The hottest Coding Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Using Bits as a way to Encode Preference[Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Using bit fields can significantly reduce storage requirements for tracking user preferences. A technique by Vimeo engineers allowed O(1) space compared to the traditional O(k) method, making the solution far more efficient.
  2. Bit fields utilize bitwise operators to represent content filters, enabling quick comparisons in constant time. This approach is memory and time-efficient.
  3. Implementing bit fields for tracking user preferences allows for efficient filtering of content by performing a bitwise AND operation between the user's and video's bit fields. This results in a quick eligibility check for the user.

Problem 39: Find the Celebrity[Pintrest]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 26 May 22
🚌 Education Coding
  1. Identifying a 'celebrity' in a group where everyone knows them but they know no one involves a logic puzzle with time complexity considerations.
  2. A key to solving the 'celebrity' problem efficiently is using the 'knows' method and a strategy to identify the person in O(N) time.
  3. Engaging with the author's content can involve liking posts, participating in surveys, or supporting them via Substack features.

unix 1 liner to inspect a CSV

CodeFaster • 72 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The Unix one-liner uses commands like cat, tac, cut, and less to process a CSV file.
  2. Using 'cat' reads the file, 'tac' prints it in reverse, 'cut' selects specific columns, and 'less' displays data page by page.
  3. This one-liner is handy for quickly examining and navigating through large CSV files in the terminal.

A new chapter

Optimism (for the web) • 6 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. AI is changing how software is built, making it much faster, but it can also create confusion for beginners.
  2. Many new developers rely on AI tools without understanding how they actually work, leading to problems when those tools don't deliver results.
  3. There is a big need for better education on AI fundamentals so developers can succeed and solve their issues effectively.

[Solution]Problem 37: Word Search[Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 13 May 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Identifying the pattern in graph problems can help simplify the solution - like finding adjacent letters in a grid.
  2. Using the correct graph traversal algorithm is crucial, like choosing DFS for visiting every node in a graph.
  3. Implementing backtracking in DFS can help efficiently solve problems - like removing unnecessary nodes for optimization.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Recurrence Relations[Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 10 May 22
🚌 Education Coding
  1. Recurrence relations are crucial in Computer Science and Discrete Math, defining the basis of Time Complexity.
  2. Understanding recurrence relations makes it easier to analyze code efficiency and computational requirements.
  3. By practicing common functions like sorting, searching, and analyzing their recurrence behavior, you can easily compute time complexity.

[Solution]Problem 36: Container with Most Water[Two Sigma]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 06 May 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Maximizing the area of a container with water involves maximizing both its width and height, which leads to utilizing a technique like Two Pointers for an optimized solution.
  2. For the container problem discussed, starting with two pointers at the ends and progressively moving them towards each other to increase width helps in filtering out low width and height combinations.
  3. A key optimization technique known as 'Artem's Rule' states that if a > b, then a > all numbers lesser than b, which can be a foundational concept for various interview problem optimizations.

Using Single Responsibility to write amazing code [Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The Single Responsibility Principle in software engineering emphasizes that classes and modules should have only one distinct responsibility. This helps in making code easier to maintain and understand.
  2. Implementing the Single Responsibility Principle can lead to benefits such as easier code changes, simplified debugging, and smoother testing processes.
  3. In coding interviews, applying Single Responsibility by breaking down complex problems into smaller, focused components can help in solving questions methodically and efficiently, boosting problem-solving abilities.

Does Reality Have a Surprising _Lack_ of Detail?

Breaking Smart • 45 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The essay discussed contrasting viewpoints on the level of detail present in reality, questioning if there might actually be a surprising lack of detail.
  2. The post highlighted two major AI developments, Sora and Gemini 1.5, emphasizing the importance of boring inference advances over flashy training advances.
  3. The complexity of reality and the intricacies of AI advancements were juxtaposed with simple examples, prompting readers to reconsider their perceptions about reality's level of detail.

[Solution]Problem 35: 3 Sum[Netflix]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Practice the skills mentioned in your interviews frequently to make problem-solving easier.
  2. Understanding the properties of numbers like knowing how values affect the sum can help in solving coding problems effectively.
  3. Sorting the input array can be crucial in solving problems where solutions need to be filtered based on certain properties of the input.

