1.Animated Factorization(Animated Factorization)
No summary available.
2.Discord Unveiled: A Comprehensive Dataset of Public Communication (2015-2024)(Discord Unveiled: A Comprehensive Dataset of Public Communication (2015-2024))
Discord has transformed from a platform mainly for gamers to a space for various online communities. However, there hasn't been much academic research on it due to difficulties accessing data. This paper presents "Discord Unveiled: A Comprehensive Dataset of Public Communication (2015-2024)," which is the largest collection of public Discord server data so far. It includes over 2.05 billion messages from 4.74 million users across 3,167 public servers, covering about 10% of those available in Discord's Discovery feature. The dataset spans from Discord's launch in 2015 to the end of 2024 and is useful for studying community management, information sharing, and social interactions. Data was gathered using Discord's public API while following ethical and privacy guidelines. It is organized in a way that makes it easy to analyze. Initial findings show trends in user activity, the use of bots, and language diversity, with English being the most common language, followed by Spanish, French, and Portuguese. The dataset also reveals popular community topics, such as social issues, art, music, and memes, indicating Discord's growth beyond gaming.
3.Lune: Standalone Luau Runtime(Lune: Standalone Luau Runtime)
Lune Overview
Lune is a standalone runtime for Luau, similar to runtimes like Node or Deno. It's designed for writing and running programs efficiently.
Key Features:
- Simple and powerful interface that is easy to use.
- Comprehensive APIs for files, networking, and standard input/output, all within a small (~5MB) executable.
- Excellent documentation available both online and offline.
- Provides a familiar environment for Roblox developers, including a task scheduler.
- Optional library for working with Roblox models and files.
What Lune Doesn't Aim For:
- It focuses on readability over making programs very short.
- It is not intended for running complete Roblox games outside of the Roblox platform.
Getting Started: Visit the Installation page to begin using Lune!
4.Show HN: Evolved.lua – An Evolved Entity Component System for Lua(Show HN: Evolved.lua – An Evolved Entity Component System for Lua)
Summary of evolved.lua
Overview: evolved.lua is a high-performance, flexible Entity-Component-System (ECS) library for Lua designed to facilitate the creation of complex systems with ease.
Key Features:
-
Performance:
- Utilizes an archetype-based approach for efficient storage and processing of entities and components.
- Components are stored in contiguous arrays for fast iteration.
- Minimizes garbage collection pressure and unnecessary memory allocations.
-
Simplicity:
- The library's API is designed to be intuitive and straightforward.
- Functions are self-explanatory, making it easy to use after a brief overview.
-
Flexibility:
- Supports complex system creation, queries with filters, and batch operations.
- Allows for easy addition of custom features and functionality.
Installation:
- Install via LuaRocks:
luarocks install evolved.lua
, or clone the repository and copy the file to your project.
Basic Concepts:
- Entities and Fragments: Entities are identifiers representing objects, while fragments are types of components attached to entities.
- Components: Data that can be attached to entities via fragments.
- Chunks: Grouping of entities with the same set of components for efficient processing.
Core Functions:
- Creating Identifiers:
evolved.id()
generates unique identifiers. - Setting and Getting Components: Use
evolved.set(entity, fragment, component)
to attach data andevolved.get(entity, fragment)
to retrieve it. - Batch Operations: Functions like
evolved.batch_set()
andevolved.batch_remove()
allow modifications on multiple entities at once.
Debugging:
- Debug mode can be enabled to catch errors related to API misuse.
Processing Entities:
- Use queries to filter and process entities efficiently, and define systems to organize processing tasks.
Advanced Topics:
- Features like fragment tags, hooks, unique fragments, and destruction policies provide additional functionality for managing components and entities.
Conclusion: evolved.lua is a versatile ECS library that balances performance, simplicity, and flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of applications in Lua.
5.New tools and features in the Responses API(New tools and features in the Responses API)
No summary available.
6.'Turbocharged' Mitochondria Power Birds' Epic Migratory Journeys('Turbocharged' Mitochondria Power Birds' Epic Migratory Journeys)
Researchers have discovered that the extraordinary migratory abilities of birds are linked to changes in their mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in their cells. Birds like the white-crowned sparrow can fly thousands of miles without stopping, which requires a significant amount of energy. To meet these demands, their mitochondria undergo enhancements in number, shape, and efficiency before migration, effectively becoming "turbocharged."
Studies show that increased exposure to spring light triggers these mitochondrial changes, allowing birds to produce more energy for flight. Migratory birds have been found to possess more and better-functioning mitochondria compared to non-migratory birds, which helps them sustain high-intensity flights.
The research indicates that these mitochondrial adaptations can occur quickly in response to environmental changes, a phenomenon known as "phenotypic flexibility." However, this boost in mitochondrial performance may come with downsides, such as increased production of harmful molecules. Birds may counteract this with a diet rich in antioxidants.
Overall, understanding how birds optimize their mitochondrial function during migration could offer insights into human health and exercise, as researchers explore the potential for similar adaptations in people.
7.Building my own solar power system(Building my own solar power system)
No summary available.
8.Goethe's Faustian Life(Goethe's Faustian Life)
The article titled "The Great Unread" by Gus Mitchell discusses the life of Goethe, particularly focusing on his work "Faust." It explores themes related to culture and literature. The piece invites readers to share their thoughts via email.
9.Ask HN: How do you promote your personal project in limited bugget?(Ask HN: How do you promote your personal project in limited bugget?)
No summary available.
10.GPS Needs to Toughen Up, or Get Trampled Down(GPS Needs to Toughen Up, or Get Trampled Down)
Summary of "GPS Needs To Toughen Up, Or Get Trampled Down"
GPS (Global Positioning System) is facing significant threats from jamming and spoofing, with over 700 incidents reported daily in 2024. A notable incident involved Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243, which was misled off course by GPS interference and shot down, resulting in 38 deaths. The U.S. and other regions like Europe and the Middle East are experiencing increased GPS signal disruptions, raising concerns about the broader implications for critical sectors like banking and utilities.
GPS vulnerabilities stem from weak signals and lack of encryption, making it easy for inexpensive devices to interfere. Current U.S. efforts to enhance GPS security through executive orders have been insufficient, and the system is lagging behind alternatives like Europe’s Galileo and China’s Beidou.
Experts suggest several improvements, including:
-
Anti-Jamming Technology: Implementing advanced antennas that can filter out signal interference and making them available for civil use.
-
Dual-Frequency Receivers: Upgrading to receivers that can utilize multiple GNSS signals for better accuracy and resistance to interference.
-
Signal Encryption: Developing and deploying encryption for GPS signals to protect against spoofing, similar to what Galileo has implemented.
-
Alternative Navigation Systems: Exploring backup systems like enhanced Loran (eLoran) and magnetic navigation to provide reliable positioning when GPS fails.
-
Policy Changes: Advocating for relaxed export controls on technology that can improve GPS resistance to interference.
Without significant action and funding, GPS risks losing its status as the leading global navigation system. To regain its preeminence, the U.S. must enhance GPS security and capabilities to protect its critical infrastructure.
