The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Trends in CIAM

ciamweekly • 250 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Startup Authentication Market Trends
  1. There are many new startups in authentication since Auth0 was bought. This is because developers can easily build and use these tools themselves.
  2. Self-hosting is becoming popular again with modern solutions available. Some companies make it tough to download these options so users rely on their SaaS services instead.
  3. Many businesses are moving away from creating their own authentication systems. They see it as something best handled by specialized vendors, which helps them focus on their main goals.

Code Clinic | Orchestrating Transformers Agents 2.0 for Internet Search

Encyclopedia Autonomica • 19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Machine Learning Data science Programming
  1. Using Transformer Agents 2.0 is a step up from traditional methods. They can handle multi-step tasks better and have memory to store information as they work.
  2. Setting up and building a basic ReAct Agent is straightforward. You only need to install some packages and create the agent using selected models and tools.
  3. You can orchestrate multiple agents together for more complex tasks. By combining different agents, you can enhance their capabilities and improve the results of your searches or queries.

sqlmesh init -t dbt

davidj.substack • 179 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Data Engineering Development Analytics
  1. SQLMesh recently announced that it is backwards compatible with dbt projects. This means teams can gradually switch to SQLMesh without having to do a big migration all at once.
  2. Using SQLMesh can help improve the clarity of data workflows and avoid broken DAGs during development. It offers features that make managing complex data stacks easier.
  3. Migrating to SQLMesh is possible even for those who aren't very tech-savvy. The process can be simple and done in an afternoon, making it accessible for teams to test and implement.

Important information if you used my Bluesky MP follows bot

Odds and Ends of History • 737 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Social media Bots
  1. If you used the Bluesky MP follows bot, it's a good idea to change your Bluesky password for safety. There's a small chance harmful code was on the server, but it seems unlikely any personal data was taken.
  2. The issue arose from outdated Wordpress code on a server that was unintentionally exploited, highlighting the importance of keeping software updated. Neglecting updates can lead to security problems.
  3. The creator of the bot took immediate action by shutting it down and ensuring no more data was at risk. He is being transparent about the issue to help others understand the risks and best practices.
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What makes a security product "good"?

Frankly Speaking • 305 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Security Software Engineering Tools Platforms AI
  1. A good security product isn't about having a lot of features. It's more important that it provides real value and helps people work efficiently.
  2. Security tools should help fill gaps in a team's capabilities rather than just adding more complexity. Sometimes a 'good enough' solution is better than a perfect one.
  3. The focus should shift from just ranking products to understanding what really helps customers. A good product makes life easier and solves the right problems.

($) 2025: Year of (Software) Picks and Shovels

Interconnected • 92 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Infrastructure Investing Databases
  1. In 2025, software tools like API platforms, databases, and GPU clouds will be key for AI applications. They are becoming just as important as hardware for building AI solutions.
  2. The focus on AI is shifting from just hardware to include software infrastructure that supports the creation of smarter, more useful AI agents.
  3. Investors should pay attention to emerging software tools and platforms as they will drive the next wave of innovation in AI. Recognizing which ones will succeed is crucial.

Tidy Together Chapter: Long-Running Design Changes

Software Design: Tidy First? • 287 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Development Innovation Programming
  1. Mixing design with features is important. It's good to experiment with designs while keeping an eye on the overall features.
  2. Timing matters when tidying up your work. It's helpful to tidy design just before implementation to keep things organized.
  3. When working on design changes, you have to decide when to start, continue, or stop. It's about finding the right balance in your workflow.

Briefing: Super Google Sheets, Netflix’s app snub, Finding Nimo

Department of Product • 1238 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Apps AI Mobile Software Tech Companies
  1. Notion integrates Indie calendar Cron into a new standalone Calendar app for sharing with stakeholders.
  2. Numerous plugin enhances Google Sheets with generative AI for tasks like creating formulas and translating text.
  3. Netflix's decision not to build a dedicated app for visionOS is a setback for Apple, while Nimo gains popularity as a lighter AR alternative.

sqlmesh janitor

davidj.substack • 119 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Data Engineering Cloud Development
  1. Sqlmesh offers various command-line interface commands that help manage and maintain your data projects effectively. For example, the `clean` command helps fix any issues that might arise during execution.
  2. The new tool has unique features that improve development, like automatic data contract handling and optimized incremental models, making it easier to work with large datasets without unnecessary costs.
  3. Competition in the data transformation space is healthy. It pushes tools like dbt and sqlmesh to improve, ultimately benefiting users by providing better features and experiences.

