The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Edge 446: Can AI Build AI Systems? Inside OpenAI's MLE-Bench

TheSequence • 70 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Engineering
  1. OpenAI has created a new benchmark called MLE-Bench to test how well AI can handle machine learning engineering tasks. This means checking if AI can do things like train models and prepare datasets effectively.
  2. The idea is to see if AI can successfully write and manage its own code, which is an exciting step for technology. If AI can perform these tasks well, it could change how we approach software development.
  3. MLE-Bench focuses on real-world applications, making sure that AI can be useful in practical situations. This could lead to more efficient processes in machine learning and AI development.

Visual Studio Setup For Unreal Engine 5

Load-bearing Tomato • 2 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Gaming Programming Tools
  1. To compile Unreal Engine 5 from source, you need the right version of Visual Studio. The recommended version is 17.6.
  2. Make sure to select specific options in the Visual Studio installer for proper setup. This will help you avoid issues during the compilation.
  3. If you run into problems, it’s likely because the official documentation isn't detailed enough about setups like yours. Following these steps can simplify the process.

Is the Data Orchestration category going away?

The Orchestra Data Leadership Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🕹 Technology Data Orchestration Software Infrastructure Control Management
  1. Data Teams still prefer classic open source tools over workflow orchestration functionality on Data and AI platforms.
  2. The Data Orchestration category might be fading as orchestration becomes embedded in other platforms and pricing becomes a concern.
  3. A robust system of control and management for data and AI pipelines is vital, encompassing aspects like alerting, lineage, metadata, infrastructure, and multi-tenancy support.

The desktop and its disappearance

Kosmik’s Newsletter • 98 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Web Cloud
  1. The development of the desktop metaphor started with making computers more approachable and user-friendly.
  2. Over time, the desktop evolved to include features like Mission Control to help users manage an increasing number of apps and files.
  3. Advancements in web technologies have led to a shift towards cloud-based desktop environments like Kosmik 2.0, offering users a more flexible and productive digital habitat.

False Dichotomies and Overemphasizing Open Source Security

Resilient Cyber • 239 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Software Security Open Source Development
  1. There's a lot of focus on securing open source software, but it's important not to ignore the risks in proprietary software too. Both types of software can have serious security issues.
  2. Most code in applications is actually custom code, not open source, which means organizations should pay more attention to their own code for vulnerabilities. Just scanning for problems in open source might not solve the main issues.
  3. Finding a balance between securing open source and proprietary software is key. We need to focus on the right vulnerabilities and not overload developers with unnecessary work.
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The Sequence Engineering #469: Llama.cpp is The Framework for High Performce LLM Inference

TheSequence • 35 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Engineering Hardware Open Source
  1. Llama.cpp is a powerful open-source framework for running large language models efficiently. It helps apps perform better, especially on devices with limited resources.
  2. The framework is based on the Meta's LLaMA model architecture and includes optimizations for different hardware setups. This makes it very flexible for various uses.
  3. By using Llama.cpp, developers can get better performance from their language models, which is essential for creating effective AI applications.

#122 Finding Patterns 🧩

Design Lobster • 379 implied HN points • 14 Nov 22
🪑 Design Architecture Software Privacy Facial Recognition
  1. Understanding the concept of design patterns and their importance in architecture and software design.
  2. Exploring the use of CV Dazzle makeup to elude facial recognition algorithms by disrupting key facial features.
  3. Seeking to understand deeper patterns in situations and contexts before designing solutions, as highlighted by Fritjof Capra's quote.

The Sequence Radar #467: NVIDIA AI Software Party at a Hardware Show

TheSequence • 35 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Software Hardware Robotics
  1. NVIDIA is focusing more on AI software, not just hardware, which was clear at CES. They launched several new AI software products that make it easier for developers to integrate AI into their apps.
  2. The new NVIDIA NIM microservices allow developers to deploy AI capabilities quickly, cutting down deployment times significantly. This is a game changer for companies looking to adopt AI technologies fast.
  3. NVIDIA's new AI Blueprints are templates that help developers create AI solutions efficiently. This means developers can spend more time innovating instead of starting from scratch.

Understanding Software Idempotency [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 119 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Software Math Engineering Systems Programming
  1. Idempotency ensures the same output regardless of how many times an operation is executed, providing data consistency and preventing duplicate operations.
  2. Idempotency is crucial for resilience, scalability, performance, simplicity, and provability in software systems.
  3. Implementing idempotency involves using unique identifiers, versioning, transaction management, and leveraging HTTP methods, offering benefits like better error handling and faster response times.

