The hottest Software Development Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Crafting something beautiful ♥️

André Casal's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Product Design User Experience Entrepreneurship Programming
  1. Improving customer access made it easier for users to start using LaunchFast. Instead of multiple steps, they can now just run one command.
  2. A conversation with Neeraj from BigBinary led to important changes in pricing and marketing strategy for LaunchFast. These adjustments should help clarify its value and appeal more to potential users.
  3. Learning about deploying an NPM package simplified the process of launching LaunchFast. This helped create an efficient script that sets everything up quickly.

VenturCom's VENIX

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Operating Systems Software Development Tech History
  1. VenturCom was founded in 1980 and worked on various projects including Venix, Windows NT, and Windows CE. They later changed their name to Ardence, which was acquired by Citrix Systems before becoming IntervalZero.
  2. Venix was one of the first UNIX systems for IBM PCs, based on Version 7 Unix with enhancements. It had different versions released over the years and received feedback on pricing, performance, and features compared to other similar systems like Xenix.
  3. Reviews from publications like PC Magazine and Dr. Dobb's Journal praised Venix's compatibility with System V Unix, while also highlighting areas for improvement like bugs, DOS interface, and third-party software support.

Infinite Context Length 🤯

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 99 implied HN points • 18 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Neural Networks Software Development Data science Machine Learning
  1. Meta has introduced MEGALODON, a new neural architecture that allows for infinite context length in AI, making it more efficient than previous models.
  2. With developments from Microsoft, Google, and Meta, the focus will shift away from which model has the highest context length, as all will likely have infinite capabilities soon.
  3. The upcoming Llama-3 model is expected to continue this trend by also supporting infinite context length, enhancing its utility in various applications.

Edition 27: Secure by Design is important, but requires a different kind of industry effort to achieve it

Boring AppSec • 38 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Development Policy Analysis Vulnerability Management
  1. The Secure by Design initiative aims to improve software security, but it's unclear how effective it will actually be. Companies might just treat it as another compliance standard without real change.
  2. CISA's approach mixes good ideas with vague guidelines, making it hard for security teams to use effectively. This can lead to companies focusing on basic compliance instead of deeper security improvements.
  3. Awareness initiatives can be helpful, especially for new issues in cybersecurity, but they often become outdated. What worked in the past, like OWASP Top 10, may not be useful for current complex security challenges.

GroupBy #37: Composable data management at Meta, How Uber Accomplishes Job Counting At Scale

VuTrinh. • 59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Software Development Data processing Cloud Computing Open Source
  1. When learning something new, it's good to start by asking yourself why you want to learn it. This helps set clear goals and expectations.
  2. Focusing on one topic at a time can make learning easier. Instead of spreading your time thin, dive deep into one subject.
  3. It's okay to feel stuck sometimes while learning. Just keep pushing through, relax, and remember that learning is a journey that takes time.
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Edge 455: Building Smaller Foundation Models Using Graph-Based Distillation

TheSequence • 105 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Data science Software Development Graph Theory
  1. Graph-based distillation helps smaller models learn better by using the connections between data points. Instead of just focusing on individual data, it looks at how they relate to one another.
  2. This technique uses attention networks to improve how student models understand data, making them more effective in learning.
  3. There’s a new framework called Hugging Face Autotrain that allows for easier training of foundation models without needing too much coding knowledge.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 509

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 399 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Data science Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Data Engineering Data Visualization Software Development
  1. Each week, a newsletter shares important links and articles about data science, machine learning, and AI. It's a good way to keep updated on new happenings in the field.
  2. The newsletter features articles on various topics, including programming, AI forecasting, and data management practices. These articles are meant to help both newcomers and experienced professionals.
  3. Job listings and training resources are also provided, helping readers find opportunities and learn new skills beneficial for their careers in data science.

