The hottest Programming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

HN blogs - 1/11/24

HackerNews blogs newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Data Analysis Cybersecurity Programming
  1. Measuring technical debt is crucial for leaders, especially CTOs. It helps in understanding and managing the challenges in software development.
  2. Freezing CEO salaries during layoffs can create a fairer work environment. It shows accountability and may protect jobs for regular employees.
  3. Life shouldn't solely be based on statistics. Everyone's experiences are unique and can't be fully represented by numbers.

Hands-on graphics without X11

Blog System/5 • 992 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Graphics Hardware Programming Systems
  1. Using NetBSD's wscons framework, you can access and manipulate the graphical framebuffer directly without needing X11. This lets programmers draw graphics in a simpler way.
  2. The architecture of wscons is structured in layers, making it possible to interact with various hardware devices uniformly. It ensures that both output and input devices work across different machines.
  3. You can handle keyboard input using a feature called wsmux, which allows you to manage multiple keyboard devices easily. It makes your program more robust if a keyboard isn't connected right away.

Getting silly with C, part (void*)2

lcamtuf’s thing • 3673 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Programming Software Coding Development Computer Science
  1. Understanding C's syntax can be tricky, especially with function declarations and typedefs. You'll find that some definitions may not be exactly what they seem.
  2. C allows some flexibility with variable and function declarations, which can lead to surprising behaviors, so always double-check how your symbols interact in different scopes.
  3. There are quirky features in C, like a BASIC compatibility mode for line numbering, showing that the language has some fun, unexpected twists!

Hardcore Debugging

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 1312 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Debugging Development Engineering Programming
  1. Bugs in apps can sometimes be easy to fix, but some problems are hidden deep in the system and harder to find. These serious issues can cause crashes that are tricky to solve.
  2. When dealing with a crash, you can use tools like Git Bisect to look back in time or symbolicate crash logs to find out what went wrong. These methods help narrow down the problem.
  3. Understanding how crashes occur in the kernel memory management can take time, but specific techniques exist to make debugging easier and faster. It's all about using the right tools at the right time.

Coming in Through the Back Door

Rethinking Software • 249 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.
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Measuring Programmer Influence, Kinda Sorta

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1170 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Data Analysis Programming Project management
  1. Data can provide hints about a programmer's influence, but it can't give a clear answer. It's important to interpret the data with caution and avoid making strict decisions based solely on it.
  2. Creating files is one way to measure initiation of influence, but it's not the only factor. The impact is also determined by how frequently those files are modified by others.
  3. Using data for bonuses or promotions can lead to problems. It's better to focus on improvement and impact rather than just the numbers, to maintain a healthy team dynamic.

Notes on Nix

Cloud Irregular • 2809 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Cloud DevOps
  1. Nix is a tool that helps you set up your software environment the same way every time, making deployments easier. It's designed to manage software dependencies reliably.
  2. Nix can be complex to learn, especially because it uses functional programming concepts. This makes some programmers hesitant to adopt it.
  3. While Docker is useful for containerization, Nix offers better reproducibility for builds by focusing on what the environment should look like, rather than just the steps to create it.

AI & Python #29: Python Projects You Can Finish in a Weekend

Artificial Corner • 198 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software AI Education Development
  1. Working on Python projects is important because it helps you apply what you've learned. It's a great way to connect theory to practice and improve your coding skills.
  2. The article suggests projects for both beginners and advanced users, which helps cater to different skill levels. Starting with easier projects can build confidence before tackling more complex ones.
  3. Completing projects can also boost your motivation and help you create a portfolio. This can be really useful when looking for job opportunities or trying to showcase your skills.

Tidy First Example

Software Design: Tidy First? • 397 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Design Programming Development User Experience Agile Methodology
  1. It's important to make hard changes easier before tackling them. This means breaking down tough tasks into simpler steps.
  2. Many people want to make the easy changes they envision, but they often overlook the complexity involved.
  3. Always pay attention to examples in learning; they can provide valuable insights that you might miss if you skim over them.

