The hottest Programming Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Using Genetic Algorithms to solve any problem

The Halfway Point • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Genetic algorithms are useful tools for solving various problems because they adapt well and can be implemented easily. They help find good solutions, even if those solutions aren't always the absolute best.
  2. When using genetic algorithms, it's important to define three key elements: the system, the cost function, and how the system should change to minimize costs. This helps organize and optimize the problem-solving process.
  3. The DEAP library for Python makes it simple to create and manage genetic algorithms. It provides tools to easily track progress and make the necessary adjustments during the optimization process.

Low Cost Accurate Air Quality Sensor (PM/Temperature/Humidity)

The Halfway Point • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. You can build a low-cost air quality sensor using an ESP32 for under $120. It's a great way to monitor air quality without spending too much money.
  2. This sensor not only shows air quality data on a local website but also sends it to the cloud and alerts you when the air quality is poor. It's pretty handy!
  3. You can set everything up without soldering, making it easier and safer to use, especially in a small space where fumes might be a problem.

useEffectEvent

Andrew's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. The 'useEffectEvent' hook lets you use values in an effect without causing the effect to rerun when those values change. This helps keep your code clean.
  2. You can currently manage values with refs or by excluding them from the dependency array, but both ways can be clunky or raise warnings.
  3. Using 'useEffectEvent' simplifies handling non-reactive values, making your code easier to read and maintain.

Algorithms for Optimization (Explained Simply): Part 2 - Line Search and the Trust Region Method

Photon-Lines Substack • 0 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. The Line Search method helps find a minimum by choosing a direction to step and adjusting step size until a local minimum is reached. It's like walking downhill one small step at a time.
  2. Approximate line search is quicker and doesn’t require finding the perfect step size. Instead, it focuses on taking good enough steps to keep moving closer to the minimum without wasting time.
  3. The Trust Region method keeps steps within a 'trust zone' where the function behaves predictably. If the prediction is accurate, the zone expands; if not, it shrinks, helping to avoid large, risky moves.

😎 Insights on Workbench UI Latency, Version Control Evolution, Open Source AI & More

ppdispatch • 0 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Writing code that is easy to delete can reduce maintenance costs. It helps to avoid complex dependencies and treat code as a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution.
  2. Netflix found that a slow UI in JupyterLab was caused by an overloaded resource-monitoring extension. They learned to analyze everything methodically to find the root cause of tech issues.
  3. Jujutsu is a new version control system that aims to be faster and simpler than Git. It focuses on improving merge conflict resolution while still allowing compatibility with Git repositories.
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Bi-Weekly Notes

Rethinking Software • 0 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Reaching consensus in teams can be difficult, often leading to tension. It's better to allow differing opinions and find a way to move forward, rather than forcing everyone to agree.
  2. Many workers are stuck using tools like Microsoft Teams, which can be frustrating for coders. It raises the question of whether companies are prioritizing cost savings over better options, like Slack or Discord.
  3. There's a concern about the 'Agile Industrial Complex' imposing rigid processes on developers. It's important to remember that agile methods should be flexible and designed based on the team's needs, not forced upon them.

A Walk-Through of String Search Algorithms

Photon-Lines Substack • 0 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. String search algorithms are important for everyday tasks like searching in browsers and filtering emails. They help make these tasks fast and easy, saving us time and effort.
  2. The Boyer-Moore algorithm is popular because it skips unnecessary comparisons by starting the search from the end of the pattern. This makes it much faster than simpler methods.
  3. The Robin-Karp algorithm uses hashing to represent patterns and text, which speeds up the search process. It's especially useful when you need to find multiple patterns quickly.

Once a Maintainer: Santiago Pastorino

Once a Maintainer • 0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Santiago got into programming through formal study in computer science and started his career as a consultant in Java. He eventually founded his own agency to explore new ways of working, which led him to contribute to open source.
  2. He transitioned to Rust programming after finding web development unsustainable due to changing technologies. He appreciates Rust's focus on safety and performance, aiming for a stable programming environment.
  3. The Rust compiler team operates on a bottoms-up approach, allowing contributors to lead based on their interests. Currently, Santiago is focused on improving async programming capabilities and user-friendly reference counting in Rust.

building vs taping things together

CodeFaster • 0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. There's a difference between building software properly and just taping things together. Taped together solutions might work for simple tasks, but they can fail under heavy use.
  2. With modern technology, you can create quick, 'hacky' code that surprisingly holds up well. It doesn't have to be perfect to work effectively in the right environment.
  3. Becoming good at fast programming is about avoiding major mistakes. When you learn to do this, you find that coding can be a lot of fun and surprisingly successful even with simple solutions.

