The hottest Substack posts right now

according to Hacker News
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January 2025 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Innovation AI Electronics Engineering
  1. There are some cool upgrades and hacks in 3D printing, like using a camera to see inside the printer's nozzle. This can help fix printing problems.
  2. You can now easily update your thermometer's software without needing extra cables by using a simple hack. It's convenient and makes the device more user-friendly.
  3. AI tools are becoming helpful for people who want to create projects but may not have coding skills. This can make technology accessible to more people.

Mocking OpenAI - Unit testing in the age of LLMs (Part One)

Laszlo’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Testing Development Programming Software
  1. Unit tests are still important even with LLMs. They help ensure your code behaves as expected, even when using unpredictable AI tools.
  2. Mocking is needed to effectively test code that relies on LLMs. Instead of calling the actual AI, you create a 'fake' version that simulates its behavior.
  3. Using libraries like 'respx' can simplify mocking in your tests, and it's essential to handle things like retry logic carefully to keep tests fast.

Careless Whisper (Usage Can Blow Out Your API Limits)

networked • 107 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Application development Cost Analysis API AI
  1. The main value proposition of the app is to automate the process of summarizing podcast episodes, reducing manual work.
  2. Focus on reducing transcription costs rather than summarization costs for cost savings in a podcast summarizer app.
  3. Experiment with modifying audio speed and removing silences to lower transcription costs and enhance accuracy.

How Snowflake’s DevProd team operates

Engineering Enablement • 10 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Developer Productivity Product Management Software Development
  1. Developers need to trust that their tools work smoothly and that help will come quickly if something goes wrong. This trust builds a solid foundation for a productive environment.
  2. Standardizing communication and feedback loops helps everyone stay aligned and informed, making it easier for teams to collaborate and adopt new tools. Closing the loop encourages trust.
  3. Understanding and engaging with users personally, like through advisory boards or local meetings, boosts adoption and shows developers that their needs are being prioritized.
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Math for Computer Science [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 26 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Optimization Machine Learning Mathematics Software Development Statistics
  1. Focus on Calculus for software development: Understand precalc topics like functions, transformation, and algebra well.
  2. Importance of Probs and Stats: Learn to think in a Bayesian context, focus on probabilistic thinking.
  3. Value of Linear Algebra: Grasp foundational concepts, computational side less important for traditional software development.

Forward Guidance

The Last Bear Standing • 133 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
💰 Finance Interest Rates Central Banks Inflation Monetary Policy
  1. The Dot Plot is the Fed's way of showing where they think interest rates will go in the future.
  2. Yield Curve Control is when central banks adjust short-term and long-term rates to tackle inflation and maintain financial stability.
  3. The Fed's Dilemma involves trying to raise rates to tackle inflation while avoiding destabilizing long-duration assets and maintaining financial stability.

The Digital Age and Language Evolution

The Digital Anthropologist • 39 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence UX Design Digital Communication Language Evolution
  1. Human language is always evolving, incorporating symbols, voice, gestures, and text - a complex creative process that continues to adapt to the digital age.
  2. The use of symbols like emojis reflects an evolution in communication akin to ancient cave drawings, now combined with voice, gestures, and text in modern digital interactions.
  3. Advancements in digital communication technologies, including AI, AR, and VR, are shaping how we evolve language to facilitate global interconnection and problem-solving.

No Complaining

We're Gonna Get Those Bastards • 9 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Coping Strategies Self-Improvement Mental health Positive thinking
  1. Complaining doesn't change anything. It can actually make you feel worse and makes problems seem bigger than they really are.
  2. Your thoughts lead to your words, and your words lead to your actions. Staying positive can help keep you motivated and focused on solutions.
  3. When you complain about someone or something, you give it more power. Instead of whining, it’s better to take action or keep quiet.

Giving GPT "Infinite" Knowledge

Sudo Apps • 121 HN points • 06 May 23
🕹 Technology Real-Time Data AI Applications Machine Learning Data processing
  1. Training Large Language Models (LLMs) with new data constantly is impractical due to the vast amount of information and privacy concerns.
  2. OpenAI's focus on improving LLMs in other ways instead of just increasing model size indicates the end of giant model era.
  3. Using tokens, embeddings, vector storage, and prompting can help provide LLMs with large amounts of data for better interpretation and understanding.

