The hottest Open Source Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Nov 24 - Nov 30, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Open Source Tech Policy Hardware
  1. The C++ Standards Group made headlines by banning a contributor just for using the word 'Question' in their work. It shows how strict and odd some technical communities can be.
  2. The Linux Code of Conduct Board also banned a developer for not apologizing enough, highlighting tensions in developer communities around behavior expectations.
  3. Microsoft has faced accusations from Google about using 'dark patterns' in their Edge browser, pointing to ongoing issues with user experience and ethical design in tech.

Weekly Top Picks #95

The Algorithmic Bridge • 191 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Open Source Deep Learning Public Perception
  1. DeepSeek-R1 shows that open-source AI models can compete with OpenAI's offerings, proving that smaller and cheaper options are just as effective.
  2. OpenAI's partnership with EpochAI raises questions about fairness, as they had exclusive access to important tools like FrontierMath.
  3. Writers are starting to recognize AI's writing abilities, a change they need to accept, even if it feels challenging at first.

R1 is reasoning for the masses

Artificial Ignorance • 176 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Models Deep Learning Open Source Geopolitics Research
  1. DeepSeek's new AI model, R1, is making waves in the tech community. It can solve tough problems and is much cheaper to use than existing models.
  2. The research behind R1 is very transparent, showing how it was developed using common methods. This could help other researchers create similar models in the future.
  3. R1's success signals a shift in the AI race, especially with a Chinese company achieving this level of performance. It raises questions about the future of global AI competition.

How Did LinkedIn Handle 7 Trillion Messages Daily With Apache Kafka?

VuTrinh. • 299 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Infrastructure Software Development Open Source
  1. LinkedIn uses Apache Kafka to manage a massive flow of information, handling around 7 trillion messages every day. They set up a complex system of clusters and brokers to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  2. To keep everything organized, LinkedIn has a tiered system where data is processed locally in each data center, then sent to an aggregate cluster. This helps them avoid issues from moving data across different locations.
  3. LinkedIn has an auditing tool to make sure all messages are tracked and nothing gets lost during transmission. This helps them quickly identify any problems and fix them efficiently.

2024 Interconnects year in review

Democratizing Automation • 229 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Policy Open Source Modeling Evaluation
  1. In 2024, AI continued to be the hottest topic, with major changes expected from OpenAI's new model. This shift will affect how AI is developed and used in the future.
  2. Writing regularly helped to clarify key AI ideas and track their importance. The focus areas included reinforcement learning, open-source AI, and new model releases.
  3. The landscape of open-source AI is changing, with fewer players and increased restrictions, which could impact its growth and collaboration opportunities.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Multi-robot collaboration,Grok 3 , smallest video language model, Generative AI Model for Gameplay, AI co-scientist, Mistral Saba, Fiverr Go, Step-Video-T2V and Step-Audio, Pikaswaps & more

AI Brews • 15 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Robotics Machine Learning Software Development Open Source
  1. Grok 3 is a powerful reasoning model that can handle a massive amount of information at once, making it one of the best tools for chatbots right now.
  2. New advancements in AI, like the Vision-Language-Action model Helix and the generative AI model Muse, are making robots smarter and more capable in their tasks.
  3. AI tools are getting more user-friendly, such as Pikaswaps, which allows you to easily replace parts of videos with your own images, making editing simpler for everyone.

Open-Source AI, visually explained

Year 2049 • 4 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Software Innovation Definitions
  1. Open-source AI means anyone can access and modify the software. This makes it easier for innovation and collaboration among developers.
  2. Using open-source AI has both benefits and drawbacks. It promotes transparency but can also lead to misuse of the technology.
  3. There are specific criteria that define what makes an AI truly open-source, ensuring it meets certain standards of accessibility and control.

An Unreachable Hidden XKCD Easter Egg inside CPython

Confessions of a Code Addict • 505 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Open Source Computer Science
  1. CPython, the Python programming language's code base, has hidden Easter eggs inspired by the xkcd comic series. One well-known example is the 'import antigravity' joke.
  2. There's a specific piece of unreachable code in CPython that uses humor from xkcd. When this code is hit during debugging, it displays a funny error message about being in an unreachable state.
  3. In the release builds of CPython, the unreachable code is optimized to let the compiler know that this part won't be executed, helping improve performance.

