1.
Show HN: Visual flow-based programming for Erlang, inspired by Node-RED
(Show HN: Visual flow-based programming for Erlang, inspired by Node-RED)

Erlang-RED Overview

Erlang-RED is a project aimed at replacing the NodeJS backend of Node-RED with an Erlang version, while maintaining compatibility with existing flow code. The intention is to leverage Erlang’s strengths in concurrency and message passing to enhance the low-code, visual programming experience of Node-RED.

Key Points:

  • Purpose: To improve Node-RED by using Erlang, a language built for concurrency, rather than NodeJS, which is single-threaded.
  • Challenges: Some JavaScript function nodes in Node-RED may not be supported in Erlang-RED, limiting complete compatibility.
  • Development Approach: The development focuses on creating test flows that ensure the functionality of Erlang-RED nodes matches that of Node-RED.

Architecture: The architecture involves many interdependencies among nodes, making it complex. An architectural diagram may not simplify this interconnectedness.

Supported Features and Nodes: Erlang-RED currently supports a variety of nodes, including:

  • catch: for error handling
  • http in: supports GET and POST requests
  • delay: only static delays
  • switch: most logical operators work

However, some features like contexts and certain JSONata functionalities are not fully implemented.

Testing and Development:

  • Unit tests can be visually created within Node-RED.
  • New nodes for testing flow functionality have been added, like Assert Failed to catch errors in flows.
  • Visual unit testing is integrated, allowing easy execution and monitoring of test results.

Contributions: Contributions are welcomed, especially in Erlang code and Node-RED test flows. Each test should focus on a specific feature and use assert nodes for validation.

Deployment: Erlang-RED can be deployed using Docker, Fly.io, or Heroku, and detailed setup instructions are provided.

Community and Acknowledgments: The project acknowledges the contributions of individuals and the Node-RED community for their support and resources.

Disclaimer: The project is developed using traditional methods and promotes a thoughtful approach to software development.

Author: Towaway69 | Score: 58

2.
A Research Preview of Codex
(A Research Preview of Codex)

On May 16, 2025, OpenAI launched Codex, a new cloud-based software engineering tool that can handle multiple coding tasks simultaneously. It is available for users of ChatGPT Pro, Team, and Enterprise, with plans to extend access to Plus users soon.

Key Features of Codex:

  • Task Management: Codex can write code, fix bugs, answer questions about code, and propose changes. Each task operates in a secure, isolated environment with access to the user's code repository.
  • Real-time Monitoring: Users can track Codex's progress as it works on tasks, which typically take between 1 to 30 minutes to complete.
  • Verification and Safety: Codex provides evidence of its actions through terminal logs and test results. Users are encouraged to review generated code for safety and accuracy.
  • Customization: Developers can guide Codex using AGENTS.md files, which detail how to navigate their codebase and adhere to coding standards.

Performance and Reliability: Codex is built on the codex-1 model, optimized for coding tasks and trained to align closely with human coding preferences. It can handle various real-world coding scenarios effectively.

Security Measures: Codex was designed with security in mind to prevent malicious use while ensuring that legitimate coding tasks are supported. It operates in a secure environment without internet access during task execution.

Use Cases: Early adopters like Cisco and Temporal are using Codex to speed up feature development, debug issues, and manage repetitive tasks. Codex is seen as a tool to enhance productivity for software engineering teams.

Future Plans: OpenAI plans to expand Codex's capabilities, improve integration with development tools, and refine user interactions with the AI. They aim to create a workflow where developers can easily delegate tasks to Codex while maintaining control over their projects.

Availability and Pricing: Codex is currently rolling out to select user groups with plans for broader access and flexible pricing options in the future.

Author: meetpateltech | Score: 87

3.
I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney, who does work for YC and startups. AMA
(I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney, who does work for YC and startups. AMA)

No summary available.

Author: proberts | Score: 32

4.
Assuring an Accurate Research Record
(Assuring an Accurate Research Record)

Summary:

On May 16, 2025, MIT announced that it is withdrawing a preprint paper titled “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation,” which was posted on arXiv in November 2024. Concerns about the research's integrity led to a confidential internal review by MIT, which found issues with the data's reliability and validity. As a result, MIT requested the paper's withdrawal from arXiv and The Quarterly Journal of Economics.

The authors, including Professors Daron Acemoglu and David Autor, expressed their lack of confidence in the research and emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate research records. They noted that the findings in this paper should not be used in academic or public discussions about AI and science. MIT stresses that research integrity is crucial to its mission and has policies in place for addressing such concerns.

Author: carabiner | Score: 14

5.
The first year of free-threaded Python
(The first year of free-threaded Python)

Summary of Free-Threaded Python Development

Recently, the CPython developers released CPython 3.14.0b1, marking important progress in implementing free-threaded Python, which allows better use of multicore CPUs and GPUs. The Quansight team has played a crucial role in enabling this effort by ensuring that many Python packages can work with the new free-threaded build.

Key Points:

  1. Why Free-Threaded Python?
    Free-threaded Python allows better performance by using all available compute resources efficiently. The current GIL (Global Interpreter Lock) limits Python's ability to run threads in parallel, leading many developers to use expensive multiprocessing instead.

  2. Changes Needed:
    Transitioning to free-threaded Python requires significant updates to existing packages, particularly those with compiled code, to ensure they are thread-safe. This includes fixing global state issues that could lead to data races.

  3. Major Accomplishments:
    The team has helped improve many tools and libraries, including packaging tools, major packages in the PyData ecosystem (like NumPy and pandas), and common dependencies. Key improvements have been made to the Python warnings module, asyncio, and the garbage collector.

  4. Ecosystem State:
    Last year, many packages were incompatible with free-threaded Python. However, with ongoing collaboration, the situation has improved significantly. Cython now supports the free-threaded build, addressing many prior build issues.

  5. Challenges Ahead:
    While the free-threaded build is ready for testing, more feedback is needed about performance and bugs. Some libraries still require detailed audits for thread safety, and many legacy packages lack the resources for necessary updates.

  6. How to Help:
    The community is encouraged to contribute by reviewing the provided guidelines, participating in discussions on Discord, and attending talks at PyCon for further insights into transitioning packages.

Overall, the development of free-threaded Python is seen as a vital step towards improving Python's performance, and the work done now aims to enhance the future of the language for all developers.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 151

6.
Explaining British Naval Dominance During the Age of Sail
(Explaining British Naval Dominance During the Age of Sail)

The text discusses the British Navy's success in the 17th to early 19th centuries and how its governance structure encouraged effective performance despite challenges in monitoring captains at sea.

Key points include:

  1. Historical Context: The British Navy dominated during historical conflicts like the Seven Years' War and the Napoleonic Wars, achieving significant victories despite not having superior technology.

  2. Challenges of Monitoring: The vastness of the sea, slow communication, and unpredictable weather made it difficult to oversee naval captains, leading to potential shirking of duties.

  3. Incentives for Engagement: The British Navy created systems to motivate captains to engage in battles:

    • Compensation: Captains could become wealthy by capturing merchant ships and were kept on half pay when not at sea, which promoted discipline.
    • Promotion: Unlike the army, naval officers were promoted based on seniority, encouraging captains to maintain good conduct to eventually rise to higher ranks.
    • Battle Tactics: Strategies like the “line of battle” formation and taking the "weather gauge" allowed for better monitoring and engagement during battles.
  4. Regulations: Strict Articles of War mandated that officers engage in combat, with severe penalties for cowardice or negligence, ensuring accountability.

  5. Changes Over Time: The introduction of steam ships in the 19th century led to a shift in these practices and regulations, indicating how monitoring ability influenced naval governance.

Overall, the British Navy's institutional design helped it succeed through effective incentives and regulations, despite the inherent challenges of naval warfare.

Author: surprisetalk | Score: 40

7.
Sci-Net
(Sci-Net)

Summary of Sci-Net

Sci-Net is a new social network platform designed for researchers to request and share research articles. It addresses issues faced by users of Sci-Hub, a site that automatically downloads papers but does not accept user uploads.

Key Features:

  • Requesting Papers: Users can enter a DOI to check if a paper is available. If not, they can create a request for it.
  • Uploading Papers: Users who have access to requested papers can upload them anonymously. The platform removes watermarks to protect user identity.
  • Library and Upload Section: Users can view their requests and uploads, and contribute papers easily.
  • Access for Everyone: Once uploaded, papers are accessible to everyone via a public URL, even if they are not registered on Sci-Net.

Token System:

  • Sci-Net uses a decentralized token system to reward users for sharing papers. Users must register with 1000 tokens, which can be earned by uploading papers.
  • Unlike traditional paywalls, Sci-Net’s token fee is minimal and funds go directly to fellow researchers, not publishers. Once a paper is uploaded, it remains free for all.

Benefits:

  • Sci-Net promotes open access to knowledge, with the goal of making research freely available to everyone.
  • The more the platform is used, the more valuable the tokens become, helping to support Sci-Hub's ongoing development.

Conclusion: Sci-Net aims to revolutionize how researchers share knowledge, fostering a collaborative environment for open access to research.

Author: greyface- | Score: 177

8.
Show HN: SQL-tString a t-string SQL builder in Python
(Show HN: SQL-tString a t-string SQL builder in Python)

Summary of SQL-tString

SQL-tString is a tool for safely creating SQL queries using t-strings, which helps prevent SQL injection. Here are the key points:

  1. Basic Usage: You can construct a SQL query by importing sql from sql_tstring and using t-strings. For example:

    from sql_tstring import sql
    a = 1
    query, values = sql(t"""SELECT a, b, c FROM tbl WHERE a = {a}""")
    

    Here, query is a string, and values is a list of values for the query.

  2. Parameter Restrictions: You can only use variable names (like {a}) within the t-string. Invalid syntax like {a - 1} is not allowed.

  3. Using Context: You can define valid column and table names using sql_context:

    from sql_tstring import sql, sql_context
    col = "a"
    table = "tbl"
    with sql_context(columns={"a"}, tables={"tbl"}):
        query, values = sql(t"SELECT {col} FROM {table}")
    

    If you use invalid names, an error will occur.

  4. Rewriting Values: You can set parameters to a special value called Absent, which removes them from the query:

    from sql_tstring import Absent, sql
    a = Absent
    b = Absent
    query, values = sql(t"""UPDATE tbl SET a = {a}, b = 1 WHERE b = {b}""")
    

    This results in the query only updating b.

  5. Conditionals: You can use IsNull or IsNotNull to handle NULL values in conditions, as x = NULL is always false in SQL.

  6. Parameter Styles: By default, SQL-tString uses qmark for parameters but can also work with the $ style. You can set this globally using:

    from sql_tstring import Context, set_context
    set_context(Context(dialect="asyncpg"))
    
  7. Compatibility: SQL-tString is designed for Python 3.14 and later but can also be used with Python 3.12 and 3.13 by using standard strings instead of t-strings.

This library simplifies and secures the process of building SQL queries in Python.

Author: pgjones | Score: 33

9.
Ground control to Major Trial
(Ground control to Major Trial)

On May 16, 2025, an aerospace company generating $130 million annually has been exploiting free trials of a software product instead of paying for it. This company, which operates in space and relies heavily on the software, has repeatedly created new accounts to access 30-day trials for nearly a decade, using various corporate and personal email addresses.

The software in question is the Xen Orchestra Appliance (XOA), which is a tested, user-friendly version of their platform designed for teams that prefer not to manage software updates themselves. The company has avoided paying by continuously signing up for new trials, even after receiving support and suggestions to purchase a volume license.

This behavior undermines the open-source community's moral standards and raises concerns about sustainability. The software provider plans to implement stricter limits on trial usage to focus on supporting genuine users and improving their products. They are urging the company to reconsider their approach and act ethically.

Author: plam503711 | Score: 372

10.
Evolution of Rust Compiler Errors
(Evolution of Rust Compiler Errors)

Summary: Evolution of Rust Compiler Errors

In a recent Reddit discussion, a participant shared insights from RustWeek, focusing on the evolution of Rust compiler error messages. After analyzing Rust releases from version 1.01, they found that Rust's error reporting has significantly improved over time.