Google and Adobe go on a shopping Spree [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 17 Sep 22
💼 Business Startups Tech Finance Acquisitions Investing
  1. Companies like Google and Adobe are still investing in valuable acquisitions even during a tech crash, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on building valuable products.
  2. Big money acquisitions like Google's Mandiant and Adobe's Figma prove that focusing on quality over short-term gains can lead to significant success in the long run.
  3. Being able to identify valuable companies early can be financially rewarding, emphasizing the importance of developing expertise in specific domains and staying informed through diverse sources.

Edge 273: Horizontal Federated Learning

TheSequence • 133 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🕹 Technology ML Research
  1. Horizontal Federated Learning involves datasets across nodes sharing the feature space but differing in the sample space.
  2. Google's research on Personalized Federated Learning addresses privacy challenges by allowing custom modifications to the global model at node level.
  3. Syft is a framework combining federated learning, secure multi-party computations, and differential privacy to enable private computations in deep learning models.

📏Where do we draw the line?

Reboot • 9 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Digital Systems Social Constructs
  1. Rules shape how we live and interact with others, but they can change over time. Some rules are strict, while others are more flexible and can adapt to different situations.
  2. The rules we follow often become so normal that we don’t realize they were created by people. Recognizing this can help us see how they affect our daily lives and choices.
  3. We should think about creating rules that encourage exploration and participation, rather than just focusing on winning or losing. This way, everyone can contribute and keep the conversation going.

Find Your Mentor: The Secret Ingredient to Career Excellence

Weekend Developer • 19 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💼 Business Software Industry Mentorship Career development Professional development Networking
  1. Defining clear career goals is key to finding a mentor who aligns with your aspirations and needs.
  2. Seek out mentors who have the experience and expertise you admire to gain valuable insights and guidance.
  3. Leverage professional networks, such as industry events and online communities, to connect with potential mentors and build meaningful relationships.

Suffering = Growth

Calvin’s Substack • 2 HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Team Management Growth Entrepreneurship Innovation
  1. Going through tough times can actually be a good thing. It helps you learn and get stronger, so it's important to keep going even when things get difficult.
  2. Having investors doesn't guarantee success. It's your team's hard work and the right ideas that truly matter in building something great.
  3. Surround yourself with the right people. Choosing good co-founders and team members is crucial because they help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals.

A Bet Against AI & Hype-Driven Migrations

ppdispatch • 8 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Programming Development Software
  1. Many developers are questioning the hype around AI agents, believing that most will fail due to errors and costs. They think only simpler, well-designed tools will succeed.
  2. Most language migrations in software development are driven by trends rather than solid reasoning, leading to more problems than benefits. Developers should evaluate if a change is really necessary.
  3. Live coding interviews don't really show a candidate's true skills because the stress of being watched can hurt their performance. There are better ways to assess coding ability.

Fund Frontier Expeditions otherwise just buy the "Magnificent Seven"

State of the Future • 24 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Investment Trends Market Analysis Economics Venture Capital Startup Culture
  1. Venture capital has changed a lot due to higher interest rates. This makes it harder for startups to get money and has led to a drop in their valuations.
  2. Startups are taking longer to go public now. This means investors are waiting longer to see their returns, which can make venture capital less appealing.
  3. Big tech companies are becoming dominant in AI because they have the money to invest heavily. This creates high barriers for new startups, making it tough for them to compete.

Dashboard Update: NIST Subcategories, MITRE Subtechniques and Mitigations

The Security Industry • 30 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Compliance Research Data Software
  1. The platform now includes detailed information on over 9,000 cybersecurity products, helping professionals match their needs with available solutions. Users can see how each product aligns with NIST and MITRE standards.
  2. Customers will soon be able to analyze their entire security stack, finding overlaps and gaps in their cybersecurity coverage. This feature will help them save costs and improve efficiency.
  3. Traditional research firms only cover a small fraction of the cybersecurity industry. By capturing detailed data on all products, this platform aims to provide a more comprehensive view of available options.