Tech the Heck? - CloudTruth

Cloud Irregular • 2069 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Tech news Software Data Management Product Marketing Startups
  1. Explaining complex tech products in simple language is important for understanding and adoption.
  2. Developers may value different aspects of a tech product compared to business decision-makers, causing a mismatch in communication.
  3. CloudTruth focuses on managing crucial configuration data, highlighting the importance of precision in language and clear communication.

Low-Code Won’t Replace You | Camunda’s Bernd Ruecker

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Automation Software
  1. Low-code tools help developers focus on more complex tasks instead of repetitive ones. They make it easier for non-tech users to build applications too.
  2. Understanding when to use low-code solutions versus custom coding is important. Each has its strengths, and using the right one can save time and effort.
  3. Despite the rise of low-code, experienced developers are still needed. The role of developers is evolving, but they won't be replaced anytime soon.

Old School Tape Loading

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Programming Electronics
  1. Old school tape loading is a nostalgic experience for those who grew up using classic computers like the ZX Spectrum. It brings back memories of how we waited for games to load, often with characteristic sounds.
  2. Using modern technology, like the ESP32, makes it possible to load audio data directly instead of using tapes. This method is faster and more reliable, ensuring a better experience than the original tape loading.
  3. To protect newer devices from the risks of playing audio signals, a simple circuit can be set up. This prevents damage from high voltages while allowing the audio to be used effectively.

Notes on Chapter 25

Life Since the Baby Boom • 230 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Internet Innovation Media
  1. Meeting discussions often become unproductive when everyone tries to push their own favorite features instead of focusing on what's best for the product. Clear decision-making is essential to avoid mediocrity.
  2. Successful product development requires someone in charge who can confidently say 'no' to less important ideas, making it easier to prioritize essential features.
  3. Media strategy can be very effective when interviews are used to direct the conversation toward key topics, allowing for a more focused and engaging presentation.

Monthly Python Data Engineering, August 2024

Monthly Python Data Engineering • 59 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Data Engineering Open Source Programming Development
  1. Datafusion Comet was released, making it easier and faster to use Apache Spark for data processing, which is great for improving performance.
  2. Several major data tools like Datafusion, Arrow, and Dask updated their versions, showing ongoing improvements in speed, efficiency, and new features.
  3. New dashboard solutions like Panel and updates in libraries such as CUDF reflect the growing interest in making data access and visualization easier for users.

Are you delivering what you promised?

System Design Classroom • 279 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Software APIs Systems Testing Performance
  1. Load tests help you see how well your API works with normal users. They show how many users it can support without slowing down.
  2. Stress tests push your API to its limits to find out what happens when it's overloaded. They help you prepare for crashes and see how fast it can recover.
  3. Spike tests check how your API handles sudden increases in traffic. They are important for making sure your service can handle bursts, especially during promotions.

Publisher + Subscribers ~ Observer Pattern

System Design Classroom • 419 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Patterns System Design Programming Interfaces
  1. The Observer Pattern creates a one-to-many relationship. This means when one object's state changes, all of the connected objects are notified.
  2. Components can be loosely coupled, allowing them to work together without needing to know much about each other. This makes it easy to add or change observers.
  3. Because observers can be added or removed without modifying the main subject, the system stays flexible. This helps avoid complications in your design.

What Other Software Is Like CIAM?

ciamweekly • 62 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Cloud Security Managed Services
  1. CIAM software is similar across different platforms, which makes it easy to use but also complex in its features.
  2. CIAM is very important for security since it manages sensitive data like passwords and personal information.
  3. Using managed services like CIAM helps developers save time and focus on building better software instead of handling complex login systems.

Deep Learning Frameworks

Gonzo ML • 252 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Machine Learning Frameworks Programming
  1. Deep learning frameworks have made it easier for anyone to build and train neural networks. They simplify complex processes and allow researchers to focus on their ideas instead of technical details.
  2. Modern frameworks effectively utilize powerful hardware like GPUs, making training faster and more efficient. This means tasks that once took a lot of time can now be done much quicker.
  3. With advancements like dynamic computational graphs and automatic differentiation, frameworks have improved flexibility and reduced errors. This helps developers experiment with new ideas easily and reliably.

