The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

A Tech Interview that Doesn't Suck

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2186 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Hiring Interviews Skills
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

What is a Crash?

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 3498 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Programming Mobile App Development Operating Systems
  1. A crash happens when an app unexpectedly stops, but it can actually be a safety measure to prevent bigger problems. Think of it like a controlled explosion that protects your device.
  2. There are two main types of crashes: those caused by the Swift Runtime and those from the XNU Kernel. Each has its own reasons for triggering a crash to protect the system.
  3. Crashes don't just cause inconvenience; they are there to protect users from worse issues, like losing data or compromising security. They help keep everything safe even when things go wrong.

Weekly Top Picks #97

The Algorithmic Bridge • 191 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Economy Marketing Software Innovation
  1. Google has released impressive AI models that are both high-quality and affordable. They are competing strongly in the AI space.
  2. OpenAI is developing new AI agents to assist programmers and sales teams, indicating a focus on practical business applications.
  3. Sam Altman highlighted that the intelligence in AI improves at a super-exponential rate, making its economic value increase rapidly.

The Weekly Kaitchup #62

The Kaitchup – AI on a Budget • 159 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Hardware Software Data science
  1. Avoid using small batch sizes with gradient accumulation. It often leads to less accurate results compared to using larger batch sizes.
  2. Creating better document embeddings is important for retrieving information effectively. Including neighboring documents in embeddings can really help improve the accuracy of results.
  3. Aria is a new model that processes multiple types of inputs. It's designed to be efficient but note that it has a higher number of parameters, which means it might take up more memory.

Learning in the Forest

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2032 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Learning Engineering Productivity
  1. Learning should come before production. It's important to focus on what team members need to learn, even if it slows down work at first.
  2. Juniors are still learning, so we shouldn't rush them. It's better to allow them to choose tasks that will help them grow, and to support their learning through pairing with seniors.
  3. Investing time in learning pays off. Gaining skills and knowledge today will help create better projects and more capable engineers in the future.
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All your Python project in one file with shiv

Bite code! • 978 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

DeepSeek: Links and Memes (So Many Memes)

SatPost by Trung Phan • 244 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Semiconductors Geopolitics Open Source
  1. DeepSeek is changing the AI game by showing that smaller teams can produce top models at lower costs. They've made big AI breakthroughs using fewer resources than big companies like OpenAI, reshaping how we think about AI development.
  2. The reaction to DeepSeek's success shook up the stock market, especially for companies like Nvidia. Their approach made many investors reconsider the value and costs associated with AI, leading to huge market losses.
  3. DeepSeek's open-source strategy encourages collaboration and innovation. By sharing their models, they invite others to improve upon their work, which could lead to even greater advancements in AI technology.

How do we run Kafka 100% on the object storage?

VuTrinh. • 519 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Cloud Computing Data Engineering
  1. AutoMQ enables Kafka to run entirely on object storage, which improves efficiency and scalability. This design removes the need for tightly-coupled compute and storage, allowing more flexible resource management.
  2. AutoMQ uses a unique caching system to handle data, which helps maintain fast performance for both recent and historical data. It has separate caches for immediate and long-term data needs, enhancing read and write speeds.
  3. Reliability in AutoMQ is ensured through a Write Ahead Log system using AWS EBS, which helps recover data after crashes. This setup allows for fast failover and data persistence, so no messages get lost.

AI is yet another platform shift

Generating Conversation • 280 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Automation Economics Software
  1. AI is a big change in technology, similar to how the printing press changed information sharing. It will automate some jobs but also create many new opportunities.
  2. As AI makes tasks cheaper and easier, more people will want to use these services. This means new demands and markets will open up that we didn't see before.
  3. For AI to be successful, it needs to work well with what businesses are already doing, and building trust with customers is very important.

Advanced Swift Concurrency

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software Development Concurrency Coding
  1. Swift Concurrency is a modern way to handle tasks in Swift, making it easier and more powerful compared to earlier methods like GCD. It's designed for simplicity and efficiency.
  2. Important concepts in Swift Concurrency include Task properties like priority, cancellation, and timeout settings. Understanding these helps developers manage their applications better.
  3. Using Task effectively allows developers to create more responsive and dynamic apps. It’s great to explore real-life examples to grasp how to implement these advanced features.