($) DeepSeek's Three Idiosyncratic Advantages

Interconnected • 138 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Machine Learning Global Competition Data science
  1. DeepSeek-V3 is an AI model that is performing as well or better than other top models while costing much less to train. This means they're getting great results without spending a lot of money.
  2. The AI community is buzzing about DeepSeek's advancements, but there seems to be less excitement about it in China compared to outside countries. This might show a difference in how AI news is perceived globally.
  3. DeepSeek has a few unique advantages that set it apart from other AI labs. Understanding these can help clarify what their success means for the broader AI competition between the US and China.

Tülu 3: The next era in open post-training

Democratizing Automation • 404 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Open Source Data science Software Development
  1. Tulu 3 introduces an open-source approach to post-training models, allowing anyone to improve large language models like Llama 3.1 and reach performance similar to advanced models like GPT-4.
  2. Recent advances in preference tuning and reinforcement learning help achieve better results with well-structured techniques and new synthetic datasets, making open post-training more effective.
  3. The development of these models is pushing the boundaries of what can be done in language model training, indicating a shift in focus towards more innovative training methods.

DeepSeek Is Released And Musk Salutes Hitler.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 30 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Crypto Computing Open Source Military Tech
  1. Crypto mining uses a lot of electricity and computing power, more than many realize. It may not be just about making money with cryptocurrency, but could also be benefiting big tech and military interests.
  2. There are concerns that mining is being used to fake advancements in AI, tricking people into thinking it's more advanced than it really is. This raises questions about the true purpose of energy and computing resources in the crypto space.
  3. Chinese tech has made a significant leap with an open-source AI tool called DeepSeek, which outperforms existing tech. This suggests that open-source projects could lead to better innovations compared to military-controlled or proprietary systems.

No RSS Feed? No Problem. Using Claude Sync, Claude Projects and GitHub Copilot Workspace to automate everything

Olshansky's Newsletter • 114 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Development Automation Open Source Productivity
  1. Missing RSS feeds can be a hassle, but there are tools available to create them easily for any blog. Using platforms like Claude Projects and GitHub Copilot, people can automate the feed generation process.
  2. Using AI tools like Claude and GitHub Copilot can make daily tasks more efficient. They help simplify coding tasks and can significantly boost team productivity.
  3. By building custom RSS feed generators, developers can keep track of content from blogs that don’t offer subscription options. This means staying updated on favorite blogs is still possible, even without traditional feeds.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Oct 13 - Oct 19, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software AI Open Source Software Development Tech news
  1. Debian Linux is facing controversy for allegedly not wanting straight white men involved. This has sparked debates about inclusivity in tech.
  2. Winamp's source code has been deleted, which raises concerns about software preservation and availability.
  3. There's a crazy idea about AI solving CAPTCHA using nuclear power, showing how advanced tech discussions can get.

Vesuvius Challenge Progress Prizes: December Edition

Vesuvius Challenge • 31 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Computer Vision Community Engagement Open Source
  1. The community is focused on improving data quality, like using better labels and refining how they categorize information. This will help them create automated tools for analyzing scrolls more effectively.
  2. Several contributors have made significant advancements in developing new segmentation models and tools, which will help in analyzing scroll data. These innovations are key for understanding ancient texts.
  3. 2024 has been a great year for teamwork and progress as everyone shares their findings. The hard work from many people is leading to quick improvements in technology for studying historical scrolls.

OLMo 2 and building effective teams for training language models

Democratizing Automation • 245 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Data science Open Source
  1. Effective language model training needs attention to detail and technical skills. Small issues can have complex causes that require deep understanding to fix.
  2. As teams grow, strong management becomes essential. Good managers can prioritize the right tasks and keep everyone on track for better outcomes.
  3. Long-term improvements in language models come from consistent effort. It’s important to avoid getting distracted by short-term goals and instead focus on sustainable progress.

We are in Deep Seek

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 23 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Open Source Risk management Innovation Regulation
  1. AI technology has potential benefits, but it also comes with serious risks, especially if it falls into the wrong hands. This includes weaponization or harmful behaviors.
  2. The current pace of AI development is driven by economic and military incentives, which makes it hard to prioritize safety and caution.
  3. There's a need for better global cooperation and regulation in AI development to ensure it benefits humanity while minimizing the risks.

The Sequence Radar #477: The R1 Moment

TheSequence • 546 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Open Source Innovation Data science Research
  1. DeepSeek-R1 is a new AI model that shows it can perform as well or better than big-name AI models but at a much lower cost. This means smaller companies can now compete in AI innovation without needing huge budgets.
  2. The way DeepSeek-R1 is trained is different from traditional methods. It uses a new approach called reinforcement learning, which helps the model learn smarter reasoning skills without needing a ton of supervised data.
  3. The open-source nature of DeepSeek-R1 means anyone can access and use the code for free. This encourages collaboration and allows more people to innovate in AI, making technology more accessible to everyone.

