The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Retrieval Augmented Generation in Practice: Building Search for Connected Notes

Nick Savage • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) helps software retrieve information and generate new ideas using special numbers called embeddings. This makes searching for connected notes easier and more powerful.
  2. Chunking and reranking improve the quality of search results. By breaking down text into smaller pieces and reassessing them, users can find more relevant information quickly.
  3. Zettelgarden's graph structure has potential for creating deeper connections between notes. This could lead to more meaningful insights, not just basic search results.

Traefik API Sandbox-as-a-Service, Rapid + Nokia, Probely + Snyk

The API Changelog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Nokia has bought Rapid's API technology to improve network services. This will help them connect better with developers and increase operator revenue.
  2. Traefik has launched a new API Sandbox service for quicker API development. This will help businesses manage their APIs more effectively.
  3. Snyk has acquired a company called Probely to enhance its API security offerings. This aims to improve security testing for applications, especially with AI.

Recommendation engines

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 0 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Recommendation engines can work in two main ways: using features like genre or through user behavior to suggest content. This means they can recommend similar items based on what you liked or what others liked when they liked the same thing.
  2. A good way to find new movies is by looking at the work of the same director or producer. This can help you discover different films outside your usual tastes.
  3. Using a network diagram can help visualize connections between different movies or content. This manual method can feel more personal and help avoid getting stuck in a 'filter bubble' of recommendations.

Add a Logo or Avatar to your Vault

Exploring Tools for Thought • 0 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Adding a logo or avatar to your vault makes it look more personal and visually appealing. It's a simple way to express your style or brand.
  2. Using visuals can help you stand out and make your vault more memorable to others. People often remember images better than text alone.
  3. Consider signing up for a newsletter to stay updated on similar creative tips and techniques. Regular updates can inspire new ideas and improvements.

Use bad standards

CodeFaster • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. ChainId is a confusing standard in crypto, but it is universal, which makes it easier to use across different applications. Instead of creating custom names for chains, sticking with chainId saves development time.
  2. Creating custom standards can complicate things, as you might have to map your data to fit different APIs. This can lead to a lot of extra work for developers.
  3. Even if a standard seems bad, if everyone else uses it, it often makes more sense to stick with that standard to avoid unnecessary complications.
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building vs taping things together

CodeFaster • 0 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. There's a difference between building software properly and just taping things together. Taped together solutions might work for simple tasks, but they can fail under heavy use.
  2. With modern technology, you can create quick, 'hacky' code that surprisingly holds up well. It doesn't have to be perfect to work effectively in the right environment.
  3. Becoming good at fast programming is about avoiding major mistakes. When you learn to do this, you find that coding can be a lot of fun and surprisingly successful even with simple solutions.

How to inference-time compute scale your human engineering designs

Speculative Inference • 0 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Design problems require more thought and effort compared to straightforward problems. It's about finding the best solution among many options, which is not always easy.
  2. Good designers think ahead about how their work will be used in the future. They prepare solutions that can adapt to changes instead of just solving today's issues.
  3. Scaling compute at inference time helps create better designs. It’s like having someone who combines experience and planning to come up with smarter solutions.

Coding with LLMs misplaces the understanding

Speculative Inference • 0 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. LLM coding can be easy at first, allowing users to operate without deep understanding, similar to driving on autopilot. However, this can lead to mistakes and poor coding practices over time.
  2. Understanding complex systems is hard, and it's often not all written down. People rely on context and shared knowledge, which LLMs can miss out on, making it challenging for them to fully grasp what’s going on.
  3. If you don't understand your project's requirements or the underlying system well, you'll run into problems and make mistakes. Using LLMs requires a critical eye to avoid getting lost in error accumulation.

Sort Product Update – December 2024

Database Engineering by Sort • 0 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. There's a new organization dashboard that helps track important issues and change requests effectively. It makes it easier to see what needs action right away.
  2. The Sort website has been updated to showcase how their workflows operate. This should help users understand the product better.
  3. Several new blog posts detail various functionalities of Sort, including APIs and integrations, providing users with useful insights and tools.

Announcing AuthCon

ciamweekly • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. There's a new conference called AuthCon happening in New York in May 2025, focusing specifically on customer identity and access management (CIAM).
  2. CIAM is important for all engineers because customer identity issues affect nearly every application in some way.
  3. Other conferences about identity exist, but AuthCon aims to fill the gap by being solely dedicated to CIAM for developers.