11.Veo 3 and Imagen 4, and a new tool for filmmaking called Flow(Veo 3 and Imagen 4, and a new tool for filmmaking called Flow)
Google has announced new generative media models and tools to enhance creativity, including Veo 3, Imagen 4, and a filmmaking tool called Flow.
Key highlights include:
-
Veo 3: This advanced video generation model improves on its predecessor, Veo 2, by adding the ability to create videos with audio, such as background noises and character dialogue. It’s available for Ultra subscribers in the US and enterprise users on Vertex AI.
-
Veo 2 Updates: New features include improved video capabilities, camera controls for precise movements, outpainting to adjust video framing, and the ability to add or remove objects in scenes. These enhancements are also coming to the Vertex AI API.
-
Flow: A user-friendly AI filmmaking tool that allows creators to make cinematic clips by describing scenes in natural language. It is available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the US.
-
Imagen 4: This image generation model offers high-quality, detailed images and improved typography, suitable for printing and presentations. It is available in various Google apps and will soon have a faster variant.
-
Lyria 2: This music composition tool provides musicians with experimental features to explore new creative ideas. It’s accessible through platforms like YouTube Shorts and Vertex AI.
Google emphasizes responsible AI creation and has introduced SynthID to watermark AI-generated content, helping to combat misinformation. They also launched SynthID Detector to identify AI-generated materials. The goal is to empower artists and creators to bring their ideas to life more easily and quickly.
12.Overlap (YC S24) Is Hiring(Overlap (YC S24) Is Hiring)
Overlap creates AI tools for media companies that help them search, edit, and understand video content. Our user-friendly platform is used by major media companies and many creators to automate video clipping for social media.
We are looking for a Product Engineer to join our team and help shape Overlap's future. In this role, you will work on our technology stack and have a significant impact on our product, especially in the podcast space.
Responsibilities:
- Work with the founding team to define and implement product features.
- Develop and maintain our web application using Next JS and Python.
- Optimize and manage our Google Cloud infrastructure.
- Contribute to product design and development.
Requirements:
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup and handle various tasks.
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- US citizen willing to work in-person in San Francisco.
Preferred Skills:
- Proficiency in Python for backend development.
- Experience in building products from scratch.
- Familiarity with Google Cloud services, especially Firebase and Kubernetes.
- Knowledge of AI and machine learning.
- Experience with Figma.
Why Join Us:
- Be part of a rapidly growing startup backed by Y Combinator.
- Work with cutting-edge AI technology.
- Opportunity for equity and growth in the company.
- Collaborate with a passionate team focused on changing how people consume content.
13.Gemma 3n preview: Mobile-first AI(Gemma 3n preview: Mobile-first AI)
Summary of Gemma 3n Preview Announcement
On May 20, 2025, Google announced Gemma 3n, a new mobile-first AI model designed for powerful and efficient performance on devices like phones, tablets, and laptops. This model builds on the advancements of Gemma 3 and Gemma 3 QAT and is aimed at making AI more accessible.
Key features of Gemma 3n include:
- Optimized Performance: It responds 1.5 times faster on mobile and uses less memory, thanks to innovations like Per-Layer Embeddings.
- Flexibility: The model can dynamically adjust its performance and quality based on user needs.
- Privacy and Offline Capability: It runs locally on devices, ensuring user privacy and functionality without needing internet access.
- Multimodal Understanding: It processes audio, text, and images, allowing for complex interactions and improved speech recognition and translation.
- Enhanced Multilingual Support: Better performance in languages like Japanese, German, Korean, Spanish, and French.
The model aims to enable developers to create new, interactive applications that respond to real-time inputs. Google emphasizes its commitment to responsible AI development, ensuring safety and ethical considerations.
Developers can preview Gemma 3n today through Google AI Studio for cloud-based testing or Google AI Edge for on-device development. This launch marks a significant step in making advanced AI technologies available for a wider audience.
14.“ZLinq”, a Zero-Allocation LINQ Library for .NET(“ZLinq”, a Zero-Allocation LINQ Library for .NET)
Summary of ZLinq Overview
ZLinq is a new LINQ library for .NET that focuses on zero memory allocations, making it efficient for performance-critical applications. Key features of ZLinq include:
-
Zero Allocations: By utilizing structs and generics, ZLinq avoids memory allocations during LINQ operations, which is a common issue with traditional LINQ implementations.
-
Comprehensive Extensions: It supports various extensions such as LINQ to Span, LINQ to SIMD, and LINQ to tree structures (like FileSystem and JSON).
-
Broad Compatibility: ZLinq works across multiple platforms, including .NET Standard 2.0, Unity, and Godot, and has achieved over 2000 stars on GitHub.
-
Full Method Coverage: ZLinq provides complete coverage of all LINQ methods and overloads introduced in .NET 10, ensuring high compatibility and performance optimizations.
-
Benchmark Performance: In tests, ZLinq generally outperforms traditional LINQ, especially in scenarios where method chaining is involved. It employs techniques like aggressive pooling to manage memory efficiently.
-
Easy Integration: Users can easily switch to ZLinq by adding a simple call (
AsValueEnumerable()
) to existing code, maintaining compatibility with current LINQ codebases. -
Innovative Architecture: ZLinq uses a unique structure for iteration that reduces method calls and improves performance compared to traditional LINQ.
-
LINQ to Tree Support: The library extends LINQ capabilities to tree data structures, allowing for easier data manipulation with JSON and other hierarchical formats.
-
Open Source Commitment: The library is part of a larger open-source initiative, and while the author faces challenges with maintenance, there are no immediate plans for commercialization.
In conclusion, ZLinq sets itself apart from other LINQ libraries through its focus on zero allocations, comprehensive method support, and advanced performance optimizations, making it a promising tool for .NET developers.
15.Overview of the Ada Computer Language Competition (1979)(Overview of the Ada Computer Language Competition (1979))
No summary available.
16.Convolutions, Polynomials and Flipped Kernels(Convolutions, Polynomials and Flipped Kernels)
This text discusses the multiplication of polynomials and its connection to convolution sums in the context of signals and systems.
-
Multiplying Polynomials: The text first illustrates how to multiply two polynomials using cross-multiplication and then demonstrates a more systematic approach using a table to organize terms. It establishes a formula for calculating the coefficients of the resulting polynomial using sums of products of coefficients from the two polynomials.
-
Abstract Representation: It introduces a more abstract representation of polynomials as sums of their coefficients multiplied by powers of (x). The key formula for the resulting polynomial is derived, emphasizing how each coefficient is calculated based on the coefficients of both polynomials.
-
Graphical Method: A graphical method of polynomial multiplication is described, where one polynomial is flipped and paired with the other. This method reinforces the concept of how terms combine to form output coefficients.
-
Connection to Convolution: The text then transitions to discrete signals and systems, explaining how convolution is analogous to polynomial multiplication. It defines discrete signals, discrete systems, and the important impulse signal, which helps in decomposing signals into simpler components.
-
Linear Time-Invariant (LTI) Systems: Key properties of LTI systems are discussed, indicating that the system's response to a signal can be determined by its response to an impulse.