Yes, you should use a Python venv in a container like docker

Bite code! • 1957 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development DevOps Containers Python
  1. Using a Python virtual environment (venv) in Docker is a good practice, even though it's possible to skip it. It helps avoid conflicts when installing dependencies, keeping your project stable and organized.
  2. Even if your Docker image seems minimal, it's hard to maintain that state. Relying on the base image without a venv can lead to unexpected issues later on, especially as dependencies change.
  3. Using a venv simplifies your workflow and ensures consistency across different environments. It protects you from potential problems that arise when system packages interact with Python packages.

Weekend projects: Sketchy Sketch

lcamtuf’s thing • 3060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Electronics Hardware Programming DIY Projects Software
  1. A new version of the Etch-A-Sketch toy, called Sketchy Sketch, was created to be more user-friendly and modern. It uses digital controls for drawing and animating, unlike the old mechanical version.
  2. The Sketchy Sketch is built using a microcontroller and a display, allowing kids to create pixel art easily. It has a simple menu system and saves multiple images.
  3. The project shows that it's fun and rewarding to build something from scratch. The creator shares the parts and code online, encouraging others to try similar projects.

The Synchronization Framework in Swift 6

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 3936 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Concurrency Frameworks
  1. Swift 6 introduced a new Synchronization framework that includes features like Mutex and Atomics. These help manage how different parts of a program can work together safely.
  2. The new concurrency tools are based on a concept called generic ownership, which is new for Swift 6. This means they have better performance and flexibility.
  3. The article also compares these new low-level features to high-level ones like Actors to see how they perform. This can help developers choose the right tool for their needs.

Self-documenting Makefiles

Blog System/5 • 827 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Documentation Open Source
  1. Using Makefiles can help stitch together complex build processes easily. They allow you to create a command dispatcher with minimal code.
  2. By implementing a 'make help' command, you can provide users with a clear overview of available actions and necessary configuration, reducing confusion.
  3. Documenting both targets and user-settable variables in Makefiles can make them more user-friendly. This helps users know how to interact with the project without getting lost.

Additional Testing After Refactoring

Software Design: Tidy First? • 950 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Testing Refactoring Design Patterns Programming
  1. It's important to write more tests after refactoring. This helps improve accuracy and confidence in your code.
  2. When you break down a big piece of code into smaller parts, consider writing smaller tests for those parts, especially if you plan to reuse them.
  3. You might face a dilemma on whether to keep redundant tests after refactoring. It's good to regularly review tests to make sure you have the best approach for checking your code.

The Swift Compiler

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Computing Code
  1. The Swift language was created by Chris Lattner, who also developed LLVM when he was just 23 years old. That's really impressive given how complex these technologies are!
  2. It's important to understand what type of language Swift is, whether it's compiled or interpreted, especially for job interviews in tech. Knowing this can help you stand out.
  3. Learning about the Swift compiler can help you appreciate the language's features and advantages better, making you a stronger developer overall.

Faster NTT with RISC-V Vector

Fprox’s Substack • 62 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Cryptography Hardware Algorithms
  1. The Number Theoretic Transform (NTT) can speed up polynomial multiplications, which are important for modern cryptography. Optimizing how this process works leads to significant performance improvements.
  2. Using assembly language can help tailor code for specific hardware, allowing more direct control over how instructions are executed, which can greatly enhance speed.
  3. Combining multiple steps of the NTT process into fewer loops and minimizing unnecessary calculations can lead to much lower execution times, achieving targets that seemed difficult at first.

Let's Eliminate General Bewilderment • Python's LEGB Rule, Scope, and Namespaces

The Python Coding Stack • by Stephen Gruppetta • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Python Software Development Education
  1. In Python, each function has its own scope. This means a variable defined in a function can only be used inside that function, not outside.
  2. The LEGB rule helps Python find variables: it first looks in the Local scope, then in any Enclosing scopes, next in the Global scope, and finally in Built-in scope if it can't find the variable anywhere else.
  3. Namespaces are like containers for names in Python. They store the names of variables and their corresponding values, making it clear which variables are available in which parts of your code.

