The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Everyday Thing 0 implied HN points 03 Feb 25
  1. An HDMI to USB-C display port converter is useful for connecting devices like AR glasses to other tech, like a Raspberry Pi. It can help you create cool projects that blend technology and fun.
  2. Exploring the inside of tech gadgets, like the converter, can reveal the chips and designs used in them. This knowledge can inspire new ideas or even lead to creating your own versions.
  3. There are helpful resources available, such as open source designs using the chips from devices like the converter. These can guide you in making or improving your own tech projects.
Phoenix Substack 0 implied HN points 23 Jan 25
  1. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to stay calm and adapt to pressure, which is also important in cybersecurity. When faced with challenges, it helps to think creatively and adjust your strategy.
  2. In cybersecurity, constantly changing your environment can confuse attackers, making it harder for them to plan their moves. This is similar to how a strong position in Jiu-Jitsu can give you an advantage in a fight.
  3. Instead of just waiting to defend, it’s better to be proactive and force the attacker to make mistakes. This offensive mindset helps you take control, whether in martial arts or protecting your network.
My Makerspace 0 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. You can set up a PostgreSQL client in AWS Lambda using Docker. Just use a specific base image and install the PostgreSQL package.
  2. Configuration for the Lambda function involves setting up environment variables for the database connection and ensuring proper network settings.
  3. To deploy the setup, you'll need to build and deploy your serverless application using simple commands in AWS SAM.
My Makerspace 0 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. Using PostgreSQL 10 from amazon-linux-extras can save you a lot of hassle. It's simple and works well in AWS Lambda.
  2. Newer versions of PostgreSQL can cause issues, so it's often better to stick with stable, older versions.
  3. Make sure to set up your VPC correctly to connect to Aurora. Also, always use environment variables for your database credentials.
Thinking Through 0 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. AI should be seen as a useful tool in interviews, just like other programming aids. If it helps candidates showcase their skills, it should definitely be encouraged.
  2. We can streamline the interview process by merging coding and design tasks. Instead of separate questions, candidates could create a live project using AI in a single session.
  3. The focus in interviews should shift more towards understanding a candidate's fit within the company and their growth mindset, rather than just their coding abilities.
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Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 09 Feb 25
  1. Movist Pro is rated as the best HDR video player for Mac, outperforming other players like IINA and VLC in tests.
  2. The testing was done using various scenes from movies, and Movist provided the most accurate color and brightness compared to its competitors.
  3. VLC and Optimus Player performed poorly, with VLC being especially noted for its lack of quality, so it's advised to uninstall it for a better viewing experience.
The Lunduke Journal of Technology 0 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Access to the Lunduke Journal forum is only for paid subscribers. You need a full subscription to join the discussions.
  2. This post is meant specifically for people who have paid for their subscriptions. It's a way to share important information with them.
  3. If you're not a paid subscriber yet, you can sign up to gain access to all the exclusive content and features.
Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow 0 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Creating small apps has become much easier with tools that let you describe what you want in simple language, and the code appears for you.
  2. Many everyday devices should be able to run code themselves without needing complex setups or smart home networks, like rice cookers and bread machines.
  3. It's important for more devices to have user-friendly ways to execute scripts and do useful tasks instead of just being controlled by apps.
Phoenix Substack 0 implied HN points 25 Feb 25
  1. FortuneGPT mixes tarot reading with AI to predict your future based on your data and habits. It's like having a digital fortune teller who uses real information to give you insights.
  2. The app learns from each reading, becoming better at understanding your worries over time. It can adjust its advice based on your mood and past decisions.
  3. FortuneGPT offers a free version and multiple paid plans that upsell deeper insights and predictions. It's designed to keep users engaged and curious, almost like a subscription service for mystical insights.
More Than Moore 0 implied HN points 24 Feb 25
  1. AMD expects their AI business to grow to over $10 billion a year. This shows they are really focusing on artificial intelligence as a big part of their future.
  2. They are planning to create an AI Developer Cloud, which will help developers access tools for building AI applications. This could make it easier for more people to work on AI projects.
  3. AMD believes that training AI models will be the main focus in 2025. This means they are shifting gears from just inference tasks to actually training the models needed for AI.