-
Convolution Operation: The convolution operation is formally defined, showing how it combines input signals and impulse responses. An example illustrates the calculation of the output using convolution.
-
Properties of Convolution: Several properties of convolution, such as linearity and commutativity, are highlighted. The most significant property is the convolution theorem, which states that the Fourier transform of a convolution is equal to the product of the Fourier transforms of the individual signals, enabling efficient computation.
In summary, the text explains the mathematical foundations of polynomial multiplication and its application in signal processing through convolution, outlining how these concepts are interconnected.
17.Litestream: Revamped(Litestream: Revamped)
Summary:
Ben Johnson discusses the updates to Litestream, an open-source tool that enhances SQLite applications by making their data recoverable from object storage. He created Litestream in 2020 to address challenges with traditional database systems that required complex server management.
Litestream continuously streams database updates to an S3-compatible storage, allowing for easy data recovery if a server fails. Over time, they developed LiteFS, which offers more advanced features like read replicas and primary failovers. Although both tools are valuable, Litestream is more popular due to its simplicity.
Recent improvements to Litestream include:
-
Faster Restores: The original restore method was slow because it replayed every change since the last snapshot. The new method uses ordered changesets (LTX files) that allow for quicker point-in-time restores.
-
Simplified Synchronization: Litestream now employs a time-based lease system through modern object stores, eliminating the need for complex setups and allowing for better handling of multiple instances.
-
Lightweight Read Replicas: A new read-replica layer will enable efficient fetching and caching of pages from object storage, improving performance while maintaining compatibility with existing SQLite applications.
-
Bulk Database Synchronization: The updated design allows for replicating multiple databases simultaneously, addressing previous limitations.
The overall goal is to enhance SQLite's capabilities while keeping it user-friendly. The author is excited about the future of Litestream and its potential applications, particularly in AI and coding environments.
18.What makes a good engineer also makes a good engineering organization (2024)(What makes a good engineer also makes a good engineering organization (2024))
Software engineers often hold degrees in computer science, which can seem contradictory since science and engineering are different fields. However, software development is a unique blend of both, involving the engineering of known systems (computers) and a process of discovery that informs both vision and engineering.
While software might appear to be a straightforward assembly of resources to realize a vision, the relationship between vision and engineering is more complex and intertwined. For example, early computer graphics used techniques like color cycling, where developers creatively applied their understanding of technology to produce impressive results that were not originally intended.
The author argues that deep understanding of tools and technology leads to innovative outcomes. Relying solely on abstraction layers in software development can hinder creativity, as engineers may treat these tools as black boxes without fully grasping their inner workings. This detachment can lead to mediocrity, as seen in the abundance of games produced without significant quality improvement.
In larger engineering organizations, hierarchical structures and siloed teams can stifle the bidirectional relationship between vision and engineering, making it difficult to adapt or innovate. Just as software development benefits from understanding, organizations need to cultivate a culture of deep knowledge and collaboration to unlock their full potential.
Aspiring entrepreneurs often emulate successful figures without understanding the foundational work that led to success. Similarly, companies may adopt practices from established firms without realizing they are products of specific contexts. To foster true innovation, organizations should prioritize understanding over imitation, recognizing that great outcomes come from a synergy of vision and engineering informed by deep knowledge.
19.Roto: A Compiled Scripting Language for Rust(Roto: A Compiled Scripting Language for Rust)
Summary of Roto: A Compiled Scripting Language for Rust
Roto is a new embedded scripting language designed for Rust applications, developed by NLnet Labs. It aims to provide a simple, fast, and reliable way to create complex filters for BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) applications like Rotonda.
Key features of Roto:
- Static Typing: Unlike many dynamic languages, Roto is statically typed, ensuring better performance and type safety.
- Compiled Language: Roto scripts are compiled to machine code at runtime using a JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler, which enhances speed.
- User-Friendly: Roto is designed to be easy to learn, resembling familiar scripting languages but with static typing.
Roto allows users to define filters through constructs like filtermap
, which simplifies writing complex filter conditions. The language can utilize types and methods defined by the host application, making it flexible and powerful.
For example, a simple filter can check if an IP address falls within a specified range. The host application manages which functions and filters are executed, avoiding automatic script execution.
Roto is well-integrated with Rust, allowing direct use of Rust types without serialization, making it efficient for processing BGP messages.
The language is still under development, and feedback is welcome as it evolves. Interested users can find more details in the documentation and repository.
20.Writing into Uninitialized Buffers in Rust(Writing into Uninitialized Buffers in Rust)
Summary of Writing into Uninitialized Buffers in Rust
On March 11, 2025, a new approach to handling uninitialized buffers in Rust was introduced by John Nunley and Alex Saveau. This method, implemented in the rustix 1.0 library, features a new Buffer
trait that simplifies reading data safely into buffers.
Key Points:
-
Buffer Trait: The
Buffer
trait allows functions to read data into various types of buffers. It defines methods to get a raw pointer to the buffer and to confirm how many elements were initialized. -
Reading Data: Functions using the
Buffer
trait can read data from file descriptors into both initialized and uninitialized buffers. For example, reading into a&mut [u8]
buffer returns the number of bytes read, while reading into a&mut [MaybeUninit<u8>]
gives two slices: one for initialized data and another for uninitialized space. -
Use Cases: This trait can be used with
Vec<T>
to read into its spare capacity, ensuring efficient memory use without unnecessary allocations. -
Implementation: The
read
function uses system calls to read the data and then validates how many bytes were written. -
Flexibility: The
Buffer
trait is not limited tou8
, allowing it to work with other data types. -
Error Handling: Using the
Buffer
trait may lead to confusing error messages during compilation, prompting the need for better documentation. -
Safe Usage: While the current implementation requires some unsafe code, future enhancements, like a
Cursor
API, are suggested to allow safe and incremental writing to uninitialized buffers. -
Future Considerations: There is hope that the
Buffer
trait can be standardized in Rust's standard library, offering a simpler alternative to the existingBorrowedBuf
.
This new approach aims to make working with uninitialized buffers in Rust safer and more efficient.
21.Deep Learning Is Applied Topology(Deep Learning Is Applied Topology)
No summary available.
22.AI's energy footprint(AI's energy footprint)
The article discusses the energy consumption and carbon footprint of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting the significant increase in energy demand as AI technologies become more integrated into daily life. Here are the key points simplified:
-
AI's Growing Energy Needs: As AI tools like chatbots and image generators gain popularity, their energy requirements are rising sharply. Current estimates suggest that AI could consume a significant portion of the electricity used in data centers.
-
Data Centers and Power Consumption: Data centers, where AI models are trained and run, have doubled their electricity consumption since 2017. By 2028, it's projected that more than half of the electricity used by data centers will be for AI purposes.
-
Environmental Impact: The electricity consumed by data centers is often sourced from fossil fuels, leading to higher carbon emissions. The carbon intensity of energy used in these centers is higher than the national average, contributing to climate change.
