The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

The Synchronization Framework in Swift 6

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 656 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24

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.
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.
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.

Why AI Agents Feel Contrived and Useless, Despite the Impressive Demos

Enterprise AI Trends • 84 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Software Engineering Innovation Automation

AI agents work best in simple tasks, but they might confuse people in more complex situations. Humans need to be involved to understand the creative process.
When AI does too much on its own, it can be harder for people to trust and evaluate its work. This can lead to mistakes that are hard to spot later.
Businesses usually prefer working with guided AI tools instead of fully autonomous agents. They want reliability and clear understanding over just speeding things up.

The impeccable logic of Sam Altman

Marcus on AI • 4149 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Interviews Software Tech Trends

Sam Altman shares insights on artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
He emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and planning for AI's future.
Altman encourages open discussions about the ethical implications of AI advancements.

AGI isn’t coming in 2025, and GPT-5 probably isn’t either.

Marcus on AI • 3952 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Computing Data science Machine Learning Software

AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is not expected to be developed by 2025. This means that machines won't be as smart as humans anytime soon.
The release of GPT-5, a new AI model, is also uncertain. Even experts aren't sure if it will be out this year.
There is a trend of people making overly optimistic predictions about AI. It's important to be realistic about what technology can achieve right now.

Revisiting the NetBSD build system

Blog System/5 • 1571 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Open Source Operating Systems Development Tools Embedded Systems

NetBSD's build system is powerful and flexible, allowing users to build the operating system from scratch on any supported hardware without needing root access. This makes it useful for developers and advanced users.
The build process is user-friendly due to the `build.sh` script, which simplifies complex commands into easy-to-understand goals. You can easily compile and create disk images with just a few commands.
While the build system has many strengths, it also has inefficiencies, especially with incremental builds. Improvements could make it faster and less resource-intensive, which is a consideration for future development.

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All your Python project in one file with shiv

Bite code! • 733 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools

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.
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.
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.

Moving On

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1060 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Software Design Innovation Development Experiments

It's important to recognize when to move on from a project that isn't working. You don't have to stick with something just because you've already invested time or resources into it.
Balancing between believing in your ideas and treating them as experiments is key. If something isn't getting good feedback, it's okay to change direction and try something new.
Using timeboxing can help you make better decisions about projects. Setting a time limit lets you step back and reconsider if it's worth continuing or if you should explore other options.

AI #96: o3 But Not Yet For Thee

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2464 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data science Computing

The new AI model, o3, is expected to improve performance significantly over previous models and is undergoing safety testing. We need to see real-world results to know how useful it truly is.
DeepSeek v3, developed for a low cost, shows promise as an efficient AI model. Its performance could shift how AI models are built and deployed, depending on user feedback.
Many users are realizing that using multiple AI tools together can produce better results, suggesting a trend of combining various technologies to meet different needs effectively.

The Swift Compiler

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 1968 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Computing Code

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!
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.
Learning about the Swift compiler can help you appreciate the language's features and advantages better, making you a stronger developer overall.

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

Bite code! • 1467 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Programming Software Web Development Community Debugging

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.
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.
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.

𝗼𝟯 “𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗔𝗚𝗜” 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗺𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱: 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀

Marcus on AI • 8378 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Software Data Research Innovation

Many experts feel that the recent test called ARC-AGI should not have been labeled as such. It wasn't a proper test for Artificial General Intelligence.
The presentation was confusing and didn't clearly show what the AI was tested on. This left people with the impression that the AI performed better than it actually did.
There's a need for more scientific scrutiny of the results. Until we get that, we can't really compare the AI's performance fairly with humans.

Live Session: How Modern CPUs Execute Your Code: A Deep Dive into Performance

Confessions of a Code Addict • 72 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Computing Hardware Software Engineering Education

Understanding how modern CPUs work can help you fix performance problems in your code. Learning about how the processor executes code is key to improving your programs.
Important features like cache hierarchies and branch prediction can greatly affect how fast your code runs. Knowing about these can help you write better and more efficient code.
The live session will offer practical tips and real-world examples to apply what you've learned. It's a chance to ask questions and see how to tackle performance issues directly.

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

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.
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.
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.