Linux Context Switching Internals: Part 1 - Process State and Memory

Confessions of a Code Addict • 1106 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Operating Systems Programming Computer Science System Architecture
  1. Context switching allows a computer to run multiple tasks by efficiently switching between different processes. It's important to understand it because it affects a system's performance.
  2. The Linux kernel uses specific structures, like 'task_struct' and 'mm_struct', to manage process states and memory. These structures help keep track of what each process is doing and how it uses memory.
  3. When a process runs out of CPU time or needs to wait, the kernel uses flags to decide when to switch to another process. This ensures that all processes get a chance to run, even if some are waiting for resources.

What's up Python: MOAR uv, flask-like Django, debugging live processes...

Bite code! • 1590 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Web Development Community Debugging
  1. Astral is expanding its projects and has taken control of python-build-standalone, making it easier to install Python on different systems without complicated setups.
  2. PEP 768 is a new proposal that will allow easier and safer debugging for live Python processes, improving how we can fix issues in running applications.
  3. The Django community is updating their framework to be more user-friendly by replacing old commands with simpler ones, while keeping the framework modern and relevant.

Static, Dynamic, Mergeable, oh, my!

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 7872 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Frameworks Libraries
  1. Libraries are just code you use in your projects. There are two types: static and dynamic, which impact how they are linked to your app.
  2. Dynamic linking happens at runtime, making builds faster but can slow down app launch times. Static linking copies everything into the app, which can make the app bigger but loads faster.
  3. Mergeable libraries combine the benefits of both static and dynamic linking, aiming to speed up builds while keeping app launch times quick.

All your Python project in one file with shiv

Bite code! • 978 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools
  1. Shiv allows you to bundle your Python project into a single executable zip file, which includes all your code and its dependencies. This makes it easy to run your program on any compatible server without needing to install anything else.
  2. Creating a zipapp with shiv involves a few steps, including setting up a virtual environment and running specific commands to package your project. It’s important to understand the process to avoid common pitfalls.
  3. Using shiv can simplify deployment, especially for web services or applications with many dependencies. However, it does require Python to be installed on the target machine and might not work well with certain compiled extensions.

Do you even need Kafka?

Data Streaming Journey • 79 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Data Integration Software Programming Databases
  1. Kafka and similar tools are still relevant and necessary for effective data streaming today. They help handle large amounts of data quickly and reliably.
  2. Modern alternatives to Kafka, like Materialize and Debezium, simplify the process of working with operational data and make it easier to integrate with other tools.
  3. Even if you only want to move data from a database to a data warehouse, using a streaming platform can benefit larger enterprises by making data integration more efficient.

o1 Turns Pro

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3449 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Models Software Development Computing Programming Innovation
  1. The o1 and o1 Pro models from OpenAI show major improvements in complex tasks like coding, math, and science. If you need help with those, the $200/month subscription could be worth it.
  2. If your work doesn't involve tricky coding or tough problems, the $20 monthly plan might be all you need. Many users are satisfied with that tier.
  3. Early reactions to o1 are mainly positive, noting it's faster and makes fewer mistakes compared to previous models. Users especially like how it handles difficult coding tasks.

Bugs Optional?

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1723 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Engineering Quality Assurance Project management
  1. Bugs don't have to be a normal part of software development. Some teams manage to almost eliminate bugs by approaching their work differently.
  2. Instead of seeing bugs as inevitable, teams can work to understand and prevent them right from the start. This includes practices like continuous integration and team collaboration.
  3. Changing how we think about bugs from a normal part of life to something rare can help create a better work environment and improve software quality.