AI Roundup 106: Grok 3

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Robotics Tech Trends Data
  1. Grok 3 is a new AI model that shows great reasoning capabilities, ranking well in benchmarks, but it's still behind a future model called o3. Many early reviews say it has potential.
  2. Meta is focusing on building humanoid robots, believing they could be a big part of the future, while also working on software to support these robots. Competition in this area is heating up, especially from companies like Apple.
  3. There's a growing concern that new junior developers lack coding skills because they rely too much on AI tools, which may hurt their understanding of how programming works.

Getting started with AI: Good enough prompting

One Useful Thing • 2199 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Education Workplace
  1. Most people struggle to use AI correctly because they treat it like a search engine. Instead, it works better when you give it detailed tasks and prompts.
  2. Getting to know AI takes time; spending about 10 hours using it can help you figure out what it can do for your work or daily tasks.
  3. Think of AI as a patient coworker who forgets everything after each chat. Be clear about what you want, ask for many variations, and have a conversation to get the best results.

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
  1. The Swift Runtime, known as libswiftCore, is a C++ library that helps run Swift programs by managing essential features like memory and error handling.
  2. This library works alongside your Swift code, linking dynamically when you launch your app, which is why it's mentioned as running 'alongside'.
  3. 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.

Anthropic's Claude Code has a High Ceiling

Machine Economy Press • 9 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Startups Software Coding Development
  1. Claude Code is a powerful new tool that helps developers code faster by understanding their code and assisting with tasks like fixing bugs and managing version control.
  2. The latest updates to Claude, especially version 3.7, enhance its ability to handle complex coding tasks efficiently, making it a valuable asset for startups looking to scale quickly.
  3. With strong backing and advanced features, Anthropic's Claude Code is likely to lead in the AI coding space, offering a reliable alternative to other existing tools.

AI companies are just SaaS companies

benn.substack • 869 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI SaaS Software Data Startups
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. OpenAI is at a crossroads, needing to adapt its business model and offerings to stay ahead, especially as competition increases and tech costs rise.

Meeting Prevents Exceeding

Software Design: Tidy First? • 353 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Design Engineering Development Innovation
  1. You can't meet and exceed expectations at the same time. Focusing only on meeting others' expectations can limit your personal growth.
  2. Setting your own goals helps you think independently and be more creative. When you manage your own expectations, you can achieve unexpected results.
  3. Learning to take risks and act on your own ideas is important for growth as an engineer. The more you practice this, the better you'll become at finding your own path.

The Time Profiler

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 656 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Tools Performance iOS
  1. The Time Profiler is an essential tool for improving iOS app performance. It helps find and fix slow parts of your code.
  2. It can identify specific issues like animation delays or overheating in your app. This makes it easier to solve performance problems.
  3. Learning how to use the Time Profiler effectively can lead to faster, smoother apps that users will enjoy more.

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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Different Bests in Different Contexts

Software Design: Tidy First? • 861 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Development Process Strategy
  1. Different tasks require different strategies. What works for one situation might not work for another, so it's good to be flexible.
  2. In a project, you might focus on playing around with ideas, then expanding and finally getting results. Each stage has its own challenges and goals.
  3. Understanding the different phases of a project can help guide how you work. It helps avoid mistakes and ensures the right approach for each part.

Subscribe to This Book?

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation History Economics
  1. Technology is changing really fast, making it hard to keep track of everything. Books can't keep up, so there's a need for ongoing updates.
  2. The author wants to create a subscription model for readers to get continuous updates on technology's history. This way, readers can have the latest information and not just a single snapshot.
  3. There's a concern that current AI technologies may not scale well and could lead to a tech crash, similar to past tech bubbles. Real human intelligence still has a unique edge over artificial intelligence.

The Sequence Research #553: Self-Evaluating LLMs Are Here: Inside Meta AI’s J1 Framework

TheSequence • 63 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Research
  1. LLMs are now used as judges, which is an exciting new trend in AI. This can help improve how we evaluate AI outputs.
  2. Meta AI's J1 framework is a significant development that makes LLMs more like active thinkers rather than just content creators. This means they can make better evaluations.
  3. Using reinforcement learning, J1 allows AI models to learn effective ways to judge tasks. This helps ensure that their evaluations are both reliable and understandable.