Zettelgarden: Building Your Intelligent External Memory

Nick Savage • 0 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. An intelligent chat interface can make knowledge management more interactive. Instead of searching manually, you could ask your system questions and get direct answers.
  2. Integrating retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) can help find relevant information in your notes. It uses smart methods to connect ideas and provide useful insights.
  3. Zettelgarden aims to enhance note-taking by linking information in a structured way. This will allow users to build a personal knowledge base that improves over time with more input.

Making minimalist chatbot iOS app so I don't have to pay $20/mo for premium LLM subscription

Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow • 0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. If you use a chatbot a lot every month, paying a flat fee like $20 is worth it. But if your usage is unpredictable, it might be cheaper to use LLM APIs instead.
  2. Many chatbot apps ask for your API key, which can feel risky since your data could be misused. Building your own chatbot app can help you feel more secure.
  3. The author's app is very simple and needs to be more user-friendly. They are looking for better, secure chatbot apps for iOS that don't require a subscription.

You finally did it, Apple

The Rectangle • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The Apple Watch used to let users control the macOS Music app, which was a convenient feature for managing music at home. Now, that feature is gone, and many users are unhappy about it.
  2. Apple's recent updates prioritize iPhone users over Mac users, reflecting a shift in the company's focus. This makes Mac users feel left out and frustrated with the changes.
  3. Changes in technology can be hard to accept, especially when they remove features people love. Losing the ability to control music from the Apple Watch feels like a significant loss.

Operating Systems for Obsolete Laptops

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Buying a new laptop is the best solution for outdated devices. It gives you better hardware and support for years to come.
  2. Upgrading to a supported operating system, like a recent version of Linux, can help obsolete laptops work better, though some features may not be compatible.
  3. Using unsupported operating systems can lead to security issues and software problems. It's risky, especially for learning or important tasks.

Which Windows versions were #1?

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Windows versions like 95, XP, and 10 became very popular mainly because they offered a better user experience and stability compared to older versions.
  2. Many users were slow to upgrade, often sticking to older versions even when better options were available, showing how people can be resistant to change.
  3. Microsoft's investment in the NT family was important because it eventually led to more reliable and modern versions of Windows, helping them catch up to competitors like macOS.

🐿️ Decision Point, Montana - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Lewis and Clark faced a tough choice during their expedition and used small experiments to gather information before deciding which route to take. This shows the importance of testing different options when faced with uncertainty.
  2. In tech, instead of following rigid rules or 'best practices', teams should be flexible and adapt quickly. Fast iterations and feedback from customers are key to navigating complex projects.
  3. It's essential to create a safe environment where team members can learn from their mistakes. Viewing failed experiments as learning opportunities helps drive innovation and growth.

🐿️ The Squirrelmobile - The Insanely Profitabe Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Graphs can help visualize motion and speed, making concepts like calculus easier to understand. It's fun to relate math to real-life activities, like driving a car.
  2. Machine learning improves by tweaking weights to reduce errors, similar to adjusting software for better performance. It's like steering a computer program to make it better.
  3. To build successful software, focus on small, frequent changes and measure how well they improve things. This method can lead to big wins in product development.

🐿️ The Tyranny of Structurelessness - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Many teams struggle to generate new ideas because they lack a clear strategy. It's important to have methods to inspire creativity and gather input from everyone, not just a few leaders.
  2. Informal decision-making can lead to power imbalances where only a small group influences ideas. This can cause confusion and make others feel left out of the process.
  3. To improve teamwork and idea development, it's crucial to establish clear processes and invite diverse voices into discussions. Transparency about who makes decisions can help everyone feel more engaged.

Why Look Around?

ciamweekly • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Cost issues can lead teams to look for new CIAM solutions, especially if a vendor raises prices or causes delays in other features.
  2. Availability problems with a vendor, like outages, can make companies reconsider their choice for CIAM, especially after multiple incidents.
  3. Sometimes teams seek new features or capabilities that their current CIAM solution doesn't offer, prompting a search for alternatives.

An Interview With Omri Gazitt

ciamweekly • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Customer identity and access management (CIAM) has mostly solved identity issues, but access control remains a significant challenge. Many companies need robust authorization systems that are often built from scratch.
  2. There's a growing number of vendors and open-source solutions that simplify authorization for developers. Tools like Topaz help them set up these systems without reinventing the wheel.
  3. The future of CIAM looks promising with efforts to standardize authorization processes, much like what was done for authentication. By 2030, we can expect engineers to use standardized systems for authorization that will integrate seamlessly into their applications.