Key points include:

  • Rust has always provided strong error messages, with noticeable enhancements over the years.
  • Version 1.2.0 introduced numerical error codes.
  • Version 1.26.0 added colorful error messages and the ability to get explanations for error codes.
  • Some error messages changed back and forth between versions, indicating ongoing adjustments and refinements.
  • The development of these error messages involves extensive effort from many contributors, highlighting the importance of design and testing in creating effective compiler feedback.

The participant encouraged others to explore more examples of error messages and share their favorites on Reddit. They also hinted at the complexity of creating an interactive tool for viewing error evolution, suggesting it's a significant undertaking.

Author: ingve | Score: 29

11.
Tower Defense: Cache Control
(Tower Defense: Cache Control)

This article discusses caching techniques used on the author's websites, jasonthorsness.com and the open-source hn.unlurker.com. It aims to help those managing budget-friendly web projects handle high traffic. The article is structured in three difficulty levels:

  1. Easy - Mostly Static Sites: These sites have unchanging content for all users. Techniques include:

    • Content-Hashed Resources: File names include hashes of their content, allowing for efficient caching.
    • CDNs (Content Delivery Networks): Resources are cached globally, reducing load times and server requests.
    • Dynamic Parts Handling: Basic dynamic content is managed via client-side JavaScript, keeping static and dynamic components separate.
  2. Medium - Data-Driven Dynamic Sites: These sites frequently update content, like hn.unlurker.com. The author employs:

    • Short-Term Cache-Control Headers: Content is cached for brief periods to balance freshness and performance.
    • Backend Caching: Memory caching, single-instancing (to prevent multiple requests for the same data), and disk caching (using SQLite) are used to optimize performance and protect API resources.
  3. Hard - Authenticated Per-User Sites: The author has begun exploring this category, which is more complex due to user-specific data. Key strategies involve isolating non-user-specific content and managing caching between the user's browser and the server.

In conclusion, effective caching is crucial for improving site performance and managing costs, especially as websites rely more on APIs and serverless hosting. Proper caching can greatly extend the capabilities of low-resource environments.

Author: jasonthorsness | Score: 16

12.
Material 3 Expressive
(Material 3 Expressive)

Summary:

Google has introduced Material 3 Expressive, a new design system focused on creating more emotional and engaging user experiences. This update is the result of extensive research, involving 46 studies and over 18,000 participants, to understand user preferences for design that evokes emotions.

Key Points:

  1. Expressive Design: This approach aims to make interfaces feel vibrant and engaging through the use of color, shape, size, motion, and containment. It helps users achieve their goals while enhancing usability.

  2. User Preference: Research shows that users, especially younger ones (up to 87% of 18-24-year-olds), prefer designs that feel expressive and emotionally resonant.

  3. Improved Usability: Expressive designs enable users to identify key elements faster — up to four times quicker in some cases. This design method also helps older users navigate as effectively as younger ones.

  4. Visual Appeal and Relevance: Users perceive brands with expressive designs as more modern and relevant. There were significant increases in attributes like modernity (34%) and rebelliousness (30%) associated with these designs.

  5. Context Matters: While expressive design enhances user experience, it must align with established usability standards. Deviating from familiar patterns can hurt usability.

  6. Implementation Tips:

    • Experiment with the new design kit and tactics.
    • Start with user needs and core functionality.
    • Follow accessibility standards to ensure inclusivity.
    • Continuously iterate based on user feedback.

Material 3 Expressive aims to move away from traditional, boring designs to create interfaces that connect emotionally with users, promoting both functionality and appeal.

Author: meetpateltech | Score: 187

13.
Show HN: Rv, a Package Manager for R
(Show HN: Rv, a Package Manager for R)

Summary of rv

rv is a tool designed to help manage and install R packages efficiently and reproducibly. It is currently in development and may lack full documentation.

Key Features:

  • Primary Commands:

    • rv plan: Shows what will happen when you run the sync command.
    • rv sync: Updates your R library, configuration file, and lock file.
  • Configuration File:

    • Users create a configuration file to define the project state, including the R version, repositories, and package dependencies.
    • Example configuration:
      [project]
      name = "my first rv project"
      r_version = "4.4"
      repositories = [
          { alias = "PPM", url = "https://packagemanager.posit.co/cran/latest" },
      ]
      dependencies = [
          "dplyr",
          { name = "ggplot2", install_suggestions = true}
      ]
      
  • When you run rv sync, it installs the specified packages and their dependencies. The rv plan command provides a preview of the changes.

Installation & Usage:

  • Refer to the installation documentation for setup instructions.
  • Usage details and configuration tips can be found in the usage documentation.

Contributing:

  • To develop rv, you need Rust installed. Optionally, you can use "Just."
  • You can run the project with commands like just run sync or build it with cargo install.
  • Unit tests can be executed with just test.

For more examples and advanced configurations, check the example_projects directory in the repository.

Author: Keats | Score: 6

14.
Dalus (YC W25) is hiring an engineer for hardware system design software
(Dalus (YC W25) is hiring an engineer for hardware system design software)

Summary of Dalus Overview and Job Role

Dalus is a company focused on creating AI-driven software to improve the design process of complex hardware systems like rockets and satellites. Current tools are outdated, and Dalus aims to make hardware development faster, safer, and more efficient, even for smaller teams.

Job Opportunity: Founding Engineer #1

  • This role involves working on all aspects of the product, including frontend and backend development, AI, and systems modeling.
  • Ideal candidates should enjoy learning new skills, have a good understanding of product design, and be ready to tackle challenging problems.

Technology Stack

  • Frontend: Next.js, Typescript, React
  • Backend: Node.js, Python, AWS
  • AI: Various language models and tool workflows

Company Background

  • Founded in 2024 by Eliot and Sebastian, the team has experience in aerospace and software. They have completed Y Combinator's W25 program and are already generating revenue while collaborating with advanced hardware companies.

Job Responsibilities

  • Develop key product features from concept to launch.
  • Engage with customers to identify needs.
  • Influence the company’s architecture and culture.
  • Work with AI and simulations for practical applications.

Work Environment

  • The position is demanding and fast-paced, requiring dedication and hard work, but offers significant learning and impact opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in systems engineering or related fields and interest in simulation or AI.

Compensation

  • Salary ranges from $140k to $200k, with equity options of 0.5-2.5%.

For interested candidates, the hiring process includes technical interviews and a final onsite project.

Author: sebastianvoelkl | Score: 1

15.
What were the MS-DOS programs that the moricons.dll icons were intended for?
(What were the MS-DOS programs that the moricons.dll icons were intended for?)

On May 6, 2025, Raymond Chen asked about the MS-DOS programs that used the stock icons from progman.exe in Windows.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 123

16.
Ollama's new engine for multimodal models
(Ollama's new engine for multimodal models)

Ollama has launched a new engine that supports multimodal models, starting with several vision models like Meta Llama 4 and Google Gemma 3. This engine allows for enhanced understanding and reasoning through visual inputs.

Key features of the new engine include:

  1. Model Support: Users can run models like Llama 4 Scout, which can analyze images and answer questions about them. For example, it can describe a scenic image and provide travel information.

  2. Multiple Image Analysis: The engine can handle multiple images at once, allowing users to ask questions about the relationships between them, such as identifying animals present in multiple images.

  3. Improved Accuracy: The system processes images with added metadata for better results and manages memory more effectively by caching images for quicker access in future prompts.

  4. Modularity: Each model operates independently, improving reliability and ease of integration for developers. This allows for more straightforward updates and enhancements without affecting other models.

  5. Future Enhancements: Ollama plans to support longer context sizes, reasoning capabilities, and improved tool interaction.

The development of this engine was supported by contributions from various research labs and hardware partners, enhancing both the performance and usability of multimodal models.

Author: LorenDB | Score: 298

17.
The Awful German Language (1880)
(The Awful German Language (1880))

No summary available.

Author: nalinidash | Score: 139

18.
LPython: Novel, Fast, Retargetable Python Compiler (2023)
(LPython: Novel, Fast, Retargetable Python Compiler (2023))

Summary of LPython Announcement:

LPython is a new Python compiler that converts type-annotated Python code into optimized machine code. It supports various backends such as LLVM, C, C++, WASM, Julia, and x86. Some key features include:

  • Compilation Speed: LPython offers fast compilation and runtime performance.
  • Just-In-Time (JIT) Compilation: Code can be compiled during execution for improved speed.
  • Interoperability: LPython can work with existing Python libraries through decorators like @pythoncall.

LPython is currently in its alpha version, which may have some bugs. Users are encouraged to report any issues. It can be installed via Conda or built from source.

Features:

  1. Backends: LPython can generate code for multiple backends from a common representation.
  2. Compilation Process:
    • Transforms input code into an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST).
    • Converts the AST into an Abstract Semantic Representation (ASR) that preserves all semantic details.
    • Applies various optimizations to the ASR before generating the final machine code.
  3. Optimization Options: Users can apply various optimizations using command-line flags.

Performance Benchmarks:

LPython has been benchmarked against competitors like Numba and C++. It shows competitive performance, especially with algorithms that utilize complex data structures like dictionaries and lists. In many cases, LPython's execution speed rivals that of C++.

Conclusion:

LPython aims to combine the ease of Python with high-performance execution speed, making it a promising tool for Python developers looking for efficiency without sacrificing Python's advantages.

Author: luismedel | Score: 7

19.
Náhuatl and Mayan Language Renaissance Occurring in Mexico
(Náhuatl and Mayan Language Renaissance Occurring in Mexico)

Summary:

Mexico has 68 official Indigenous languages, including Náhuatl and Mayan, spoken by nearly 7 million people. However, these languages are declining due to urbanization, globalization, and the dominance of Spanish and English. To counter this, the Mexican government is promoting Indigenous language classes and bilingual education. For instance, in Yucatán, 35,000 students can now study Yucatec-Maya from an early age, and Náhuatl classes will soon be offered in 78 schools in Mexico City.

This initiative aims to preserve Indigenous cultures and recognize their historical significance. Despite challenges like limited resources and discrimination against Indigenous languages, there is growing enthusiasm among students and communities to learn and use these languages. Discrimination against Indigenous peoples and their languages has deep roots in Mexico's colonial history, but revitalizing these languages is seen as a way to reclaim identity and dignity. Embracing linguistic diversity can help ensure that all voices in Mexico are valued.

Author: bryanrasmussen | Score: 123

20.
Baby is healed with first personalized gene-editing treatment
(Baby is healed with first personalized gene-editing treatment)

No summary available.

Author: jbredeche | Score: 1068

21.
Beyond Text: On-Demand UI Generation for Better Conversational Experiences
(Beyond Text: On-Demand UI Generation for Better Conversational Experiences)

In today's world, we often interact with AI through text, but this can lead to problems like misunderstandings, slow responses, and accessibility issues. The author proposes a solution where AI can create dynamic user interface (UI) components as needed, improving user experience.

Key Points:

  1. Challenges of Text Communication:

    • Users struggle to express their needs in text.
    • Text can be ambiguous and hard to validate.
    • Text-only interfaces can be difficult for people with disabilities.
    • Long text dialogues can become confusing.
  2. AI-Generated UI Components:

    • The author developed a prototype that allows AI to create UI elements, such as forms, buttons, and tables, during conversations.
    • For example, instead of typing out a new delivery address piece by piece, users can fill out a form all at once.
  3. How It Works:

    • The AI interprets user requests and identifies what kind of UI component to create.
    • It generates a structured format (JSON) for the UI, which is then displayed to the user.
    • Users interact with the UI, and the data is collected and processed by the system.
  4. Benefits:

    • Reduces cognitive load by using familiar UI elements.
    • Ensures data validation at the UI level.
    • Enhances user experience by making complex services more accessible.
  5. Types of UI Components:

    • Forms: For collecting multiple related pieces of information.
    • Selection Components: For making choices (buttons, checkboxes).
    • Data Visualization: For presenting data clearly (tables, lists).
    • Complex Components: For multi-step tasks (wizards, calendars).
  6. Real-World Example:

    • A prototype for a shipping company allows users to change delivery addresses using interactive forms and buttons, streamlining the process.
  7. Implementation:

    • Developers should create clear system prompts for the AI, build a client-side that can render components, and ensure components meet accessibility standards.
  8. Challenges and Future Directions:

    • Technical issues like latency and validation need addressing.
    • Future research could focus on personalized interfaces and automated UI testing.