UV tricks

Bite code! • 1957 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools Python
  1. Using 'uv run' lets you run commands in a temporary environment without cluttering your main setup. This makes it easy to use big tools like Jupyter without installing them every time.
  2. The 'uvx' command works like 'npx', letting you test and run Python utilities quickly. It handles dependencies nicely, so you can focus on your tasks without worrying about setup.
  3. Creating scripts with 'uv init' helps you get started fast. It sets up everything you need, including project files and dependencies, making it easier to organize your Python projects.

Solving The SwiftUI Interview

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2186 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Interviews Coding Swift
  1. Understanding SwiftUI is crucial for coding interviews, especially for positions focused on iOS development. It helps you stand out as a candidate.
  2. Practicing Swift Concurrency will give you an edge in solving problems more efficiently during interviews. It's an important skill that employers value.
  3. Interviews don't have to be stressful or frustrating. Using structured approaches can make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both candidates and interviewers.

The Swift Runtime: Your Silent Partner

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 1312 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Open Source Tech Trends
  1. The Swift Runtime, known as libswiftCore, is a C++ library that helps run Swift programs by managing essential features like memory and error handling.
  2. This library works alongside your Swift code, linking dynamically when you launch your app, which is why it's mentioned as running 'alongside'.
  3. By exploring the code within libswiftCore, you can learn how core Swift features are implemented at a deeper level, which can help you understand the language better.

AI & Python #28: The Notebook Used for Data Science and AI Projects

Artificial Corner • 158 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Programming Data science Software Tools
  1. Jupyter Notebook is a popular tool for data science that combines live code with visualizations and text. It helps users organize their projects in a single place.
  2. Jupyter Notebook can be improved with extensions, which can add features like code autocompletion and easier cell movement. These tools make coding more efficient and user-friendly.
  3. To install these extensions, you can use specific commands in the command prompt. Once installed, you'll find new options that can help increase your productivity.

AI #95: o1 Joins the API

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1164 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data science Programming
  1. The release of o1 into the API is significant. It enables developers to build applications with its capabilities, making it more accessible for various uses.
  2. Anthropic released an important paper about alignment issues in AI. It highlights some worrying behaviors in large language models that need more awareness and attention.
  3. There are still questions about how effectively AI tools are being used. Many people might not fully understand what AI can do or how to use it to enhance their work.

AI #92: Behind the Curve

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2777 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Tech Policy Programming Innovation
  1. AI language models are improving in utility, specifically for tasks like coding, but they still have some limitations such as being slow or clunky.
  2. Public perception of AI-generated poetry shows that people often prefer it over human-created poetry, indicating a shift in how we view creativity and value in writing.
  3. Conferences and role-playing exercises around AI emphasize the complexities and potential outcomes of AI alignment, highlighting that future AI developments bring both hopeful and concerning possibilities.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Dec 1 - Dec 7, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1723 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Web Development Programming Tech news Digital Culture
  1. Mozilla has decided to brand itself as a 'Global Crew of Activists' which many people find confusing and unnecessary.
  2. KDE's new approach of nagging users for support seems to be working well, greatly increasing their income.
  3. There are ongoing discussions about the impact of codes of conduct in tech communities and how they may need changes or even elimination.

What is a Crash?

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 3498 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Mobile App Development Operating Systems
  1. A crash happens when an app unexpectedly stops, but it can actually be a safety measure to prevent bigger problems. Think of it like a controlled explosion that protects your device.
  2. There are two main types of crashes: those caused by the Swift Runtime and those from the XNU Kernel. Each has its own reasons for triggering a crash to protect the system.
  3. Crashes don't just cause inconvenience; they are there to protect users from worse issues, like losing data or compromising security. They help keep everything safe even when things go wrong.

Disassembling Crossroads, part 2

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Software Programming Emulation
  1. Disassembling retro games like _Crossroads_ helps us understand how they work. Tools like Ghidra make it easier to translate complex machine code into more readable assembly language.
  2. The process of disassembly involves examining machine code and turning it into something we can understand. With tools, we can learn how programs manipulate memory and control hardware.
  3. Using Ghidra can reveal important insights into game design and programming techniques used in the past. It shows how similar concepts apply to modern programming on systems like the MEGA65.