-
Lack of Transparency: There is a significant lack of transparency from tech companies regarding the energy used by their AI models. This makes it difficult for researchers and policymakers to understand the true environmental impact of AI.
-
Future Projections: Energy demands for AI are expected to rise dramatically, potentially using enough electricity to power a large number of households. This growth could lead to increased emissions and strain on energy grids.
-
Cost to Consumers: Consumers may bear the costs of expanding data centers through higher electricity bills, as utility companies often provide discounts to tech giants that can lead to increased rates for everyday users.
In summary, while AI technologies are becoming more prevalent and useful, their growing energy requirements and associated environmental impacts raise concerns about sustainability and transparency in the industry.
23.Clojuring the web application stack: Meditation One(Clojuring the web application stack: Meditation One)
Summary of "Clojuring the Web Application Stack: Meditation One"
This article by Aditya Athalye discusses the intricacies of building web applications using Clojure, emphasizing the importance of understanding both web framework and application architecture in the Clojure ecosystem. Here are the key points:
-
Clojure's Unique Approach: Unlike many programming languages that rely on a few dominant web frameworks, Clojure encourages developers to stack various libraries, giving them flexibility and control over their applications.
-
Ring Project: Ring is the foundational collection of HTTP libraries in Clojure, which is crucial for handling web requests and responses. It operates on hash-maps and facilitates an embedded application server model using Jetty.
-
Framework vs. Libraries: The article contrasts traditional frameworks, which often impose strict architectures and dependencies, with Clojure’s library-based approach. This flexibility allows developers to choose components that best suit their needs but may also lead to complexity.
-
Middleware: Middleware in Clojure is a functional mechanism that allows developers to add layers of processing to their request/response cycle. This enables separation of concerns, such as authentication or logging, enhancing modularity.
-
Routing: Clojure does not provide a built-in routing solution like many frameworks do. Instead, it suggests using libraries like Compojure or writing custom routing mechanisms, giving developers the freedom to define their routing logic.
-
Getting Started: For newcomers, the author recommends starting with a simple stack (Ring + Jetty + Compojure + Hiccup) and gradually exploring more complex solutions as they gain experience.
-
Learning Resources: The article encourages hands-on practice through existing demos and resources, including video tutorials and community discussions, to build a solid foundation in Clojure web development.
Overall, the article serves as a guide for understanding the Clojure web stack, advocating for a thoughtful, first-principles approach to building web applications in this language.
24.Building an agentic image generator that improves itself(Building an agentic image generator that improves itself)
Summary: Building an Agentic Image Generator
At Bezel, we develop personas to help brands create targeted ads. Recently, brands requested us to generate ad inspirations for their customers using the OpenAI Image API, which has two main functions: creating and editing images.
To improve the quality of generated images, we established a system that uses evaluators (AI models) to identify flaws in the images, such as blurry text or poor visual appeal. We started with a complex prompt for generating an ad but found that the initial model struggled to produce clear images.
We used an evaluation method called "LLM-as-a-Judge" to detect text blurriness and visual issues. Through iterative editing, we improved image quality by addressing specific flaws identified by the evaluators. However, this process revealed limitations, especially when trying to balance creative and technical tasks.
To enhance our approach, we developed a bounding box method to focus edits on specific areas of the image. Unfortunately, this method did not yield accurate results, as the models struggled to provide precise pixel-level data.
In conclusion, while large language models are effective at identifying high-level visual issues, they face challenges in executing detailed edits that require spatial accuracy. Our findings suggest that LLMs are better suited for discrete evaluations rather than complex, iterative image editing. We believe that refining these methodologies will lead to significant advancements in image generation.
25.The NSA Selector(The NSA Selector)
Summary of the NSA Selector
The NSA Selector is a Eurorack module available for purchase at Lectronz. It features two Ethernet jacks and one audio output, allowing you to capture and convert network traffic into sound.
Key Features:
- Not an Audio Interface: The NSA Selector does not play back specific audio formats like MP3 or WAV. It simply taps into network traffic and converts it to audio.
- Audio Conversion: It can process uncompressed images, such as BMP files, allowing you to "listen" to the pixels. The module uses a unique method to convert standard audio files into a 4-bit format at a high sample rate, resulting in a distinctive sound, though not high fidelity.
- Network Monitoring: You can listen to various types of network traffic, including online games, IoT data, and remote desktop protocols. Creative uses include writing custom code to make network data MIDI-controllable.
- Technical Specs: The module acts as a fast Ethernet switch and has specific power requirements. It is available as a fully assembled product or as a kit.
For more information, you can visit Lectronz and check out videos on assembly and usage.
26.Why does the U.S. always run a trade deficit?(Why does the U.S. always run a trade deficit?)
Summary: Why Does the U.S. Always Run a Trade Deficit?
The United States consistently has a trade deficit because it imports more than it exports. This imbalance is partly due to low domestic savings, which means the U.S. relies on borrowing from abroad to fund its investments. To reduce the trade deficit, the country needs to increase exports and improve its savings rate.
In a closed economy, investment equals savings. However, the U.S. economy is open to international trade, allowing for different levels of savings and investments. When the country imports more than it exports, it must borrow money from foreign investors, resulting in a trade deficit that is reflected in the sale of U.S. assets to those investors.
Data shows that U.S. savings have often lagged behind investment spending, especially since 2000. The gap between savings and investments widened before the 2008 financial crisis, narrowed during it, and has fluctuated since then, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade policies can influence the trade balance, but they must also address the saving-investment gap to be effective. For example, even if the U.S. reduces its oil imports, the overall trade deficit may not decrease if the savings gap remains.
Critics of trade deficits argue that they lead to foreign ownership of U.S. assets, resulting in income flowing out of the country. However, borrowing from abroad can also enhance the economy's productive capacity. Reducing the trade deficit typically requires painful adjustments, such as lowering investments initially followed by increasing savings.
In summary, the U.S. trade deficit is tied to its saving and investment dynamics, and addressing it involves complex economic adjustments.
27.Show HN: 90s.dev – Game maker that runs on the web(Show HN: 90s.dev – Game maker that runs on the web)
Summary of 90s.dev Release:
The creator of 90s.dev has been working on this new platform since February and is excited to share it publicly.
What is 90s.dev?
- It's an API for making games and game development tools.
- It simulates a retro "operating system" for creating apps, particularly in a 320x180 canvas format.
Key Features:
- Runs in web browsers and allows for 60 fps games using WebGL2.
- Includes a TypeScript-first SDK for quick development.
- Supports importing modules from GitHub or NPM.
- Comes with basic apps for creating pixel art and game assets.
Innovative Components:
- A simple auto-layout system for GUI design.
- "Refs" for watchable properties, allowing dynamic updates in the UI.
- A unique approach to using abstract and concrete views for flexible GUI design.
Community Focus:
- Encourages users to create and share their apps and game assets.
- Provides tools for collaboration, including an issue tracker and discussion forum.
Overall, 90s.dev aims to enable easy game development while fostering a community-driven environment.