Trying Is a Way to Learn How an API Works

The API Changelog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Trying out an API rather than just reading about it helps you learn faster. You get to interact with it and see how it works in real-time.
  2. A safe space, like a sandbox, is essential when experimenting with APIs. This way, you can play around without affecting real data or making costly mistakes.
  3. Having tools like browser-based clients or simple forms makes it easier for users to test APIs. It encourages more people to try your API, which is crucial for attracting new users.

start from zero

Poems, Short stories and other things.. • 0 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. AI tools in software development can speed up work significantly, making tasks that used to take months done in just a few hours. This trend could happen in many fields, leading to a more efficient workforce.
  2. Jobs that involve repetitive or analytical tasks might see big changes due to AI. While some jobs won't disappear, they will likely require fewer people to accomplish the same goals, leading to faster results.
  3. Education will need to adapt quickly to teach skills relevant to the new AI tools. Traditional programming teaching might change as more people use AI to code without needing to know specific languages.

Time to Vote for the December 2024 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. There are options to vote on for the December 2024 post topics, including a laptop and a word processor. You can choose what you'd like to read about next.
  2. The author missed writing a post about Smalltalk/V last month and plans to catch up soon. Life has been busy, but they're committed to providing content.
  3. Readers are encouraged to consider signing up for a paid subscription to access more detailed posts and posts from the archives. It's a good chance to explore past computer ads and topics.

Complexity-quality Matrix

Andrew's Substack • 0 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. It's important to keep software simple and high quality. Try to do the easiest thing that still meets user needs.
  2. Building complex systems can lead to more problems, so focus on making things manageable first.
  3. You can always improve and expand later. Start with what provides value right away.

The Two Essential AI Prompting Guides You Need to Know

ProductiveGrowth • 0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. To get better results with AI, you should write clear instructions and break down complex tasks into simpler ones. This makes it easier for the AI to understand what you want.
  2. Using examples and giving the AI time to think can greatly improve the accuracy of its responses. It’s like giving it hints to guide its answers.
  3. Learning advanced techniques through hands-on resources can help you implement AI more effectively. Watching practical examples can make complicated ideas easier to grasp.

SemiAnalysis Has Moved!

SemiAnalysis • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. SemiAnalysis has moved to a new website, SemiAnalysis.com. It's grown beyond what Substack can provide.
  2. Substack will no longer be updated, so it's best not to subscribe there anymore.
  3. The team is thankful for the time spent on Substack but is excited for the new possibilities ahead.

7 Steps to Creating the Perfect Agentic Workflow

domsteil • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Start by gathering the request input, like emails or orders. This is the first step in setting up the workflow.
  2. Set up filters to decide which requests to process. This helps you manage what gets handled automatically.
  3. Follow a clear workflow process, pulling in the right context and data. This ensures the agent has what it needs to respond accurately.

Sort Product Update – January 2025

Database Engineering by Sort • 0 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The new Data Explorer is designed to be user-friendly and looks similar to a spreadsheet, making it easier to manage data. You can filter rows and propose changes quickly with just a few clicks.
  2. A feature called 'Describe Changes' allows users to detail updates to data in simple language, like changing a customer’s address. The improvements also make it easier to view these described changes.
  3. The founders encourage user feedback and suggestions for future updates, highlighting their commitment to improving the platform.

🐿️ Riding the Current - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Smartphones today have much more power than computers from just 25 years ago. This shows how quickly technology improves, with more parts being added to chips every few years.
  2. There’s a slowdown coming in AI growth because we need special, big computer systems to run these complex programs. As we reach limits in technology, we might have to focus more on improving software instead of just making computers faster.
  3. Even though AI is advancing quickly, there are challenges like the lack of special chips and the environmental impact of new data centers. This means the future of AI development might not be as fast as we expect.

🐿️ Hamurabi, Think Again - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Learning through experimentation is key to understanding complex problems. Just like playing a game, you need to try different approaches to find what works.
  2. In product development, there are guidelines but no strict rules. It's important to keep adjusting your methods based on what you discover during the process.
  3. Don't expect smooth and easy paths to success in tech. Expect to face challenges and changes, and use them to refine your strategies.