Messy Progress 0 implied HN points 10 Jun 25
  1. Managing AI tools like Codex means you have to supervise a team of these agents. It's important to set up checks to catch their mistakes.
  2. Before using Codex, make sure your code is clean and well-organized. This helps the AI do a better job and reduces errors.
  3. Break tasks into smaller parts when working with Codex. It helps the AI understand better and keeps projects on track.
Brick by Brick 0 implied HN points 10 Jun 25
  1. AI agents are becoming smarter and can work kind of like teammates in businesses. They act independently, but this can make them tricky to manage securely.
  2. Just like we protect different software services, we should use strict security rules for AI agents to make sure they can only do what they really need to do.
  3. While we can learn from how to secure traditional software, AI agents are different and need special rules to keep them safe because they can act unpredictably.
Tippets by Taps 0 implied HN points 08 Jun 25
  1. AI tools help developers focus on important tasks by taking care of boring and repetitive work. This change is making how software is built much more efficient.
  2. As AI becomes more social, people are starting to form emotional connections with these systems. This raises questions about trust and how we define relationships in our digital world.
  3. Walmart is using AI to improve how they operate by creating personalized shopping experiences. They're focusing on tasks that make shopping easier and more enjoyable for customers.
Digital Native 0 implied HN points 04 Jun 25
  1. People want to customize software just like they used to with MySpace. After Facebook's rise, many apps lost that personal touch.
  2. AI is changing the game by helping create software that's more personal and easier to build. Now, even people with no tech skills can create their own apps quickly.
  3. Many existing software products aren't very good but companies like Helium are working on making them better. They're using automation to help software improve itself over time.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Technology often has parts that look fragile but work together well. By understanding these 'contraptions,' we can better appreciate their value and reliability.
  2. Old computer systems sometimes carry outdated functions, making them act like their ancient versions. This shows how technology can evolve but still keep old elements alive.
  3. People often create makeshift solutions that can work surprisingly well, even if they're not ideal. These 'kludgy' setups remind us that not all systems need to be perfect to serve their purpose.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Old computer hardware had a 'turbo' button, which was actually used to slow down the computer. This was necessary because faster computers could run programs too quickly for users to keep up.
  2. Modern software adapts to different speeds, but older systems can be very sensitive to changes. Even small updates need careful consideration to avoid issues.
  3. When software has many connections, even simple improvements can cause problems. It's important to simplify these connections to keep things running smoothly.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Many technologies and systems are complicated and work just barely, like funny gadgets. They often rely on many small parts working together, even if they look messy or fragile.
  2. Rebuilding a system from scratch can make you lose important fixes and adaptations that made it work. It's better to replace parts slowly to improve it while keeping it running.
  3. Even though we think of computers as well-designed, many are actually put together in tricky ways. This is especially true for old software that can be a confusing mix of different ideas.
ciamweekly 0 implied HN points 16 Jun 25
  1. Selective Disclosure for JWTs lets issuers control what parts of the information can be shared with different parties. This means not everyone gets to see everything in the JWT.
  2. There are three main parties involved: the issuer who creates the JWT, the holder who possesses it, and the verifier who checks it. Each has a different level of access to the information.
  3. This approach is useful in situations where privacy is key, allowing only specific data to be shared while keeping other details confidential.
ciamweekly 0 implied HN points 09 Jun 25
  1. Bluesky is a social platform that feels like an older version of Twitter, great for sharing knowledge and having discussions. It limits posts to 300 characters but allows threading for more detailed conversations.
  2. There is a special feature called 'starter packs' that lets users quickly follow groups of experts within a specific topic, like authentication and identity, with just one click.
  3. Following experts on Bluesky can provide valuable insights, like checklists for deploying passkeys or discussions on issues with SMS multi-factor authentication.
ciamweekly 0 implied HN points 02 Jun 25
  1. SMS for multi-factor authentication can be very unreliable, especially for people in areas with poor cellular service. This can create a stressful situation just to access an account.
  2. If you rely solely on SMS for verification, there might be long and complicated steps to regain access when things go wrong.
  3. There are better security options than SMS, so it's worth considering alternatives that provide more reliable protection.