The Trenderprise

benn.substack • 664 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Software Marketing User Experience Trends

Many people dislike using software like Jira because it's complicated and not user-friendly. But ironically, it keeps being bought because management, not the users, are the ones making the decisions.
The market has shifted towards buying software that meets the needs of users rather than IT departments. Companies like Asana market directly to users, making their products popular among teams.
Today, product popularity can be influenced more by trends and social media than by quality. People are more likely to buy something because it's seen as cool or trendy, not just because it works well.

o3, AGI, the art of the demo, and what you can expect in 2025

Marcus on AI • 6481 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Software Ethics Research Economics

OpenAI's new model, o3, was shown in a demo, but we can't be sure yet if it truly represents advanced AI or AGI. The demo only highlighted what OpenAI wanted to show and didn't allow public testing.
The cost of using o3 is really high, potentially making it impractical compared to human workers. Even if it gets cheaper, there are concerns about how effective it would be across different tasks.
Many claims about reaching AGI might pop up in 2025, but those claims need to be taken with caution. True advances in AI should involve solving more foundational problems rather than just impressive demos.

Complain & Propose

Software Design: Tidy First? • 3026 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Design Engineering Communication Management

Always offer a solution when you raise a complaint. This helps others see the way forward and saves time.
Consider things from the other person's point of view. Everyone has their own valid perspective, and understanding that can improve communication.
Don't let emotions cloud your judgment about others' intentions. Assume people mean well, even if they lack experience.

The Second Gemini

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2374 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Research Tech Trends

Google's Gemini Flash 2.0 is faster and smarter than previous versions, making it a strong tool for those who want quick assistance and information.
Deep Research is a new feature where users can get detailed reports based on multiple websites; it's useful but still needs improvement in accuracy and relevance.
Projects like Astra and Mariner are experimental tools that aim to enhance user experience by providing real-time assistance and better interaction through voice and web browsing.

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

Svelte 5 has been released with new features making coding easier. This includes helpful additions like snippets for filling slots and new DOM properties.
The Svelte community is active with a hackathon called SvelteHack 2024, encouraging developers to create new projects for prizes.
There are many new libraries and tools for Svelte that help build apps more effectively. These resources can boost efficiency and creativity in projects.

Q&A With Marvell CEO Matt Murphy

More Than Moore • 256 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Semiconductors Software AI Data Centers

Marvell is focusing on custom chip design to meet the growing demand from large tech companies, helping them create tailored solutions without needing extensive in-house resources. This trend is important for optimizing performance and costs in data centers.
The company recently announced a new high-performance memory interface called HBM, which is in high demand for advanced computing. They are offering innovative designs to enhance speed and reduce power usage.
Marvell sees significant growth opportunities in the AI sector, believing there are still many product cycles ahead. They are committed to investing in R&D to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving market.

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

The Swift Runtime, known as libswiftCore, is a C++ library that helps run Swift programs by managing essential features like memory and error handling.
This library works alongside your Swift code, linking dynamically when you launch your app, which is why it's mentioned as running 'alongside'.
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.

I made a simple tool to save you from online distractions

12challenges • 257 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Software Digital Tools Internet Usage Productivity Activism

A tool named Nudge helps you block online distractions like news feeds and comments. It's like an ad blocker but for things that distract you from what you want to focus on.
Nudge is free, open source, and has a good user rating. It makes it easier for you to avoid scrolling through unnecessary content while browsing online.
The creator wants feedback and suggestions to make Nudge even better. You're invited to try it out and share your thoughts with him.

AI #94: Not Now, Google

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2464 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Software Data science Cybersecurity Machine Learning

AI technology is rapidly improving, with many advancements happening from various companies like OpenAI and Google. There's a lot of stuff being developed that allows for more complex tasks to be handled efficiently.
People are starting to think more seriously about the potential risks of advanced AI, including concerns related to AI being used in defense projects. This brings up questions about ethics and the responsibilities of those creating the technology.
AI tools are being integrated into everyday tasks, making things easier for users. People are finding practical uses for AI in their lives, like getting help with writing letters or reading books, making AI more useful and accessible.

Solving The SwiftUI Interview

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2186 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Programming Interviews Coding Swift

Understanding SwiftUI is crucial for coding interviews, especially for positions focused on iOS development. It helps you stand out as a candidate.
Practicing Swift Concurrency will give you an edge in solving problems more efficiently during interviews. It's an important skill that employers value.
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.

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

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.
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.
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.

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

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.
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.
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.

Enterprise AI is Moving Fast, and Other Takeaways From a Week With Amazon

Big Technology • 4503 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Enterprise Software Innovation Business

Generative AI is mainly used in businesses right now because they face unique problems. Companies are investing in it to process information and improve operations.
Spending on generative AI is mostly for tools like ChatGPT and APIs for building custom solutions. This growth in enterprise spending may help develop AI technologies for consumers later on.
OpenAI and Amazon are becoming competitors in the AI space. Their focus and innovations can change how AI is used in both business and personal applications.

UV tricks

Bite code! • 1957 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools Python

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.
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.
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.

What does slow AI look like?