In summary, integrating AI-generated interfaces with conversational AI can greatly enhance user experience by making interactions more intuitive and efficient. This approach combines the benefits of conversation with structured UI elements, enriching human-computer interaction.

Author: fka | Score: 42

22.
Ed Smylie, Who Saved the Apollo 13 Crew with Duct Tape, Dies at 95
(Ed Smylie, Who Saved the Apollo 13 Crew with Duct Tape, Dies at 95)

No summary available.

Author: sohkamyung | Score: 28

23.
The average workday increased during the pandemic’s early weeks (2020)
(The average workday increased during the pandemic’s early weeks (2020))

A Harvard Business School study has confirmed that work-from-home employees are indeed working longer hours and attending more meetings since the pandemic began. Analyzing data from over 3 million people, researchers found that the average workday increased by 8.2%, or about 48.5 minutes, during the early weeks of lockdown. Although employees participated in 13% more meetings, each meeting was shorter by about 12 minutes.

Key findings include:

  • Employees sent 5.2% more emails daily, with more recipients and an increase in after-hours emails.
  • The average workday now lasts longer, with work and personal life increasingly blending together.

The study highlights the challenges of remote work, such as videoconferencing fatigue and the difficulty in maintaining boundaries between work and home. Researchers suggest that productivity may vary significantly among employees based on their personal circumstances.

For managers, the study offers three key recommendations:

  1. Understand and empathize with employees' unique situations.
  2. Focus on the quality of work rather than just hours worked.
  3. Recognize that productivity will differ among employees during this time.

Overall, the research sheds light on the evolving nature of work during the pandemic and its impact on employee well-being.

Author: robtherobber | Score: 97

24.
Teal – A statically-typed dialect of Lua
(Teal – A statically-typed dialect of Lua)

No summary available.

Author: generichuman | Score: 190

25.
BuyMeACoffee silently dropped support for many countries (2024)
(BuyMeACoffee silently dropped support for many countries (2024))

Summary:

BuyMeACoffee, a crowdfunding platform, recently stopped supporting payouts to creators in several countries, particularly affecting many Ukrainian users. This decision was made without prior notice, leaving creators unable to access their funds. Initially, the company cited compliance issues but later revealed that they dropped Payoneer, which was used by Ukrainian creators, leaving only Stripe as a payout option, which is not available in Ukraine.

The lack of communication about this change has frustrated many users, leading them to question the company's reliability. While BuyMeACoffee responded to some inquiries, their communication has been criticized for being vague and inadequate. Some users are worried about losing their income sources and the overall trustworthiness of the platform.

In follow-up updates, the company acknowledged the situation but did not clarify how they plan to support creators in unsupported countries moving forward. Overall, the way the changes were implemented and communicated has raised significant concerns among users.

Author: beeburrt | Score: 288

26.
Cracked – Method chaining/CSS-style selector web audio library
(Cracked – Method chaining/CSS-style selector web audio library)

Summary of "I Dropped My Phone The Screen Cracked"

"I Dropped My Phone The Screen Cracked" is a web audio library designed to make creating and managing audio in web browsers easier. It uses a simple method chaining system and familiar CSS-like selectors for audio node manipulation.

Key Features:

  • Simple Examples: Users can create and connect audio nodes easily with commands like __().sine().dac().play(); for basic sounds.
  • Customization: Users can adjust settings, such as frequency and filters, with simple commands (e.g., changing the frequency of a sine wave oscillator).
  • Macros: Users can bundle audio node chains into reusable units called macros, which simplify complex setups.
  • Plugins: The library allows users to create plugins that can be instantiated and customized easily.

The library aims to make audio coding straightforward and enjoyable, allowing users to focus on creativity rather than complexity. Additional resources, including documentation and community support, are available for those interested in learning more or contributing.

Author: stephenhandley | Score: 74

27.
Launch HN: Tinfoil (YC X25): Verifiable Privacy for Cloud AI
(Launch HN: Tinfoil (YC X25): Verifiable Privacy for Cloud AI)

No summary available.

Author: FrasiertheLion | Score: 133

28.
Zinc Microcapacitors Are the Best of Both Worlds
(Zinc Microcapacitors Are the Best of Both Worlds)

Researchers have created zinc-ion micro-capacitors that aim to blend the advantages of batteries and supercapacitors. These devices are designed for small applications, making them suitable for use in various technologies like IoT devices, medical implants, and wearables.

Author: Brajeshwar | Score: 49

29.
Windsurf SWE-1: Our First Frontier Models
(Windsurf SWE-1: Our First Frontier Models)

Stay informed about the latest news in Windsurfing by subscribing with your email address. Make sure to provide a valid email.

Author: arittr | Score: 138

30.
Ollama violating llama.cpp license for over a year
(Ollama violating llama.cpp license for over a year)

Summary: Issue #3185 on Ollama GitHub Repository

The issue raised by a user named "jart" on March 16, 2024, highlights that the Ollama software does not include required copyright notices from its dependency, llama.cpp, which is a violation of the MIT license. The user searched for the name "Georgi Gerganov" in the installation folders but found no copyright information.

The user expected to see these notices included in the software's binary artifacts, and some believe that references to llama.cpp should also appear in the README file, although this is not strictly required by the license.

The issue remains unresolved, and several comments from users have called for updates, expressing frustration over the lack of response from the Ollama maintainers. Concerns have also been raised about the software's acknowledgment of its dependencies and the intentions behind its development.

Overall, the issue underscores the importance of compliance with open-source licensing terms and the need for proper attribution in software projects.

Author: Jabrov | Score: 130

31.
Thermoelectric generator based on a robust carbon nanotube/BiSbTe foam
(Thermoelectric generator based on a robust carbon nanotube/BiSbTe foam)

No summary available.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 21

32.
Lock-Free Rust: How to Build a Rollercoaster While It's on Fire
(Lock-Free Rust: How to Build a Rollercoaster While It's on Fire)

Summary: Lock-Free Rust: Building a Rollercoaster While It’s on Fire

In this article, Julian Goldstein explores creating a lock-free data structure called LockFreeArray in Rust. This array allows for concurrent access across threads without using traditional locks, making it fast but also risky. Here are the key points:

  • Lock-Free Programming: It’s efficient but can lead to serious bugs if done incorrectly, like free solo climbing without safety gear.

  • Key Components:

    • Atomic Types: The article introduces AtomicPtr and AtomicUsize, which help manage memory and ensure thread safety.
    • Memory Ordering: Understanding how different types of memory ordering (like Acquire, Release, etc.) affect data visibility between threads is crucial.
  • LockFreeArray Structure:

    • A fixed-size array for storing values without resizing or bounds checks.
    • Three main methods:
      • new(): Initializes the array.
      • try_insert(value): Attempts to insert a value; returns an index or the value if it fails.
      • take(index): Removes a value from a specified index.
  • Performance: The LockFreeArray outperforms traditional mutex-based structures significantly in benchmarks, being 83.19% faster on average.

  • Freelist: It uses a freelist for efficient memory allocation, which avoids searching for empty slots.

  • Caution: The author emphasizes that while lock-free programming can be powerful and efficient, it requires careful handling of memory to avoid issues like data races and memory leaks.

Overall, the article serves as a technical guide for advanced Rust programmers interested in developing high-performance, lock-free data structures.

Author: r3tr0 | Score: 108

33.
Tek – A music making program for 24-bit Unicode terminals
(Tek – A music making program for 24-bit Unicode terminals)

No summary available.

Author: smartmic | Score: 159

34.
A leap year check in three instructions
(A leap year check in three instructions)

No summary available.

Author: gnabgib | Score: 391

35.
Leeks and Leaks
(Leeks and Leaks)

Summary of cURL and libcurl: Leeks and Leaks

The article discusses the challenges of blocking the Tor .onion domain while still allowing users to access it without leaking information. The .onion domain is specific to Tor and cannot be resolved by standard DNS, which can expose users' intentions to interact with these sites.

To prevent leaks, the IETF published RFC 7686 in 2015, recommending that software refuse to resolve .onion domains. In 2023, cURL finally implemented this filtering after a long delay, ensuring users do not accidentally leak their .onion usage when using a SOCKS proxy with Tor.

However, this change led to controversy when some Tor users wanted to override the filter for specific setups. Discussions around this have not resulted in a consensus or code changes.

Recently, the Tor project introduced a new tool, oniux, which provides network isolation for applications. However, it only works with older versions of cURL that do not support the .onion filtering. This has led to an issue being raised against cURL, highlighting the difficulty of balancing security and functionality.

Author: mrmanner | Score: 104

36.
GTK Krell Monitors
(GTK Krell Monitors)

No summary available.

Author: Deeg9rie9usi | Score: 77

37.
The current state of TLA⁺ development
(The current state of TLA⁺ development)

The 2025 TLA⁺ Community Event took place on May 4th at McMaster University, coinciding with ETAPS 2025. The event featured a talk titled "It’s never been easier to write TLA⁺ tooling!" which highlighted the importance of developing tools for the TLA⁺ language. The discussion centered on three main areas:

  1. Current TLA⁺ Tools: The event showcased existing tools including parsers, interpreters, and model checkers. Notable tools mentioned were:

    • SANY: A robust parser that performs syntax and semantic checks.
    • TLC: The primary model checker for TLA⁺, known for its reliability.
    • Apalache: A symbolic model checker that also works with TLA⁺ specifications.
  2. Challenges with Legacy Code: The speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining "living knowledge" about TLA⁺ tools to avoid them becoming outdated. The legacy code challenge is significant, with many original developers no longer involved, making it harder to make improvements.

  3. Future Development Ideas: Plans for future enhancements include:

    • Generative testing for automation of test case creation.
    • Simplifying TLA⁺ syntax to make it more accessible.
    • Improving the SANY API to facilitate easier tool development.

The speaker expressed optimism about TLA⁺'s future, supported by the TLA⁺ Foundation, which funds tool development. They encouraged community involvement in enhancing and contributing to TLA⁺ tools, citing a strong ecosystem and the shared challenges faced by programming language developers.

The talk concluded with a bold vision to increase the TLC model checker's speed to one billion states per minute through significant improvements, underscoring the potential for growth in TLA⁺ tooling.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 129

38.
Java at 30: The Genius Behind the Code That Changed Tech
(Java at 30: The Genius Behind the Code That Changed Tech)

Join our community of software engineering leaders and aspiring developers to receive important news and exclusive content about large-scale software development in your inbox.

To subscribe, provide your email address and complete a few simple questions, including your name, company name, country, job level, job role, organization size, and industry. If you've unsubscribed before, you can re-subscribe by following the instructions.

Your information will remain private and not be shared with others. You will receive TNS content from Monday to Friday and can adjust your preferences after confirming your subscription. Follow TNS on social media for updates and news. Thank you for joining!

Author: chhum | Score: 62

39.
NASA keeps ancient Voyager 1 spacecraft alive with Hail Mary thruster fix
(NASA keeps ancient Voyager 1 spacecraft alive with Hail Mary thruster fix)

NASA has successfully revived the main thrusters on the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which is nearly 50 years old and was thought to be inoperable for over 20 years. This was crucial because the backup thrusters were facing fuel line issues that could lead to failure soon. Voyager 1, launched in 1977, is over 15.6 billion miles away from Earth and relies on its thrusters to remain properly oriented towards a guiding star for communication.

The primary thrusters stopped working in 2004 due to a power loss, and engineers believed they were permanently broken. However, they decided to attempt a fix by restoring power to the thrusters, hoping that they might still be functional. If successful, this would help maintain control of the spacecraft if the backup system failed.

Fortunately, the maneuver worked, and the thrusters are now operational again, allowing Voyager 1 to continue its mission at the edge of interstellar space. The Voyager missions have faced numerous challenges over the years, but this latest fix is another success in extending the life of this incredible spacecraft.

Author: nullhole | Score: 313

40.
The unreasonable effectiveness of an LLM agent loop with tool use
(The unreasonable effectiveness of an LLM agent loop with tool use)

Summary of "The Unreasonable Effectiveness of an LLM Agent Loop with Tool Use"

Philip Zeyliger and his team have created an AI Programming Assistant called Sketch. They discovered that the basic process of using a language model (LLM) with tools is surprisingly simple. The core loop involves getting user input, processing it with the LLM, and handling any tool calls that arise.