28.Withnail and I (2001)(Withnail and I (2001))
The text is a dedication by Bruce Robinson for a new edition of his screenplay "Withnail and I." He dedicates it to his friend Vivian, who he describes as a charming and unforgettable person he met in drama school in 1964. Despite not excelling as an actor or writer, Vivian's true talent was simply being himself, captivating everyone around him.
Robinson reflects on their friendship through diary entries, recalling their heavy drinking, humorous escapades, and deep conversations. He notes Vivian's struggles with alcohol and his eventual battle with cancer, highlighting Vivian's bravery in the face of death. The dedication serves as a heartfelt tribute to Vivian, expressing gratitude for their shared experiences and the impact he had on Robinson's life and work.
29.A Secret Trove of Rare Guitars Heads to the Met(A Secret Trove of Rare Guitars Heads to the Met)
A significant collection of rare guitars, amassed by Dirk Ziff and Perry Margouleff over decades, has been donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). This collection, nearly six hundred vintage instruments, highlights the guitar's profound impact on American culture and music in the twentieth century.
Jayson Dobney, a curator at the Met, became aware of the collection while working to enhance the museum's representation of modern musical instruments. After years of collaboration with Margouleff, who had been keeping the collection a secret, Ziff finally agreed to share it with the public. The collection includes iconic guitars and aims to showcase the evolution of the instrument and its cultural significance.
The guitars will be featured in a permanent gallery at the Met, set to open in Spring 2027. This exhibit intends to celebrate the guitar as an essential part of American history, emphasizing its role in breaking down social barriers and influencing pop culture globally.
Margouleff, who refers to himself as a "guitarcheologist," and Ziff view the collection not as mere memorabilia but as crucial artifacts of musical history that deserve to be played and appreciated. The Met plans to involve musicians in the exhibit, allowing them to engage with the instruments, reinforcing their living history.
Overall, the donation marks a recognition of the guitar as an art form and a vital component of American identity and creativity.
30.My favourite fonts to use with LaTeX (2022)(My favourite fonts to use with LaTeX (2022))
Summary of "My Favourite Fonts to Use with LaTeX (Part I)"
Lino Ferreira discusses alternative fonts for LaTeX, moving beyond the default Computer Modern typefaces. He explores high-quality, free font options, focusing on serif fonts which are ideal for longer documents. The article features seven fonts: Bembo, Palatino, Crimson, Libertine, STIX, Charter, and Utopia, providing descriptions and samples for each.
Key Points:
- Introduction to Fonts: LaTeX users often seek alternatives to Computer Modern due to its prevalence in scientific documents.
- Font Types: Important font types in LaTeX include serif (for body text), sans-serif (for headers), and monospaced (typewriter style).
- Font Selection: Choosing fonts involves ensuring they support mathematical characters and pairing them appropriately.
- Notable Fonts:
- Bembo: An old-style font with historical significance, often used in books.
- Palatino: A widely recognized font known for its legibility, with several free clones available.
- Crimson: A modern old-style font designed to be a high-quality free alternative for general use.
- Libertine: A contemporary font inspired by Baroque styles, known for its good design and versatility.
The author highlights the importance of selecting the right font combinations for LaTeX documents and provides resources for further exploration, including a GitHub repository for code and samples. Part II is expected to continue the discussion.
31.Red Programming Language(Red Programming Language)
Red Programming Language Overview
Red is an advanced programming language inspired by REBOL, designed to be user-friendly and versatile. Key features include:
- Simple Syntax: Easy for humans to read and write.
- Meta-Language: Red can describe its own code and data.
- Programming Paradigms: Supports functional, imperative, reactive, and symbolic programming.
- Object-Oriented: Prototype-based object support.
- Data Types: Offers over 50 built-in data types.
- Compilation Options: Can be compiled statically or with Just-In-Time (JIT) to native code.
- Compact Executables: Produces small, standalone binaries (under 1MB) with no external dependencies.
- Concurrency: Strong support for concurrent programming using actors and parallel collections.
- Low-Level Programming: Allows system-level programming through a special DSL (Domain-Specific Language).
- Cross-Platform GUI: Includes a GUI system and layout DSL for applications.
- High-Level Scripting: Comes with a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) for interactive coding.
- Easy to Use: The entire toolchain is included in a single-file executable, requiring no installation.
Red aims to be a "full-stack language," enabling users to handle tasks from low-level system programming to high-level scripting, all with a consistent syntax. It was first introduced at the ReBorCon conference in 2011.
32.Elephants evolved to beat cancer, and how we could too(Elephants evolved to beat cancer, and how we could too)
Elephants have a surprisingly low rate of cancer despite their large size and long lifespan. Research shows that they possess 20 copies of a gene called p53, which helps suppress tumors, while humans only have one copy. This gene plays a critical role in preventing damaged cells from multiplying, which is key to avoiding cancer.
A study in 2022 revealed that the variety of p53 genes in elephants allows them to evade cancer more effectively than humans. While larger animals generally have higher cancer risks, elephants and some other large species seem to be exceptions, a phenomenon known as "Peto's Paradox."
Recent research suggests that the numerous p53 variations in elephants might be primarily for protecting their sperm from DNA damage due to high body temperatures, with cancer prevention being a secondary benefit. Understanding how elephants manage cancer could lead to new therapies for humans.
33.The Dawn of Nvidia's Technology(The Dawn of Nvidia's Technology)
David Rosenthal's blog discusses the early history of Nvidia, highlighting its rise as a tech giant, particularly under the leadership of Jensen Huang. He reflects on two books that chronicle Nvidia's journey, noting that while one account is detailed, the other lacks accuracy in certain technical aspects.
Rosenthal shares insights into the innovations made during the development of the NV1 graphics chip, emphasizing two key approaches: improving how data was processed (the imaging model) and enhancing I/O architecture. The NV1 utilized quadric patches for better graphics rendering, making efficient use of the PCI bus bandwidth.
He also describes how Nvidia's I/O architecture, specifically the "virtualized objects" system, allowed for faster product development by enabling software emulation of hardware features. This innovation was crucial for Nvidia's success against competitors.
Throughout his narrative, Rosenthal reflects on his experiences at Sun Microsystems and the lessons learned while developing graphics technology. He credits the collaborative efforts with skilled engineers and the foresight of their VCs for enabling Nvidia to innovate effectively and adapt to future needs. Ultimately, he considers the architecture developed for Nvidia to be his most significant engineering achievement.
34.Show HN: A Tiling Window Manager for Windows, Written in Janet(Show HN: A Tiling Window Manager for Windows, Written in Janet)
Jwno: A Customizable Tiling Window Manager
Jwno is a user-friendly tiling window manager designed for Windows 10/11. It is highly customizable and created using Janet programming language. It offers unique features that enhance window management, making it easy to control your desktop.
Key Points:
- Jwno allows for efficient management of application windows.
- The documentation is still being developed, so some links may not work yet.
- Visual examples include managing applications like Emacs and Sonic Pi.
Useful Links:
- For new users: Features, Installation Guide, Interactive Tutorial.
- For experienced users: Cookbook, Reference Index, Development Guide.
- Additional resources: Download links, Issue Tracker, Source Code on GitHub and Chisel.