The Sublime Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24

🕹 Technology AI Productivity Software Human-Computer Innovation

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.
Instead of rushing to produce more content quickly, we should focus on making fewer things but doing them better and with more care.
It's okay to take time in the creative process; in fact, taking time can help us create something truly wonderful.

My End of 2024 Update

Human Programming • 38 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Software Product Design Research Entrepreneurship

Human programming research is shifting focus to work with AI models instead of humans. This means developing systems that help AI operate more efficiently.
The author has been involved in several software projects, including a consulting role where they created tools to enhance AI and web products. These experiences allowed them to explore different collaborative environments.
They plan to take some time for exploration and research in AI, particularly focusing on self-modifying programs. This will allow them to deepen their understanding of both AI concepts and practical product development.

ChatGPT, at Age Two

Marcus on AI • 7074 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24

🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data Digital ethics

ChatGPT has been popular for two years, but many of the initial uses people expected, like taking over Google, haven't happened. Companies are not as impressed with its real-world results.
Despite promises of improvement, ChatGPT still struggles with inaccuracies and generating false information. Users continue to experience 'hallucinations' where the AI makes things up.
The investment in AI is huge, but the fundamental issues with reliability and factual accuracy haven't improved significantly. There's a call for new approaches to make AI more trustworthy.

Faster NTT with RISC-V Vector

Fprox’s Substack • 62 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Software Programming Cryptography Hardware Algorithms

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.
Using assembly language can help tailor code for specific hardware, allowing more direct control over how instructions are executed, which can greatly enhance speed.
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

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.
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.
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

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.
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.
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.

Lunduke's Quest - December 16, 2024

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1723 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Hardware Innovation Internet Gadgets

Everyone deals with challenges, it's a universal experience. We all face tough times, and it's important to recognize that you're not alone.
Being real about feelings can help you connect with others. Sharing your honest emotions can strengthen relationships.
Understanding that struggles are part of life can be comforting. It helps to remember that overcoming difficulties is how we grow.

A Tech Interview that Doesn't Suck

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2186 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Engineering Hiring Interviews Skills

Hiring great team members is really important because it affects everyone's work speed. Good hires help the team, while bad ones slow everyone down.
Many tech companies rely on LeetCode tests to screen candidates, but this method might not show true skills. There could be better ways to assess coding abilities.
Finding a more effective hiring process can improve how companies choose candidates, leading to better outcomes for teams. It's all about making informed decisions.

The one framework every engineer should know

High Growth Engineer • 3744 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Engineering Software Problem Solving Communication Frameworks

The MECE principle helps you organize your thoughts clearly. It stands for Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive, which means breaking down problems without overlap while covering all possibilities.
Using MECE in interviews shows your problem-solving skills. Instead of jumping straight to the answer, outline different approaches and explain your reasoning to demonstrate structured thinking.
Applying MECE during team communication helps keep everyone on the same page. Whether it's giving updates during an investigation or explaining a process, a clear structure makes it easier for others to understand.

Synology DS923+ vs. FreeBSD w/ZFS

Blog System/5 • 827 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Hardware Networking Data Storage Operating Systems

Synology DS923+ and FreeBSD with ZFS offer different approaches for storage solutions. The DS923+ is a dedicated device designed for ease of use, while FreeBSD requires more manual setup and maintenance.
The Synology system provides a friendly user interface and features like cloud backup options, while FreeBSD offers powerful command-line control but can be less user-friendly.
Using the Synology NAS can give more peace of mind regarding data health and security due to its built-in features like encryption and monitoring alerts, compared to a DIY FreeBSD setup.

Problems Sublime solves—at least for me

The Sublime Newsletter • 554 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24

🕹 Technology Internet Software Productivity Innovation Knowledge Management

Sublime helps you remember important information by letting you save articles, notes, and quotes in one place. This way, you can easily find what you need when you need it.
It collects inspiration from various platforms and organizes it all in one location. This makes it simpler to access ideas without searching through multiple apps.
Sublime is designed to be user-friendly and doesn't require a steep learning curve. It focuses on making knowledge management easy and enjoyable for everyone.

Do you even need Kafka?

Data Streaming Journey • 79 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

🕹 Technology Data Integration Software Programming Databases

Kafka and similar tools are still relevant and necessary for effective data streaming today. They help handle large amounts of data quickly and reliably.
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.
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.

AI companies are just SaaS companies

benn.substack • 869 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI SaaS Software Data Startups

AI companies have a lot in common with traditional SaaS companies. They’re selling software services, often built on complex tech, rather than just cool algorithms.
The success of AI models like ChatGPT depends heavily on branding and user experience. People care more about how easy and useful the software is than just the tech behind it.
OpenAI is at a crossroads, needing to adapt its business model and offerings to stay ahead, especially as competition increases and tech costs rise.