEO authority, trustworthiness, and organic rankings. When paired with ongoing content quality improvements and technical SEO, these efforts create a robust foundation for long-term search success.

Focus on earning relevant, authoritative links through genuine value and connection, and watch your website ascend to the top of search results, truly wielding the real SEO superpower—authority.

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

Authority in SEO: The Key to Dominating Search Rankings

In our daily interactions, we often encounter people going through challenges, pain, or joy. The way we respond emotionally can make a profound difference in relationships, personal growth, and social harmony. Two words frequently mentioned in this context are sympathy and empathy. Though they sound similar, they represent very different ways of relating to another person’s emotional experience.

What is Sympathy?

Sympathy is the ability to acknowledge and feel concern for someone else’s suffering. When you sympathize, you recognize their pain and may even express sorrow or pity. However, your emotional involvement remains somewhat external—you are aware of their emotions, but you are not experiencing them yourself.

Example: Imagine a friend loses their pet. You might say, “I’m so sorry for your loss. That must be really hard.” Your words express care, but you don’t necessarily feel the depth of their grief yourself.

Sympathy is often the first step in emotional support. It allows you to offer comfort without being overwhelmed by the other person’s feelings. It can be particularly useful when you need to maintain objectivity, such as in professional caregiving or counseling contexts.

What is Empathy?

Empathy goes deeper. It means putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and attempting to share their emotional experience. It is an internal process, allowing you to genuinely understand what another person is feeling.

Example: When your friend loses their pet, empathy might lead you to recall your own experiences of loss, feeling a similar grief alongside them. You might say, “I understand how heartbroken you must feel. I feel it with you.”

Empathy requires active listening, imagination, and emotional sensitivity. It strengthens human connections because it creates a bond based on understanding and shared experience.

Key Differences Between Sympathy and Empathy

  • Sympathy: Feeling for someone; externally acknowledging their emotions; showing concern without fully sharing the experience.
  • Empathy: Feeling with someone; internally connecting to their emotions; sharing their perspective and emotional state.

The Philosophical Perspective

The concept of empathy has long fascinated philosophers. Aristotle once wrote, “The greatest gift we can give another is the gift of understanding.” Empathy is precisely this gift—it is a conscious effort to understand and experience another person’s emotional world. Sympathy, while caring, is a gentler, more observational approach, and sometimes insufficient for deeper connection.

Why Understanding This Difference Matters

Recognizing the difference between sympathy and empathy can profoundly impact personal and professional relationships. Empathy fosters trust, encourages open communication, and helps resolve conflicts more effectively. Sympathy can still provide support, but may leave the recipient feeling emotionally distant if overused.

In workplaces, empathetic leadership improves team morale and productivity. In friendships and family, empathy strengthens bonds and emotional intimacy. Ultimately, emotional intelligence—a combination of empathy, self-awareness, and regulation—depends heavily on understanding this distinction.

Practical Tips to Cultivate Empathy

  1. Listen actively without interrupting or judging.
  2. Imagine yourself in the other person’s situation.
  3. Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language and tone.
  4. Validate their emotions, even if you haven’t experienced the same situation.
  5. Reflect on your own emotional experiences to connect authentically.

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

Best Free Android Expense Tracker Apps (2025) — Top Picks, Links & Comparison

Want that “aha” moment when you open your app and your budget makes sense? Here’s a curated lineup of the best free Android expense tracker apps, complete with direct links, pricing breakdowns, open-source transparency, and a comparison table that helps you see the forest—and the trees.

1. Buckwheat — Privacy-First & Open-Source

Official site ·
Google Play ·
GitHub (GPL-3.0)
Price: Free forever, no ads :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Open-source with active development :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

2. Spending Tracker — Manual, Simple & Smooth

Google Play
Price: Free with ads and optional in-app purchases; also available via Play Pass :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

3. Money Manager (Realbyte) — Feature-Rich & Powerful

Google Play ·
Official site
Price: Free tier generous; premium removes ads, adds desktop integration—one-time purchase around $5.99 plus export capabilities :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

4. Cashew — Automated Sync & Visual Clarity

Official site / GitHub ·
Google Play
Price: Free; bank sync, intuitive visuals, flexible budgeting. Open-source base on GitHub :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

5. Splitwise — Best for Shared Expenses

Official site ·
Google Play
Price: Free core features; split bills, IOU tracking. Pro subscription adds receipt scanning, currency conversion, ad-free experience (approx $0.99–$39.99 per item) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