UX Roundup: Sora: Not Impressed | AI Startups Growth | Hiring Staff with AI Skills | 150K LinkedIn Followers | AI Training on YouTube | Apple Intelligence Useless | Dr. AI | New o3 model

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 9 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Software User Experience Startups Social media
  1. AI startups are growing really fast, with many making 10% more each month. This growth is now normal because of the buzz around AI.
  2. It's important to hire people who know how to work with AI. One way to test candidates is to have them solve problems using AI during the interview.
  3. Many users find Apple's AI features not very helpful, showing that just adding AI to a product doesn't guarantee it will be useful or improve the experience.

English is NOT a Programming Language 🤦

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 79 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Programming AI Software Natural Language Computing
  1. English has too many ambiguities to be a programming language. Programming needs precise rules, and English doesn't always follow them.
  2. Douglas Crockford, the creator of JSON, is worried about pushing English as a coding language. He believes that code must be perfect, which English is not.
  3. Using natural language through AI for programming might lead to confusion. Clarity and accuracy are crucial for writing successful code.

AI applications are more than an LLM

The AI Frontier • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Programming Engineering Data
  1. AI applications are more than just using a big model; they need careful design and planning to be effective. It's like building a nice piece of furniture versus just putting some wood together.
  2. Quality comes with a cost, and building great AI solutions takes more time and resources. Cheaper options might save money now, but they often lead to poorer results.
  3. Not all AI applications perform the same, even if they use the same tools. Good performance comes from thoughtful engineering and working with the data properly.

What vulnerabilities were malicious actors focused on in 2022?

Resilient Cyber • 199 implied HN points • 14 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Vulnerabilities Risk management Cloud Security
  1. Malicious actors focused heavily on Microsoft vulnerabilities in 2022, highlighting the importance for organizations to stay updated with security patches.
  2. Vendors and developers should identify often exploited vulnerabilities and hold business leaders responsible for security practices.
  3. End-user organizations need to enforce strong security measures, like multi-factor authentication, and continuously monitor their systems to protect against possible threats.

Be a competent engineer, not just a coder

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 99 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Software Career development
  1. Being a competent engineer involves more than just coding; it requires skills in communication, architecture, and understanding the customer's needs.
  2. Engineers are not born, they are inspired by different aspects of the field like code snippets or games.
  3. Seasons in an engineering career can be likened to the spring where inspiration and growth begin.

What Musk and Zuckerberg should learn from McDonalds [System Design Sundays]

Technology Made Simple • 159 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🕹 Technology Social media Software Algorithm Business strategy
  1. Fast food companies like McDonald's struggled with the lack of differentiation and identity when trying to offer healthier options, leading to worse performance and higher operating costs.
  2. Adding more options in social media can increase complexity, operating costs, and dilute platform identity, similar to challenges faced by fast food companies.
  3. Different social media platforms are optimized for different content types, and integrating different mediums can complicate code bases and user experiences.

Do papercuts matter?

Register Spill • 157 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Software UX Value Efficiency Craft
  1. Papercuts in software are small annoyances that don't necessarily affect functionality but can be fixed.
  2. Even though papercuts may be annoying, they often don't prevent users from achieving their goals when using software.
  3. Having papercuts in software may not always directly relate to a negative user experience or impact the success of the software.

Creating Your First Change Request with Sort

Database Engineering by Sort • 7 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Databases Workflows Engineering Data Management
  1. Sort helps you manage database changes easily and safely, like how GitHub handles changes. You can propose changes without altering the data right away.
  2. Creating a Change Request is simple. Just suggest what you want to change and set it up for review by others in your organization.
  3. Once a Change Request is approved, it can be applied without hassle. If anything goes wrong during the process, Sort can automatically roll back the changes.

203. Software As Part of Everything Is Regulated…As Part of Everything

Hardcore Software • 337 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Regulation Software AI Innovation Computing
  1. Software has become a fundamental part of our lives, evolving from its origins in math to touching every aspect of human endeavors.
  2. Regulations have always been key in governing software, ensuring safety, reliability, and functionality in various industries.
  3. The introduction of AI should follow the established regulatory frameworks for software, without seeking a separate or special exemption.

India’s Chip War

ChinaTalk • 148 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Manufacturing Software Design Globalization
  1. India excels in software and design but faces challenges in manufacturing semiconductors due to historical economic policies that hindered growth in hardware and manufacturing sectors.
  2. India's approach to semiconductor industry development differed from Taiwan and China, starting from the design end rather than electronics assembly, posing challenges due to lack of a broader electronics ecosystem and global integration.
  3. Software industry in India thrived due to less restrictive regulations compared to hardware industries like semiconductors heavily controlled under small-scale industry reservations, hindering growth in manufacturing sectors.