The term "tool use" refers to the LLM generating outputs that fit a specific structure, which allows it to perform tasks like using bash commands. With just this basic tool, the AI can effectively solve many programming problems quickly. Instead of looking up commands or fixing errors manually, users can delegate these tasks to Sketch.

Sketch also adapts to different environments by installing necessary tools or adjusting to varying command options. While it can be extremely helpful, it sometimes makes frustrating decisions, like skipping tests.

The team is exploring how agentic tools can automate repetitive tasks that are usually too complex for standard automation. They believe that LLMs will increasingly be used for more customized, temporary tasks in software development.

Author: crawshaw | Score: 402

41.
Comma 3X: Initial Impressions
(Comma 3X: Initial Impressions)

Summary of Comma 3X Initial Impressions

A programmer and musician from Seattle recently purchased a Comma 3X device from comma.ai to help with their driving anxiety and vertigo. They bought it during a flash sale for $999, which included a free harness. After installation and calibration, they were impressed with the system’s performance.

The Comma 3X works by enhancing existing lane-keeping technology in their 2019 Kia Niro EV, allowing the car to assist with steering and monitoring additional signals. Installation was manageable, though wiring was a bit tricky. The user switched to an alternative software, SunnyPilot, that provides extra features but faced some issues with the longitudinal control (acceleration and braking).

Driving with the Comma 3X has reduced the user's anxiety, making it easier to stay centered on the road. It includes helpful warnings for pedestrians and traffic lights, but some features need improvement, such as recognizing stoplights. The system requires cruise control to be activated for it to function, which is a minor inconvenience.

The user has some complaints, including the device shutting down when the car is off and a confusing user interface. Setting up navigation is cumbersome and not worth the effort compared to using CarPlay. However, they appreciate the open-source nature of the system and the ability to transfer it to a different car in the future.

Overall, the Comma 3X has provided the user with more confidence while driving and has the potential to enhance their experience further.

Author: surprisetalk | Score: 65

42.
“The Mind in the Wheel” lays out a new foundation for the science of mind
(“The Mind in the Wheel” lays out a new foundation for the science of mind)

Summary:

Adam Mastroianni discusses a new approach to psychology proposed by a group called Slime Mold Time Mold, which is outlined in their book "The Mind in the Wheel." He argues that psychology lacks a clear paradigm—a structured framework of concepts and rules that guide research and understanding.

Key points include:

  1. Understanding Paradigms: A paradigm includes specific units (elements of study) and rules (how those units interact). Major scientific breakthroughs have often come from redefining these units and rules.

  2. Types of Research: Mastroianni categorizes psychological research into three types:

    • Naive Research: Conducting experiments without clear units or rules, often leading to inconclusive results.
    • Impressionistic Research: Using vague terms and constructs that don't correspond to clear concepts, resulting in circular reasoning.
    • Scientific Research: This involves making testable conjectures about units and rules, which is currently lacking in psychology.
  3. Cybernetic Psychology: The new paradigm suggests that the mind consists of "control systems" like a thermostat, which regulate various needs (e.g., hunger, social interaction). Emotions are seen as signals of discrepancies in these systems.

  4. Implications for Personality and Mental Health: Personality traits could be viewed as variations in the settings of these control systems. This approach also provides a framework for understanding mental health issues based on system malfunctions rather than just symptoms.

  5. Call for New Research: Mastroianni emphasizes the need for methodologies that discover these control systems and their interactions, rather than relying on current impressionistic methods.

Overall, he advocates for a bold rethinking of psychology that could lead to more effective theories and treatments.

Author: CharlesW | Score: 101

43.
Archisuits (2005–2006)
(Archisuits (2005–2006))

No summary available.

Author: internet_points | Score: 32

44.
Coinbase says hackers bribed staff to steal customer data, demanding $20M ransom
(Coinbase says hackers bribed staff to steal customer data, demanding $20M ransom)

No summary available.

Author: gpi | Score: 381

45.
Dr. Dobb's Journal interviews Jef Raskin (1986)
(Dr. Dobb's Journal interviews Jef Raskin (1986))

No summary available.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 80

46.
Rolling Highway
(Rolling Highway)

A rolling highway, also known as a rolling road, is a transportation method that combines road and rail by transporting trucks via trains, referred to as Ro-La trains. This system is especially useful for moving trucks over long distances, such as through mountainous regions in Europe.

Key points about rolling highways:

  1. Concept: It allows trucks to be loaded onto train flatcars, facilitating efficient transport.
  2. Regional Differences: In North America, trucks can be loaded easily due to higher rail clearances. In contrast, Europe has stricter height limitations, requiring special designs for the wagons that carry the trucks.
  3. Commercial Designs: Various designs for these wagons include "Modalohr," "CargoBeamer," and "Niederflurwagen," which help accommodate the transportation of trucks while meeting height regulations.
  4. Driver Accommodation: When trucks are transported, drivers can travel in passenger cars or sleeping cars connected to the train.
  5. Usage Examples:
    • Austria: Rolling highways connect regions like Bavaria to Italy, with significant truck traffic reducing environmental impact.
    • India: The Konkan Railway introduced a successful Roll On Roll Off (RORO) service that has expanded since 1999.
    • Switzerland: Services operate through the Alps, facilitating truck transport across challenging terrain.
    • France: Two main services utilize Modalohr technology, connecting various regions and expanding routes.

Overall, the rolling highway system is a key component of intermodal transport, improving efficiency and reducing road congestion.

Author: taubek | Score: 50

47.
After months of coding with LLMs, I'm going back to using my brain
(After months of coding with LLMs, I'm going back to using my brain)

The author reflects on their experience using large language models (LLMs) for coding and concludes that while LLMs can assist with coding, they often produce disorganized and inconsistent code when used extensively. Initially, the author shifted to using LLMs to help build a new infrastructure for their SaaS but faced numerous issues as the project progressed. Despite relying on AI for coding tasks, they found themselves frustrated with the results, leading to a chaotic codebase.

Recognizing their frustration, the author decided to step back and rely more on their own skills as a software engineer. They began reviewing and rewriting code for clarity and consistency, using LLMs only for simpler tasks. They emphasized the importance of maintaining their coding skills and mental sharpness, feeling that over-reliance on AI tools was detrimental.

The author expresses concern for non-coders who may struggle more than ever with AI coding tools, suggesting that these tools can create confusion rather than clarity. They also highlight the inconsistency of LLM performance, noting that even experienced users face challenges and that current AI tools are not yet reliable enough for complex tasks.

In conclusion, the author advocates for a balanced approach, using LLMs as assistants rather than replacements for human creativity and problem-solving in coding. They remain optimistic about the future of AI but urge caution in its current application.

Author: a7fort | Score: 265

48.
In the US, a rotating detonation rocket engine takes flight
(In the US, a rotating detonation rocket engine takes flight)

Venus Aerospace, a US-based propulsion company, successfully tested a rotating detonation rocket engine in New Mexico, marking a historic first for the US. This engine, which has been discussed in academic circles for years but never tested at high thrust in the US, could revolutionize hypersonic travel, allowing for flights around the globe in under two hours.

The test involved a small rocket powered by a 2,000-pound-thrust engine, which flew for about half a minute without breaking the sound barrier. Rotating detonation engines are designed to be more fuel-efficient compared to traditional rocket engines, making them appealing for various applications, including military and commercial use.

Venus Aerospace aims to lead in affordable hypersonic flight and is exploring partnerships with both government and commercial sectors. While their long-term goal is to develop a hypersonic aircraft for passengers, they are currently focused on immediate opportunities in logistics and aerospace. Overall, the successful test is a promising step towards achieving efficient hypersonic travel.

Author: LorenDB | Score: 97

49.
Working on complex systems: What I learned working at Google
(Working on complex systems: What I learned working at Google)

Summary of "Working on Complex Systems" by Teiva Harsanyi

Teiva Harsanyi shares insights from his experiences working in complex systems, particularly at Google. He distinguishes between complicated and complex problems:

  • Complicated problems are intricate but predictable, like filing taxes, and can be solved with structured solutions.
  • Complex problems are unique and require adaptive solutions, such as climate change mitigation.

Harsanyi outlines key characteristics of complex systems:

  1. Emergent Behavior: The system's overall behavior can't be predicted just by analyzing its parts.
  2. Delayed Consequences: Actions may have effects that only appear later, complicating debugging.
  3. Local vs. Global Optimization: Improving one part might not benefit the whole system and can sometimes harm it.
  4. Hysteresis: Past states can influence current behavior, even after issues are resolved.
  5. Nonlinearity: Small changes can lead to large, unpredictable effects.

To navigate complex systems effectively, Harsanyi recommends several strategies:

  • Favor Reversible Decisions: Opt for changes that can be undone if necessary.
  • Think Beyond Immediate Metrics: Use both local and global metrics for a full view of system health.
  • Embrace Innovation: Be open to unconventional solutions.
  • Controlled Rollouts: Use techniques like feature flags and canary releases to minimize risks when deploying changes.
  • Observability: Ensure systems can be understood through data to facilitate debugging and innovation.
  • Simulation: Test changes through simulations before full rollout to predict system behavior.
  • Machine Learning: Use ML to adapt systems based on feedback rather than static rules.
  • Strong Team Collaboration: Work together to navigate complex issues and make informed decisions.

In conclusion, recognizing whether a system is complicated or complex is essential for effective problem-solving. Harsanyi encourages embracing adaptability when faced with complexity and emphasizes the importance of collaboration in finding solutions.

Author: 0xKelsey | Score: 270

50.
Show HN: A free AI risk assessment tool for LLM applications
(Show HN: A free AI risk assessment tool for LLM applications)

No summary available.

Author: percyding99 | Score: 31

51.
Initialization in C++ is bonkers (2017)
(Initialization in C++ is bonkers (2017))

This text discusses the initialization of variables in C++, using an example program to illustrate the differences between default, value, and zero-initialization.

Key Points:

  1. Example Program: The program defines two structures, foo and bar, and initializes instances of both in the main function. The output values of a.a (from foo) and b.b (from bar) are examined.

  2. Initialization Results:

    • a.a is initialized to 0 because foo uses zero-initialization.
    • b.b is indeterminate (undefined behavior) because bar has a user-provided constructor and is only default-initialized.
  3. Types of Initialization:

    • Default Initialization: No initialization occurs for non-class types, leading to indeterminate values.
    • Value Initialization: The object is default-initialized after zero-initialization if no user-provided constructor exists.
    • Zero Initialization: All members are initialized to zero, applicable to static and thread-local variables.
  4. Constructors:

    • The placement of =default matters: if a constructor is defaulted at declaration, it is not user-provided, leading to zero-initialization for its members; if defined elsewhere, it is considered user-provided.
  5. Recommendations:

    • Always initialize your variables to avoid undefined behavior.
    • If a structure should not be default-constructible, delete its constructor.
  6. Complexity of Initialization: The text emphasizes the complexity of C++ initialization rules, which can lead to unexpected behavior. It lists various forms of initialization to illustrate the depth of the topic.

In summary, understanding C++ initialization is crucial to avoid common pitfalls, and developers should always initialize their variables to ensure predictable behavior.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 181

52.
OWASP Top for Large Language Model Applications
(OWASP Top for Large Language Model Applications)

The OWASP Top 10 for Large Language Model (LLM) Applications Project aims to inform people about the security risks of using Large Language Models and Generative AI. It offers resources, including a list of the top 10 critical vulnerabilities in LLM applications, which highlights their impact and how easily they can be exploited.

Key vulnerabilities include:

  1. Prompt Injection: Manipulating inputs to gain unauthorized access or cause data breaches.
  2. Insecure Output Handling: Failing to validate outputs can lead to security issues like code execution.
  3. Training Data Poisoning: Tampering with training data can compromise the model's security and accuracy.
  4. Model Denial of Service: Overloading models can disrupt services and increase costs.
  5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Using compromised components can lead to data breaches.
  6. Sensitive Information Disclosure: Not protecting sensitive data in outputs can result in legal issues.
  7. Insecure Plugin Design: Poorly designed plugins can be exploited for remote code execution.
  8. Excessive Agency: Allowing LLMs too much autonomy can lead to negative outcomes.
  9. Overreliance: Not critically assessing outputs can lead to poor decision-making and security risks.
  10. Model Theft: Unauthorized access to models can lead to loss of competitive advantage.