The DBIR is entering its Vulnerability Era

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 03 May 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Data Breaches Vulnerability Management Software Development Risk Assessment
  1. Vulnerability exploitation is growing rapidly, with a 180% increase reported. This means more cyber attackers are taking advantage of software weaknesses.
  2. Organizations are struggling to keep up with vulnerability management. Simply telling them to patch faster isn't enough; they need better strategies to reduce the number of vulnerabilities.
  3. The push for 'Secure-by-Design' software is getting stronger. This approach encourages companies to take responsibility for their products' security, making them safer for everyone.

NIST's "Strategies for Integration of Software Supply Chain Security in DevSecOps CI/CD Pipelines"

Resilient Cyber • 159 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Development Cloud Computing DevOps Data security
  1. Software supply chain attacks are on the rise, so companies need to protect their processes from potential risks. Understanding these threats is key for organizations that rely on software.
  2. NIST provides guidelines to help organizations improve their software security in DevSecOps environments. By following their advice, companies can ensure that their software development processes are safe from compromise.
  3. Implementing zero-trust principles and automating security checks during software development can greatly reduce the risk of attacks. This means controlling access and regularly checking for vulnerabilities throughout the development cycle.

Unlocking the Future of Efficient AI Model Deployment

Gradient Flow • 339 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Model Deployment Software Development ML Ops
  1. Deep learning plays a key role in various industries, from healthcare to finance, with applications like computer vision and natural language processing being pervasive.
  2. Efficient AI model deployment involves crucial stages of model development, including domain-specific model refinement, and model optimization to ensure lightweight and fast models compatible with target hardware.
  3. Tools like Ivy are emerging to streamline the deployment of trained models, optimizing them for real-world use through techniques like enhanced graph representations, operator fusion, and quantization.

Why did Databricks build the Photon engine?

VuTrinh. • 99 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Software Development Cloud Computing Database Systems Big Data
  1. Databricks created the Photon engine to simplify data management by combining the benefits of data lakes and data warehouses into one system called the Lakehouse. This makes it easier and cheaper for companies to manage their data all in one place.
  2. Photon is designed to handle various types of raw data and is built with a vectorized approach instead of the traditional Java methods. This means it can work faster and better with different kinds of data without getting bogged down.
  3. To ensure that existing customers using Apache Spark can easily switch to Photon, the new engine is integrated with Spark’s system. This allows users to continue running their current processes while benefiting from the speed of Photon.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 522

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Data science Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Software Development Cloud Computing
  1. This newsletter shares weekly interesting links and updates in data science, AI, and machine learning. It's a great way to stay informed about new developments in these fields.
  2. There's a focus on practical tools and techniques for improving data science work, like using cloud processing for large datasets and methods for fine-tuning AI models effectively.
  3. The newsletter also highlights job opportunities and resources for those looking to enter or advance in the data science industry. It's beneficial for anyone looking to grow their career in this area.

RAG Glossary

The Tech Buffet • 179 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning AI Research Software Development Data Management Programming
  1. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) helps AI answer questions and generate content. It combines searching through documents with generating relevant answers.
  2. Using RAG can be tricky, especially in production environments. Adjustments may be needed to improve reliability and performance.
  3. Different indexing methods can optimize how RAG retrieves information. This can make it more efficient and effective in finding the right data.

Live Session on Performance Optimization Using 1BRC as a Case Study

Confessions of a Code Addict • 360 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Coding Performance optimization Live session Software Development Programming Languages
  1. The live session focuses on learning to analyze and reason about code performance through iterative optimization using 1BRC as a case study.
  2. Attendees will explore various topics including performance profiling with flamegraphs, I/O strategies, and leveraging SIMD instructions.
  3. Prerequisites include a few years of coding experience in languages like C, C++, Java, or others, with a specific focus on Java during the session.