AMD MI300 Ramp, GPT-4 Performance, ASP & Volumes

SemiAnalysis • 4141 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Market Analysis Artificial Intelligence Data Centers
  1. AMD's MI300 is positioned as a strong competitor in LLM inference against Nvidia and Google hardware.
  2. Major companies like Microsoft, Meta, Oracle, Google, and Amazon have already placed orders for AMD MI300.
  3. AMD's Datacenter GPU revenue is expected to reach over $2 billion in 2024 with strong demand from customers and supply constraints.

Broadcom’s Google TPU Revenue Explosion, Networking Boom, VMWare Integration

SemiAnalysis • 4849 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Tech Acquisitions Networking Software Revenue
  1. Broadcom is the second largest AI chip company in the world behind NVIDIA, driven by Google's TPU ramp.
  2. Broadcom's strategy involves acquiring companies with strong products, cutting costs, and focusing on core products.
  3. Broadcom has diversified segments including wireless, networking, and custom silicon, with a focus on efficiency and stable growth.

Debugging productivity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Efficiency Time management Software
  1. Like a computer, people can get overwhelmed with too many low-priority tasks. This can lead to being busy but not accomplishing important work.
  2. It's often better to group similar tasks together instead of trying to complete everything perfectly. This can help you get more done overall.
  3. Sometimes taking a break or pausing can be more effective than rushing into action. A thoughtful approach can lead to clearer decisions and better results.

Tenstorrent Extends Japan Engagement

More Than Moore • 210 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Semiconductors AI Development Engineering Hardware Software
  1. Tenstorrent is focusing on a combination of selling hardware and open-sourcing their software. This allows them to work closely with clients while still attracting broader interest.
  2. The company is training up to 200 Japanese engineers in their technology to help improve local manufacturing capabilities. This will enhance skills in the region and expand the use of their designs.
  3. Tenstorrent is growing its operations in Japan and developing local teams. This signals their commitment to being a key player in the Japanese semiconductor industry.

🌻 E45: PDL - New Language for Prompting

Musings on AI • 184 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Development Innovation Data
  1. Prompt engineering is important because the way a prompt is worded can change the AI's response. Finding the right technique can improve the effectiveness of AI applications.
  2. The Prompt Declaration Language (PDL) is a new tool designed to simplify working with AI. It allows programmers to easily create applications like chatbots using a straightforward, data-oriented approach.
  3. Recent advancements in AI include new architectures that enhance performance in specific tasks, like financial analysis. These innovations are making AI applications more powerful and useful for real-world problems.

Testing Too Late: A Case Study

QUALITY BOSS • 139 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Quality Assurance Project management Development Testing
  1. Testing too late can cause big delays in getting software to users. If QA is behind, it creates confusion and slows down the whole process.
  2. Good communication between development and QA teams is really important. Working in separate sprints can lead to misunderstandings and more difficult bug fixes.
  3. It's essential to define when a task is 'done' to include testing. If something isn't tested, it shouldn't be considered complete, ensuring that quality stays high.

Weekly Top Picks #89

The Algorithmic Bridge • 159 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data Research
  1. The report discusses the current state of Generative AI in businesses for 2024, highlighting its growth and use.
  2. Large language models (LLMs) mainly focus on approximate retrieval rather than deep reasoning, which affects their performance.
  3. Recent studies indicate that people often prefer AI-generated art and poetry over works created by humans.

You can't build a moat with AI

The AI Frontier • 459 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Software Engineering Startups
  1. You can't really set yourself apart with just AI models because they're becoming similar across different companies. What matters more is the unique data you use to feed those models.
  2. Even if your prompts seem special, they won't give you a long-term advantage. Competitors can quickly figure out how to improve their prompts, making them less valuable for differentiation.
  3. To succeed in building AI applications, focus on understanding and using your customers' data effectively. Good data engineering can really make a difference in how well your application performs.

Cybersecurity News Roundup

Vigilainte Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Data Protection Ransomware Vulnerabilities
  1. Popular travel sites have serious security problems that could put users at risk. It's important for them to fix these issues soon.
  2. Planned Parenthood confirmed a cyberattack, and a ransomware group claimed they did it. This shows how vulnerable even established organizations can be.
  3. CISA has released a warning about RansomHub ransomware and is urging people to be aware of it. Staying informed about these threats is essential for everyone.

