The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

RIP Skype

The PhilaVerse โ€ข 123 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Communication Software Platforms User Experience Data Management
  1. Microsoft is shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025, after more than two decades of service. They are focusing on Teams now for communication.
  2. Users have 10 weeks to move their data from Skype to Teams or export their information. After that, user data will be kept until the end of 2025 before it is deleted.
  3. Skype had a big drop in users, going from 300 million at its peak to only 36 million daily users by 2023, which is why Microsoft made this decision.

Introducing RunLLM: The first AI Support Engineer

Generating Conversation โ€ข 163 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Product Development Customer Support Productivity
  1. RunLLM is an AI designed to help support teams by managing technical questions and documentation, making the process easier for both support staff and customers.
  2. One challenge for support teams is that technical products often create complex questions that can overwhelm them. RunLLM helps lighten that load by providing quick and accurate answers.
  3. Instead of just answering questions, RunLLM engages with users, helping to boost their confidence in seeking help and improving overall customer satisfaction.

ioctls from Rust

Blog System/5 โ€ข 827 implied HN points โ€ข 13 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Programming Systems Software Open Source Unix
  1. The 'ioctl' system call is used in Unix-like systems to communicate with the kernel in ways that go beyond normal file operations. It allows for special operations not covered by standard read/write calls.
  2. Using 'ioctl' in Rust can be tricky. It often requires unsafe code blocks since it involves direct interactions with the kernel and can affect the running process in unpredictable ways.
  3. There are multiple ways to call 'ioctl' in Rust, including using libraries like 'nix' and 'libc', or even creating custom C wrappers. Each method has its trade-offs in terms of complexity and code structure.

The End of Search, The Beginning of Research

One Useful Thing โ€ข 2047 implied HN points โ€ข 03 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Research Software Innovation Automation
  1. New AI Reasoners can think better and solve tougher problems by producing thinking steps before answering. This makes them more effective than earlier chatbots.
  2. AI agents are being developed to autonomously pursue goals, but they currently face limitations when tackling complex tasks. They show promise with narrow, task-specific applications.
  3. OpenAI's Deep Research represents how specialized AI can work like a human researcher by engaging deeply with academic topics, paving the way for significant advancements in research efficiency.
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Marcus on AI โ€ข 8378 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Data Research Innovation
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Let's compile Python 1.0

Bite code! โ€ข 1957 implied HN points โ€ข 05 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Programming Software Open Source Development Virtualization
  1. Python 1.0 was surprisingly advanced for its time, with features like high-level data structures and ways to handle processes and files. It showed a lot of capabilities despite being the first major version.
  2. Compiling Python 1.0 requires some old tools and a legacy environment, as modern systems might not support all the necessary components. Using containers can help recreate this older setup.
  3. Even in its early stage, Python had a live REPL and error handling, making it quite user-friendly. Developers were able to perform a variety of tasks easily, which made Python appealing compared to other programming languages at the time.

Problems Sublime solvesโ€”at least for me

The Sublime Newsletter โ€ข 554 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Internet Software Productivity Innovation Knowledge Management
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

AGI isnโ€™t coming in 2025, and GPT-5 probably isnโ€™t either.

Marcus on AI โ€ข 4189 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Computing Data science Machine Learning Software
  1. 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.
  2. The release of GPT-5, a new AI model, is also uncertain. Even experts aren't sure if it will be out this year.
  3. 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.

Do you even need Kafka?

Data Streaming Journey โ€ข 79 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Data Integration Software Programming Databases
  1. Kafka and similar tools are still relevant and necessary for effective data streaming today. They help handle large amounts of data quickly and reliably.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Marissa Mayer: I Am a Software Girl

Magic + Loss โ€ข 238 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Entrepreneurship Women in Tech
  1. Marissa Mayer sees AI as a bright and helpful force in our lives, rather than something dangerous or negative. She believes it can enhance family and social experiences.
  2. She has a strong opinion against feminism, feeling it is too militant and not focused on merit. She thinks being a geek is more important than gender roles.
  3. Mayer enjoys various topics like fashion and art, showing that she has a diverse range of interests outside her tech career.