Phi-3 Is A Small Language Model Which Can Run On Your Phone

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI NLP Machine Learning Data science Software Development
  1. Phi-3 is a small language model that can run directly on your phone, making it accessible for local use instead of needing cloud connections. This means you can use it anywhere without relying on internet speed.
  2. Small language models like Phi-3 are good for specific tasks and regulated industries where data privacy is important. They can provide quick and accurate responses while keeping your data secure.
  3. Training for Phi-3 involves using high-quality data to improve its understanding of language and reasoning skills, allowing it to perform well on par with larger models, despite its smaller size.

The Large Language Model Landscape — Version 5

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 79 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Natural Language Processing Data science
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) are evolving with more functionality, combining various tasks into fewer models. This helps in making them more efficient for users.
  2. There are different zones in the LLM landscape, each focusing on specific uses, tools, and applications, ranging from available models to user interfaces.
  3. Tech advancements like prompt engineering and data-centric tools are making it easier to harness the power of LLMs, opening up new opportunities for businesses.

Google announces AI system for diagnostic medical reasoning and conversation

MLOps Newsletter • 176 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Software Development
  1. Google announced an AI system for medical diagnosis and conversation called AMIE.
  2. AMIE's architecture includes multi-turn dialogue management, hierarchical reasoning model, and modular design.
  3. The AI system AMIE showed promising performance in simulated diagnostic conversations, outperforming PCPs and matching specialist physicians.

LangGraph From LangChain Explained In Simple Terms

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Data Structures
  1. LangGraph helps create clearer conversations by using graphs to map out how dialog flows between different points, making it easier to manage conversations in AI systems.
  2. Prompt chaining connects smaller tasks in a sequence, allowing AI models to handle complex jobs step by step, but can feel rigid like traditional chatbots.
  3. Autonomous Agents bring a higher level of flexibility in how actions are taken, but they can also lead to concerns about having enough control over their decision-making process.

Monolithic vs MicroServices.

Software Ninja Handbook • 3 HN points • 12 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Architecture Cloud Computing System Design Agile methodologies
  1. Monolithic applications have a single codebase, which makes them easier to manage for smaller projects, but harder to debug as they grow. Everything is tightly connected, so a problem in one part can affect the whole system.
  2. Microservices break down applications into smaller, independent services that can be developed and deployed separately. This allows teams to work faster and use different technologies for different parts of the application.
  3. Choosing between monolithic and microservices depends on factors like project size and team structure. Monoliths are good for small projects while microservices are better for larger, complex systems that need flexibility and scalability.

I spent 3 hours figuring out how BigQuery inserts, deletes and updates data internally. Here's what I found.

VuTrinh. • 139 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Cloud Computing Database Management Data Analysis Software Development
  1. BigQuery manages data using immutable files, meaning once data is written, it cannot be changed. This helps in processing data efficiently and maintains data consistency.
  2. When you perform actions like insert, delete, or update, BigQuery creates new files instead of changing existing ones. This approach helps in features like time travel, which lets you view past states of data.
  3. BigQuery uses a system called storage sets to handle operations. These sets help ensure processes are performed atomically and consistently, maintaining data integrity during changes.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 511

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 319 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Data science AI Machine Learning Analytics Software Development
  1. AI startups can receive significant support through programs like AI Grant, offering up to $250,000 for development.
  2. Recent studies have shown that large language models can learn from just one example, which challenges previous beliefs about their efficiency.
  3. Using advanced tools like the Semantic Layer and LLMs can greatly improve data accuracy and speed for businesses, making analytics much easier.

Accelerate by years part IV - The prototype

Opral (lix & inlang) • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Databases APIs Programming Tech Innovation
  1. Using SQLite can really speed up the development of both inlang and lix. This saves a lot of time on needing to create complex systems.
  2. Lix 1.0 is coming soon, with simple plugins that can manage changes easily. This makes it easy for apps to work with changes directly.
  3. The next steps involve building a user interface for merging data and creating a plugin for inlang. This should help make the system more efficient.

