The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

On GPT-4.5

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1344 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Gadgets Software
  1. GPT-4.5 is a new type of AI with unique advantages in understanding context and creativity. It's different from earlier models and may be better for certain tasks, like writing.
  2. The model is expensive to run and might not always be the best choice for coding or reasoning tasks. Users need to determine the best model for their needs.
  3. Evaluating GPT-4.5's effectiveness is tricky since traditional benchmarks don't capture its strengths. It's recommended to engage with the model directly to see its unique capabilities.

Hardware discovery: ACPI & Device Tree

Blog System/5 • 330 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Operating Systems Embedded Systems
  1. Hardware discovery is the process where a computer's operating system recognizes the devices connected to it, like printers or keyboards, and finds the right drivers to make them work.
  2. ACPI and Device Tree are two methods that help the operating system understand what hardware is present; ACPI is used mainly on PCs, while Device Tree is often used for embedded devices like Raspberry Pi.
  3. For the system to function properly, it's important to load the correct configuration for these hardware descriptions at boot time, which helps the kernel know how to interact with the hardware.

Learning Assembly for Fun and Profit

The Chip Letter • 12886 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Programming Software Hardware Computing Education
  1. Learning assembly language can help you understand how computers work at a deeper level. It's beneficial for debugging code and grasping the basics of machine instructions.
  2. There are retro and modern assembly languages to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Retro languages are fun but less practical today, while modern ones are more useful but often complicated.
  3. RISC-V is a promising choice for learning assembly language because it's growing in popularity and offers a clear path from simple concepts to more complex systems. It's also open-source, making it accessible for new learners.

Microsoft sees OpenAI as an existential threat

Enterprise AI Trends • 337 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Enterprise Innovation Business
  1. Microsoft feels threatened by OpenAI because OpenAI is becoming powerful in the enterprise AI space. They worry that OpenAI's success could hurt Microsoft's own products.
  2. The 'AGI clause' gives OpenAI a strong advantage. It allows them to keep any advanced models from Microsoft, which could limit Microsoft's ability to compete effectively.
  3. Microsoft is trying to slow down AI adoption to regain control. They believe that if companies are hesitant to adopt AI quickly, it gives them time to improve their own offerings.

How the AI security space will evolve

Frankly Speaking • 203 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Security Software Innovation Market Trends
  1. Many AI security companies may struggle to survive because large language models (LLMs) are easier and cheaper to use. Most businesses prefer using LLMs instead of creating their own models.
  2. The future of AI security is unpredictable because it's hard to guess when companies will start using their own AI models. This makes it a challenging space for startups to gain traction.
  3. There’s a lot of activity in both security and AI, making it tough to keep up. The combination of these two fast-evolving fields adds more complexity to security concerns.
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A Tool To Automatically Detect Memory Leaks

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 1749 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Technology Trends IT
  1. Memory leaks can cause unexpected bugs in apps, like weird behavior or actions happening twice. It's important to find and fix them to improve user experience.
  2. There's a way to automatically detect memory leaks in apps with only about 30 lines of code. This saves time and helps avoid frustrating users.
  3. While some may enjoy the challenge of finding leaks manually, using automated tools can prevent a lot of headaches and keep product managers happier.

OpenAI is an App Company Now

Big Technology • 13260 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Apps Innovation Data
  1. OpenAI is focusing more on building apps rather than just creating AI models. This shift reflects a need to stay competitive and profitable in the changing AI landscape.
  2. The market for AI applications is growing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT is performing well, far ahead of its competitors in earnings. This positions OpenAI favorably as it continues to innovate its products.
  3. While OpenAI aims to develop artificial general intelligence, it faces challenges as competition increases and cost structures change in the AI industry. Staying ahead will require continuous product improvements.

The race for "AI Supremacy" is over — at least for now.

Marcus on AI • 23595 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Hardware Software Global Competition
  1. China has quickly caught up in the AI race, showing impressive advancements that challenge the U.S.'s previous lead. This means that competition in AI is becoming much tighter.
  2. OpenAI is facing struggles as other companies offer similar or better products at lower prices. This has led to questions about their future and whether they can maintain their leadership in AI.
  3. Consumers might benefit from cheaper AI products, but there's a risk that rushed developments could lead to issues like misinformation and privacy concerns.

Grok 3 and an accelerating AI roadmap

Democratizing Automation • 482 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Software Data science
  1. Grok 3 is a new AI model that's designed to compete with existing top models. It aims to improve quickly, with updates happening daily.
  2. There's increasing competition in the AI field, which is pushing companies to release their models faster, leading to more powerful AI becoming available to users sooner.
  3. Current evaluations of AI models might not be very practical or useful for everyday life. It's important for companies to share more about their evaluation processes to help users understand AI advancements.