Ronin’s Newsletter 0 implied HN points 23 Jun 25
  1. The Feather Fan Upgrade will launch on July 3rd and will include the Kotaro hard fork. This upgrade aligns with the latest Ethereum changes.
  2. Users will benefit from new features like batched transactions and automated operations, making it easier to do things like subscriptions through wallets.
  3. If you're running a validator or RPC node, make sure to upgrade to Feather Fan before the go-live date to keep everything running smoothly.
Big Tech Digest 0 implied HN points 15 Jul 25
  1. AI can sometimes make job candidates seem overly perfect in interviews. It's important to know how to spot AI-generated responses to ensure fair hiring.
  2. Team leaders may face skepticism when introducing AI tools. Having strong conviction and clear communication can help in gaining team acceptance.
  3. Optimizing technology, like reducing latency in a service or improving performance in software, can result in significant benefits, making systems faster and more efficient.
The Strategy Toolkit 0 implied HN points 23 Jun 25
  1. Cybersecurity can sometimes turn threats into opportunities. Just like in martial arts, using an attacker's strength against them can be effective.
  2. Some hackers are now using open source tools to carry out cyber attacks. This helps them blend in and avoid detection from cybersecurity teams.
  3. New tools, like ECHO, are helping to automate the removal of malware quickly. This tool can resolve issues in minutes instead of days, making it easier to protect networks.
ciamweekly 0 implied HN points 14 Jul 25
  1. CIAM systems help with user logins and account management. They make it easier for people to register and use applications securely.
  2. Providing affordable and secure options for user management is very important. This is a valuable feature that many applications need.
  3. Good CIAM solutions can benefit even single applications. They simplify how users interact with the app while keeping their information safe.
ciamweekly 0 implied HN points 30 Jun 25
  1. AuthOmnibus is a great resource for learning about identity management. It helps people who are new to the topic find useful information easily.
  2. The site is organized into different sections, making it easier to navigate and understand the material.
  3. Alex Ward, the author, is an independent software consultant who focuses on sharing knowledge in the identity space. He's approachable and open for questions.
The API Changelog 0 implied HN points 11 Jul 25
  1. Using multiple AI agents can help achieve tasks that require different skills and specializations. This makes it easier to tackle complex problems by dividing them into smaller parts.
  2. The Agent2Agent Protocol (A2A) simplifies how these AI agents communicate and collaborate. It helps them find and interact with each other smoothly to work as a team.
  3. Standardizing the way agents communicate is essential for effective collaboration. This helps ensure that agents share information correctly and can produce the best results together.
Expand Mapping with Mike Morrow 0 implied HN points 28 Jul 25
  1. You can create a Docker container to run Claude Code for your projects easily. Just follow the steps to build and run your container.
  2. Make sure to set up a Dockerfile correctly with the right commands to install the necessary tools like Node.js and Claude Code CLI.
  3. After building your image, you can run your container in interactive mode, allowing you to read and write files on your computer easily.
Phoenix Substack 0 implied HN points 18 Jul 25
  1. Attackers thrive on predictable infrastructure. By constantly changing it, you make it harder for them to plan their attacks.
  2. Instead of just restarting systems, the approach involves changing everything, including names and locations. This confuses attackers and disrupts their actions.
  3. The goal isn't just to break into their systems but also to mess with their confidence and momentum. When they're unsure, they're less effective.
Phoenix Substack 0 implied HN points 10 Jul 25
  1. AI technology is becoming more advanced, moving from just assistants to adaptive and autonomous systems. This means AI can now react and change based on real-time inputs.
  2. The new Automated Moving Target Defense (AMTD) allows AI systems to self-manage, adapting and restarting when necessary, which enhances their ability to handle challenges over time.
  3. Companies need to realize that agentic AI isn't a future dream; it's already here, and those who wait to adapt may be left behind.
Andrew's Substack 0 implied HN points 04 Aug 25
  1. Vim can be helpful for Git tasks, even if it's not the user's favorite editor. It's great for quickly writing commit messages or handling rebase operations.
  2. Some useful Vim commands for Git include going into insert mode with 'i', saving and quitting with ':wq', and yanking lines with 'dd'.