Groq, Gemini, and 10x improvements

Artificial Ignorance • 67 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Applications AI Chips Software
  1. Adding 10x capacity to a system unlocks new capabilities and prevents breaking, leading to fundamental changes.
  2. Gemini 1.5's 10x larger context window enables tasks like analyzing entire codebases, filtering massive datasets, and potentially building AI with better memory.
  3. Groq's custom AI chips achieve lightning-fast token generation, paving the way for real-time AI conversations, enhanced data handling, and possible use in finance, medicine, and robotics.

Levelling up the public relations profession

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
💼 Business Education Public Relations Recruitment Management Diversity
  1. Public relations needs to work harder on diversity, focusing not just on race or gender but also on socio-economic backgrounds, education, and geography. This broader view can help make the industry more inclusive.
  2. There is a significant gap in public relations jobs for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Many PR professionals come from fee-paying schools, which limits opportunities for others.
  3. Creating awareness of public relations careers in schools is essential. Programs like apprenticeships can help, but strong partnerships with educational organizations need to be revived to support future talent.

Slise.xyz Q4 2023 Investor Updates — Year Wrapped

Oleksii Sidorov • 72 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Revenue growth Startups Advertising Cryptocurrency Market Trends
  1. 2023 was a challenging but successful year for Slise.xyz, establishing a strong brand.
  2. In 2024, Slise.xyz aims to introduce a single mediation protocol for Web3 advertising, maximizing revenue and minimizing risks for all participants.
  3. Anticipate market moves in 2024, with a surge in Solana volume and new budgets driving growth opportunities.

BYD has some interesting models in 2025

TP’s Substack • 22 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Product Launches Technology Automotive Market Trends
  1. BYD is launching many exciting new models in 2025, including the powerful Han L and Tang L. These cars offer impressive performance and fast charging.
  2. There are significant improvements coming to existing models, like better interiors and advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing the driving experience.
  3. Denza, a BYD brand, will release a new flagship SUV, the N9, along with other models to compete in the premium market. They are focusing heavily on technology and performance.

More Corporate Power Plays

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
💼 Business Organizational Behavior Human Resources Professional development Leadership Corporate strategy
  1. To stand out at work, create a Substack and position yourself as a thought leader. Focus on having a catchy title and linking to respected sources to build credibility.
  2. Share weekly updates with your team that show you care and know what you're doing. Include personal touches and insights that make you relatable and approachable.
  3. When hiring, make it personal by saying 'I am hiring' instead of 'the company is hiring.' This shows you're in charge and allows you to express your values and the kind of team you want to build.

Tesla is a Vocal Opponent of the Right to Repair. Now we know why.

Fight to Repair • 98 implied HN points • 19 Jul 21
💼 Business Automotive Tech Economics Consumer Rights Repair
  1. Tesla's repair costs can be significantly higher due to limited service options, as seen in a $16,000 vs. $700 repair scenario.
  2. Tesla's reluctance to offer part replacements and focus on assembly replacements can lead to inflated repair costs for consumers.
  3. Tesla's opposition to right to repair laws highlights the importance of independent repair shops for affordable maintenance and repair options.

A Kingdom of Wisdom

CTOrly • 39 implied HN points • 08 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy People Wisdom Mental models Logic
  1. Leadership requires philosophy, not just logic, to navigate people's irrationality.
  2. Being reasonable often trumps being purely rational in dealing with people.
  3. Mental models are better tools than logical formulas for understanding and interacting with people.

Economic Calendar for the Week of November 4th, 2024

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
💰 Finance Market Trends Inflation Earnings Reports Economic Indicators Interest Rates
  1. This week has a packed economic calendar with important earnings reports coming from big companies like New York Times and Qualcomm.
  2. The U.S. elections are on Tuesday, which could distract from other economic updates but are still very important.
  3. Thursday is crucial as the Federal Reserve will announce their decision on interest rates, along with jobless claims data and several company earnings.

Five unlikely books to understand how AI transforms the economy

Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech • 8 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
💼 Business Economics Technology Strategy Innovation Book Reviews
  1. Understanding AI's impact on the economy requires looking beyond typical AI books. Focus on how technology reshapes industries and organizations instead.
  2. Books that discuss system design, constraints, and structural changes are vital for grasping how new technologies like AI will influence business.
  3. Key insights can come from reading unexpected subjects, like the economics of digital media or the history of shipping containers, which show the broader effects of technology.