Accelerate by years part III - Lix on SQLite

Opral (lix & inlang) • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Databases Programming Innovation Tech Tools
  1. Building lix without relying on Git can simplify the process. This means avoiding the complications that come with Git's file-based storage model.
  2. Using SQLite for storing data will solve many problems like concurrency and data integrity. It makes it easier to manage application data compared to handling everything through Git.
  3. The main requirements for lix 1.0 will be a merging function and a plugin for inlang. This will open up opportunities for third-party developers to create new lix applications.

Proposed Addendum to the Manifesto for Agile Software Development

Rethinking Software • 199 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Team Collaboration Organizational Structure
  1. Self-management is key for programmers, encouraging them to take charge of their work and make decisions on their own.
  2. Flat organizations are preferred because they promote equality and allow for more collaboration without strict levels of authority.
  3. Direct communication with customers is important, and companies should focus on being transparent and flexible rather than following rigid plans.

Accelerate by years part II - Self-contained inlang files

Opral (lix & inlang) • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Systems Design Collaboration Tools Product Development
  1. Making inlang files self-contained can speed up development. Zipping these files means they won't rely on outside git repositories.
  2. With this change, new features can be built much faster. This includes things like collaboration tools and app features that don't depend on git.
  3. Removing the git dependency opens up growth opportunities. It allows designers and translators to get involved and helps the overall ecosystem grow.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 515

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 299 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Data science Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Analytics Software Development
  1. There's a lot happening in data science right now. The team is considering adding a second newsletter each week to cover more exciting content.
  2. High-performing data scientists have specific traits that set them apart from others. Companies are researching these traits to help improve their teams.
  3. Art institutions can greatly benefit from data and analytics. Collaborating with leaders can help them use data to improve their operations and strategies.

💥 Tech Talks Weekly #27

Tech Talks Weekly • 19 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Conferences Programming Languages Tech Talks Web Development
  1. This week features new talks from 12 tech conferences, which can help tech enthusiasts stay updated on the latest trends and ideas.
  2. Tech Talks Weekly is a free email service that simplifies finding tech talks by gathering them in one place.
  3. Subscribers can give feedback through a short form to help improve the content and community around tech talks.

GroupBy #35: The Netflix Data Engineering Stack, Atlassian - Evolve the data platform with a Deployment Capability

VuTrinh. • 59 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Software Development Cloud Computing Data architecture Programming
  1. Netflix has a strong data engineering stack that supports both batch and streaming data pipelines. It focuses on building flexible and efficient data architectures.
  2. Atlassian has revamped its data platform to include a new deployment capability inspired by technologies like Kubernetes. This helps streamline their data management processes.
  3. Migrating from dbt Cloud can teach valuable lessons about data development. Companies should explore different options and learn from their migration journeys.

How AI generates text, visually explained 📝

Year 2049 • 6 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Automation Data science Software Development
  1. AI generates text by analyzing patterns in data, similar to how a DJ mixes music. This means it learns from examples to create new content.
  2. Understanding how AI learns helps us see its strengths and weaknesses, like how it can sometimes be biased.
  3. The next episode will focus on how AI creates images, which is another interesting aspect of how AI works.

Has AI Progress Stalled?

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 21 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Computing Data science
  1. AI improvement has slowed down in terms of new abilities since GPT-4 came out, but other factors like cost and speed have gotten much better.
  2. The focus now is on practical changes and making AI more valuable, which will help set the stage for bigger breakthroughs in the future.
  3. Reaching human-level skills in tests doesn't mean AI will be truly intelligent. Future development will need to incorporate more complex abilities like planning and learning from experiences.

Insomniac breach

SuperJoost Playlist • 218 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Data Breach Cybersecurity Tech industry Software Development
  1. The business of hacking video game publishers is growing, with recent incidents showing flaws in hackers' business fundamentals.
  2. Hacking video game companies does not always result in financial gain for the hackers, as evidenced by unsuccessful attempts to sell stolen data.
  3. Leaking information about upcoming video games may actually generate more excitement and interest in the games rather than spoil the experience for players.

Once a Maintainer: André Luis Cardoso Jr.