Bonus Mention: Spendee — Bank-Sync + Shared Wallets

Google Play
Price: Free with syncing bank, e-wallets, shared finance, reports—possible premium tiers (not detailed) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

Comparison Table: Pick by Feature

App Open-Source? Sync / Automation Free Tier Premium / Price Best If You…
Buckwheat Yes (GPL-3.0) No (local only) Fully free, no ads None Want privacy and zero-cloud simplicity
Spending Tracker No No (manual) Free with ads or Play Pass In-app purchases / Play Pass Prefer fast, manual entry and export
Money Manager (Realbyte) No No (manual entries, but scheduled) Very feature-rich free tier One-time purchase (~$5.99) to unlock extras Need double-entry, reports, multiple accounts
Cashew Partially (GitHub base) Yes (bank sync) Free Not explicitly stated; likely plans possible Want visuals and automation, don’t mind sharing data
Splitwise No Yes (shared groups) Free core Pro features per-item $0.99–$39.99 Split expenses with others—roommates, trips
Spendee No Yes (bank/e-wallet sync) Free with core features Premium tiers (unspecified) Want visuals, multi-wallets, shared finance

Remember: an app isn’t going to fix your budget—your habits will. Choose one that feels more like a tool and less like a chore. Try it for 30 days, then adapt. Let your spending data teach you, not intimidate.

Top Online Tools for WCAG 2.1 AA Accessibility Testing

Testing your website against WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards is essential for creating inclusive digital experiences. Here are the top free online tools to help you identify and fix accessibility issues efficiently.

Interested to learn complete guide about what is WCAG 2.1 Accessibility Testing?

1. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

Website: wave.webaim.org

Best for: Quick visual feedback

Features:

  • Generates a visual overlay of your webpage with icons marking errors, alerts, and features
  • Checks for contrast, missing alt text, ARIA labels, form labels, and structural issues
  • Provides detailed explanations for each issue

How to use: Paste your URL or upload a file

2. axe DevTools (Browser Extension)

Website: deque.com/axe

Best for: Developers (Chrome/Firefox extension)

Features:

  • Integrates with browser DevTools for real-time testing
  • Scans for 57%+ of WCAG issues (automated)
  • Zero false positives
  • Highlights issues directly in the DOM

How to use: Install the extension, open DevTools, and run the scan

3. Lighthouse (Built into Chrome DevTools)

Website: developers.google.com/web/tools/lighthouse

Best for: Performance + accessibility audits

Features:

  • Free, built into Chrome (no install needed)
  • Tests against WCAG 2.1 AA automatically
  • Covers color contrast, focus management, ARIA, and more
  • Generates a report with scores and fixes

How to use: In Chrome DevTools → Lighthouse tab → Select “Accessibility” → Generate report

4. Accessibility Insights (Microsoft)

Website: accessibilityinsights.io

Best for: Guided manual + automated testing

Features:

  • FastPass (automated checks) + Assessment (step-by-step manual tests)
  • Covers WCAG 2.1 AA comprehensively
  • Visualizes focus order, keyboard traps, and color contrast
  • Free browser extension (Chrome/Edge)

How to use: Install the extension, open a page, and run tests

5. AChecker

Website: achecker.ca

Best for: Detailed guideline validation

Features:

  • Validates against WCAG 2.1 AA (and other standards)
  • Checks HTML, CSS, and ARIA
  • Provides “known problems,” “likely problems,” and “potential issues”

How to use: Enter URL or upload HTML/CSS files

6. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker

Website: siteimprove.com/accessibility-checker

Best for: Quick scans (browser extension)

Features:

  • Free Chrome/Firefox extension
  • Scans for WCAG 2.1 AA violations
  • Shows issues in-page with severity levels

How to use: Install the extension and run on any webpage

7. Tenon.io

Website: tenon.io

Best for: API-driven testing (free tier available)

Features:

  • Tests against WCAG 2.1 AA
  • Prioritizes critical issues
  • Free tier allows 5 tests/month

How to use: Sign up for free, paste URL, and run tests

Key Notes for Effective Accessibility Testing

Automated vs. Manual Testing

  • Automated tools catch ~30% of WCAG issues (e.g., missing alt text, color contrast)
  • Manual testing is essential for keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and cognitive accessibility
  • Tools like Accessibility Insights and WAVE guide you through manual checks

Complementary Tools

Enterprise Tools (Paid)

Deque WorldSpace, Siteimprove, and Level Access offer advanced scanning + reporting for large sites

Recommendation

  • Start with: Lighthouse (quick audit) + WAVE (visual feedback)
  • For developers: axe DevTools + Accessibility Insights (for guided manual tests)
  • For comprehensive checks: Combine automated tools with manual testing using a screen reader and keyboard

Always remember: No automated tool is 100% accurate. Use these as a starting point, and validate with real users where possible!