The project also provides additional resources like checklists and guides, and encourages people to contribute or sponsor the initiative. For those new to LLM security, there are educational resources available.

Author: weinzierl | Score: 12

53.
Pathfinding
(Pathfinding)

In a recent update for the game "Deep Space Exploitation," the developer discussed their work on NPC pathfinding, which is designed to navigate a dynamic environment where objects can move and be destroyed. The key features of this pathfinding system include:

  1. Dynamic Environment: The pathfinding needs to adapt to moving and destructible objects.
  2. Path Preferences: It aims to keep a safe distance from objects but can get closer when necessary.
  3. Wrapping Paths: The game allows for navigation across borders like in "Asteroids," requiring unique handling for paths that cross the edges.

Approach:

  • A Algorithm*: The developer chose A* for its ability to create detailed paths, optimizing it with space partitioning to reduce the number of checks for blocked nodes.
  • Space Partitioning: A tree structure was created to efficiently check if areas are blocked, reducing the number of queries needed.
  • Real-Time Updates: The pathfinding algorithm can change in real-time to account for moving objects, using a caching system that updates every 500 milliseconds.

Natural Path Generation:

The algorithm assigns a proximity rating to nodes based on their distance from objects, encouraging paths that are safer and more natural-looking.

Efficiency Measures:

To maintain game performance, the developer splits pathfinding tasks across multiple game ticks, allowing for responsive NPC behavior without noticeable delays for players.

Conclusion:

The developer enjoyed creating a tailored solution for the game's specific needs, finding it both challenging and rewarding. The pathfinding system is performing well, and the next step will be to implement it in NPC behaviors.

Author: sebg | Score: 141

54.
Bringing 3D shoppable products online with generative AI
(Bringing 3D shoppable products online with generative AI)

Summary:

Google has developed new AI technologies to enhance online shopping by turning 2D product images into interactive 3D experiences. This aims to replicate the tactile feel of in-store shopping, which is often lost online.

  1. Generative AI Techniques: The AI can create high-quality 3D visualizations from just a few images, making it easier and less costly for businesses to implement.

  2. First Generation - NeRF: In 2022, the team used Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) to create 3D representations from multiple images, but faced challenges with thin or complex products.

  3. Second Generation - View-Conditioned Diffusion: In 2023, a new model was introduced that can predict what a product looks like from different angles using limited viewpoints. This improved the quality of 3D models significantly.

  4. Third Generation - Veo: The latest AI, called Veo, builds on previous models to generate 360° videos of products. It can create realistic representations with just one image and improves with more images.

The advancements in generative AI have made online shopping more engaging, and Google plans to continue improving these technologies for a better shopping experience.

Author: bookofjoe | Score: 35

55.
Git: Move files from one repo to another with history (2021)
(Git: Move files from one repo to another with history (2021))

Summary:

Developers often need to move files and folders between code repositories, but they usually skip exporting the history due to complications. This guide explains how to export files with their history easily using the git filter-repo command, which is preferred over the outdated git filter-branch method.

Key Points:

  1. Switch to filter-repo: git filter-repo is a better alternative for moving files with history compared to git filter-branch, which has issues and warnings.

  2. Installation:

    • filter-repo is not included with Git by default and needs to be installed separately.
    • Installation varies by operating system, with detailed instructions available on its GitHub page.
  3. Using filter-repo:

    • You can include or exclude specific files or folders using the --path and --invert-paths options.

Steps to Move Files:

  1. Clean the Source Repository:

    • Use git filter-repo to include or exclude files in a local branch:
      • To include: git filter-repo --path <include-folder> --path <include-file>
      • To exclude: git filter-repo --path <folder> --path <file> --invert-paths
  2. Add Source Repo as Remote:

    • Navigate to the target repo and add the source repo as a remote:
      • git remote add <origin-name> <source-repo-folder-path>
  3. Fetch and Merge Changes:

    • Fetch changes from the remote and merge them into the target branch:
      • git fetch <origin-name>
      • git branch <branch-name> remotes/<origin-name>/<remote-branch-name>
      • git merge <branch-name> --allow-unrelated-histories
  4. Cleanup:

    • Remove the remote source and the temporary branch:
      • git remote rm <origin-name>
      • git branch -d <branch-name>

By following these steps, you can successfully move files with their history between repositories.

Author: transpute | Score: 10

56.
Show HN: Real-Time Gaussian Splatting
(Show HN: Real-Time Gaussian Splatting)

LiveSplat is a real-time algorithm for processing RGBD camera streams using Gaussian splatting. It is part of a larger VR telerobotics system and has been made publicly available due to interest from users.

Key Points:

  • Developed by Mark Liu, LiveSplat is currently in alpha quality and may not work on all machines.
  • It requires Python 3.12+, a Windows or Ubuntu operating system, an x86_64 CPU, an Nvidia graphics card, and one or more RGBD sensors.
  • The software is closed source, and businesses interested in licensing it can contact Mark Liu at [email protected].
  • Installation instructions are provided for both Ubuntu and Windows, and an integration script for Intel Realsense devices is included for use.

For further discussion, users can join the associated Discord community, and a demo video is available to showcase LiveSplat's output.

Author: markisus | Score: 137

57.
I don't like NumPy
(I don't like NumPy)

The author expresses a strong dislike for NumPy, a popular Python library for numerical computing with arrays. While NumPy simplifies basic operations, it becomes complex and confusing when dealing with higher-dimensional arrays. For instance, solving a system of equations for multiple matrices requires complicated syntax that most users struggle to understand.

The author criticizes NumPy's reliance on broadcasting, which can lead to unclear and unreadable code. They argue that the lack of explicitness in indexing and functions makes it challenging to predict the outcomes of operations. This results in users often guessing how to make operations work correctly.

Despite some features like np.einsum, which is appreciated for its clarity, the overall design of NumPy is seen as flawed. The author longs for an array language that is intuitive and straightforward. They suggest that NumPy's issues stem from its historical design choices, and they hint at developing a new array language that retains NumPy's power while addressing these shortcomings.

Author: MinimalAction | Score: 446

58.
People understanding the dangers of risky areas more likely to accept buyouts
(People understanding the dangers of risky areas more likely to accept buyouts)

No summary available.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 7

59.
Jetrelay: A high-performance ATproto relay in 500 LOC
(Jetrelay: A high-performance ATproto relay in 500 LOC)

Summary of Jetrelay Pub/Sub Server Implementation

This post discusses the creation of "jetrelay," a lightweight and efficient pub/sub server that works with Bluesky’s "jetstream" data feed. By leveraging Linux kernel features, jetrelay can handle high data rates with minimal CPU usage—saturating a 10 Gbps connection using only 8 CPU cores.

Key Points:

  1. Purpose and Design: Jetrelay is designed to efficiently broadcast real-time updates (events) from Bluesky to clients, using a simplified architecture that handles large volumes of data without heavy processing.

  2. Data Streams: Jetrelay operates on the "firehose" stream of events, which includes various activities like posting and liking, available in two formats: the full firehose and a lighter version called jetstream.

  3. Multicast Approach: Since all clients receive the same data, jetrelay implements a multicast-like method using websockets, despite the absence of true TCP multicast.

  4. Data Handling: Events are written to a file, and clients read from this file using the sendfile() syscall, which minimizes memory copies and enhances efficiency. The design includes a mechanism for clients to catch up on missed events.

  5. Parallel Client Management: Jetrelay uses io_uring to manage multiple client connections efficiently, allowing it to process many clients without blocking on slow connections.

  6. Data Cleanup: Old data is discarded using a feature called FALLOC_FL_PUNCH_HOLE, allowing the file to grow without consuming excessive disk space.

  7. Performance Testing: Jetrelay was tested locally and on a real network, demonstrating its ability to connect thousands of clients and maintain high throughput.

  8. Comparison with Official Server: The official jetstream server has a different architecture that may limit its throughput compared to jetrelay, especially under heavy load.

  9. Future Improvements: Jetrelay is a tech demo and needs enhancements like backfill on startup, better logging, security features, and client filtering capabilities.

  10. The Push-Based Internet: The post reflects on the evolution of communication protocols, emphasizing the need for efficient push systems in contrast to traditional pull-based methods, and how ATproto improves upon existing frameworks like RSS.

Overall, jetrelay illustrates an innovative approach to building an efficient pub/sub server for real-time data streaming, highlighting the potential of modern kernel features to simplify complex tasks.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 10

60.
Calculating MRR in SQL
(Calculating MRR in SQL)

Here’s a simplified summary of the text:

Many customers want to generate Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) reports using Stripe data. Although Stripe provides a dashboard for these metrics, users often need to customize definitions or include data from other systems. To calculate MRR, raw data from Stripe must be extracted, transformed, and analyzed, which can be complex.

Key Steps in MRR Calculation:

  1. Data Extraction: Use a custom tool to extract Stripe data and load it into a data warehouse. Understand the data structure (schema) to work with it effectively.

  2. Common Challenges:

    • The subscriptions data only shows the latest status, missing historical changes.
    • Invoice date fields are misleading; instead, use line item periods for accurate billing periods.
    • Filter out non-subscription charges from invoice line items.
    • Discounts are not reflected in line item amounts, requiring adjustments.
    • Subscriptions may not bill monthly, necessitating revenue normalization for different billing cycles.
  3. SQL Transformations:

    • Gather relevant invoice line items and adjust amounts for discounts.
    • Normalize revenues for non-monthly billing plans by dividing total amounts across the relevant months.
    • Create a complete time series for MRR calculations that includes months with no invoices.
  4. Calculate MRR Metrics:

    • Analyze data to identify churn, expansion, contraction, and reactivation of subscriptions.

The outlined method provides a framework for calculating MRR from Stripe data, but it may require adjustments to fit specific business needs. For those who prefer a simpler solution, services like Definite can handle the data extraction and reporting.

Author: mritchie712 | Score: 8

61.
Lua for Elixir
(Lua for Elixir)

Summary of Lua for Elixir Release

On May 12, 2025, the Elixir library Lua v0.1.0 was officially released. This library lets you run Lua 5.3 programs safely on the BEAM VM, utilizing the Luerl library, which is entirely built in Erlang.

Key Features:

  • Integration with Elixir: You can easily create Elixir APIs for Lua using the deflua macro.
  • Compile-time Syntax Checking: A special ~LUA sigil allows for checking Lua syntax during Elixir compilation.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed guides and examples are available on the Lua Hex docs and a Livebook for beginners.

The library originated from TV Labs to help automate testing for physical devices. It streamlines the execution of Lua code without the need for extra virtual machines.

Background on Luerl: Created by Robert Virding, Luerl allows Lua to run on the BEAM VM. Virding wanted to implement an imperative language in Erlang, leading to the development of Luerl.

Future Improvements: There are plans to enhance Luerl by improving error messages, documentation, and integration with the Lua ecosystem. Discussions are underway to merge the Elixir Lua library with Luerl to create a new version, Luerl 2.0.0.

If you're interested in contributing, you can join their community on Slack or Discord, or report issues on GitHub.

Author: davydog187 | Score: 206

62.
Run your GitHub Actions locally
(Run your GitHub Actions locally)

Summary

"Think globally, act locally" encourages running GitHub Actions on your own machine using a tool called act. Here are the main benefits:

  1. Fast Feedback: You can test changes to your workflow files without needing to push them to GitHub each time. This saves time and allows for quicker iterations.
  2. Local Task Runner: Instead of using a Makefile, you can run GitHub Actions directly from your workflow files.

You can manage and run act right from Visual Studio Code using the GitHub Local Actions extension, making it easy to test workflows without switching applications.

How It Works

When you run act, it reads your GitHub Actions from the .github/workflows/ directory and uses Docker to pull or build the necessary images. It sets up the execution path based on dependencies and runs the actions in Docker containers, mimicking GitHub's environment.