Once a Maintainer • 49 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Open Source Programming Mentoring Community Engagement
  1. Getting into programming can start with just curiosity and having a computer. Self-study can lead you to discover what you really want to do.
  2. Contributing to open source is about giving back to the community and helps you grow as a developer. Even small contributions can make a big difference.
  3. It's important to teach younger developers about understanding the code under the hood, not just using tools. Encouraging contribution can keep projects alive and thriving.

Leveraging an AI Security Framework

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Security Data Management Risk Assessment Software Development Cybersecurity
  1. The Databricks AI Security Framework (DASF) helps identify and manage risks in AI systems. It's important for security experts and AI developers to know how to keep AI safe while still allowing innovation.
  2. Data operations have the highest number of security risks, like data poisoning and poor access controls. If the raw data is compromised, it can affect the entire AI system.
  3. Different stages of AI development, like model training and deployment, have unique risks to watch for, such as model theft and prompt injection attacks. Understanding these risks helps keep AI applications secure.

Edge 457: Can we Distill Specific Knowledge in LLMs? An Intro to Attention-Based Distillation

TheSequence • 77 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence Data science Software Development Natural Language Processing
  1. Attention-based distillation (ABD) is a method that helps smaller models learn from larger models by mimicking their attention patterns. This can make the smaller models perform better with fewer resources.
  2. Unlike traditional methods that just look at output predictions, ABD focuses on the reasoning process of the larger model. This leads to a deeper understanding and better results for the smaller model.
  3. Using ABD can produce student models that perform well even when they have less complexity. This is useful for applications where efficiency is key.

New World Models, World's smallest vision language model, o1 Pro Mode, Luma Photon, Largest Open-Source video model, Amazon Nova, PaliGemma 2, Fish Speech 1.5, LTX Video and more

AI Brews • 22 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Models Software Development Machine Learning Video Generation Open Source
  1. Google DeepMind has developed Genie 2, which creates interactive 3D environments from a single image. This a big step in making virtual experiences more engaging.
  2. Tencent's HunyuanVideo is now the largest open-source text-to-video model, surpassing previous models in quality. This can help content creators make better videos easily.
  3. Amazon has launched a new AI model series called Amazon Nova, aimed at improving AI's performance across various tasks. This will enhance capabilities for developers using Amazon's Cloud services.

GPT-4o mini

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI NLP Machine Learning Software Development Data science
  1. GPT-4o mini is a new language model that's cheaper and faster than older models. It handles text and images and is great for tasks requiring quick responses.
  2. Small Language Models (SLMs) like GPT-4o mini can run efficiently on devices without relying on the cloud. This helps with costs, privacy, and gives users more control over the technology.
  3. SLMs are designed to be flexible and customizable. They can learn from various types of inputs and can adapt more easily to specific needs.

Avoid these Mistakes if you are Android Developers

Better Engineers • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Languages Code Quality Career growth
  1. Avoid common mistakes like leaving commented code and using hardcoded values. These habits can help make your code cleaner and more reliable.
  2. Develop strong code review skills to give helpful feedback and improve your team's coding practices. This will also help you grow as a developer.
  3. Focus on scalability by breaking down large features into smaller tasks and using modern tools and concepts. This approach will make your projects easier to manage as they grow.

Sitting On a Haystack of Digital Needles

Resilient Cyber • 179 implied HN points • 20 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Development Vulnerability Management Digital Security Risk Assessment
  1. The number of software vulnerabilities is growing really fast, and it's hard for organizations to keep up. Right now, a lot of vulnerabilities get reported, but companies can only fix a small fraction of them each month.
  2. There's a big push for making software safer from the start, so users aren't stuck dealing with problems created by developers. This idea, called 'Secure-by-Design,' aims to shift the responsibility for security onto the companies making the software.
  3. Many organizations are feeling overwhelmed trying to patch vulnerabilities. If they stop, they risk being exploited by attackers, making it feel like a never-ending struggle to stay secure.