Don't build a platform... unless?

lcamtufโ€™s thing โ€ข 2856 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Software Platforms Gaming Programming Entrepreneurship
  1. Building a platform is hard and often not worth the effort. It's usually better to focus on creating a good product first.
  2. To make a successful platform, you need to either find a unique idea, have a strong personal following, or get backing from big companies.
  3. Having good code isnโ€™t enough to make a platform thrive; you need visibility and support from the right people to attract users.

You canโ€™t build a moat with AI (redux)

Generating Conversation โ€ข 256 implied HN points โ€ข 20 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Applications Data User Experience
  1. Using AI like LLMs isn't unique anymore. Just having AI in your product doesn't really set it apart from competitors.
  2. To really stand out, focus on making a great user experience and integrating your product into how users already work. This makes your tool more valuable and hard to replace.
  3. Data is crucial for AI. It's not just about having lots of data; it's about using it smartly over time to improve your product and understand your users better.

What's up Python? A new Windows installer, ruff will type check, Pypi quarantines...

Bite code! โ€ข 1957 implied HN points โ€ข 01 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Programming Software Security Development Open Source
  1. PEP 773 is proposing a new way to install Python on Windows. It aims to simplify the installation process by using one tool for all versions and making it easier for users to manage them.
  2. Ruff, a popular linter, is getting a type checking feature added soon. This change will help improve Python's type checking and make it more user-friendly.
  3. Pypi has introduced a quarantining system for potentially harmful projects. This will block access to projects suspected of containing malware without completely removing them, allowing for better security.

222. Automating Processes with Software is HARD

Hardcore Software โ€ข 1686 implied HN points โ€ข 03 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Automation Software Engineering Artificial Intelligence
  1. Automating processes is often harder than people think. It's not just about making things easier, but figuring out how to handle all the unexpected situations that come up.
  2. Most automation systems are fragile and can easily break if inputs or steps aren't just right. This makes dealing with exceptions, rather than routine tasks, the real challenge in automation.
  3. The future of automation might not be about fixing the tasks we already have. Instead, it could lead to new ways of doing things that we haven't thought of yet.

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

Marcus on AI โ€ข 6481 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Ethics Research Economics
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Which AI to Use Now: An Updated Opinionated Guide

One Useful Thing โ€ข 2229 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Data Models Applications
  1. When choosing an AI, consider using a paid version for better features. Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT are the top choices right now.
  2. New AI advances include live interaction and reasoning capabilities. This helps AIs understand and respond more naturally, making them feel more human.
  3. Privacy is now better handled by major AI models, and you can customize them for your specific needs. Explore different AIs to find one that fits your style.

Softcore Debugging

Jacobโ€™s Tech Tavern โ€ข 2405 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Software Development Debugging Tools Programming
  1. Xcode has many built-in debugging tools that can help developers troubleshoot their apps. It's helpful to explore these tools to find new ways to fix issues.
  2. Conditional breakpoints can make debugging more efficient by allowing developers to stop the app under specific conditions. This saves time during the debugging process.
  3. Learning faster LLDB commands and memory graph traversal techniques can enhance a developer's ability to diagnose issues quickly. Familiarizing yourself with these options can improve coding skills.

Open Thread 382

Astral Codex Ten โ€ข 1170 implied HN points โ€ข 19 May 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Startups Research
  1. There are meetups happening this week in Oxford, Shanghai, and Austin where people can connect and share ideas.
  2. A few fellowships are available for those interested in AI safety and reasoning, with opportunities to work and collaborate in the Bay Area.
  3. Grants are being offered for projects that explore how AI can support open inquiry, encouraging creative and innovative approaches.

The Software Engineer with Alzheimer's

In My Tribe โ€ข 273 implied HN points โ€ข 05 Jun 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Development Education Innovation
  1. AI, like Claude, struggles with memory, especially remembering recent conversations. It's important to find ways to manage this limitation to keep projects on track.
  2. Maintaining state is a key challenge for AI development, which affects how well an AI can serve as a personal assistant. This functionality isn't expected to improve quickly.
  3. AI technology can be very useful, and while people may doubt its potential, history shows that dismissing new tech often proves wrong.