Problem 69: Generate Random Numbers According to Probability [TripleByte]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem discussed involves generating random numbers based on given probabilities. For instance, if given numbers are [1, 2, 3, 4] and corresponding probabilities are [0.1, 0.5, 0.2, 0.2], the function should return 1 10% of the time, 2 50% of the time, and 3 and 4 20% of the time.
  2. The post includes information on job opportunities like a remote Machine Learning Engineer position and features a free weekly summary of AI and Machine Learning updates. There's also a call for sponsors for the newsletter.
  3. The textual content suggests subscribing to a resourceful newsletter for problem-solving tips and techniques in areas like Logic, Problem Solving, and Math. It also shares links to platforms where the author's content is available, such as YouTube and LinkedIn.

[Solution]Problem 34: Find Safe States[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 22 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem involves identifying safe nodes in a directed graph, which are nodes where all paths lead to terminal nodes. These safe nodes cannot be part of a cycle.
  2. The algorithm for identifying safe nodes can utilize DFS (Depth First Search) to traverse the graph efficiently and detect cycles or terminal nodes.
  3. Traversing the graph step-by-step, checking if each node is safe based on its neighbors, and building the solution methodically is key to solving the problem effectively.

Problem 34: Find Safe States[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 21 Apr 22
🚌 Education Coding
  1. The problem discussed involves finding safe nodes in a directed graph where every path from the node leads to a terminal node. It's important to identify safe and terminal nodes in the graph.
  2. The solution to the problem should return an array of safe nodes sorted in ascending order. It's crucial to sort the output for easy analysis and comparison.
  3. By focusing on graph exploration techniques like reachability and cycle detection using DFS can help in solving similar problems efficiently. These techniques are essential for navigating through complex graphs.

The cheat code to getting good at Recursive Programming[Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 20 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Understanding recursion is crucial for coding at top tech companies, and it's a powerful concept in Computer Science.
  2. To improve at recursive programming, practice more recursion by solving specific types of questions such as sorting, list operations, and classic recursive functions.
  3. Getting exposure to Functional Programming can significantly enhance your recursive programming skills by encouraging a purely recursive way of thinking.

Steps for building Recursive solutions[Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 13 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Developing recursive solutions involves creating conjectures, working from base cases, and simplifying complex problems into already solved ones.
  2. Starting with a brute force solution is crucial before attempting dynamic programming for optimal solutions.
  3. Building a strong foundation in recursive thinking is key to mastering more complex concepts like dynamic programming.

A reactionary take on memory safety

lcamtuf’s thing • 42 HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Memory safety in programming languages like C and C++ is a significant issue due to the risk of buffer overflows and other coding errors.
  2. Although there is a push to adopt memory-safe languages like a mandate from The White House, the practicality and necessity of such a move is questionable.
  3. Challenges in enforcing a complete shift to memory-safe languages include the limited exposure of critical code to attacks and the fact that other security vulnerabilities are more common in causing breaches.

Problem 31: Maxium Rainwater Trapping[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem discussed involves calculating how much water can be trapped after rain, based on elevation maps.
  2. Problem solving and recognition skills are important for this type of coding challenge, rather than specialized knowledge.
  3. The newsletter offers coding interview help and techniques for success, especially for firms like FAANG and MAMAA.

My experience with the Google Foobar challenge

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 27 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Google Foobar challenge consists of multiple levels and is invite-only, offering a chance for an onsite interview at Google.
  2. The challenge is designed like an infiltration story with lengthy, complex questions that require googling concepts and filtering out irrelevant information to solve.
  3. Passing the first 3 levels is relatively easier, but the final 2 stages demand specific knowledge of high-level concepts and a well-thought-out game plan for success.

Thoughts on coding with GPT

Logos • 19 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The tools to deploy and host code are quite complicated and not user-friendly. This makes it tough for non-technical people to bring their coding ideas to life.
  2. GPT can help generate code, but it struggles to understand the deeper intentions behind the questions asked. Humans can often interpret needs better and provide more useful answers.
  3. There’s a big opportunity to create a platform that simplifies the entire coding process, from writing code to hosting and tracking analytics, making it easier for anyone to make their ideas a reality.

Ep#2: Developer Productivity: A Senior Dev's Guide to Ultra-Focus

The ZenMode • 42 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Strategic planning is key: Designate crucial coding tasks that ignite your passion the night before to fuel deep focus and better code.
  2. Create a distraction-free coding environment: Silence your phone, limit browser tabs, and resist multitasking to enhance true focus in a minimalist space.
  3. Take care of your body and experiment with coding blocks: Stay hydrated, consider supplements, move physically, and adapt your coding sessions to find your unique rhythm.