HCF EP 001: Empty Project Setup

Hasen Judi • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. The project 'HandCraftedForum' is built using a custom mini framework that includes components for data storage, server-side logic, and client-side UI creation. It's designed to make programming straightforward with a focus on using data and procedures.
  2. The initial setup creates a basic application skeleton that allows for running a local web server. This setup serves a simple welcome message while ensuring easy communication between the client and server.
  3. The licensing approach for this project allows others to use and learn from the code, but prevents commercial use of the final product. This way, the creator can protect the product while still fostering education and community contribution.

Announcement: Hand Crafted Forum

Hasen Judi • 0 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. There is a lack of good forums available, so creating a new one can help fill that gap. It’s something many people are familiar with.
  2. The development of this forum will focus on straightforward programming, using simple data and functions without complex structures. This makes it easier for more people to understand and contribute.
  3. The project will grow over time, starting with basic features and improving the user experience gradually. The aim is to make it simple to set up and use from the beginning.

Trying Is a Way to Learn How an API Works

The API Changelog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Trying out an API rather than just reading about it helps you learn faster. You get to interact with it and see how it works in real-time.
  2. A safe space, like a sandbox, is essential when experimenting with APIs. This way, you can play around without affecting real data or making costly mistakes.
  3. Having tools like browser-based clients or simple forms makes it easier for users to test APIs. It encourages more people to try your API, which is crucial for attracting new users.

sqlmesh cube_generate build part 1

davidj.substack • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. There's a new command called `sqlmesh cube_generate` that helps build models for data analysis. It's designed to make working with data easier for users.
  2. The tool outputs useful information in a structured format, which includes joins and fields for data analysis. This makes it simple to understand how the data connects.
  3. Even if there are challenges with complex data types, the output is still effective and can be enhanced using AI, showing there's room for creativity in data modeling.

Extra DRY with Literate Programming

Rethinking Software • 0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Literate programming helps reduce code repetition by allowing you to define things in one place and use them throughout your project. This makes it easier to manage updates, like changing a copyright notice in multiple files with just one change.
  2. You can create variables in your project to store common values, like project names or copyright years, and include them wherever needed. This keeps your code clean and makes it easy to change values in the future.
  3. Using features like include guards in literate programming can help prevent issues when including files in your code. By generating names programmatically, you avoid conflicts and keep everything organized.

HFC EP 006: Collapsing code paths

Hasen Judi • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. There are two similar code paths for fetching posts by hashtag and user ID, causing duplication that can complicate the codebase. Simplifying these could make the code easier to manage.
  2. Using a single index for both types of queries can reduce complexity and allow for easier future features, like querying by other criteria, without increasing code duplication.
  3. Collapsing code paths not only streamlines current processes but also makes it easier to implement new features or queries in the future, reducing overall development effort.

December 2024 Round up - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Maker News • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. The newsletter has grown to 660 subscribers since it started in 2022, showing a positive response from readers.
  2. There are many creative projects shared, like 3D printing PCBs and building custom operating systems, that highlight innovation in the maker community.
  3. Overall, 2024 was a great year for makers, with lots of exciting projects and a hopeful outlook for even more in 2025.

The bottleneck in programmer productivity is not the number of lines that he writes.

Getting Job Done - oriented programming • 0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. A programmer's productivity doesn't depend on how many lines of code they write. It's really about how many lines they can understand.
  2. Writing a lot of code can be easy, but if it relies on external libraries that a programmer doesn't fully understand, it can lead to many bugs.
  3. Understanding the code you work with is key. If you grasp the code and its surrounding architecture, you can debug and develop much faster.

Why Aren’t APIs Using Code on Demand?

The API Changelog • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. APIs could improve user experience by using code-on-demand, similar to how web browsers run JavaScript. This would allow APIs to deliver more interactive and efficient services.
  2. The lack of a standardized client for REST APIs makes implementing code-on-demand challenging. New formats like HyperMap are being developed to help change that.
  3. Concerns about security hold back the adoption of code-on-demand in APIs, but the potential benefits suggest it could lead to better features and functionality.

