The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Load-bearing Tomato 5 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. When facing a problem, break it down into smaller pieces to see what might be causing it. This way, you can quickly rule out big areas and find the real issue.
  2. Always remember that tools and data can sometimes be misleading. It's important to check the real situation and not just trust what you see on the screen.
  3. Keep track of what you've already validated in your troubleshooting process. Rechecking things that are already confirmed can waste a lot of time.
burkhardstubert 39 implied HN points 31 Dec 20
  1. Qt 6 is not yet ready for embedded systems. Many needed features are missing and won't arrive until Qt 6.2, which means developers should stick with Qt 5.15 for now.
  2. C++ property bindings are an exciting new feature in Qt 6. They make code easier to work with by automatically updating properties when related data changes.
  3. Migrating applications from Qt 5 to Qt 6 can be done step by step using the Core5Compat library, which helps manage outdated classes and reduce errors during the transition.
Clouded Judgement 14 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. Software companies are showing signs of a potential rebound in January based on earnings reports and early data, signaling green shoots for the industry.
  2. January inflation, especially the CPI, was higher than expected, impacting market expectations for future rate cuts and projections for the Fed Funds rate.
  3. Valuations for software businesses are often calculated based on multiples of revenue, with different growth rates affecting these valuations significantly.
Clouded Judgement 7 implied HN points 18 Oct 24
  1. Enterprise software has always relied on systems that store data, but the real value comes from how people use that data in workflows. It's not just about the data, but how it's managed and processed.
  2. AI is set to change this by taking over the data entry tasks that humans typically do. This means less focus on user interfaces and more on how efficiently AI can handle and process data automatically.
  3. With this shift to AI-driven systems, we will see new ways of building applications that prioritize smart databases. This could make traditional systems less important and create a need for new tools to manage complex workflows.
The API Changelog 6 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  1. API documentation should be structured and easy for machines to read. Using known formats like OpenAPI helps AI agents understand the API better, making it easier for them to use.
  2. Clearly define all operations and parameters in the documentation. AI agents need specifics about input types and constraints to avoid confusion.
  3. It's important to document errors and provide examples. Even machines need clear guidance on what each error means to function properly.
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Engineering Enablement 6 implied HN points 19 Nov 24
  1. A structured rollout of tools like Copilot can significantly improve user satisfaction and adoption, with increases seen by up to 20%.
  2. Training and support during the rollout process lead to better tool usage, helping teams realize the full benefits of their tools.
  3. Creating community spaces for users to share experiences and asking for feedback can enhance overall satisfaction and engagement with the tool.
Dan’s MEGA65 Digest 27 implied HN points 14 Feb 23
  1. Machine language programming on the Commodore 64 required understanding hexadecimal, addressing modes, and the CPU's instructions.
  2. Tools like machine language monitors and assemblers were essential for coding and debugging machine language programs.
  3. Learning machine language programming on the MEGA65 is more accessible now with resources like manuals, assemblers, and online references.
The API Changelog 4 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. A good API README should give a clear overview of what the API does. This helps users quickly understand its purpose and features.
  2. The 'Getting Started' section is important for guiding users on how to authenticate and make their first request. This ensures they can use the API without confusion.
  3. Lastly, include practical information about key operations in the API. Users should see examples and know where to find more detailed documentation for further help.
Year 2049 4 implied HN points 23 Feb 25
  1. Open-source AI means anyone can access and modify the software. This makes it easier for innovation and collaboration among developers.
  2. Using open-source AI has both benefits and drawbacks. It promotes transparency but can also lead to misuse of the technology.
  3. There are specific criteria that define what makes an AI truly open-source, ensuring it meets certain standards of accessibility and control.
Data Science Weekly Newsletter 19 implied HN points 17 Feb 22
  1. Data businesses are important but not well-studied, and understanding their models can help in a tech-focused market.
  2. Investors are focusing on machine learning and its challenges, which can show opportunities for startups in that field.
  3. Machine learning is evolving, especially with advances in compute requirements, which are becoming crucial for training complex models.
The Caring Techie Newsletter 6 implied HN points 07 Nov 24
  1. The host shared insights from a podcast interview about how Google operates and tips for getting promoted in big tech. It's a great resource if you're trying to grow your career in tech.
  2. They recently gave a keynote speech at a conference in Germany, discussing how to lead teams effectively even when resources are limited. Public speaking can be a powerful way to share knowledge.
  3. A yearly survey is open for subscribers to provide feedback and potentially win cash prizes. It's a fun way to help shape the content and direction of the newsletter.
LatchBio 6 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. Biologists need better tools to work with their data, focusing on integration, transparency, and collaboration. Old software often doesn't meet these needs.
  2. Latch Plots is a new software that allows scientists to easily bring in data from various sources and customize their analyses without coding skills. It makes working with data more efficient and user-friendly.
  3. This software also supports developers by allowing them flexibility in coding while enabling scientists to create standardized templates, making teamwork and data visualization much smoother.
Dan’s MEGA65 Digest 22 implied HN points 15 May 23