How to Estimate the solutions time complexity [Technique Tuesday]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 23 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Estimating time complexity before fully solving a problem can act as a guide in coding interviews, especially when time-constrained.
  2. Estimating complexity helps in ensuring close-to-optimal solutions and deciding whether to continue optimizing or move on to the next question.
  3. Develop intuition and technical knowledge to effectively use this technique, but remember to focus on basics first if you're new to this approach.

Maximize your coding productivity with ChatGPT using these tips

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Break down tasks into smaller steps to help ChatGPT understand better. It’s like taking one small bite at a time instead of a huge chunk.
  2. Keep past conversations handy so ChatGPT can give you better suggestions over time. It’s easier to work together when you both remember what’s been said.
  3. Always double-check the code ChatGPT gives you before using it. It might not always be perfect, so reviewing is important!

How Algorithms Exploit Laziness[Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 16 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Lazy evaluation in programming delays evaluation until the value is needed, which helps save computational resources and optimize performance.
  2. Partial evaluation allows quicker calculations by finding the first false value in a series of boolean operations, speeding up the process.
  3. Just-in-time compilation in computing involves compiling code at runtime, reducing strain on the system by loading only necessary parts, like in video games with large maps.

[Solution]Problem 64:Group Anagrams[Amazon]

Technology Made Simple • 19 implied HN points • 11 Nov 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem discussed is about grouping anagrams, which involves rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to form another word or phrase.
  2. An example input is given with an array of strings and the expected output of grouping the anagrams together.
  3. Constraints for the input strings and a link to test solutions are included in the post.

[Solution]Problem 26: Remove K digits to create smallest number[Microsoft]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 24 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Given a non-negative integer as a string, you can create the smallest number by removing k digits strategically.
  2. For strings with digits sorted in descending order, removing the first k elements generates the smallest number.
  3. It's important to analyze patterns and consider removing significant digits in order to solve tricky problems like creating the smallest number by removing k digits.

Don't give up

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 21 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Persistence is key in overcoming challenges, so don't give up easily.
  2. Avoid comparing yourself to others on platforms like YouTube and blogs to prevent self-doubt.
  3. Believe in the process, trust yourself, and keep working towards your goals. Success is achievable with dedication.

[Solution]Problem 25: Boolean Satisfiability[Dropbox]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 17 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The post discusses a solution to Problem 25 related to Boolean Satisfiability, Boolean Algebra, and Recursion.
  2. Boolean formulas are described as satisfiable when it is possible to assign truth values to variables to make the formula true.
  3. To access the full post and archives, readers can subscribe to Technology Made Simple for a 7-day free trial.

Topological Sort: Hint for this week's question

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🚌 Education Coding
  1. Topological sort is an important concept for solving interview questions and can help with understanding various problems.
  2. Focusing on quality over quantity in coding practice and targeted improvement is key for successful Leetcode preparation.
  3. Engaging with a community, following quality resources, and practicing mock interviews can greatly enhance your coding and interview skills.

Problem 21: Rotate List[Facebook/Meta]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The post discusses a coding problem from Facebook/Meta about rotating a list by k elements without creating a copy.
  2. There is a mention of a premium subscription to access the solution to the problem and other high-quality breakdowns of coding problems.
  3. The post also highlights the benefits of mock interviews for job preparation and offers a free mock interview for referring paid subscribers.

Problem 20: Implement car and cdr functions[Jane Street]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. The problem involves implementing car and cdr functions using cons(a, b) to create pairs and retrieve elements from them.
  2. Functional programming concepts such as closures and anonymous functions are involved in solving the problem.
  3. The solution to the problem will be shared with premium subscribers of the newsletter, highlighting the importance of subscribing for access to solutions and study materials.

Anthropic's Claude Code has a High Ceiling

Machine Economy Press • 9 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. Claude Code is a powerful new tool that helps developers code faster by understanding their code and assisting with tasks like fixing bugs and managing version control.
  2. The latest updates to Claude, especially version 3.7, enhance its ability to handle complex coding tasks efficiently, making it a valuable asset for startups looking to scale quickly.
  3. With strong backing and advanced features, Anthropic's Claude Code is likely to lead in the AI coding space, offering a reliable alternative to other existing tools.

AI Coding Tools (May 2025)

Anant’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 12 May 25
🕹 Technology Coding
  1. AI coding tools are changing how software developers work. Using these tools can make coding faster and help solve complex problems more easily.
  2. There are different types of AI tools for coding, like IDEs that assist with writing code and AI agents that can handle bigger tasks on their own. Each type serves a unique purpose in the coding process.
  3. There is a need for better tools to create personalized AI agents and improve project management. These improvements could help teams work more efficiently together.