Disassembling Crossroads, part 2

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Software Programming Emulation
  1. Disassembling retro games like _Crossroads_ helps us understand how they work. Tools like Ghidra make it easier to translate complex machine code into more readable assembly language.
  2. The process of disassembly involves examining machine code and turning it into something we can understand. With tools, we can learn how programs manipulate memory and control hardware.
  3. Using Ghidra can reveal important insights into game design and programming techniques used in the past. It shows how similar concepts apply to modern programming on systems like the MEGA65.

Weekly Top Picks #91

The Algorithmic Bridge • 116 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Digital Media Data science
  1. Companies are figuring out how to price AI agents as they become more common. This is important because the cost will affect how businesses use AI technology.
  2. ChatGPT will soon allow users to input videos, which will make interactions even richer and more dynamic.
  3. OpenAI is releasing a new model called o1, which is better for math, coding, and science. It's more accurate and can handle different types of questions more efficiently.

Penny-Wise and Pound-Stupid

Rethinking Software • 549 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Outsourcing Productivity Tools Collaboration
  1. Outsourcing might seem like a money-saver, but it can make teamwork harder and slow down projects. It's important to consider all the hidden costs before deciding.
  2. Using low-quality tools can frustrate programmers and hurt their morale, which ultimately harms productivity. Giving developers good tools shows that you value their work.
  3. Keeping everyone busy all the time doesn't always mean being productive. It's better to let teams focus on clearing bottlenecks and maintaining a good workflow instead.

Updating HarvestIQ

The Security Industry • 10 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity AI Tools Product Development Software Data Analysis
  1. HarvestIQ now combines two assistants into one, simplifying interactions for users. This helps reduce confusion and makes it easier to get information about cybersecurity vendors and products.
  2. Users can ask the Cyber Assistant for various tasks like product comparisons, SWOT analyses, and customized news summaries. These features aim to enhance decision-making in cybersecurity.
  3. The IT-Harvest Dashboard and HarvestIQ serve different purposes. The Dashboard is great for exploring detailed data, while HarvestIQ is more about getting direct answers and insights.

Flows Are So Back

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Data Development Software User Interface
  1. Graphs help show complicated data in a simple way. By using nodes and edges, you can easily see how everything connects.
  2. No-code tools let anyone, even those without programming skills, create complex workflows. This makes development quicker and more accessible for everyone.
  3. There's a growing need for tools that can organize and connect different AI flows. This would help everything work better together and solve problems more effectively.

Under the microscope: Ecco the Dolphin — Defender of the Future

Rings of Saturn • 174 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Software Programming Engineering
  1. There are special cheat codes in the game 'Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future' that can be activated by naming your save file a certain way. These codes unlock features like immortality and all-level access.
  2. A reverse-engineering tool called Ghidra was used to find these codes and understand how they were hidden in the game. It shows how programming can uncover secret game mechanics.
  3. Some codes do different things, like showing the frame rate or unlocking a bonus game. One code is mysterious and doesn't seem to do anything at all, adding an element of fun discovery.

Introducing the AI Frontier

The AI Frontier • 59 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Software Startups Research
  1. The blog is now focusing more on specific AI topics instead of a wide range of subjects. This will help them share deeper insights and experiences.
  2. They aim to discuss what they've learned from building their AI product and how technology changes impact AI startups.
  3. Going forward, the blog will highlight useful projects and focus on practical lessons, like data cleaning, rather than generic news about AI.

ESP32-S3 ZX Spectrum - Update 22-06-2024

Single Board ESP32 ZX Spectrum • 159 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Manufacturing Design Crowdfunding
  1. The creator is grateful for the support shown for the ESP32-S3 ZX Spectrum project, with 432 people signing up for updates.
  2. Progress has been made in applying to platforms like Crowd Supply, developing prototypes with new features, and creating new artwork for the project.
  3. Key questions are addressed about the project, including display options, pricing, support for games, and potential selling platforms.

HashMap is a Data Structure every SWE should know.

System Design Classroom • 239 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🕹 Technology Software Data Structures Algorithms Computer Science Development
  1. Hashmaps are useful for storing data by connecting unique keys to their values, making it easy to find and retrieve information quickly.
  2. When two different keys accidentally produce the same hash code, it's called a collision. There are ways to handle this, like chaining and open addressing.
  3. Hashmaps can do lookups, insertions, and deletions really fast, usually in constant time, but they can slow down if too many items cause collisions.