35.Watching AI drive Microsoft employees insane(Watching AI drive Microsoft employees insane)
No summary available.
36.Linguists find proof of sweeping language pattern once deemed a 'hoax'(Linguists find proof of sweeping language pattern once deemed a 'hoax')
Linguists have confirmed that Inuit languages do have multiple words for snow, supporting an idea that was previously dismissed as a myth. This comes from a recent study that analyzed many world languages and found that different cultures often have many words for concepts that are significant to them, like lava for Samoans or oatmeal for Scots.
The researchers looked at bilingual dictionaries and measured how much space specific concepts took up in each language. They noticed that languages often have more words related to things relevant to their environments, such as deserts in Arabic or elephants in Sanskrit. However, why certain concepts are emphasized in some languages, like rapture in Portuguese, remains unclear.
This study revives the idea of linguistic relativity, which suggests that language can influence how we perceive the world, although it doesn’t completely determine it. The findings indicate that while the number of words can reflect cultural significance, dictionaries have limitations and may not fully represent how languages are used in everyday life. Future research could explore actual language use in conversation or social media to provide more insights.
37.Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows 3.0(Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows 3.0)
Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages of Windows 3.0
Windows 3.0, released on May 22, 1990, was a significant milestone for Microsoft as it marked the first successful version of Windows. Here are the key points regarding its advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- User-Friendly: The graphical user interface (GUI) was easier to use compared to MS-DOS, making it more accessible for users.
- Improved Stability: It offered better stability than earlier Windows versions, allowing users to run it for longer periods without crashes.
- Multitasking: Introduced cooperative multitasking, which, while basic, was better than competing systems at the time.
- Useful Applications: Featured graphical versions of popular software like Word and Excel, enhancing productivity.
- Affordable Hardware: Could run on relatively inexpensive PCs, promoting mass adoption.
- Compatibility: Helped standardize PC hardware compatibility during a chaotic period in computing.
- Personalization: Allowed users to customize their PCs easily, making them feel more personal.
Disadvantages:
- Short Lifespan: Windows 3.0 was quickly succeeded by Windows 3.1, which was faster and more stable.
- Frequent Crashes: Users often had to reboot during the day due to crashes, which was frustrating.
- Cooperative Multitasking Only: Applications controlled multitasking, which was less efficient compared to other systems.
- Limited Hardware Support: Initial support for newer hardware, like sound devices, was lacking until later updates.
- Dependency on DOS: It operated on top of MS-DOS, affecting performance and stability.
In conclusion, Windows 3.0 was a pivotal product for Microsoft that helped it gain significant market share and set the stage for future successes. Its advantages, particularly in user experience and affordability, outweighed its disadvantages at the time.
38.OpenAI Codex hands-on review(OpenAI Codex hands-on review)
Summary of OpenAI Codex Hands-on Review
Overview: OpenAI Codex is a chat-based tool that enhances coding productivity, but it still needs improvements. It requires a paid subscription and multi-factor authentication to use.
What I Like:
- Multi-Tasking: Codex allows users to queue multiple tasks in parallel, which fits well with my workflow.
- Progress Monitoring: You can track task progress and logs through a chat interface, making it easy to manage updates.
- Accessibility: Codex can be used from a phone, supporting work outside the office.
Areas for Improvement:
- Error Handling: Tasks sometimes fail without clear reasons.
- Code Quality: Execution of larger tasks can be cumbersome, with only a moderate chance of satisfaction.
- Branch Updates: Updating existing pull requests is challenging, as Codex prefers to create new ones instead.
- Network Limitations: Codex cannot access the internet for certain tasks, limiting its effectiveness in resolving dependencies.
Productivity Gains: While I haven't experienced significant productivity boosts yet, I believe Codex will improve as it becomes more refined and integrates with other OpenAI capabilities. For now, it’s useful for smaller, routine tasks, but I still prefer using an IDE for larger projects.
39.Taito-tastic: Kiki Kaikai and its Hardware(Taito-tastic: Kiki Kaikai and its Hardware)
Summary of "Taito-tastic: Kiki Kaikai and its Hardware"
The article discusses the arcade game Kiki Kaikai, which Taito developed and is known for its challenging gameplay and Shinto themes. It's related to Pocky & Rocky, a game by Natsume. Unlike many shooters of its time, Kiki Kaikai restricts player attacks to the same direction as movement, making it tough to play.
The game runs on unique hardware featuring a black PCB, including a YM2203 FM synthesizer for sound and a Z80 CPU. The design uses sprite-based graphics instead of the common tilemap system, which is notable for its time. The board has interesting visual artifacts that appear due to the way sprites and backgrounds are drawn.
Additionally, the article highlights the charming aspects of collecting arcade games, such as manuals and mini-marquees. It concludes by noting a hidden message in the game that connects to its development team. Overall, Kiki Kaikai reflects the dedication of its creators despite its difficulty.
40.Life before the web – Running a Startup in the 1980's (2016)(Life before the web – Running a Startup in the 1980's (2016))
Summary: Life Before the Web – Running a Startup in the 1980s
This text is part of a series featuring Robert Gaskins, who helped create PowerPoint in the 1980s. It discusses the challenges of running a startup during that time compared to today.
-
Startup Environment: In the 1980s, the internet was not widely available, making it difficult for startups to get feedback or sales early on. Planning and investment had to be made well in advance.
-
Competition: Gaskins faced numerous competitors in the presentation software market, but chose to focus on developing for emerging platforms like Windows and Macintosh. PowerPoint became the first major presentation application for Windows, which helped it gain a dominant market position.
-
Challenges: The startup faced financial struggles and the constant threat of liquidation. There were long delays in software development due to the complexities of the platforms, especially with Windows.
-
Sales and Marketing: Without the internet, marketing involved traditional methods like magazine advertisements, personal visits to editors, and phone calls. This led to high costs and delays in reaching customers.
-
Focus Issues: Gaskins initially tried to manage multiple projects, including publishing software developed by others. However, this strategy led to significant financial losses and nearly caused the company to fail. Eventually, they focused solely on PowerPoint.
-
Comparison to Today: Gaskins expresses envy for modern software startups that can use the web for rapid development and customer feedback, contrasting it with the slow, cumbersome processes of the past.
Overall, Gaskins highlights the significant differences in technology, competition, and business strategies between the 1980s and today’s startup environment.
41.A simple search engine from scratch(A simple search engine from scratch)
No summary available.
42.Robin: A multi-agent system for automating scientific discovery(Robin: A multi-agent system for automating scientific discovery)
Scientific discovery involves a process of research, hypothesis creation, experimentation, and data analysis. Although artificial intelligence (AI) has made strides in this field, no system has fully automated all these steps—until now. Robin is a new multi-agent system that can automate key parts of the scientific process. It combines literature search and data analysis to generate hypotheses, suggest experiments, and interpret results.
Using Robin, researchers discovered a new treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD), a leading cause of blindness. Robin suggested enhancing a specific cell process as a treatment and identified ripasudil, a drug that had never been considered for dAMD before. It then proposed further experiments to understand how ripasudil works, revealing a new target related to lipid transport.