Convex Optimization at the Midpoint

arg min • 198 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🚌 Education Optimization Programming Statistics Algorithms
  1. Modeling is really important in optimization classes. It's better to teach students how to set up real problems instead of just focusing on abstract theories.
  2. Introducing programming assignments earlier can help students understand optimization better. Using tools like cvxpy can make solving problems easier without needing to know all the underlying algorithms.
  3. Convex optimization is heavily used in statistics, but there's not much focus on control systems. Adding a section on control applications could help connect optimization with current interests in machine learning.

Advanced Swift Concurrency

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Concurrency Coding
  1. Swift Concurrency is a modern way to handle tasks in Swift, making it easier and more powerful compared to earlier methods like GCD. It's designed for simplicity and efficiency.
  2. Important concepts in Swift Concurrency include Task properties like priority, cancellation, and timeout settings. Understanding these helps developers manage their applications better.
  3. Using Task effectively allows developers to create more responsive and dynamic apps. It’s great to explore real-life examples to grasp how to implement these advanced features.

What's In A List—Yes, But What's *Really* In A List

The Python Coding Stack • by Stephen Gruppetta • 259 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Data Structures Python Education Computing
  1. In Python, lists don't actually hold the items themselves but instead hold references to those items. This means you can change what is in a list without changing the list itself.
  2. If you create a list by multiplying an existing list, all the elements will reference the same object instead of creating separate objects. This can lead to unexpected results, like altering one element affecting all the others.
  3. When dealing with immutable items, such as strings, it doesn't matter if references point to the same object. Since immutable objects cannot be changed, there are no issues with such references.

The Black Spatula Project

Am I Stronger Yet? • 564 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Science Research Programming Community
  1. A mistake in a scientific paper about black plastic utensils showed that math errors can change health implications. This finding led to a community initiative to check past papers for errors.
  2. The project aims to use AI to find mistakes in scientific papers, helping researchers ensure their work is accurate. This could lead to better practices in publishing and scientific research.
  3. Many ideas have emerged for improving how we check scientific work, such as creating tools to validate papers and verify information. The community is in the early stages of exploring these possibilities.

LLMs Fight With Both Hands Tied Behind Their Back

Am I Stronger Yet? • 313 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Programming Data science Software Development
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) like o3 are becoming better at solving complex math and coding problems, showing impressive performance compared to human competitors. They can tackle hard tasks with many attempts, which is different from how humans might solve them.
  2. Despite their advances, LLMs struggle with tasks that require visual reasoning or creativity. They often fail to understand spatial relationships in images because they process information in a linear way, making it hard to work with visual puzzles.
  3. LLMs rely heavily on knowledge in their 'heads' and do not have access to real-world knowledge. When they gain access to more external tools, their performance could improve significantly, potentially changing how they solve various problems.

Intentions & Actions

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1082 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Design User Interface Machine Learning Programming User Experience
  1. People often come to computers with intentions, like wanting to watch a show or add a stop to a trip. But the actions needed to achieve those intentions can be confusing and hard to remember.
  2. When the computer does what we want easily, we feel amazed and grateful. But this happens less often because of complicated menus and actions we have to figure out.
  3. Kids find it easier to use technology because they learn quickly from their friends and practice a lot. They navigate digital worlds more smoothly, while others often struggle with the basics.

Navigating the Shadows

Rethinking Software • 149 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Programming Software Workplace Career Innovation
  1. Shadow projects are personal work you do on your own time, outside of your usual tasks. They allow you to explore your interests and improve your skills without having to ask for permission.
  2. Working on shadow projects can help you fill gaps that your regular work might overlook. This makes your job more enjoyable while also providing value to your organization.
  3. There is some risk in doing shadow projects, as not all ideas will be accepted. However, they can lead to big opportunities and help you take control of your career.