  1. MEGA65's VIC-IV video chip has multiple graphics modes inspired by vintage computing history
  2. VIC-III bitplane graphics mode in MEGA65 is fun to use with BASIC 65 for drawing vector art
  3. You can save and load graphics screens in IFF-ILBM file format on MEGA65, and convert modern images to display on MEGA65
The Nibble 4 implied HN points 04 Feb 25
  1. OpenAI has released a new model called o3-mini, which is faster and cheaper than previous versions. This model is meant to improve reasoning tasks and is available for various subscription plans.
  2. Superglue is a new library that helps combine React and Rails for building web applications. It makes development easier and more efficient by enhancing server-side rendering and dynamic interactions.
  3. The Doomsday clock is now only 89 seconds to midnight, raising concerns about global threats like AI and nuclear weapons. This reflects how urgent these issues have become in today's world.
Database Engineering by Sort 7 implied HN points 03 Sep 24
  1. The Sort API is now live and allows users to manage their data workflows completely online. You can access all the features you find in the Sort web app through the API.
  2. There’s a new feature called the Sort Playground that makes it easier for users to try out and request data changes. It’s user-friendly and allows anyone to add or edit data easily.
  3. Sort is open to feedback and suggestions from users. If you have ideas for improvements, you can reach out to them directly.
Chaos Engineering 5 implied HN points 04 Dec 24
  1. AI Agents are changing how we think about software. They are smart programs that can do tasks for us, but we still need humans to help out to make sure everything runs smoothly.
  2. Using AI to create software can make things cheaper, but it also makes the software more complex. As we rely on AI, we need to ensure we can trust it to work reliably.
  3. Data is super important for AI to work well. We need to collect good quality data to train these AI Agents so they can do their jobs effectively and produce accurate results.
Clouded Judgement 4 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. AI can really help with organizing and prioritizing tasks in many areas like customer support and fraud detection. This means faster and more efficient decision-making for businesses.
  2. Cloud software companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are seeing some slower growth lately. It's important to keep an eye on how they perform in future reports.
  3. The value of a software company is often based on its revenue, especially when it's not profitable yet. Understanding these valuation methods can help investors make smarter choices.
Why Now 5 implied HN points 09 Dec 24
  1. It's important to look for companies that create strong communities or 'religions' around their products. Companies that divide opinion often attract attention and engagement.
  2. Object storage is a powerful way to manage data, allowing for flexible and efficient storage. It uses a flat structure for data organization, making it faster to access compared to traditional file storage.
  3. The separation of storage and compute resources helps businesses scale more effectively. This means you can add storage or processing power independently, making it more efficient for varying demands.
Dan’s MEGA65 Digest 11 implied HN points 15 Mar 24
  1. Audio can be generated on the MEGA65 through SID chips and Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM), which allows for reproducing real-world sounds but takes up a lot of memory space.
  2. The MEGA65 expansion board project aims to enhance the computer with features like component video output, Commodore user port, and tape port.
  3. Using audio DMA on the MEGA65, you can play digitized sound samples by controlling speaker membranes directly, even enabling playback of high-quality sound data and providing opportunities for creative sound manipulation.
Clouded Judgement 5 implied HN points 06 Dec 24
  1. Software company valuations can look cheap based on traditional revenue metrics but may seem very expensive when adjusted for growth. It's important to look at both perspectives.
  2. Profitability and free cash flow (FCF) in software companies have improved, offering more support for current valuation multiples. This suggests a more nuanced view of their worth.
  3. Overall market trends show significant variability in valuation based on growth rates. Higher growth companies generally maintain a premium in their valuations compared to low growth ones.
My Home Office Hacks 5 implied HN points 25 Nov 24
  1. By 2025, there are expected to be fewer people working from home, especially among federal employees. This might set an example for the private sector to follow.
  2. To effectively use AI on your laptop, you'll need powerful hardware like a great CPU, dedicated AI graphics, and plenty of RAM. It might be a good time to think about upgrading your device.
  3. It's important to keep an eye on how tariffs on imported goods could affect tech products, including laptops. Investing in the right tools now could help you stay ahead.
Clouded Judgement 4 implied HN points 24 Jan 25
  1. AI in businesses faces a big challenge called the 'last mile' problem, which means it struggles to give accurate answers for specific business needs. This is especially important when customers are involved.
  2. To make AI better for businesses, combining general AI models with specific company data helps create more reliable results. This approach can improve things like compliance checks and sales forecasts.
  3. The speed of improvement in AI technology is impressive, and future models might overcome current limitations. This could allow businesses to answer a wider range of questions more accurately.
Mindful Ruminations 3 HN points 16 May 23
  1. Troubleshooting software issues can involve checking log files and using tools like curl.
  2. The post explores the challenges with installing trading software due to SSL connection and certificate issues.
  3. Detailed logs can help in diagnosing problems, and potential solutions may involve using alternative tools like curl.
Another Boring Article 3 HN points 01 May 23
  1. The Desktop Software Division at IBM struggled due to lack of marketing support and incentive structure for programmers.
  2. Adding Windows compatibility to OS/2 was a strategic mistake that hindered ecosystem growth and benefited Microsoft financially.
  3. IBM's use of the same marketing agency as Microsoft during the OS/2 marketing campaign was an interesting coincidence.