The Sequence Opinion #552: Seriously, What is an Agent?

TheSequence • 70 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Automation Ethics
  1. The term 'AI agent' can mean many things, and different experts have different definitions. This shows that there is still a lot of discussion about what really makes an AI an agent.
  2. Some people think an AI agent should be able to plan and act on its own, while others see it as any system that uses language models or performs tasks. There is no clear agreement on this.
  3. The lines between traditional AI models and agents might be blurring, suggesting that future AI systems could include features of agents directly within them.

IT'S HAPPENING

How the Hell • 792 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Software Innovation Research
  1. Researchers have created a new simulation engine called Genesis, which could enable the development of general-purpose robots. This means robots might soon be able to perform a wide range of tasks like humans.
  2. Recent advancements in AI, particularly in reasoning models from companies like OpenAI and Google, are pushing us closer to achieving advanced AI capabilities. This includes AI that can think logically and solve complex problems effectively.
  3. The rapid progress in AI, especially with the latest models, has led to a genuine feeling of hope for the future. People believe we could soon see robots, AI scientists, and even ambitious projects like colonizing Mars becoming a reality.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 29

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Startups Silicon Valley History
  1. Janet got a job at Netscape and felt nervous about the fast-paced startup culture compared to her old job at 3Com. She was excited but also unsure about how she'd fit in with the younger crowd.
  2. People at Netscape worked really hard, often late into the night, showing their commitment to making their browser successful. They truly believed they could compete with big companies like Microsoft.
  3. Netscape was gaining traction and businesses were interested in licensing the browser for their employees. This surprised Janet because many people assumed the software was only free for individuals.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 30

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Startups Investment Software Finance
  1. Netscape went public and became super successful, even though they weren't making profits yet. People were excited about the potential for growth instead of just focusing on profits.
  2. The IPO day was a big moment, with the stock price skyrocketing to $74. This was a huge deal for the people involved, changing their lives and how they viewed their work.
  3. There was a shift in the tech world where everyone suddenly wanted to invest in Internet companies. It became a trend to have '.com' in a company's name, showing how fast things were changing.

Notes on Chapter 29

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Internet Software Silicon Valley Corporate strategy
  1. Janet leaves her job at 3Com to work at Netscape during a hectic time in the tech industry. Many developers worked long hours, often staying late into the night.
  2. Netscape was seen as a major threat to Microsoft because of its browser capabilities. The belief was that if everything could be done through a browser, the operating system wouldn’t matter much.
  3. There were shady practices in Silicon Valley, including how Microsoft tried to hinder Netscape's success. This atmosphere led to a sense of distrust among companies during that era.

Postgres in a box

benn.substack • 920 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Databases Cloud Computing Software AI Data Management
  1. Software has changed from being sold in boxes in stores to being bought as subscriptions online. This makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to manage.
  2. The new trend is separating storage from computing in databases. This lets companies save money by only paying for the data they actually use and the calculations they perform.
  3. There's a push towards making data from different sources easily accessible, so you can use various tools without being trapped in one system. This could streamline how businesses work with their data.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Dec 8 - Dec 21, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Open Source AI Legal issues Industry Trends
  1. The Linux Foundation is cutting its spending, which is a big change for the organization. This could impact their projects and overall support for Linux.
  2. There are several discrimination lawsuits involving major companies like IBM, Red Hat, and Mozilla. These legal battles could lead to significant changes in how these companies operate.
  3. ChatGPT cannot mention a specific name, which raises questions about content moderation and restrictions. This situation is quite unusual and highlights issues with AI usage.

Pitch Deck GPT 🤖📑

The VC Corner • 699 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Startups Development Innovation
  1. You can easily build your own AI tools using the GPT Builder from OpenAI. It's all about giving the right instructions and making it work for your needs.
  2. For more advanced users, the Assistant API allows you to create more complex applications. You can integrate AI into your own website or product, making it a virtual assistant.
  3. Creating a pitch deck can be simplified by using these AI tools. They help you organize your ideas and make your presentation more effective.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Nov 10 - Nov 23, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Development AI Internet
  1. Mozilla's Firefox is running out of money, with just nine months of funds left. This raises concerns about its future as a popular web browser.
  2. The Linux community is facing chaos as its Code of Conduct Board blocks essential file system changes. This conflict highlights issues within the community's governance.
  3. Red Hat is shifting focus from Linux to artificial intelligence, suggesting a major change in their business strategy and the future of open-source operating systems.