All aspects of the research—from hypotheses to data analysis—were generated by Robin. This system represents a significant advancement in AI-driven scientific discovery, setting a new standard for how research can be conducted.
43.Semantic search engine for ArXiv, biorxiv and medrxiv(Semantic search engine for ArXiv, biorxiv and medrxiv)
No summary available.
44.Gail Wellington, former Commodore executive, has died(Gail Wellington, former Commodore executive, has died)
No summary available.
45.GPU-Driven Clustered Forward Renderer(GPU-Driven Clustered Forward Renderer)
No summary available.
46.The Windows Subsystem for Linux is now open source(The Windows Subsystem for Linux is now open source)
Summary of Microsoft Build Announcement (May 19, 2025)
Microsoft has announced that the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is now open source. This means that the code is available on GitHub, allowing users to download, build, and contribute to WSL's development.
Key Points:
- WSL consists of different components that run in Windows and inside a virtual machine.
- The main parts include command line tools, a WSL service, Linux processes, and file sharing features.
- Some components, like the WSL service and Linux kernel, are already open sourced, while others remain part of Windows.
- WSL was first introduced in 2016 and evolved through various versions, with significant updates like WSL 2 introduced in 2019.
- The move to open source aims to enhance community involvement and accelerate development.
- Users can contribute to WSL by accessing the code on GitHub.
For more information and to participate, visit microsoft/WSL on GitHub.
47.Show HN: Juvio – UV Kernel for Jupyter(Show HN: Juvio – UV Kernel for Jupyter)
Juvio: Easy and Manageable Jupyter Notebooks
What It Does:
-
Inline Dependency Management: You can install packages directly from the notebook using commands like
%juvio install numpy pandas
. Dependencies are saved as metadata in the notebook. -
Automatic Environment Setup: When you open the notebook, Juvio automatically creates a temporary virtual environment with the correct package versions, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
-
Git-Friendly Format: Notebooks are converted to a script-like format, making it easier to track changes and manage versions with Git.
How to Use:
- Install Juvio with
pip install juvio
and enable the frontend in Jupyter Lab. - Ensure you have
uv
installed for environment management. - Start JupyterLab and create a Juvio Notebook.
- Install any necessary packages within the notebook.
Benefits:
- No extra files needed for dependencies.
- Ensures reproducibility of your work.
- Results in cleaner version control with Git.
Note: This project is still in early beta, so there may be bugs. If you encounter issues, you can report them for improvements.
Known Issue: If you see an error about JSON, launch Jupyter Lab with a specific argument for Juvio to work properly.
48.Ask HN: Conversational AI to Learn a Language(Ask HN: Conversational AI to Learn a Language)
No summary available.
49.Using unwrap() in Rust is Okay (2022)(Using unwrap() in Rust is Okay (2022))
The blog post discusses the use of unwrap()
in Rust, focusing on when it is acceptable to use and the confusion surrounding its application. Here's a simplified summary of the key points:
-
My Position:
- Panicking should not be used for error handling in applications or libraries, except in tests or prototyping.
- If a Rust program panics, it indicates a bug.
- There are two types of errors: recoverable (use
Result<T, E>
) and unrecoverable (can panic).
-
What is
unwrap()
?:unwrap()
is a method that extracts the value from anOption
orResult
, panicking if the value isNone
orErr
.
-
Panic Explanation:
- When a panic occurs, it can either abort the process or unwind the stack, providing debugging information.
- Panics are useful for developers but can be confusing for end users.
-
Error Handling Strategies:
- Aborting, panicking, or handling errors as values (preferable).
- Using
unwrap()
is common in quick scripts, tests, and documentation examples but should be avoided in production code.
-
Types of Errors:
- The distinction between recoverable and unrecoverable errors can be ambiguous; focusing on whether a panic indicates a bug is more useful.
-
Using
unwrap()
andexpect()
:unwrap()
can be used if the programmer is confident it won't fail, butexpect()
is preferred when context is needed in panic messages.- There is a debate on whether to lint against
unwrap()
to encourage better error handling practices.
-
Runtime Invariants:
- These are conditions that must hold true at runtime but cannot always be checked at compile time.
- If a runtime invariant is violated, it indicates a bug.
-
Panics as a Debugging Tool:
- Panics provide valuable information for debugging and can be preferable in some cases.
In conclusion, the post emphasizes careful consideration of when to use panic mechanisms like unwrap()
and advocates for treating errors as values in most situations, especially in user-facing applications.
50.Show HN: Text to 3D simulation on a map (does history pretty well)(Show HN: Text to 3D simulation on a map (does history pretty well))
No summary available.
51.Reports of Deno's Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated(Reports of Deno's Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated)
Summary of Deno's Current Status and Future Plans
Deno, a JavaScript runtime, is addressing recent criticisms about its products and direction. While some concerns are valid, many criticisms are based on misunderstandings. Deno's adoption has more than doubled since the release of Deno 2, which improved compatibility with Node.js and made the platform faster and easier to use.
Key Points:
-
Deno Deploy: The reduction in deployment regions was due to cost and actual usage patterns. Most developers only needed a few regions for their applications. Deno Deploy is evolving to support full-stack applications, subprocesses, and self-hosted regions, allowing developers more control.
-
Deno KV: This key-value store is useful but not a complete solution for all data management needs. Deno plans to simplify the use of relational databases and improve state management integration.
-
Fresh Framework: Fresh is actively used in Deno's projects, and a new version, Fresh 2, is on the way, focusing on quality over speed of release.
-
Platform Improvements: Deno now offers a comprehensive toolchain for building JavaScript applications, including TypeScript support, security features, and built-in observability.
-
Future Plans: Deno is committed to enhancing performance and compatibility and transitioning to a community-driven governance model. New products aimed at simplifying distributed applications are in development.
Deno is not winding down but rather ramping up its efforts and improving communication with users. The team appreciates the support from developers using Deno.
52.Proposal for Standardized JSX(Proposal for Standardized JSX)
Summary of Proposal for Standardized JSX
-
Current Situation: There is no movement towards standardizing JSX, as most people are satisfied with the current state. However, JSX has shown to be very useful and will likely need a standard in the future.
-
Problems with Current JSX Transformations:
- The existing global-based transformation method is problematic.
- The import-based approach is also inadequate because:
- It raises questions about what path to use.
- It requires tooling to function.
- It doesn't support multiple implementations in a single file.
-
Proposed Solution:
- Transform JSX expressions into JavaScript object literal expressions.
- Each tag would be represented as
Symbol.for("JSX")
, with all children stored in a "children" field and other properties unchanged.
-
Benefits of the Proposal:
- Simple and straightforward.
- Utilizes plain JavaScript objects.
- Avoids the need for global variables and auto-imports.
- No need for special pragmas.
- Allows compatibility across different frameworks.
- Easy to implement.
53.Launch HN: Better Auth (YC X25) – Authentication Framework for TypeScript(Launch HN: Better Auth (YC X25) – Authentication Framework for TypeScript)
No summary available.