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

How AI and AI Tools Are Driving Python Language’s Popularity

Python is the Dominant Language for AI/ML Development

Python boasts the most mature, extensive, and well-supported ecosystem of libraries and frameworks specifically designed for AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL). Key examples include TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, NLTK, spaCy, and OpenCV.

Python’s clear syntax and readability lower the barrier to entry. This allows researchers, data scientists, and developers from diverse backgrounds to focus on solving AI problems rather than wrestling with complex language semantics.

Python’s interpreted nature and the availability of tools like Jupyter Notebooks/Labs make it incredibly fast to prototype ideas, experiment with models, and iterate. This agility is critical in AI research and development.

The Python community for AI/ML is enormous. This means abundant tutorials, documentation, forums (like Stack Overflow), pre-trained models, and open-source projects, accelerating development and problem-solving.

AI Tools Themselves Leverage Python

Many AI-powered web applications, APIs, and services use Python frameworks (like Django, Flask, FastAPI) on the backend to serve the AI models and handle business logic.

AI tools often involve complex data pipelines, model training workflows, and deployment scripts. Python is the de facto language for automation and scripting these processes due to its ease and extensive library support (e.g., Apache Airflow for workflow orchestration).

AI tools frequently need to integrate with other systems (databases, cloud services, APIs). Python excels at this integration task.

The Feedback Loop: Python’s Growth Fuels AI Tool Growth, Which Fuels Python Growth

As Python’s popularity grows, more developers and researchers are available to build, maintain, and improve AI libraries and tools. This attracts even more users to Python for AI.

The explosion of AI applications across industries (healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, etc.) creates a massive demand for professionals who can build, deploy, and maintain these systems. Since Python is the primary language for these tasks, demand for Python skills skyrockets.

User-friendly AI tools built with Python (like AutoML platforms, no-code/low-code AI builders) often expose Python APIs or generate Python code under the hood. This introduces Python to a broader audience who might not have considered it before.

Broader Impact Beyond Core AI Development

The rise of AI is intrinsically linked to the explosion of data. Python is the dominant language for data science and analytics, which are the essential precursors to building effective AI models.

Managing the lifecycle of AI models (MLOps) is a growing field. Python is heavily used for building deployment pipelines, monitoring models, and managing infrastructure (often leveraging cloud SDKs like AWS Boto3, GCP google-api-python-client, Azure SDK).

Python is the primary language taught in AI/ML courses and used in academic research. This creates a new generation of professionals entering the workforce already proficient in Python for AI.

Fields leveraging AI (like robotics, IoT, scientific computing) increasingly adopt Python because of its AI capabilities and ease of integration.

Evidence Supporting the Trend

Python has consistently been ranked #1 or #2 in the TIOBE Index in recent years, often cited specifically for its dominance in AI/ML and data science.

In Stack Overflow Developer Surveys, Python consistently ranks among the most “loved,” “wanted,” and “used” languages, with AI/ML being a major driver.

GitHub Octoverse reports show Python consistently ranking as one of the top languages by repository count, contributors, and pull requests, with significant growth in AI/ML related projects.

Demand for Python developers, especially with AI/ML skills, is extremely high and continues to grow rapidly across industries.

Potential Counterpoints & Nuances

For extremely high-performance or low-latency AI inference (e.g., in embedded systems, high-frequency trading), languages like C++, Rust, or specialized hardware languages might be preferred. However, Python is often used for the higher-level logic and orchestration, calling into these optimized libraries.

Languages like R (statistics, academia), Julia (high-performance numerical computing), and Java/Scala (large-scale enterprise systems) have their place. However, Python’s versatility and ecosystem breadth make it the most common choice.

While “no-code” AI tools abstract away coding, they often still rely on Python under the hood and may generate Python code. They expand the user base of AI but don’t eliminate the need for Python developers to build and maintain the underlying tools and models.