#93

The Nibble 4 implied HN points 13 Jan 25
  1. Meta plans to adopt a less strict approach, promoting more political content like Twitter, aiming for a more open community environment.
  2. Salesforce will not hire more software engineers in 2025 due to increased productivity from AI tools, suggesting a shift in tech job dynamics.
  3. React has added a new feature called <ViewTransition> to improve how elements transition in the user interface, making updates smoother.
Enterprise AI Trends 7 HN points 05 Aug 24
  1. Many AI startups are actually offering services rather than traditional software products. This means they often rely on providing custom solutions to meet their clients' unique needs.
  2. As AI technology improves, businesses are becoming more self-sufficient in creating their own automated solutions with low-code tools. This could make it harder for AI solution providers to retain clients.
  3. For AI startups to succeed, they need to find ways to build scalable products with less dependence on consulting. This could involve creating specific tools that solve distinct problems instead of broad platforms.
Tippets by Taps 2 implied HN points 25 May 25
  1. Google is back in the AI game and has launched several new products to become an industry leader in artificial intelligence. They want to make AI a core part of all their services, not just an extra feature.
  2. Walmart is changing its image by using new technology and e-commerce to stay competitive with Amazon. They are focusing on improving their stores and attracting more affluent customers.
  3. The U.S. Treasury is stopping the minting of pennies because it costs more to make them than they are worth. This change shows how our payment systems are evolving in a more cashless world.
Don't Worry About the Vase 11 HN points 13 Feb 24
  1. Reviews highlight the Apple Vision Pro's impressive entertainment features but express disappointment in its productivity capabilities.
  2. There are concerns raised about the weight, battery life, and setup process of the device.
  3. The potential for the Apple Vision Pro to excel in specific use cases, such as watching movies and immersive experiences, is noted, while its value for productivity is still uncertain.

#91

The Nibble 4 implied HN points 30 Dec 24
  1. Apple is working on a video doorbell with Face ID, which is a new direction for the company that mostly makes money from AirPods and iPhones. This could change how people think about home security.
  2. In the AI world, several new tools and models are being released, like Goodfire's Ember, which helps shape AI responses. This shows the rapid growth and innovation happening in artificial intelligence.
  3. There is a rising interest in decentralization within the Ethereum community, but concerns are growing about groups forming that may stray from its core values. This raises important questions about the future of the community.
Dan’s MEGA65 Digest 11 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. Next batch of MEGA65 computers to ship on June 1st, 2024.
  2. v0.96 release candidate available for testing with new features and bug fixes.
  3. Mention of collaboration with The 8-Bit Guy in making a video about MEGA65.

#90

The Nibble 4 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. Nvidia has released an affordable AI supercomputer called Jetson Orin Nano for $249, making it accessible for hobbyists and students. This is seen as a big step forward in generative AI technology.
  2. Google and OpenAI are actively launching new features and products, showcasing their ongoing commitment to innovation in the tech space. This includes advancements in AI tools that make coding easier for everyone.
  3. The Pudgy Penguins community has launched a new ecosystem token called $PENGU, continuing their engagement and growth in the crypto space. However, there was a small issue with privacy during the launch.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 19 implied HN points 08 Aug 21
  1. OpenAI has released a new programming language called Triton that allows users without CUDA experience to write GPU code effectively. This makes it easier for more people to work with high-performance computing.
  2. Triton offers an alternative to existing technologies like NVIDIA CUDA, which has been the standard for GPU programming. It's important to understand the differences to choose the right tool for specific needs.
  3. The advancements in programming languages like Triton show how AI and technology are evolving, making powerful tools more accessible to developers and researchers. This opens up new possibilities for innovation.
Database Engineering by Sort 7 implied HN points 01 Jul 24
  1. Sort now has a Change Requests feature that lets users propose fixes to their data, similar to GitHub's Pull Requests. It's designed to help teams review and apply changes easily.
  2. Users can safely make changes to their Postgres databases using this new feature, which is great for managers and tech leads.
  3. The Sort platform has also seen improvements, including bug fixes and updated pricing to reflect its features better.
Clouded Judgement 4 implied HN points 13 Dec 24
  1. Software companies generally performed as expected, with very little change in earnings estimates for 2024. Most stock prices did not move much either.
  2. Recently, there has been a notable increase in software valuation multiples, driven by stability in the economy and expectations of future AI revenue.
  3. Investors are feeling hopeful about tech investments, as they believe upcoming growth in IT budgets and AI could lead to better earnings next year.