Python Data Engineering, July 2024

Monthly Python Data Engineering • 179 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Data Engineering Open Source Programming Languages Data science
  1. The Python Data Engineering newsletter focuses on key updates and tools for building data engineering projects, rather than just data science.
  2. This month showcased rapid development in projects like Narwhals and Polars, with Narwhals making 26 releases and Polars reaching version 1.0.0.
  3. Several other libraries, such as Great Tables and Dask, also had important updates, making it a busy month for Python data engineering tools.

The History and Evolution of Open Table Formats - Part II

Practical Data Engineering Substack • 79 implied HN points • 18 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Data Management Software Development Open Source Cloud Computing Database Systems
  1. The evolution of open table formats has improved how we manage data by introducing log-oriented designs. These designs help us keep track of data changes and make data management more efficient.
  2. Modern open table formats like Apache Hudi and Delta Lake offer database-like features on data lakes, ensuring data integrity and allowing for easier updates and querying.
  3. New projects are working on creating a unified table format that can work with different technologies. This means that in the future, switching between data formats could be simpler and more streamlined.

DeepSeek could reshape the AI landscape

philsiarri • 22 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Startups Open Source Regulation
  1. DeepSeek, a Chinese startup, created a powerful chatbot called R1 that competes with popular US AI models like ChatGPT. It gained attention for performing well despite having limited resources.
  2. The company uses an open-source model, letting developers work with and improve their technology. This approach makes it cheaper to develop advanced AI compared to traditional methods.
  3. DeepSeek's success is raising questions about global AI regulations and how companies can respond to competition. It shows China's goal to be a leader in AI technology by 2030.

New unified reasoning and intuitive language model, Video Ads Foundation Models, Agent Leaderboard, 1.6B open-source expressive TTS, Mobile App development in Replit and Bolt, and more

AI Brews • 12 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Models Software Tools Open Source Mobile Apps Language processing
  1. A new language model called DeepHermes-3 combines reasoning and regular responses to give better answers. It can switch between detailed thinking and simpler replies.
  2. Google's AlphaGeometry2 has improved and now performs even better than gold medalists in math competitions. This shows how powerful AI can be in solving complex problems.
  3. Replit and Bolt have launched tools for building mobile apps easily, making it simpler for developers to create iOS and Android applications directly from their platform.

Why I build open language models

Democratizing Automation • 261 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Development Open Source Language Models Ethics Regulation
  1. Open language models can help balance power in AI, making it more available and fair for everyone. They promote transparency and allow more people to be involved in developing AI.
  2. It's important to learn from past mistakes in tech, especially mistakes made with social networks and algorithms. Open-source AI can help prevent these mistakes by ensuring diverse perspectives in development.
  3. Having more open AI models means better security and fewer risks. A community-driven approach can lead to a stronger and more trustworthy AI ecosystem.

A Compendium on Synthetic Data Projects

Encyclopedia Autonomica • 19 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Data science Artificial Intelligence Software Development Machine Learning Open Source
  1. Synthetic data is crucial for AI development. It helps create large amounts of high-quality data without privacy concerns or high costs.
  2. There are various projects focused on generating synthetic data. Tools like AgentInstruct and DataDreamer aim to create diverse datasets for training language models.
  3. Learning methods for synthetic data include using personas to create unique datasets and improving mathematical reasoning skills through specially designed datasets.

Monthly Python Data Engineering, August 2024

Monthly Python Data Engineering • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Data Engineering Open Source Programming Development
  1. Datafusion Comet was released, making it easier and faster to use Apache Spark for data processing, which is great for improving performance.
  2. Several major data tools like Datafusion, Arrow, and Dask updated their versions, showing ongoing improvements in speed, efficiency, and new features.
  3. New dashboard solutions like Panel and updates in libraries such as CUDF reflect the growing interest in making data access and visualization easier for users.

How does Uber build real-time infrastructure to handle petabytes of data every day?

VuTrinh. • 659 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Infrastructure Real-Time Processing Open Source Big Data
  1. Uber handles huge amounts of data by processing real-time information from drivers, riders, and restaurants. This helps them make quick decisions, like adjusting prices based on demand.
  2. They use a mix of open-source tools like Apache Kafka for data streaming and Apache Flink for processing, which allow them to scale their operations smoothly as the business grows.
  3. Uber values data consistency, high availability, and quick response times in their infrastructure. This means they need reliable systems that work well even when they're overloaded with data.