The Joy of Literate Programming

Rethinking Software • 99 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Documentation Development Coding
  1. Literate programming is a fun way to write and document code. It's like mixing storytelling with coding, making the process more enjoyable.
  2. Using tools like Organic Markdown, you can easily manage and run code alongside your documentation in a Markdown editor. It helps keep everything organized and readable.
  3. This programming style allows for creative flexibility, like rearranging sections of code for better clarity and using command outputs as if they were code. It feels almost magical!

Developer Experience: Cracking The Code For Peak Productivity

Wisdom over Waves • 39 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Productivity Software Development Feedback
  1. Achieving a flow state is crucial for peak productivity. Minimizing interruptions like emails, popups and delays helps maintain focus and enhance performance.
  2. Reducing cognitive load is essential. Providing clear domain knowledge and simplifying technical aspects contribute to better understanding and productivity.
  3. Establishing a fast feedback loop is key. Faster identification of issues, learning from failures, and making data-driven decisions lead to better performance and quality.

Daily bit(e) of C++ | Hardened mode of standard library implementations

Daily bit(e) of C++ • 78 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Security Debugging
  1. Dealing with assumptions in programming can be risky, especially in C++ where a violated assumption can lead to undefined behavior.
  2. Proper engineering practices like good unit test coverage and sanitizers can help catch bugs, but sanitizers may not detect all issues, particularly at the library level.
  3. Using the hardened mode of standard library implementations like stdlibc++ and libc++ can provide safety features against specific attacks and checks without affecting ABI, enhancing development experience.

Prospero Pascal for the Atari ST

Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Hardware Tools
  1. Prospero Software made compilers for Atari ST and other systems like Sinclair QL and OS/2.
  2. Prospero Pascal was an extensive system with manuals totaling 718 pages, making it one of the most detailed ST development tools.
  3. The integration capability of Prospero compilers allowed for sharing libraries between Prospero Pascal, C, and Fortran, giving a unique advantage in the market.

Our Guests Tell Us Their Favorite AI Tools

The Cognitive Revolution • 137 implied HN points • 27 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Tools Podcasts Software Artificial Intelligence Coding
  1. AI builders use accessible, AI-first tools with good UI in their daily work.
  2. Developers recommend tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, Bearly.ai, Layup, MusicLM, Supermeme.ai, Character.ai, and EzDubs.AI.
  3. Podcast episodes feature guests discussing AI tools, foundational models, coding techniques, chip design, and language models.

How AI makes English a programming language

Mythical AI • 137 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
🕹 Technology AI Programming Software Code generation AI Tools
  1. AI is making it easier for people to program by allowing them to describe tasks in English and having the computer figure out the code.
  2. Computers need precise instructions and struggle with understanding context, making programming challenging.
  3. Programmers are rare, expensive, and building software is costly, but AI is helping automate coding, making programmers more productive.

[TI-06] people and computers

spencer's paradoxes • 137 implied HN points • 13 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Computing Internet Software Web Innovation
  1. The show Halt and Catch Fire explores the history of personal computers and the early days of the World Wide Web.
  2. Computing can be a tool for creating human connection and meaningful interactions on the internet.
  3. Focusing on creating a computing environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences can lead to a more positive online space.

Not all BOM's are Created Equal

Resilient Cyber • 119 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Compliance Supply Chain Open Source
  1. Not all software bills of materials (SBOMs) are the same, and they are important for software supply chain security. They help provide transparency about the components within software.
  2. The BOM Maturity Model can help evaluate how complete and useful a BOM is. It measures difficulty in obtaining data and assesses how well the BOM meets certain standards.
  3. As the industry works towards better SBOMs, tools and resources like the OWASP guides are crucial. They aim to improve understanding and detail in software management, similar to standards in food or pharmaceuticals.

Putting AI To Work

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 39 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Software Data Interfaces
  1. AI tools can help businesses automate tasks and improve efficiency without needing coding skills. This makes it easier for companies to integrate AI into their workflows.
  2. It's important to have a single platform that can manage different AI models together. This way, organizations can create more effective applications by combining the strengths of various models.
  3. Moving AI projects from ideas to reality requires careful planning and testing. Organizations need to ensure models are well-trained before using them in real-world applications.

User Products under LGPL-3.0

burkhardstubert • 99 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Software Licensing Embedded Systems Consumer Products Security
  1. If your product uses LGPL-3.0 libraries like Qt and it’s for consumers, you need to let users modify and install new versions. This applies to things like smart ovens or phones.
  2. Manufacturers worry about safety when users can modify software. But if owners make changes, they might void warranties and be responsible for any problems.
  3. For business products, the rules are easier. Companies don't have to allow modifications, which helps them keep tighter control over how their products operate.