  3. There's a bonus tip to temporarily use Sublime Text as your editor for Git by adding a function to your .zshrc file, making it easier to edit when needed.
Kartick’s Blog 0 implied HN points 19 Jul 25
  1. File Open and Save dialogs should connect with shoebox apps like Apple Photos or Notes. This would make it easier to save and attach files without extra steps.
  2. When using these dialogs, you could see your apps listed directly, allowing for quick saves or attachments. This saves time and helps avoid confusion about where your files are.
  3. If there's a file format issue, the system should warn you. You can then decide to accept the change or save it the old-fashioned way.
OSS.fund Newsletter 0 implied HN points 07 Aug 25
  1. The orchestration layer is becoming the main focus for AI in businesses. Companies that control the workflow can better manage budgets and resources.
  2. AI models are cheap and common, making workflow orchestration more valuable. The companies that successfully manage these workflows will gain a big edge over others.
  3. Investors are now looking at how well a company manages workflows, rather than just the technology itself. This means that being good at running the flow can lead to better business outcomes.
Respectful Leadership 0 implied HN points 01 Aug 25
  1. At events, it's important to meet the right people who can help you. Connecting with key individuals can make a big difference in your opportunities.
  2. Using tools like 'Meet In 10' can help you identify and connect with those valuable contacts. This makes networking more effective and purposeful.
  3. Signing up for events in advance can give you a chance to see who will be there. This way, you can plan which connections to seek out before you arrive.
Digital Native 0 implied HN points 20 Aug 25
  1. In today's software world, where many products are mass-produced, design is what makes them stand out. Attractive and user-friendly designs draw people in and make them want to use a product.
  2. As the cost of creating software drops, the competition grows. Companies must focus on making their products look good and work well, since good design can win over users even against larger, less agile competitors.
  3. When technology becomes standard and easily accessible, like software is today, companies will have to rely more on taste and design to capture users' attention. Simple and clear design helps users quickly understand how to use a product.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 19 Aug 25
  1. Many technology systems are like 'contraptions' that seem fragile but still serve important functions. It's helpful to understand how they work and where they might fail.
  2. Older computers often mimic past versions when booting up, showing that technology evolves by retaining elements from its history.
  3. Shims in software allow old systems to work with new platforms, creating interesting solutions but also hiding potential problems that could arise.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 19 Aug 25
  1. Old computers had a 'Turbo' button that actually slowed them down because they ran too fast for certain programs. This was a clever way to control their speed for user experience.
  2. Modern software needs to be careful with changes because users can have strong reactions to even small updates. This is known as Hyrum's Law.
  3. When software is connected to many systems, improving it can make things complicated. It’s often better to simplify interactions to avoid problems while updating.
Squirrel Squadron Substack 0 implied HN points 19 Aug 25
  1. Gadgets and systems often seem complicated and fragile, yet they work just enough to solve problems. This makes them remind us of funny cartoon inventions.
  2. Many technologies were built in a messy way, rather than being perfectly designed. This means they often need clever fixes to keep running smoothly.
  3. It's usually not a good idea to completely remake a working system. Instead, small updates and improvements help maintain its value without causing chaos.
The API Changelog 0 implied HN points 15 Aug 25
  1. Many enterprise MCP servers are not secured, meaning anyone can access them without authentication. It's important to consider adding security features to protect sensitive data.
  2. You can secure an MCP server by limiting access to a private network or using authorization methods like OAuth or SAML. Each option has its challenges and benefits.
  3. Choosing between a custom solution for securing MCP servers or using a commercial gateway service involves balancing initial setup costs against long-term maintenance costs.
Curious futures (KGhosh) 0 implied HN points 10 Aug 25
  1. AI tools in software development might actually slow down experienced developers rather than speeding them up. This can be surprising since many hoped for a boost in efficiency.
  2. To survive in a tech-driven world, skills like collaboration, creativity, and cunning are becoming more important. This can help people tackle challenges posed by cybersecurity threats.
  3. The world is blending technology with creativity in funny and unexpected ways. From AI-produced shows to quirky corporate competitions, there's a lot of absurdity mixed with innovation.