For more details, refer to the act user guide. If you need help, you can ask on Gitter. If you're interested in contributing, check the contribution guidelines.

Building from Source

To build act from source, you need to:

  1. Install Go tools (version 1.20+).
  2. Clone the repository.
  3. Run tests with make test.
  4. Build and install using make install.
Author: flashblaze | Score: 6

63.
Improving Naval Ship Acquisition
(Improving Naval Ship Acquisition)

This text is a proposal by Brian Potter and Austin Vernon aimed at improving the US Navy's shipbuilding process. Here are the key points:

  1. Current Challenges: US naval vessels often take much longer to build and frequently exceed budget estimates. A 2018 report showed over 80% of ships were over budget, with some, like the Zumwalt-class destroyer, exceeding costs by 38% and the Littoral Combat Ships by 150%. Most lead ships were also delivered late.

  2. Design and Acquisition Issues: The Navy's design process is complicated by high-level requirements and reliance on third-party contractors. Starting construction before design completion often leads to costly changes later.

  3. Recommendations:

    • Shift focus from complex, multi-role ships to simpler ships with specific roles to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
    • Bring ship design back in-house and increase the number of naval architects in the Navy from about 300 to around 1200.
    • Delay construction until the design is nearly finalized to avoid expensive redesigns.
  4. Benefits of Simpler Designs: Simpler ships would be faster to build and more budget-friendly. Examples include:

    • Escort frigates and destroyers that focus on core capabilities without unnecessary features.
    • Specialized ships for roles like ballistic missile defense and drone carriers.
  5. Historical Context: The Navy previously had successful in-house designs but lost expertise due to outsourcing in the 1990s. A robust design team is crucial for effective shipbuilding.

  6. Conclusion: Implementing these recommendations could help the Navy build more ships faster and at lower costs, leading to a more capable fleet.

In summary, the proposal advocates for a streamlined, in-house approach to ship design and a shift toward simpler, more focused ship types to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in naval shipbuilding.

Author: Luc | Score: 67

64.
Show HN: Undetectag, track stolen items with AirTag
(Show HN: Undetectag, track stolen items with AirTag)

Summary:

You can enhance your AirTag with an add-on that makes it harder for thieves to detect, improving the chances of recovering stolen items by 95%. This solution helps protect valuable items like cars, boats, bikes, and luggage. If you have questions, you can contact the company by filling out a form with your name, email, phone number, and comment.

Author: pompidoo | Score: 106

65.
Logitloom: Explore token trajectory trees on instruct and base models
(Logitloom: Explore token trajectory trees on instruct and base models)

Logitloom Overview

Logitloom is a tool designed for exploring token trajectory trees on chat and base models.

Getting Started

  • Access the tool at logitloom.
  • For chat models, use the Deepseek-v3 API, which supports necessary features like assistant prefill and logprobs.

Using Chat Models

  • Base URL: https://api.deepseek.com/beta
  • API Key: Obtain from Deepseek.
  • Model: deepseek-chat
  • Fill in a prompt and click "run" to expand the token tree.

Using Base Models

  • Recommended host is Hyperbolic's 405-base model.
  • Base URL: https://api.hyperbolic.xyz/v1
  • API Key: Obtain from Hyperbolic.
  • Model: meta-llama/Meta-Llama-3.1-405B
  • Fill in a prompt or prefill and click "run" to expand the tree.

Features

  • "Run" starts a new tree based on your settings.
  • Options include:
    • Depth: How deep to expand the tree.
    • Max children: Number of child options per node.
    • Top P: Limits options by probability; set to 100 to not use it.
  • Each tree node shows the generated token, its probability, and actions to add to prefill or expand from that node.

Additional Notes

  • UTF-8 repair attempts to fix character issues, but there are known problems with generating strange escape sequences.
  • The tool is currently unlicensed and uses Bun for development purposes.

For further use, you can save your settings as presets for easy access later.

Author: kentricon | Score: 9

66.
Refactoring Clojure
(Refactoring Clojure)

The article discusses refactoring Clojure code for a Markov text generator, originally presented by Adam Bard. The goal is to improve code readability while maintaining its functionality.

  1. Markov Process Overview: The markov-data function takes a string of text and returns a hash map. The keys are words, and the values are sequences of words that can follow each key, with a special key :start for the beginning of sentences.

  2. Characterization Tests: To ensure that the function behaves as expected, several tests are created to check different input scenarios, such as empty strings or multiple sentences.

  3. Refactoring Strategy: Instead of modifying the original code directly, the author suggests starting fresh with a new function to process individual sentences. This simplifies the logic and allows for easier debugging.

  4. Function Implementation:

    • The new process-sentence function processes a single sentence and updates the hash map accordingly.
    • The markov-data function is then rewritten to handle multiple sentences using reduce to apply the process-sentence function.
  5. Sentence Generation: The sentence function, which generates a random sentence based on the Markov model, is also refactored for clarity. The refactored version uses recursion and different function arities to enhance readability.

Overall, while the refactored code is slightly longer, it is more readable and easier to maintain. The article emphasizes the importance of characterization tests in ensuring that code behavior remains unchanged during refactoring.

Author: luu | Score: 88

67.
Common MVP mistakes: How to build smart without overbuilding
(Common MVP mistakes: How to build smart without overbuilding)

Summary of MVP Development

  • Newsletter Signup: Stay updated with news and offers by signing up for our quarterly newsletter.

  • What is an MVP?: A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is a basic version of your product that demonstrates real value to users and helps validate that you are addressing the right problem. It’s not about being perfect but proving that users care enough to engage with it.

  • Importance of Focus: Startups must avoid rushing without a clear focus. Moving too fast can lead to mistakes, while moving too slowly can stall progress. A well-designed MVP helps validate ideas quickly and shows investors that you can efficiently test concepts.

  • Key Characteristics of a Good MVP:

    • Lean but Functional: It should be lightweight yet reliable and secure. It must serve its purpose effectively.
    • Smart Strategy: The MVP should be built with the intent to minimize waste and maximize learning.
  • Common Mistakes in MVP Development:

    • Overbuilding: Adding too many features early can complicate testing and increase costs. Focus on solving one problem well.
    • Wrong Technology Choices: Choose flexible technology that suits your needs to avoid long-term issues.
    • Neglecting Quality: Speed shouldn’t compromise code quality. Ensure security and maintainability from the start.
  • Best Practices for Smart MVP Development:

    • Build quickly but not carelessly. Aim for a clear value proposition.
    • Stay flexible to adapt based on user feedback.
    • Prioritize security and data protection to maintain user trust.
  • Final Thoughts: The goal is to launch an MVP that is clear, purposeful, and scalable. Avoid common pitfalls like bloated features and poor technology choices to ensure success. Erlang Solutions can help you create resilient MVPs designed for future growth.

Author: unripe_syntax | Score: 12

68.
Stop using REST for state synchronization (2024)
(Stop using REST for state synchronization (2024))

No summary available.

Author: Kerrick | Score: 51

69.
Human
(Human)

No summary available.

Author: surprisetalk | Score: 699

70.
Internet Artifacts
(Internet Artifacts)

This text lists various sources and links related to significant milestones in internet history. It includes acknowledgments for support in archiving web content and thanks to individuals who aided in editing. Key topics covered range from the first email and smiley face to early websites, social media platforms, and various internet phenomena like memes and viral videos. The links provided direct readers to detailed articles and resources about each topic, illustrating the evolution of the internet and its cultural impact.

Author: mikerg87 | Score: 650

71.
Why Computing Belongs Within the Social Sciences (2020)
(Why Computing Belongs Within the Social Sciences (2020))

Summary of "Why Computing Belongs Within the Social Sciences"

Key Points:

  1. Need for Change in Computing Education: The article argues that simply adding ethics to computing curricula is not enough to address the social issues arising from technology. Instead, computing should integrate insights from social sciences like sociology, psychology, and political science.

  2. Historical Context: The author references significant moments in history, such as testimonies from Alan Greenspan and Mark Zuckerberg, to highlight the need for self-reflection within the computing field regarding its societal impact.

  3. Computing as a Social Science: The article posits that computing is increasingly intertwined with social issues and thus should be treated as a social science. This includes understanding power dynamics and the role of algorithms in shaping societal norms.

  4. Recommendations for Transformation:

    • Embrace Insights from Other Disciplines: Computing professionals should adopt theories and methods from social sciences to enhance their work and understanding of societal impacts.
    • Revise Curricula: Some computing courses should be replaced with mandatory social science courses to ensure a broader educational foundation for students.
    • Encourage Multidisciplinarity: Computing departments should hire faculty with backgrounds in social sciences to foster a more integrated approach to the discipline.
  5. Conclusion: The author emphasizes that computing professionals must confront their discipline's societal responsibilities and adapt education to reflect the complex relationship between technology and society. The future of computing will depend on this recognition and adjustment.

Overall, the article calls for a significant shift in how computing is taught, advocating for a more holistic and socially aware approach to the discipline.

Author: Tomte | Score: 7

72.
AlphaEvolve: A Gemini-powered coding agent for designing advanced algorithms
(AlphaEvolve: A Gemini-powered coding agent for designing advanced algorithms)

Summary of AlphaEvolve: A Gemini-Powered Coding Agent

AlphaEvolve is a new AI agent developed by the AlphaEvolve team that uses advanced techniques to create and improve algorithms for math and computing. It combines the creativity of large language models (LLMs) with automated evaluators to tackle complex problems. Key features of AlphaEvolve include:

  1. Algorithm Discovery and Optimization: AlphaEvolve can evolve entire codebases, discovering new algorithms and optimizing existing ones. It integrates different models, like Gemini Flash for broad exploration and Gemini Pro for deep insights.

  2. Impact on Google's Infrastructure: The agent has improved the efficiency of Google’s data centers, hardware, and AI training processes. For instance, it has enhanced data center scheduling, recovering about 0.7% of compute resources, and optimized hardware design for matrix multiplication in custom AI chips.

  3. AI Training Enhancements: AlphaEvolve has sped up critical processes in AI model training, reducing training times and engineering efforts significantly. It also optimized GPU instructions, achieving notable speed improvements in AI performance.

  4. Mathematical Advancements: AlphaEvolve has proposed new solutions to complex mathematical problems, such as finding faster algorithms for matrix multiplication and making progress on longstanding challenges like the kissing number problem.

  5. Future Developments: The team plans to improve AlphaEvolve further and make it available for academic users. Its capabilities can potentially benefit various fields, including material science and drug discovery.

Overall, AlphaEvolve represents a significant advancement in using AI for algorithm development, promising wider applications across different domains.

Author: Fysi | Score: 984

73.
The Fastest Way yet to Color Graphs
(The Fastest Way yet to Color Graphs)

Summary: The Fastest Way Yet to Color Graphs

Researchers have developed a new algorithm for coloring graphs, which is a method used to prevent collisions, such as in air traffic control. Traditionally, coloring graphs was slow and had not improved significantly for decades. However, two new algorithms released in 2024 were faster, and a recent paper introduced an even quicker method that operates almost at optimal speed.

This new algorithm focuses on the number of lines (or edges) in a graph, rather than the number of points (or vertices), allowing for faster coloring irrespective of graph size. The breakthrough involves a technique called "priming," where randomization is used to set up the graph for quicker coloring.

While this advancement is notable, its practical application in real-world scenarios is still uncertain. Researchers are excited about the potential to improve further, aiming for a method that could achieve a truly linear coloring time without randomness. This new work represents a significant milestone in graph theory and algorithm development.

Author: GavCo | Score: 56

74.
AWS says Britain needs more nuclear power to feed AI datacenter surge
(AWS says Britain needs more nuclear power to feed AI datacenter surge)

AWS CEO Matt Garman has stated that the UK will need more nuclear power to support the upcoming surge of AI datacenters. He emphasized in a BBC interview that new energy technologies are essential to meet the growing demands of AI infrastructure. AWS plans to invest £8 billion ($10.6 billion) in digital and AI infrastructure in Britain by 2028.

The demand for energy from datacenters is expected to rise significantly, with predictions of a 500% increase in the UK over the next decade. In response, the UK government has created an AI Energy Council to help ensure the energy grid can handle these needs.