Beyond AI Hype: Why Coding Fundamentals Still Matter

ppdispatch • 8 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Languages Open Source AI Integration Collaboration Tools
  1. Understanding coding basics is still really important, even with AI tools. Just using AI doesn't mean you can skip learning the fundamentals.
  2. Rust's growth shows how a small problem, like a broken elevator, can lead to a big change in programming. It's now a major language for creating safe and efficient software.
  3. Pair programming may feel difficult at first, but it can make you a much better developer. Working with someone else helps you learn and improve your skills faster.

Coming in Through the Back Door

Rethinking Software • 349 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Open Source Software Development Freelancing Programming Innovation
  1. Working in traditional software jobs can feel unfulfilling because you mostly deal with old code and follow orders. Many developers wish for more creativity and control over their projects.
  2. Open source software (OSS) offers a way for developers to work on things they are passionate about without the pressure of market demands. It allows them to create freely and build things that interest them.
  3. Getting involved in OSS can provide personal satisfaction and potentially lead to financial opportunities later. It’s a great way to control your work and share it with the world.

Maker News - May 2025 Round Up

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🕹 Technology Hardware Open Source DIY Projects Electronics Innovation
  1. There are innovative DIY projects that show how creativity can lead to amazing results, like a cheap instant camera made with basic parts and clever wiring.
  2. Some makers are pushing the boundaries of technology, like transmitting data over long distances or programming DIY CPUs to run games in unique ways.
  3. Community projects, such as open-source hardware and hackable devices, encourage sharing knowledge and tools, making it easier for anyone to get involved in building cool stuff.

The very first interview about Linux with Linus Torvalds - Oct 28, 1992

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 5170 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Interview Linux Operating Systems Programming Open Source
  1. The first interview about Linux with Linus Torvalds was published in a small E-Mail newsletter in 1992.
  2. The newsletter was significant as it was the first written specifically for Linux and contained the first interview ever with Linus Torvalds about Linux.
  3. Linus Torvalds started working on Linux after taking a UNIX and C course at university, and the system evolved from a terminal emulator to a UNIX-like system.

The DeepSeek drama, visually explained 🐳

Year 2049 • 22 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Open Source Data science Silicon Valley
  1. The actual cost to train DeepSeek R1 is unknown, but it’s likely higher than the reported $5.6 million for its base model, DeepSeek V3.
  2. DeepSeek used a different training method called Reinforcement Learning, which lets the model improve itself based on rewards, unlike OpenAI's supervised learning approach.
  3. DeepSeek R1 is open-source and much cheaper to use for developers and businesses, challenging the idea that expensive hardware is necessary for AI model training.

Once a Maintainer: Ed Waisanen and Nate Papes

Once a Maintainer • 5 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Open Source Software Development Collaboration Tools
  1. Gala is an open source education platform that promotes collaborative research and multimedia-rich learning. It started from a project at the University of Michigan focused on creating engaging case studies for environmental topics.
  2. The team is working on making Gala more accessible for anyone to create content, allowing more people to use the platform and develop educational modules.
  3. Future goals for Gala include growing a sustainable community of users and contributors, and increasing collaboration with other open source projects to enhance its capabilities.

Vesuvius Challenge Progress Prizes: November Edition

Vesuvius Challenge • 14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Data science Software Development Open Source Machine Learning
  1. Community members contributed a lot to the Vesuvius Challenge, earning prizes for their work. This shows how teamwork can lead to great progress!
  2. Some projects focused on improving how we visualize 3D scrolls and extracting data from images. These tools could really help researchers understand ancient texts better.
  3. Awards are given for various types of contributions, encouraging creativity and technical skills. It’s exciting to see different approaches being recognized in the community.

The Days Are Long but the Years Are Short

Steve Coast’s Musings • 470 HN points • 09 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Open Source Mapping Innovation Volunteering Data Sharing
  1. OpenStreetMap has shown that with teamwork and volunteer efforts, we can create something valuable from scratch. It's amazing how people from different backgrounds come together to improve mapping.
  2. Fear and vanity can hold us back from trying new things. It's important to move beyond just thinking about ideas and actually take action to create something new.
  3. Even if new projects don't succeed, it's okay to experiment. Many ideas might need to evolve or even be completely abandoned to find what really works.