More things need to be made programmable

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Creating small apps has become much easier with tools that let you describe what you want in simple language, and the code appears for you.
  2. Many everyday devices should be able to run code themselves without needing complex setups or smart home networks, like rice cookers and bread machines.
  3. It's important for more devices to have user-friendly ways to execute scripts and do useful tasks instead of just being controlled by apps.

🐿️ Slow Turbo - The IPT Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Old computer hardware had a 'turbo' button, which was actually used to slow down the computer. This was necessary because faster computers could run programs too quickly for users to keep up.
  2. Modern software adapts to different speeds, but older systems can be very sensitive to changes. Even small updates need careful consideration to avoid issues.
  3. When software has many connections, even simple improvements can cause problems. It's important to simplify these connections to keep things running smoothly.

Notes on code, text, and war. Week 2: If code is text, then what?

zverok on lucid code • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Thinking of code as text can help us improve how we write it. Just like choosing the right words in writing, we can carefully select how we write code to make it clearer and more effective.
  2. The layout and structure of our code are important, just like in a good text. How we organize our code can greatly affect its readability and the way others understand it.
  3. Different roles in coding projects can be compared to roles in writing. Just like a book has editors, writers, and fact-checkers, software projects can benefit from having diverse skills and perspectives to create better outcomes.

Reading CSV files in UE5 C++

Load-bearing Tomato • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Using CSV files in UE5 can be tricky because the official documentation might not work as expected. It's important to double-check the methods for loading and parsing your data.
  2. To correctly read CSV files in UE5, use the 'LoadFileToString' method and then the 'CsvParser' module. This approach is confirmed to work, especially in version 5.3 and later.
  3. When writing CSV files, make sure to format your data properly with headers and ensure your output saves correctly. This process can save you frustration when managing your game data.

Running Claude Code in a container

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. You can create a Docker container to run Claude Code for your projects easily. Just follow the steps to build and run your container.
  2. Make sure to set up a Dockerfile correctly with the right commands to install the necessary tools like Node.js and Claude Code CLI.
  3. After building your image, you can run your container in interactive mode, allowing you to read and write files on your computer easily.

Git Vim

Andrew's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Vim can be helpful for Git tasks, even if it's not the user's favorite editor. It's great for quickly writing commit messages or handling rebase operations.
  2. Some useful Vim commands for Git include going into insert mode with 'i', saving and quitting with ':wq', and yanking lines with 'dd'.
  3. There's a bonus tip to temporarily use Sublime Text as your editor for Git by adding a function to your .zshrc file, making it easier to edit when needed.

React2Shell serves as good reminder why JavaScript is no fun

Bit Byte Bit • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. JavaScript ecosystem updates and dependency hell waste a lot of developer time and can even block deployments. Hardcoded peer dependencies and breaking library upgrades turn maintenance into a risky, weekend-long chore.
  2. Moving to Elixir/Phoenix (LiveView) greatly reduced boilerplate and maintenance, freeing time to work on valuable features. Maintenance overhead dropped from roughly 30–50% to about 5%.
  3. JavaScript frameworks try to handle reactive state and performance but often fail compared to Phoenix/LiveView, leaving apps fragile and upgrade-prone. You can’t avoid JS entirely, but exiting the React ecosystem can lead to a healthier programming experience.

JWT Signing And Verification Benchmarks

ciamweekly • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. The piece benchmarks signing and verification performance across different JWT algorithms to compare how they behave under load.
  2. The measurements use a Java JWT library (fusionauth-jwt) to get practical, implementation-level performance data.
  3. Benchmarks aren’t universal — you should run your own tests and make sure the results apply to your specific use case.

3 AI hacks you can try today

ppdispatch • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 26
🕹 Technology Programming
  1. Run multiple AI models on the same coding task with their identities hidden and vote on the outputs. This lets you discover which model actually works for your codebase instead of trusting benchmarks.
  2. Start prompts with a line asking the AI to interview you first, for example "Before you begin, ask me any questions needed for context." Having the AI ask clarifying questions forces useful context to surface and dramatically improves results.
  3. Prioritize context engineering over clever prompts by feeding models relevant docs, code, user history, and live API data before asking anything. Giving the model real, focused context reduces hallucinations and yields much more accurate, tailored outputs.