Irony too funny for words

Marcus on AI • 8813 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Development Ethics Innovation
  1. Once something is released into the world, you can't take it back. This is especially true for AI technology.
  2. AI developers should consider the consequences of their creations, as they can lead to unexpected issues.
  3. Companies may want to ensure genuine communication from applicants, but relying on AI for tasks is now common.

Shame on Google, twice

Marcus on AI • 4703 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data Ethics
  1. Large language models (LLMs) can make mistakes, sometimes creating false information that is hard to spot. This is a recurring issue that has not been fully addressed over the years.
  2. Google has been called out for its ongoing issues with LLMs failing to provide accurate results, as these problems seem to occur regularly.
  3. The idea of rapid improvements in AI technology may be overhyped, as the same mistakes keep happening, indicating slower progress than expected.

Five things most people don't seem to understand about DeepSeek

Marcus on AI • 12133 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Deep Learning Software Economics Geopolitics
  1. DeepSeek is not smarter than older models. It just costs less to train, which doesn't mean it's better overall.
  2. It still has issues with reliability and can be expensive to run if you want it to 'think' for longer.
  3. DeepSeek may change the AI market and pose challenges for companies like OpenAI, but it doesn't bring us closer to achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Go Grok Yourself

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2777 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Gadgets Networking Computing
  1. Grok 3 is now out, and while it has many fans, there are mixed feelings about its performance compared to other AI models. Some think it's good, but others feel it still has a long way to go.
  2. Despite Elon Musk's big promises, Grok 3 didn't fully meet expectations, yet it did surprise some users with its capabilities. It shows potential but is still considered rough around the edges.
  3. Many people feel Grok 3 is catching up to competitors but lacks the clarity and polish that others like OpenAI and DeepSeek have. Users are curious to see how it will improve over time.

GPT-4.5 Feels Like a Letdown But It’s OpenAI’s Biggest Bet Yet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 605 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Data science
  1. GPT-4.5 is not as impressive as expected, but it's part of a plan for bigger advancements in the future. OpenAI is using this model to build a better foundation for what's to come.
  2. Despite being larger and more expensive, GPT-4.5 isn't leading in new capabilities compared to older models. It's more focused on creativity and communication, which might not appeal to all users.
  3. OpenAI wants to improve the basic skills of AI rather than just aiming for high scores in tests. This step back is meant to ensure future models are smarter and more capable overall.

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.

Sometimes complicated is clearer

CodeFaster • 36 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Automation Open Source
  1. Complicated things can sometimes be clearer than simple ones. It can help to look at details closely. It's okay to dive deeper to understand better.
  2. Taking screenshots at different intervals can help document changes over time. This can be useful for tracking progress or capturing important moments.
  3. Support from readers can help content creators keep producing work. Subscribing, whether free or paid, can make a difference.

My Top 15 OS Books: From Theory and Implementation to Systems Programming

Confessions of a Code Addict • 673 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Operating Systems Computer Science Development
  1. Understanding operating systems is really important for software engineers. It helps you know how your code runs and can make fixing problems easier.
  2. There are different types of books to learn about operating systems: theory books, implementation books, and systems programming books. Each type helps you at different stages of your programming journey.
  3. Some popular OS books, like 'Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces', are easy to understand and cover key concepts without sticking to just one system. These resources are great for anyone wanting to learn about OS.

Caterpillar to Butterfly

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1237 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Expertise Design Consulting Scaling
  1. As organizations grow, the need for specialist skills becomes more important. It's not enough to have hobbyists; experts are needed to handle complex tasks.
  2. When specialist teams form, their priorities might clash with client teams' needs. Client teams often want quick fixes, while specialists aim for quality work.
  3. To handle increased requests, organizations should empower client teams to solve their own issues. This self-service approach helps manage workloads and creates better efficiency.

Literate Testing

Rethinking Software • 99 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Testing Development Documentation
  1. Literate programming is great for keeping your code and documentation together. It helps you write tests in a clear and organized way without needing extra frameworks.
  2. With literate programming, you can easily mock functions and test them directly, even in languages like C that are usually tricky to test. This makes the testing process simpler and more enjoyable.
  3. Placing tests right next to your code helps you keep everything organized and makes writing tests feel less like a chore. You start to see tests as part of your coding process rather than an extra step.