Getting silly with C, part (void*)2

lcamtufโ€™s thing โ€ข 3673 implied HN points โ€ข 10 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Programming Software Coding Development Computer Science
  1. Understanding C's syntax can be tricky, especially with function declarations and typedefs. You'll find that some definitions may not be exactly what they seem.
  2. C allows some flexibility with variable and function declarations, which can lead to surprising behaviors, so always double-check how your symbols interact in different scopes.
  3. There are quirky features in C, like a BASIC compatibility mode for line numbering, showing that the language has some fun, unexpected twists!

The Sequence Knowledge #560: The Amazing World of Agentic Benchmarks

TheSequence โ€ข 49 implied HN points โ€ข 10 Jun 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Software Data science Automation
  1. Agentic benchmarks are new ways to evaluate AI that focus on decision-making rather than just answering questions. They look at how well AI can plan and adapt to different tasks.
  2. Traditional evaluation methods aren't enough for AI that acts like agents. We need tests that measure how AI can handle complex situations and multi-step processes.
  3. One exciting example of these benchmarks is the Web Arena, which helps assess AI's ability to perform tasks on the web. This includes how well they interact with online tools and environments.

Hardcore Debugging

Jacobโ€™s Tech Tavern โ€ข 2842 implied HN points โ€ข 13 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Software Debugging Development Engineering Programming
  1. Bugs in apps can sometimes be easy to fix, but some problems are hidden deep in the system and harder to find. These serious issues can cause crashes that are tricky to solve.
  2. When dealing with a crash, you can use tools like Git Bisect to look back in time or symbolicate crash logs to find out what went wrong. These methods help narrow down the problem.
  3. Understanding how crashes occur in the kernel memory management can take time, but specific techniques exist to make debugging easier and faster. It's all about using the right tools at the right time.

AGI Is Already Hereโ€”Itโ€™s Just Not Evenly Distributed

The Algorithmic Bridge โ€ข 1104 implied HN points โ€ข 05 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Computing Software
  1. Understanding how to create good prompts is really important. If you learn to ask questions better, you'll get much better answers from AI.
  2. Even though AI models are getting better, good prompting skills are becoming more important. It's like having a smart friend; you need to know how to ask the right questions to get the best help.
  3. The better your prompting skills, the more you'll be able to take advantage of AI. It's not just about the AI's capabilities but also about how you interact with it.

AI Roundup 107: GPT-4.5

Artificial Ignorance โ€ข 58 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Computing Innovation Data
  1. OpenAI just released GPT-4.5, a powerful AI model that is more expensive to run than GPT-4 but doesn't perform as well in some areas. This raises questions about whether bigger models are always better.
  2. Amazon is launching Alexa+, a new subscription service that adds generative AI features to their smart assistant, aiming for more natural conversations and complex tasks.
  3. DeepSeek is pushing ahead in the AI race, planning to launch new models quickly while its free distribution strategy helps democratize AI access in China.

#25: Nobody's Thinking Enough About AI

Loeber on Substack โ€ข 325 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Automation Policy
  1. AI technology is improving faster than most people realize. Many experts believe we could see advanced AI within a few years.
  2. The rise of AI will change jobs significantly. Many current jobs may disappear, but people might also gain more free time as automation increases.
  3. There isn't enough public discussion about the effects of AI on society. Policymakers need to start addressing these changes now to prepare for the future.

The Synchronization Framework in Swift 6

Jacobโ€™s Tech Tavern โ€ข 3936 implied HN points โ€ข 30 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Software Programming Development Concurrency Frameworks
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 DeepSeek Is a Gift to the American People

Common Sense with Bari Weiss โ€ข 964 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Policy Engineering
  1. The release of DeepSeek, a new AI from China, could be a wake-up call for the U.S., similar to the launch of Sputnik. It highlights the need for America to accelerate its technological advancements.
  2. Unlike rockets, which take time and resources to build, software like DeepSeek can be developed and shared quickly. This opens up many opportunities for innovation and growth.
  3. The current situation emphasizes that success in technology is not just about hardware but also about creativity and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-changing world.

40 Years On

The Fry Corner โ€ข 50058 implied HN points โ€ข 25 Jan 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Computing History Innovation Software
  1. Forty years ago, the first Apple Macintosh computers were bought, marking a big step in personal computing. It was a time when computers were new and exciting.
  2. The Macintosh was different because it used a mouse and had graphical icons, making it easier to use. This was a huge change compared to earlier computers.
  3. Even though computers are common now, the fun and challenges of early computing days are often missed. Back then, figuring things out felt more like an adventure.