The bottleneck in programmer productivity is not the number of lines that he writes.

Getting Job Done - oriented programming • 0 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. A programmer's productivity doesn't depend on how many lines of code they write. It's really about how many lines they can understand.
  2. Writing a lot of code can be easy, but if it relies on external libraries that a programmer doesn't fully understand, it can lead to many bugs.
  3. Understanding the code you work with is key. If you grasp the code and its surrounding architecture, you can debug and develop much faster.

Crafting the Worst DevEx

My Makerspace • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Developer experience can suffer when leaders don't empower their teams. Support and trust from leaders are crucial for a thriving work environment.
  2. Smart leaders sometimes create unnecessary complexity by enforcing strict rules that they don’t follow themselves. This leads to confusion and frustration for other team members.
  3. Using clear, simple systems helps manage complexity in work processes. Approaches like GitOps can streamline workflows and make development easier.

NVIDIA's Vision for AI

Gonzo ML • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. NVIDIA is leading the way in AI technology, and their new RTX Blackwell chip is really powerful, making gaming and other processes faster and more efficient.
  2. Project Digits is an exciting new product that allows for powerful AI processing in a compact and portable form, which could change how we use AI at home.
  3. NVIDIA's focus on world models and agents signals a shift towards more sophisticated AI systems, making it clear they are planning for a future where AI plays a bigger role in daily life.

Powerful Features in Google Docs

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Google Docs now has tabs for better document organization. You can store extra information like appendices in separate tabs to keep your main document focused.
  2. You can easily collapse or expand headings in your document. This helps keep everything neat and allows you to focus on specific sections without distractions.
  3. There are new features like inserting drawings, dropdowns for tasks, and smart chips to link to events. These tools make it easier to manage and visualize your content.

The Age of Fragmentation: AI’s Impact on Content and Code

Digital Native • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. AI is changing culture by making it easier for people to create and share content. This leads to more options and fewer shared experiences, making culture more fragmented.
  2. The cost of creating both content and software is dropping thanks to AI. This means more people can create, leading to a burst of new ideas and projects that weren't possible before.
  3. Successful companies in the future will focus on building tools for creating content and software, while also creating communities for collaboration. This network aspect will help them stay valuable and competitive.

🐿️ Leap of Faith - The IPT Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. We rely on many experts to prepare our food safely, from farmers to shippers, but we often overlook the importance of software engineers who also play a crucial role in this process.
  2. It's important to question and verify the work of those who create our tech products, just like we do with food safety. Ignoring potential issues could lead to serious problems later on.
  3. The speaker plans to host a podcast focusing on asking tough questions to industry experts, aiming to encourage others to do the same in their own workplaces.

🐿️ Trust, But Verify - The IPT Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Always test your technology before using it in important areas like healthcare or finance. Relying too much on others without checking can lead to big problems.
  2. Small, controlled changes can help catch issues early. It's like testing a few canaries in a coal mine to make sure everything is safe before moving forward.
  3. Instead of blaming others when things go wrong, take a good look at your own systems. Make sure every part of your process is double-checked for safety.

🐿️ Murder Your Darlings - The IPT Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Review your software supply chains regularly to avoid unnecessary risks. It's important to double-check any changes before they go live, especially in critical services.
  2. Understanding how computers work is crucial for software design. Sometimes, small mistakes can lead to big problems, so be careful how changes are made.
  3. In any organization, it's vital to prioritize tasks and not try to do everything. Maintaining focus can help avoid burnout and keep the mission on track.

🐿️ Nutritious Spaghetti - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The new tech podcast will feature conversations with business leaders on using technology creatively. It's an opportunity to learn directly from experts and ask questions.
  2. There's a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs in fintech or venture capital to solve problems for private equity clients. It's a chance to get involved in exciting projects.
  3. Emanuil's story shows that sometimes messy code can still be valuable in keeping a business alive. Focusing too much on making everything perfect can lead to problems, especially in startups.

Arducam Mira220 CMOS Camera

Everyday Thing • 0 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The Arducam Mira220 is a special camera sensor that works really well with infrared light and connects to a Raspberry Pi.
  2. A cool feature is that it has a monochrome look and can actually be modified for better performance by changing the lens.
  3. There's also a plan to build a custom enclosure for this camera to keep it safe and functional during experiments.