How to destroy a world

Data People Etc. • 53 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Data science Software Systems Influencers
  1. Frameworks can be used for both building and breaking worlds. It's important to understand how to exploit weaknesses in these structures.
  2. To weaken a dominant system, you can undermine its narrative, disrupt key players, and challenge established norms. This approach can create doubts and resistance.
  3. Destroying a world can teach us about resilience. Strengthening systems and protocols is crucial to support and maintain their relevance in changing times.

Slashing my ".bashrc" in half

Bite code! • 1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools Open Source
  1. Using new tools like Atuin and Starship can make your terminal experience much simpler and faster. They help reduce the size of configuration files like .bashrc while still providing great features.
  2. The rise of Rust has led to better command-line tools that are efficient and user-friendly. These tools replace many old commands and plugins with minimal effort needed from users.
  3. It's okay to stop using some tools or plugins if they aren't effective for your needs. Keeping your setup clean and understandable is more important than having every possible feature.

The hard thing about building AI applications

Generating Conversation • 140 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Product Design User Experience
  1. Good AI should figure things out for you before you even ask. It should make your life easier by anticipating what you need without requiring a lot of input.
  2. Trust is key for AI systems. They should be honest about what they don't know and explain their level of confidence. This helps users rely on them more.
  3. AI should take complex information and boil it down to what's important and easy to understand. It should help you find insights quickly without overwhelming you with details.

Secret SwiftUI: A practical use of _VariadicView

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming App Development User Interface Innovation
  1. The \\_VariadicView feature in SwiftUI helps create custom components like flexible tab bars and lists. It's useful for developers wanting more control over their UI elements.
  2. Finding real-world examples for \\_VariadicView can be tough, but it can significantly help in building complex UIs like chat applications.
  3. A specific application of \\_VariadicView is creating a reusable 'ChatList' component that manages scroll inversion, making it easier to handle messaging apps.

What's new in Svelte: November 2024

The (Unofficial) Svelte JS Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Frameworks Development Libraries Community
  1. Svelte 5 has been released with new features making coding easier. This includes helpful additions like snippets for filling slots and new DOM properties.
  2. The Svelte community is active with a hackathon called SvelteHack 2024, encouraging developers to create new projects for prizes.
  3. There are many new libraries and tools for Svelte that help build apps more effectively. These resources can boost efficiency and creativity in projects.

AI #103: Show Me the Money

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2374 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Innovation Automation Regulation
  1. The Paris AI Anti-Safety Summit failed to build on previous successes, leading to increased concerns about nationalism and lack of clear plans for AI safety. It's making people worried and hopeless.
  2. Elon Musk's huge bid for OpenAI's assets complicates the situation, especially as another bid threatens to overshadow the original efforts to secure AI's future.
  3. OpenAI is quickly releasing new versions of their models, which brings excitement but also skepticism about their true capabilities and risks.

More nuggets on BYD ADAS

TP’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Artificial Intelligence Data science Hardware Software
  1. BYD chose a specific chip setup for its DiPilot-100 platform that supports advanced technology better than other options. They prioritized overall performance and future needs rather than just the highest computing power.
  2. The company collects a large amount of driving data daily, which helps constantly improve its ADAS technology. While it's still behind Tesla’s FSD, BYD's hardware is getting better and offers a good range for detection.
  3. BYD is focusing on reducing costs by developing its own chips and increasing production efficiency. This strategy will help them expand smart car technology to more vehicles and compete effectively in the market.

Investigating an "evil" RJ45 dongle

lcamtuf’s thing • 10815 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Hardware Security Software Networking Malware
  1. Claims of widespread supply-chain attacks are often exaggerated. It's usually easier to steal passwords or trick people into downloading malware instead.
  2. The investigation revealed that the 'evil' RJ45 dongle was actually just a routine device with a self-extracting driver, not a malicious tool.
  3. It's good to stay cautious about hardware from unknown sources, but for most home users, this type of device is likely safe enough.

Make your social apps pop with LinkPresentation

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 874 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Apps Development User Experience Design
  1. You can easily improve your social apps by adding better link previews. This makes sharing more visually appealing and user-friendly.
  2. Building support for hyperlink features in your app can be quick and simple. Many times, you can get it done during a lunch break.
  3. If you're in a fast-paced environment, it's often easier to create a proof of concept and refine it later. Don't be afraid to just jump in and start making changes.

The Sequence Engineering #661: Create Your Own Deep Research Agent with DeerFlow

TheSequence • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Automation Research Development
  1. DeerFlow is an open-source tool that helps automate research tasks. It uses multiple agents to make research faster and easier.
  2. The framework can do many tasks, like searching the web and creating reports, with little help from people. This makes it very efficient.
  3. It's designed for developers and engineers who want to build research systems that can grow and adapt easily.