Conclusion

The rise of AI and AI-based tools is not just increasing, but is arguably the single biggest driver of Python’s current and projected growth. The relationship is mutually reinforcing: Python’s strengths make it the natural choice for AI development, and the explosive growth of AI creates massive demand for Python skills and further enriches its ecosystem. This trend is firmly established and shows no signs of reversing in the foreseeable future. Python has become the lingua franca of the AI revolution.

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

Free QR Code Generator 2024: Create Custom QR Codes for WiFi, URLs, Contacts & More


What is a QR Code Generator and Why Do You Need One?

QR codes have become an essential tool for businesses, marketers, and individuals. A free QR code generator lets you create professional, scannable QR codes that can store many types of information — from simple URLs to detailed contact info.

Our tool offers advanced features usually found in paid tools, yet it’s completely free. Whether you need a WiFi QR code for guests or custom QR codes for campaigns, this generator covers it all.

Top Features of Our QR Code Generator

  • 10 QR code types (URLs, WiFi, vCard, email, SMS, location, events, crypto, phone, text)
  • Custom colors and error correction levels
  • Save and organize locally (no cloud needed)
  • Export in PNG or SVG formats
  • No registration required
  • Works on desktop and mobile devices

10 Types of QR Codes You Can Create

  1. Website URL – Direct users to websites instantly.
  2. WiFi Access – Connect guests to your network with one scan.
  3. Contact Card (vCard) – Share full contact details digitally.
  4. Email – Open email client with pre-filled details.
  5. SMS – Send pre-filled text messages.
  6. Location – Share GPS coordinates for navigation.
  7. Calendar Event – Add events directly to calendars.
  8. Cryptocurrency – Share wallet addresses for payments.
  9. Phone Number – Enable instant calling.
  10. Plain Text – Store any short text or note.

How to Use Our QR Code Generator

  1. Choose a QR code type from the dropdown menu.
  2. Fill in the required information (URL, text, WiFi credentials, etc.).
  3. Customize colors, size, and error correction level.
  4. Click “Generate” and test with your smartphone.
  5. Save to your library or download as PNG/SVG.

Why Choose Our Free QR Code Generator?

  • Free forever — no hidden costs
  • No watermarks or branding
  • Advanced customization options
  • Local storage (no server dependency)
  • High-resolution output
  • Cross-platform compatibility
  • Fast and reliable
  • Regular updates

Free vs Premium QR Code Generators

Feature Our Free Generator Typical Free Generators Premium Generators
QR Code Types 10 types 2–3 types 8–12 types
Custom Colors Yes No Yes
Storage Local (IndexedDB) None Cloud
Watermarks No Often Yes No
Download Formats PNG & SVG PNG only Multiple
Usage Limits Unlimited 5–10 per day Unlimited
Registration Required No Often Yes Always Yes
Cost Free Free $10–50/mo

Business Use Cases for QR Codes

Restaurants & Hospitality

Use QR codes for contactless menus, WiFi access, and table ordering.

Retail & E-commerce

Link products to reviews, offers, and online stores.

Real Estate

Provide instant property info, virtual tours, and agent contacts.

Events

Simplify check-ins, schedules, and networking with event QR codes.

Healthcare

Share doctor contact info, clinic addresses, and telehealth links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your QR code generator really free?

Yes, it’s 100% free with no hidden costs.

Do QR codes expire?

No, they remain valid as long as the linked content is accessible.

Can I edit a QR code?

You can’t edit a generated code, but you can re-generate with new data.

What’s the difference between PNG and SVG?

PNG is good for web/social media, SVG is ideal for print (scalable).

How do I create a WiFi QR code?

Select WiFi type, enter SSID, password, and security type — then generate.

Conclusion

Our free QR code generator offers powerful features without the cost or hassle of premium tools. Whether for personal or business use, you can create unlimited, professional-quality QR codes instantly.

Start creating QR codes now.

Self Promotion

Codeboxr.com

Since 2011, Codeboxr has been transforming client visions into powerful, user-friendly web experiences. We specialize in building bespoke web applications that drive growth and engagement. Our deep expertise in modern technologies like Laravel and Flutter allows us to create robust, scalable solutions from the ground up. As WordPress veterans, we also excel at crafting high-performance websites and developing advanced custom plugins that extend functionality perfectly to your needs. Let’s build the advanced web solution your business demands.