While nuclear energy is seen as a viable solution due to its zero-carbon power, new nuclear plants take years to build, which may not meet the immediate demands of AI growth. Companies like AWS and Google are exploring small modular reactors, but these technologies are still in development. The government is also working to streamline processes to support the rapid expansion of datacenters.

Author: rntn | Score: 6

75.
Show HN: Muscle-Mem, a behavior cache for AI agents
(Show HN: Muscle-Mem, a behavior cache for AI agents)

Muscle Memory Summary

Muscle Memory (muscle-mem) is a Python SDK designed for AI agents that helps them remember how to perform tasks efficiently. It records the patterns of tool usage by the agent and replays these actions when the same task is encountered again, speeding up processes and saving costs associated with using large language models (LLMs).

Key Features:

  • Behavior Cache: Muscle memory stores learned task patterns to reuse them later.
  • Speed and Efficiency: It allows agents to handle repetitive tasks faster and with less variability.
  • Task Management: The engine checks if an environment has been seen before (cache-hit) or if it’s new (cache-miss) to decide whether to use the stored action or call the agent.

How It Works:

  1. Cache Validation: Before executing an action, the system checks if it’s safe using defined "Checks" that evaluate the current environment.
  2. API Usage:
    • Install via pip install muscle-mem.
    • Set up the engine and define tools for the agent.
    • Use decorators to track tool calls and implement Checks for safety.

Example:

The system captures environment features and validates them against previous actions to ensure safety before reusing cached actions. An example implementation demonstrates how to create a task that greets users, validating whether previous calls can be reused based on timing.

Call to Action:

Feedback is encouraged as the system develops. Users are invited to join the Muscle Mem Discord and try out the SDK.

For more details, refer to the full documentation and examples available in the Muscle Mem repository.

Author: edunteman | Score: 211

76.
A Tiny Boltzmann Machine
(A Tiny Boltzmann Machine)

No summary available.

Author: anomancer | Score: 249

77.
Wavelet Trees: An Introduction (2011)
(Wavelet Trees: An Introduction (2011))

Summary of Wavelet Trees: An Introduction

Wavelet Trees are a data structure designed to efficiently handle rank queries on sequences with larger alphabets. They organize a string into a binary tree of bit vectors, allowing for quick rank queries with a time complexity of ( \mathcal{O}(\log_2 A) ), where ( A ) is the alphabet size. This structure was introduced by Grossi, Gupta, and Vitter in 2003.

To construct a Wavelet Tree, the alphabet is divided recursively until only one or two symbols remain. Each level of the tree filters and re-encodes the symbols, reducing ambiguity. For example, the string "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" can be represented in a Wavelet Tree format.

When querying a Wavelet Tree, a rank query can be performed using multiple binary rank queries on the bit vectors. This allows you to count the occurrences of a specific symbol up to a certain position in the sequence. The tree structure aids in navigating to the correct sub-tree for the query.

Wavelet Trees can also be combined with other data structures for improved efficiency. There are implementations available for those interested in practical applications.

For those wanting to learn more, several academic papers provide deeper insights into Wavelet Trees and their applications.

Author: Tomte | Score: 54

78.
Comparing Parallel Functional Array Languages: Programming and Performance
(Comparing Parallel Functional Array Languages: Programming and Performance)

Parallel functional array languages are new programming languages designed to make parallel programming easier while maintaining high performance. This study compares five such languages: Accelerate, APL, DaCe, Futhark, and SaC, using four complex benchmarks: N-body simulation, MultiGrid, Quickhull, and Flash Attention. These benchmarks cover various application areas and computational models.

The key points are:

  1. Functional array code is simpler and shorter than traditional implementations because it avoids details specific to hardware.
  2. The same source code can be used to create programs for both multicore systems and GPUs, making it easier to adapt to new technologies.
  3. The performance of these languages was tested on 39 instances of the benchmarks across a 32-core AMD EPYC system and an NVIDIA A30 GPU.
  4. The study shows that functional array languages can perform as well as traditional programming methods, indicating their potential for effective and portable parallel programming.
Author: matt_d | Score: 6

79.
Demystifying Ruby: It's all about threads (2024)
(Demystifying Ruby: It's all about threads (2024))

Ruby is a versatile and user-friendly programming language, primarily used for web development, especially with the Ruby on Rails framework. It supports various programming styles, including object-oriented and functional programming. The main implementation of Ruby is the Matz Ruby Interpreter (CRuby), which limits true parallelism through a mechanism called the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL), allowing only one thread to execute at a time.

Key concepts in Ruby's concurrency include:

  1. Processes: Independent programs that run separately and can operate in parallel, sharing no memory. Communication between processes requires special methods like pipes or shared files.

  2. Ractors: A newer feature in Ruby designed for true parallel execution. Ractors run independently within the same Ruby process, each with its own memory and GIL, allowing safe communication through message passing.

  3. Threads: Lighter than processes and managed by the Ruby interpreter. However, due to the GIL, Ruby threads can only run one at a time, making them suitable for I/O-bound tasks but limited for CPU-bound tasks.

  4. Fibers: A lightweight concurrency method that allows manual control of execution flow. Fibers share memory within a thread and are typically used for specific tasks like creating generators.

In summary, Ruby offers multiple concurrency models, each with strengths and weaknesses suited for different programming needs. Understanding these can help developers choose the right approach for their applications.

Author: kadrek | Score: 75

80.
Welcome to the land that no country wants (2016)
(Welcome to the land that no country wants (2016))

In 2014, an American man named Jeremiah Heaton claimed a piece of land called Bir Tawil in Africa to fulfill his daughter’s wish of becoming a princess. Bir Tawil is unique because it is the only land on Earth that is not claimed by any country, as both Egypt and Sudan have renounced ownership due to a historical border dispute.

To reach Bir Tawil, Heaton traveled through harsh desert conditions, and after planting a flag, he declared it the "Kingdom of North Sudan" with himself as king and his daughter as princess. His story gained media attention, but he faced criticism for appearing to assert colonial-like claims over land that had no formal governance.

Meanwhile, journalist Jack Shenker recounts his own journey to Bir Tawil with a friend, driven by the idea of exploring unclaimed territories and critiquing borders and imperialism. However, they soon realized that their romantic notions clashed with the historical and political realities of the region, which has a complex past involving colonialism and indigenous peoples.

Both men’s attempts to claim Bir Tawil reflect a misunderstanding of the implications of asserting ownership over land that is considered "terra nullius" (nobody's land). Critics argue that such claims ignore the historical context and the rights of local nomadic tribes who have used the land for generations.

Ultimately, Shenker concludes that borders are not fixed and that the idea of unclaimed land serves as a reminder to engage with current social and political issues rather than escape them. The journey to Bir Tawil reveals that no land is truly unoccupied or devoid of history, and the quest for identity and governance continues to evolve.

Author: Tomte | Score: 19

81.
A research preview of Codex in ChatGPT
(A research preview of Codex in ChatGPT)

OpenAI has hosted several livestreams in 2025 to introduce new technologies and updates. Key announcements include:

  • GPT-4.1 was introduced on April 14, 2025.
  • New image generation capabilities were launched on March 25, 2025.
  • Next-generation audio models were presented on March 20, 2025.
  • GPT-4.5 was unveiled on February 27, 2025.
  • Updates on building tools for agents were shared on March 11, 2025.

In late 2024, livestreams covered various topics, such as safety research, app integration, advanced voice features, and new programs like OpenAI's Reinforcement Fine-Tuning Research. The Spring Update on May 13, 2024, highlighted the introduction of GPT-4o and expanded free capabilities in ChatGPT.

Author: wferrell | Score: 6

82.
Comparing floating-point numbers (2012)
(Comparing floating-point numbers (2012))

The article discusses the complexities of comparing floating-point numbers in programming, emphasizing that floating-point math is often more complicated than it seems. Here are the key points:

  1. Floating-Point Precision: Floating-point numbers cannot always precisely represent certain values, like 0.1. This can lead to discrepancies in calculations.

  2. Equality Comparisons: Directly comparing two floating-point numbers for equality (using ==) can be misleading due to precision issues. Instead, it’s better to check if their difference is within a small range, known as epsilon.

  3. Epsilon Limitations: Using a fixed epsilon (like FLT_EPSILON) isn't always effective, especially for numbers far from 1.0, where the gap between representable floats increases.

  4. Relative Comparisons: A better approach is to use a relative epsilon comparison, which compares the difference between two floats to their magnitudes. This makes the comparison more flexible and accurate.

  5. ULP (Units in the Last Place): This method measures the difference between the integer representations of two floats. If the difference is small (e.g., one ULP), the floats are considered very close.

  6. Handling Special Cases: When comparing numbers near zero or dealing with different signs, absolute comparisons can help avoid errors. Using a combination of absolute and relative comparisons is often necessary.

  7. Catastrophic Cancellation: This occurs when subtracting two nearly equal numbers, leading to significant loss of precision. The article provides examples where even simple calculations like sin(pi) yield unexpected results due to these issues.

In summary, floating-point comparisons require careful handling and a nuanced understanding of how floating-point representations work to avoid common pitfalls.

Author: sph | Score: 23

83.
Linux Swap Table Code Shows the Potential for Performance Gains
(Linux Swap Table Code Shows the Potential for Performance Gains)

A new feature called Swap Tables has been introduced in the Linux kernel, aimed at improving the performance and efficiency of memory management. Developed by engineer Kairui Song from Tencent, this feature combines swap cache and swap maps with the swap allocator.

Key benefits of Swap Tables include:

  • A performance increase of about 20-30% during heavy workloads.
  • Reduced idle memory usage and potentially lower average memory consumption.
  • Opportunities for future optimizations and improvements in swap operations.

A series of 27 patches for Swap Tables has been released for review, and there is hope that this feature will soon be included in the main Linux kernel. Overall, Swap Tables promise significant enhancements to the existing swap system.

Author: marcodiego | Score: 6

84.
The top fell off Australia's first orbital-class rocket, delaying its launch
(The top fell off Australia's first orbital-class rocket, delaying its launch)

Australia's first orbital-class rocket, the Eris, faced a setback when its top section, called the payload fairing, fell off before launch. The incident occurred due to an electrical fault during final preparations but caused no injuries or damage to the rocket or launch pad. Gilmour Space, the company behind the Eris, announced they would delay the launch to investigate the issue and replace the fairing. This rocket is designed to carry payloads to low-Earth orbit and was set for its first test flight, aiming for a brief period of stable flight to gather performance data. The company has experienced prior delays mainly due to regulatory approval issues.

Author: LorenDB | Score: 7

85.
Rethinking How I Deal With CLI Arguments (replacing getopt)
(Rethinking How I Deal With CLI Arguments (replacing getopt))

This article discusses the author's experiences using the getopt.h library for command line argument parsing in their bytecode interpreter project called "purple-garden." The author found several limitations with getopt.h, such as:

  1. Manual Help and Usage Pages: You have to create your own help and usage documentation.
  2. Multiple Flag Tracking: You must manage flag definitions in multiple places.
  3. Lack of Typed Flags: All option arguments are treated as strings without type safety.
  4. No Default Values: The library does not support default values for options.
  5. Fixed Prefixes: The option prefixes are hardcoded to - for short options and -- for long options.

To address these issues, the author developed a new library called 6cl. This library features:

  • Automatic generation of help and usage pages.
  • A single flag list without multiple definitions for short and long options.
  • Typed flags with support for various data types (strings, booleans, integers, etc.) and range validation.
  • A customizable prefix for options.

The article also details how to define flags, parse arguments, and handle errors in a more ergonomic way compared to getopt.h. It includes examples of how to implement and use the new library, emphasizing its improved usability and type safety.

In summary, the author created the 6cl library to overcome the shortcomings of getopt.h, making command line argument parsing easier and more efficient for their interpreter project.

Author: ingve | Score: 6

86.
Malicious compliance by booking an available meeting room
(Malicious compliance by booking an available meeting room)

In 2011, Larry Page became the CEO of Google and aimed to improve the company's meeting culture as Google was expanding rapidly. He introduced new policies to streamline meetings, such as requiring a decision-maker for each meeting, limiting attendees to 10, and reducing hour-long meetings to 50 minutes. Despite these changes, many meetings continued to run long, with participants ignoring the new time limits.