Hello, Apple Intelligence (Or Just Grammarly with a Few Extra AI Features)

Artificial Corner • 158 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software User Experience Product Review
  1. Apple Intelligence features are mostly focused on writing tools and photo editing, but many expected more advanced AI capabilities. Users may find it similar to Grammarly rather than a fully developed AI assistant.
  2. The new updates for Siri are not as transformative as anticipated. Many promised features are still missing, making it feel like users are getting a version of the old Siri rather than a revamped one.
  3. Some standout features include writing tools for proofreading and summarization, smart replies for emails and messages, and a cleanup option for photos, which enhance user experience but may not be enough for those looking for advanced AI functions.

xAI and DeepSeek Have Shattered the AI Industry’s Golden Tenet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 297 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Industry Infrastructure
  1. AI is going through ups and downs, with some people losing trust because the hype isn't matching reality. But just like with other big inventions, these struggles are normal.
  2. There's a debate in the AI community about whether the focus should be on building more powerful models or making them work better in real life. Each approach has its supporters.
  3. Even with AI's growth, some people are still worried about its impact on their daily lives, emphasizing the need to balance development with public concerns.

Another one

benn.substack • 1534 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Models Software Innovation Data science Market Trends
  1. DeepSeek's rapid impact shows that new AI models can quickly disrupt industries. It proves that creating advanced AI is no longer just for big companies with lots of resources.
  2. Consumers want more than just better technology; they want a range of AI tools that can do different tasks and integrate with their daily lives. People are looking for a single place to access various AI models.
  3. The rise of many unique AI models means we don't know how they will change our world. Just as social media transformed society in unexpected ways, AI could lead to surprising new possibilities and challenges.

What does slow AI look like?

The Sublime Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Productivity Software Human-Computer Innovation
  1. People often feel stressed because productivity tools are designed to make us work faster, but that doesn't match how we naturally want to create things.
  2. Instead of rushing to produce more content quickly, we should focus on making fewer things but doing them better and with more care.
  3. It's okay to take time in the creative process; in fact, taking time can help us create something truly wonderful.

What would a $2,000-a-month ChatGPT look like?

Enterprise AI Trends • 168 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Pricing Enterprise Markets
  1. The future of AI will see two main pricing categories: low-end for general users and high-end for specialized, enterprise-focused users. There's not much room in the middle.
  2. High-end AI products will need to be built on strong industry knowledge and proprietary data to be successful. This means startups might struggle to compete.
  3. AI companies can charge a lot because their products provide immense value in competitive fields, where even a small advantage can lead to big profits.

JailBreak Protection on iOS

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Mobile Security Software Development Internet
  1. Jailbreaking on iOS means exploiting security flaws to gain more control over the device. This allows users to install apps outside of Apple's approval process and customize their phones more freely.
  2. While jailbreaking can be fun, it can also make devices less secure. People can easily install tools that can read private app data, leading to security risks.
  3. Developers should consider adding jailbreak protection to their apps. This helps safeguard sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access, keeping both the app and user safer.

The state of B2B monetization in 2025

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 520 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Software Pricing Subscription SaaS AI
  1. Traditional pricing models like flat-rate and seat-based are losing popularity. Companies are now favoring hybrid pricing to better match value and costs.
  2. Hybrid pricing is becoming the go-to choice for software companies, providing flexibility and a better upselling opportunity while keeping it simple for customers.
  3. Outcome-based pricing is highly desired but rarely adopted because it's complicated. Most companies struggle with measuring and ensuring consistent results for customers.

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.

Notes on Nix

Cloud Irregular • 2956 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.

No More Forms to Fill Out

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Education Communication Innovation
  1. Filling out forms is a common part of life, but it often feels outdated. Instead of forms, we could use conversations with AI to make communication easier.
  2. Using AI like Claude, teachers can upload their syllabi and have an interactive conversation to turn their ideas into structured course content. This way, the process becomes more collaborative and flexible.
  3. This new method allows for ongoing adjustments and real-time feedback, leading to a stronger connection between the content and the user's needs. It's not just about filling out information, but working together to create something meaningful.

Building a "Vertical Agent"

The Security Industry • 13 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Security SaaS Data
  1. Vertical agents are a new trend gaining interest for their potential impact in various fields. They utilize specialized AI to cater to specific industries or tasks.
  2. AI tools like HarvestIQ.ai can assist organizations in managing their security tools and processes. They can streamline research and decision-making by providing quick insights and analysis.
  3. The future may see AI agents that fully understand an organization's needs. These agents could help businesses choose the right tools and maintain compliance more effectively.