ChatGPT, at Age Two

Marcus on AI โ€ข 7074 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Nov 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Data Digital ethics
  1. 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.
  2. Despite promises of improvement, ChatGPT still struggles with inaccuracies and generating false information. Users continue to experience 'hallucinations' where the AI makes things up.
  3. 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.

Weekend projects: Sketchy Sketch

lcamtufโ€™s thing โ€ข 3060 implied HN points โ€ข 06 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Electronics Hardware Programming DIY Projects Software
  1. A new version of the Etch-A-Sketch toy, called Sketchy Sketch, was created to be more user-friendly and modern. It uses digital controls for drawing and animating, unlike the old mechanical version.
  2. The Sketchy Sketch is built using a microcontroller and a display, allowing kids to create pixel art easily. It has a simple menu system and saves multiple images.
  3. The project shows that it's fun and rewarding to build something from scratch. The creator shares the parts and code online, encouraging others to try similar projects.

AI & Python #28: The Notebook Used for Data Science and AI Projects

Artificial Corner โ€ข 158 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Programming Data science Software Tools
  1. Jupyter Notebook is a popular tool for data science that combines live code with visualizations and text. It helps users organize their projects in a single place.
  2. Jupyter Notebook can be improved with extensions, which can add features like code autocompletion and easier cell movement. These tools make coding more efficient and user-friendly.
  3. To install these extensions, you can use specific commands in the command prompt. Once installed, you'll find new options that can help increase your productivity.

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

Big Technology โ€ข 4503 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Enterprise Software Innovation Business
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

How Fireship became YouTube's favorite programmer

engineercodex โ€ข 635 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Software Education Media Trends Content creation
  1. Fireship's videos are short and fast-paced. This keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to watch more.
  2. He uses humor to make learning fun. His jokes and memes help explain complex topics in a way that's easy to understand.
  3. Fireship combines trending topics with timeless content. This strategy helps him attract a lot of views both right away and over time.

Complain & Propose

Software Design: Tidy First? โ€ข 3026 implied HN points โ€ข 27 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology Software Design Engineering Communication Management
  1. Always offer a solution when you raise a complaint. This helps others see the way forward and saves time.
  2. Consider things from the other person's point of view. Everyone has their own valid perspective, and understanding that can improve communication.
  3. Don't let emotions cloud your judgment about others' intentions. Assume people mean well, even if they lack experience.

OpenAIโ€™s Deep Research: The "Big Bang" Event for AI Agents

Enterprise AI Trends โ€ข 400 implied HN points โ€ข 06 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Productivity Research Innovation
  1. OpenAI's Deep Research feature allows users to get thorough research done quickly, acting like a smart research assistant. This can save a lot of time compared to traditional searching methods.
  2. Deep Research is designed to work on its own, leading the research process instead of needing constant input. This makes it more productive and user-friendly.
  3. As Deep Research becomes popular, competition in the AI space will change. Companies will now need to clearly explain how their offerings are better than Deep Research, raising the standard for AI tools.

Change Python's syntax with the "# coding:" trick

Bite code! โ€ข 1467 implied HN points โ€ข 25 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Programming Software Development Scripting Coding
  1. You can change Python's syntax using a special trick called '# coding:'. This lets you define how your code is read and interpreted.
  2. By using custom codecs, you can make unusual text formats like JPEGs or even SQL valid in Python. It's a creative way to mix different languages within Python.
  3. While it's fun to play with these features, it can also make your code really complicated and hard to debug. So, use this power wisely!

Generate Videos on Your Computer with Pyramid Flow

The Kaitchup โ€“ AI on a Budget โ€ข 99 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Video Software Hardware Generative
  1. Pyramid Flow is a new model that lets you generate videos quickly on your computer. It supports 768p resolution and works at 24 frames per second.
  2. You can create videos using either text prompts or a mix of text and image prompts, making it flexible for different projects.
  3. A consumer GPU, like the RTX 3090, is good enough for making these videos, and there's a notebook available with all the steps to help you get started.