DeepSeek: Frequently Asked Questions

Artificial Ignorance • 243 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data Research
  1. DeepSeek is a new AI company that has made a big impact by focusing on research instead of just selling products. It started quietly but became popular with its recent models that work well and are cheaper than competitors.
  2. Their latest products, DeepSeek V3 and R1, perform similarly to big names like ChatGPT but at much lower prices, making AI more accessible. People can even use their chatbot for free on their website.
  3. DeepSeek's success has raised questions about the future of AI development, suggesting that state-of-the-art systems can be built without spending billions. This shift in the industry has attracted significant attention and worry from major tech companies.

Good Enough AI

Teaching computers how to talk • 131 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Models Open Source Consumer Tech
  1. A new AI model called DeepSeek shows that we can create powerful tools without spending too much money. This could change how we think about making AI.
  2. The average person might not notice a big difference between high-end and cheaper AI models. Many consumers just want something that works well and is affordable.
  3. The AI industry might become more competitive and focused on meeting everyday needs instead of creating super advanced technology. This means consumers may benefit more while companies earn less.

The real "Year of The Linux Desktop"...

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Operating Systems Open Source Computing
  1. The Linux desktop is becoming more popular and user-friendly. More people are starting to see it as a viable alternative to other operating systems.
  2. New software and updates are making Linux easier for everyone to use. People don’t need to be experts anymore to enjoy its benefits.
  3. Community support and resources for Linux are growing. This means users can get help and share ideas more easily.

End of an Era

Castalia • 1139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software AI Computing Innovation Digital Culture
  1. We might be at the end of the 'Software Era' because many tech companies feel stuck and aren't coming up with new ideas. People are noticing that apps and technologies often prioritize ads over user experience.
  2. In past decades, society shifted from valuing collective worker identity to focusing more on individuals. This change brought about personal computing, but it also resulted in fewer job opportunities compared to earlier industrial times.
  3. AI could replace many white-collar jobs, but it clashes with people's desire for individuality. While tech like the Metaverse offers potential growth, it may reshape our identities into something more complex and multiple.

Palantir Word Processing

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software History Advertising
  1. Palantir Word Processing was originally named 'Phoenix' but changed due to confusion with other products. The name 'Palantir' comes from a magical seeing stone in 'The Lord of the Rings.'
  2. The software was designed to be user-friendly, with features for beginners and advanced users. It aimed to make word processing easier and less intimidating for non-technical people.
  3. Despite some initial technical issues, once corrected, Palantir was praised for its ease of use and included features like mail-merge and excellent documentation.

Synology DS923+ vs. FreeBSD w/ZFS

Blog System/5 • 827 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Networking Data Storage Operating Systems
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Q&A With Marvell CEO Matt Murphy

More Than Moore • 303 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Software AI Data Centers
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Context Switching and Performance: What Every Developer Should Know

Confessions of a Code Addict • 721 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computing Software Performance Operating Systems Development
  1. Context switching happens when a computer's operating system manages multiple tasks. It's necessary for keeping the system responsive, but it can slow things down a lot.
  2. Understanding what happens during context switching helps developers find ways to reduce its impact on performance. This includes knowing about CPU registers and how processes interact with the system.
  3. There are specific vulnerabilities and costs associated with context switching that can affect a system's efficiency. Being aware of these can help in optimizing performance.

What if AI eventually makes programmers smarter, not dumber?

Bite code! • 1467 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Programming Software Development Automation
  1. AI can help programmers by reducing the amount of typing they do. This means they can focus more on solving problems instead of just writing code.
  2. As programmers use AI tools more, they might become better at understanding and defining problems instead of just following strict coding rules.
  3. In the long run, AI could make the whole community of developers smarter. It will lower the barrier for entry to coding and help people learn more about the real issues we need to solve.