In response, one team at the NYC office cleverly started booking their standup meetings in the last 10 minutes of the hour, taking advantage of the newly available time slots in meeting rooms. This led to awkward situations where they would insist on their right to the room, causing frustration for others who were still in meetings. The author found this amusing and was curious about the motivations of these team members who challenged the meeting norms.

Author: jakevoytko | Score: 361

87.
Dia – An Early Review
(Dia – An Early Review)

The Browser Company of New York (BCNY) has launched Dia, a new AI-integrated web browser, after putting their previous browser, Arc, into maintenance mode. They created Dia to compete more effectively with Chrome, as they felt Arc's improvements weren't enough for long-term success.

Key features of Dia include:

  • A sidebar that can be opened with a keyboard shortcut.
  • A new tab interface that combines a search engine and chat feature powered by GPT 4.1, which uses the current webpage's content for context.
  • A unique URL bar that simplifies how queries and page titles are displayed.

However, Dia has some usability issues:

  • The sidebar takes up too much screen space, affecting how websites are displayed.
  • It sometimes misinterprets searches, treating them as chat queries.

Despite these problems, Dia's built-in ad blocker performs well. The browser resembles Chrome, making it easy for users to switch, but it lacks the innovative appeal that Arc had. The future of Dia is uncertain, with two possible scenarios: BCNY might abandon Dia and return to Arc, or it could succeed if Google struggles with its AI features. Overall, BCNY is taking a bold risk with Dia, aiming for it to become a standout product.

Author: wyxuan | Score: 29

88.
I Infiltrated the Corporate Caste System (and You Can Too, but You'll Hate It)
(I Infiltrated the Corporate Caste System (and You Can Too, but You'll Hate It))

The author shares their experience of working within the corporate world, highlighting how people are often judged based on superficial labels rather than their true abilities. They recount a moment from their travels in Europe where being from Mississippi led to quick assumptions about them. This theme of judgment continues in corporate settings, particularly in tech companies where leadership often recycles itself and prioritizes appearances over actual work.

The author criticizes the culture of corporate jargon, ineffective middle management, and a caste system where connections matter more than skills. They contrast this with their fiancée's hard work as a house cleaner, which is often undervalued despite being more tangible and impactful.

Ultimately, the author expresses frustration with the focus on optics rather than results and suggests that to succeed in this environment, one must conform to its expectations, even if it feels insincere. The piece ends on a tongue-in-cheek note about updating their LinkedIn with inflated titles to fit in.

Author: enemyz0r | Score: 35

89.
The Scalar Select Anti-Pattern
(The Scalar Select Anti-Pattern)

The text discusses a programming challenge related to handling multiple incoming events in a stateful service, particularly in a Language Server Protocol (LSP) server. Here are the key points simplified:

  1. Event Handling Basics: When building services, developers often use an event loop to process incoming events like file changes, client requests, and compiler outputs.

  2. Common Pitfall: A typical setup might lead to inefficiencies because the event loop processes one event at a time. This can result in missing opportunities to handle multiple ready events simultaneously.

  3. Optimizations: To improve performance, several strategies can be implemented:

    • Prioritization: Process events based on importance (e.g., handle file changes before completion requests).
    • Selective Backpressure: Temporarily ignore certain types of requests while still processing others.
    • Elimination: Drop unnecessary requests if they are rendered irrelevant by more recent events.
    • Coalescing: Combine similar events to reduce processing overhead (e.g., merging small changes into one larger change).
  4. Batch Processing: Instead of processing single events, the suggestion is to batch events together. This approach allows for more efficient handling, especially under high load, as it reduces the overhead of processing multiple singular events.

  5. Implementation: The text outlines a code approach to create a batched event stream, which collects all available events and processes them together, improving overall performance.

In summary, the author emphasizes the need to rethink how events are processed by using batching techniques to handle multiple events efficiently, thus enhancing the performance of stateful services.

Author: goranmoomin | Score: 42

90.
Onfim's world: Child artists in history
(Onfim's world: Child artists in history)

No summary available.

Author: benbreen | Score: 33

91.
Show HN: Min.js style compression of tech docs for LLM context
(Show HN: Min.js style compression of tech docs for LLM context)

Summary of llm-min.txt: Min.js Style Compression of Tech Docs for LLM Context

Overview: llm-min.txt is a new format designed to compress technical documentation for better use with AI coding assistants. Traditional documentation can be too large or outdated, making it hard for AI models to provide accurate assistance. llm-min.txt addresses this by creating a concise, structured summary of essential information.

Key Components:

  1. Importance: AI coding assistants often struggle with outdated or lengthy documentation, which can lead to errors in code generation.

  2. llm-min.txt Format: Inspired by min.js files in web development, it condenses documentation into a machine-optimized format called the Structured Knowledge Format (SKF). This format organizes information into three main sections:

    • DEFINITIONS (D): Static aspects of the library, including component definitions and method signatures.
    • INTERACTIONS (I): Dynamic behaviors such as method invocations and error handling.
    • USAGE_PATTERNS (U): Concrete examples of how to use the library.
  3. Efficiency: The compression can reduce documentation size by 90-97%, making it manageable for AI tools to process.

Getting Started:

  • Installation: Users can easily install llm-min via pip.
  • API Key: Requires a Google Gemini API key for generating compressed documentation.
  • Usage: Users can generate llm-min.txt files by specifying input sources and settings through command-line options or directly in Python.

Output Structure: The generated files are organized into a directory with the original documentation, the compressed llm-min.txt, and a guideline for understanding the format.

Choosing AI Models: The tool primarily uses Google's Gemini AI models for processing, specifically recommending the gemini-2.5-flash-preview-04-17 model for its efficiency and reasoning capabilities.

Future Plans: Potential developments include creating a public repository for shared llm-min.txt files and using source code analysis for documentation inference.

FAQs: The document addresses common questions about the generation process, information preservation, costs, and troubleshooting.

Contributions: The project encourages community involvement for improvements and is open-source under the MIT License.

Author: marv1nnnnn | Score: 174

92.
What is HDR, anyway?
(What is HDR, anyway?)

HDR stands for High Dynamic Range. It's a technology used in photography, videography, and displays that allows for a greater range of brightness and color. This means HDR images and videos can show more detail in the brightest and darkest parts, creating a more realistic and vibrant picture. HDR helps to enhance the overall viewing experience by making visuals look closer to what the human eye naturally sees.

Author: _kush | Score: 767

93.
Harvard Law paid $27 for a copy of Magna Carta. It's an original
(Harvard Law paid $27 for a copy of Magna Carta. It's an original)

No summary available.

Author: jgwil2 | Score: 187

94.
LLMs get lost in multi-turn conversation
(LLMs get lost in multi-turn conversation)

Large Language Models (LLMs) can help users through conversations, not just by following clear instructions but also by guiding them in defining their needs. However, most evaluations of LLMs focus on straightforward, single-turn instructions rather than more complex, multi-turn conversations. Our research shows that LLMs perform significantly worse in these multi-turn settings, with an average performance drop of 39% across various tasks.

We analyzed over 200,000 simulated conversations and found two main issues: a slight decrease in skill and a big increase in mistakes. LLMs often make early assumptions and try to provide final answers too quickly, which leads to errors. In simple terms, if LLMs go off track in a conversation, they struggle to get back on course.

Author: simonpure | Score: 361

95.
Apple Blocks Fortnite's Return to iOS App Store, Epic Claims
(Apple Blocks Fortnite's Return to iOS App Store, Epic Claims)

Epic Games announced that Fortnite will remain unavailable on iOS devices worldwide because Apple has blocked its attempts to bring the game back. This situation stems from a long-standing legal battle that began in 2020 when Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic tried to implement its own payment system.

Epic attempted to submit Fortnite for review using a separate account from its Swedish subsidiary, but after waiting over 120 hours without a response, they had to resubmit the application. Epic's CEO, Tim Sweeney, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from Apple and the slow review process.

The future of Fortnite on iOS remains uncertain, as a previous lawsuit confirmed that Apple has the right to keep Epic's developer account banned. The game briefly returned to iOS through the Epic Games Store in the EU, but that version is now offline as well.

Author: tosh | Score: 102

96.
"Goodwill", key member of the SoCal Python Community has passed away
("Goodwill", key member of the SoCal Python Community has passed away)

In Memoriam: Michael Ryabushkin

Michael Ryabushkin, a key figure in the SoCal Python community, passed away in May 2025. Known as "Goodwill," he was a beloved organizer, mentor, and friend to many.

Michael's contributions to the Python and open-source communities were significant. He volunteered countless hours to help organize events, including meetups and the PyBeach conference. He was known for fostering connections among individuals, leading to new friendships and job opportunities. Many remember him for his kindness, humor, and ability to make everyone feel welcome.

He had a profound personal impact on many lives, encouraging people to pursue careers in tech and supporting them through difficult times. His generosity and thoughtful nature left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Michael will be greatly missed for his leadership, mentorship, and the warmth he brought to the community. His legacy of kindness and support will continue to inspire others. Rest in peace, Michael.

Author: rdegges | Score: 43

97.
An Update on Fresh
(An Update on Fresh)

Summary of Fresh Update

Fresh is a web framework developed by Deno, known for its simplicity and adherence to modern web standards. The next version, Fresh 2, has been in development, and while it's being used in production, its official release is still pending.

Key Points:

  1. Purpose of Fresh 2: Fresh 1.0 gained popularity, but as projects grew in complexity, it became clear that a new architecture was needed for better performance and extensibility.

  2. Delay Reasons: The development of Fresh 2 required significant improvements to the core Deno platform, which took time. Issues affecting Fresh were often tied to Deno's foundational technologies, necessitating a focus on enhancing Deno itself.

  3. Current Status: Fresh 2 is already in alpha testing on Deno's main website and Deno Deploy. The stable release is targeted for late Q3 2025, likely in September.

  4. New Features: Fresh 2 will offer a simplified API, improved performance, support for async components, and a new plugin system for middleware. It aims for a smoother developer experience, similar to popular frameworks like Express.

  5. Getting Fresh 2: The alpha version is available for testing. Users are encouraged to provide feedback. To get started, new projects can be created with a simple command, and existing projects can be upgraded easily.

  6. Upcoming Developments: Deno 2.3 has also been released, featuring improvements that enhance the Fresh development process.

The team is excited about Fresh 2 and values community feedback as they work towards a stable release.

Author: agos | Score: 72

98.
Postman is logging all your secrets and environment variables
(Postman is logging all your secrets and environment variables)

No summary available.

Author: primitivesuave | Score: 13

99.
Show HN: Easel – Code multiplayer games like singleplayer
(Show HN: Easel – Code multiplayer games like singleplayer)

Easel is a user-friendly 2D game programming language designed to make creating multiplayer games as simple as making single-player ones. It automates complex tasks like networking and synchronization, allowing both beginners and experienced coders to focus on game creation without hassle.

Key features of Easel include:

  • Effortless Multiplayer: Code as if all players are in a single game world, with Easel handling the technical details.
  • Streamlined Coding: Easel uses a hierarchical and reactive programming model, making it easy to write and understand complex game logic.
  • Beginner-Friendly: It's accessible for newcomers while still being powerful enough for seasoned developers.
  • All-in-One System: Easel includes everything needed for 2D game development, such as graphics and audio, plus an online editor for easy game creation and hosting.

Users praise Easel for its simplicity and efficiency, making game programming enjoyable and less time-consuming compared to traditional languages like Java or Python. Overall, Easel is positioned as a revolutionary tool for game developers.

Author: BSTRhino | Score: 77

100.
Show HN: I’ve built an IoT device to let my family know when I’m in a meeting
(Show HN: I’ve built an IoT device to let my family know when I’m in a meeting)

The author has created an IoT device called Tabajara that helps family members know when they're in a meeting while working from home. The device lights up at the office door when the webcam is turned on.

It uses an ESP32 microcontroller connected to Wi-Fi and runs on the Arduino framework. The device has an HTTP server that receives updates about the webcam status (on or off) and changes the LED color accordingly.

A Python program checks if the camera is in use and sends updates to the device. This setup is simple yet very helpful for avoiding interruptions during meetings.

For more information, you can watch a demonstration here and find the source code here.

Author: delduca | Score: 115
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