What Happened to the Old Posts?

If you've noticed that most of the old posts on this site have disappeared, don't worry, there's a reason behind it. I've recently upgraded the site and made the switch to MDX blog posts. However, this transition requires converting the old SQL database-driven posts to MDX format. Rest assured, I plan to convert them as soon as possible, but for now, they won't be available. Let me explain why I made this change and what it means for the future.

Why MDX?

MDX, a combination of Markdown and JSX, offers incredible flexibility for content creation. By incorporating React components into Markdown files, I gain powerful capabilities. For instance, I can use React components to render code blocks, images, tables, and more. This simplifies the process and enhances the overall look and feel of the blog.

In contrast, the old SQL database stored post content as plain text, resulting in fixed layouts and the need to code special components each time. With MDX, I can create reusable React components and utilize them across multiple Markdown files. This not only saves time but also allows for consistent design elements and improved efficiency. #StaticSiteGeneration

Why Not MDX?

While MDX brings numerous advantages, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. One significant drawback is the inability to edit pages and blog posts on the fly, as everything is statically rendered. This means that every time I make a change, I need to rebuild and redeploy the entire site. While it's a bit of a bummer not to have real-time editing, the truth is that I rarely post stuff or make edits, so this limitation isn't a big issue for me.

Why Is It Taking So Long to Convert the Old Posts?

You might be wondering why the conversion process is taking longer than expected. The truth is, I have a lot on my plate at the moment. As a full-time student, I have a substantial amount of homework and academic responsibilities. Additionally, I am involved in research projects at OSU, which demand a significant portion of my time. Apart from that, I'm also juggling a few other projects. Given these commitments, it's difficult to find the time to convert the old posts. However, I assure you that I am doing my best to prioritize this task and complete it as soon as possible.

What's Next?

Well nothing that's all, you'll have to wait a bit for all the cool stuff.