Visit and learn more about us

Background-size vs Object-fit in CSS: The Complete Guide with Examples

Short answer:

  • background-size controls how a CSS background image fills a box (used with background-image on any element).
  • object-fit controls how the content of a replaced element (like , , ) is resized to fill its box.

They often produce the same visual result (e.g. cover), but they behave very differently under the hood — semantics, accessibility, responsive image features, browser behavior, and where you can apply them.

Key differences (quick)

  • Applies to

    • background-size → any element with background-image.
    • object-fit → replaced elements (mostly , , , ).
  • Semantics & accessibility

    • background-image is decorative (no alt text). Not suitable for meaningful content.
    • + object-fit is content — keeps alt, srcset, loading="lazy".
  • Responsive image support

    • supports srcset, sizes, lazy-loading — better for performance & responsive art direction.
    • CSS can use image-set() but it’s less convenient.
  • Multiple backgrounds

    • background-image can have multiple layers.
    • object-fit only affects the single replaced element.
  • Default sizing behaviors

    • background-size keywords: auto, contain, cover, plus lengths/percentages.
    • object-fit keywords: fill, contain, cover, none, scale-down.
  • Browser support

    • background-size is widely supported.
    • object-fit is supported by modern browsers; older IE lacks it (use progressive enhancement or polyfill if you must support IE11).

Step-by-step examples

Example 1 — side-by-side: background-size: cover vs object-fit: cover

HTML:


Mountain

CSS:

.examples { display:flex; gap:16px; align-items:flex-start; }

.card {
  width: 320px;
  height: 200px;
  border: 1px solid #ddd;
  overflow: hidden; /* important for object-fit demo */
}

/* background version */
.bg-card {
  background-position: center;
  background-repeat: no-repeat;
  background-size: cover; /* keys: cover / contain / 100% 100% / auto */
}

/* img version */
.fit-img {
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
  object-fit: cover;   /* cover / contain / fill / none / scale-down */
  object-position: center; /* like background-position */
  display: block; /* removes inline-gap below img */
}

What you’ll see: both cards visually crop the image to completely fill the 320×200 box, preserving aspect ratio. But the left is a CSS background (no in DOM), the right is a semantic image element.


Example 2 — contain vs cover, and the fill vs 100% 100% nuance


Example
.contain-bg { background-size: contain; background-position:center; background-repeat:no-repeat; }

/* object-fit contain */
.fit-contain { width:100%; height:100%; object-fit: contain; object-position:center; }
  • contain will scale the image so the entire image is visible — there will be letterboxing (empty space) if the aspect ratios differ.
  • cover fills and crops; contain fits and shows all.

background-size: 100% 100%object-fit: fill — both stretch the image to exactly the box dimensions (aspect ratio is not preserved).

Example 3 — why object-fit sometimes seems to “not work”

object-fit takes effect only if the replaced element has both width and height defined in CSS (or the parent provides them). If you set img { width:100%; height:auto }, the browser preserves the intrinsic aspect ratio and object-fit is ignored. To use object-fit reliably give the image a constrained box:

.card { width:320px; aspect-ratio: 16/9; } /* modern way to define height */
.fit-img { width:100%; height:100%; object-fit:cover; }

Or set a fixed height on the parent. Using aspect-ratio is a nice modern technique for responsive placeholders.

Accessibility, performance & best-practices

  • Use with object-fit when the image is meaningful content (SEO, screen-readers, responsive srcset, loading="lazy").

  • Use background-image when the image is purely decorative (no need for alt, or when you need multiple layered backgrounds).

  • For responsive art-direction (different crops at different breakpoints), prefer /srcset when possible — easier and more performant.

  • If supporting old IE where object-fit isn’t available, either:

    • Provide a CSS fallback (e.g. use background-image on a wrapper), or
    • Use a small polyfill (common libraries are available).

Quick decision guide

  • Decorative background, multiple layers, or CSS-only effects → background-image + background-size.
  • Real content image that needs alt text, srcset, lazy-load, or semantic markup → + object-fit.
  • Want the exact same behavior visually? Either can mimic the other, but prefer the one that matches semantics & performance needs.

If you want, I can:

  • produce a tiny demo page (HTML file) you can copy/paste to test locally, or
  • convert one of your real images into both patterns so you can compare exactly.

Which would you like? Check demo