54.Google is giving Amazon a leg up in digital book sales(Google is giving Amazon a leg up in digital book sales)
No summary available.
55.The Last Letter(The Last Letter)
No summary available.
56.Capalyze – Natural language data analysis(Capalyze – Natural language data analysis)
Summary:
Capalyze simplifies data analysis by allowing users to ask questions in natural language, making it easy to get insights without a learning curve. It uses AI to tailor its analysis to your needs, whether for sales forecasting or financial breakdowns.
You can generate interactive reports and dashboards with just one click and customize them for your team. The platform also allows you to edit spreadsheets directly within the conversation, streamlining your workflow.
Capalyze supports uploading various data formats and connecting to multiple sources, helping you gain deeper insights. It ensures enterprise-level security with role-based access and encryption, allowing you to maintain control over your data.
Overall, Capalyze makes data analysis conversational and user-friendly.
57.The value isn't in the code (2022)(The value isn't in the code (2022))
The main message of the text is that while software code is important, it is not the most valuable part of a software solution. The key points are:
-
Skill and Time Are Crucial: Successful software development requires skilled professionals and time. Poorly written code can create more problems than it solves.
-
Team Dynamics Matter: Building a good software solution involves assembling a skilled team, establishing clear roles, and understanding the problem. This process takes time.
-
Business Logic and Design: Even simple software needs well-defined business logic and thoughtful design, both of which also require time and effort.
-
Code Is Just a Small Part: The actual coding phase is relatively quick compared to the time spent on planning, team building, and design.
-
Value Is in Knowledge and Experience: Much of the real value lies in the knowledge and experience of the team rather than the code itself. An example is provided where the author rebuilt a complex solution in a short time simply by applying what they had learned from the original project.
-
Reconsider Refactoring: The author suggests that sometimes it may be more effective to discard old code and start fresh instead of trying to improve it through refactoring.
In conclusion, the text emphasizes that the value of software solutions comes from the people, processes, and design, not just the code.
58.Launch HN: Opusense (YC X25) – AI assistant for construction inspectors on site(Launch HN: Opusense (YC X25) – AI assistant for construction inspectors on site)
No summary available.
59.Google AI Ultra(Google AI Ultra)
Google has launched a new subscription plan called Google AI Ultra, designed for those who want the best access to its AI features. This plan is ideal for filmmakers, developers, and creative professionals, offering the highest usage limits and premium features for $249.99 per month, with a 50% discount for the first three months for new users.
Key features of Google AI Ultra include:
- Gemini App: Access the best version of the Gemini app with advanced models for research and creative tasks.
- Flow: A filmmaking tool that allows users to create cinematic clips with high-quality video generation.
- Whisk: Helps visualize ideas with text and image prompts, including features to animate images.
- NotebookLM: Enhanced capabilities for studying and project work.
- Integration with Google Apps: Use Gemini directly in apps like Gmail and Docs for easier task management.
- Project Mariner: A tool for managing multiple tasks from a single dashboard.
- YouTube Premium: Includes an ad-free experience on YouTube and YouTube Music.
- 30 TB of Storage: Large storage capacity across Google services.
Existing subscribers of the previous AI Premium plan, now called Google AI Pro, will also receive new benefits, including AI filmmaking tools and early access to Gemini in Chrome. Additionally, Google is expanding free access to Google AI Pro for university students in several countries.
Overall, Google AI Ultra offers a comprehensive suite of advanced AI tools for those looking to leverage AI in their work.
60.Disabling kernel functions in your process (2009)(Disabling kernel functions in your process (2009))
The article discusses a technical challenge encountered when trying to manage unhandled exceptions in a software application. Initially, the author used the SetUnhandledExceptionFilter
function to catch exceptions, but found that other libraries, specifically Direct3D and Flash, were repeatedly overwriting their own exception handlers. This led to a failure in capturing crash reports.
To solve this issue, the author decided to modify the behavior of SetUnhandledExceptionFilter
directly by disabling it after setting their own handler. This involved some advanced programming techniques, including code modification. The author provided a code snippet demonstrating how to replace the initial bytes of the SetUnhandledExceptionFilter
function with a return instruction, effectively preventing other libraries from interfering.
The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying system and being cautious with such modifications, as they can have wide-ranging effects. The author also discussed the implications of this approach, its potential risks, and how it could be considered "black magic" by some. Ultimately, they succeeded in ensuring that their last-chance exception reporting worked reliably.
In summary, the key points are:
- The problem: Libraries were overwriting the unhandled exception filter, causing missed crash reports.
- The solution: Modify the
SetUnhandledExceptionFilter
function to prevent other libraries from interfering. - The challenge: Code modification requires advanced knowledge and can have serious implications.
61.The Lisp in the Cellar: Dependent types that live upstairs [pdf](The Lisp in the Cellar: Dependent types that live upstairs [pdf])
Summary of "The Lisp in the Cellar" Conference Paper
Published on May 12, 2025, by researchers Pierre-Evariste Dagand and Frederic Peschanski, this paper introduces the Deputy system. Deputy is a dependently-typed programming language based on Clojure, which allows programmers to write code that involves type computations. This system supports inductive datatypes and is designed to explore how interactive programming and type-checking can be integrated within a Lisp-style development environment. The language operates as a Clojure library, enabling the use of Clojure alongside type-level programming.
For more details, a PDF of the paper is available for download.
62.Making video games (without an engine) in 2025(Making video games (without an engine) in 2025)
The text is a friendly message thanking visitors for checking out the website. It also mentions that the source of the information can be found on the site.
63.Have I Been Pwned 2.0(Have I Been Pwned 2.0)
Have I Been Pwned 2.0 is now available as of May 20, 2025.
64.LLM-D: Kubernetes-Native Distributed Inference(LLM-D: Kubernetes-Native Distributed Inference)
Summary of the llm-d Community Announcement
The llm-d community has been launched to provide a Kubernetes-native framework for high-performance distributed LLM (large language model) inference. This framework allows users to effectively implement generative AI deployments with speed and cost efficiency.
Key Features of llm-d:
-
Optimized Performance: llm-d addresses unique challenges in LLM inference, such as expensive and varied request times, by employing advanced techniques like KV-cache aware routing and disaggregated serving.
-
Modular Architecture: Built on popular open-source technologies (vLLM, Kubernetes, and Inference Gateway), llm-d offers a flexible and scalable solution that fits various hardware and workloads.
-
Disaggregated Serving: The framework separates the inference process into prefill and decode phases, allowing for better resource optimization across different types of workloads.
-
Quality of Service (QoS): llm-d accommodates a wide range of latency needs, making it suitable for different applications, from real-time interactions to batch processing.
-
Autoscaling: It features an intelligent autoscaler that adjusts resources based on traffic and workload demands, enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Community Engagement: The llm-d community invites AI engineers and researchers to join and contribute to the project through its GitHub repository and developer Slack channel. Users can start deploying llm-d on their Kubernetes clusters using provided quick-start guides.
For more details, visit the llm-d GitHub repository or join the community on Slack.
65.Compiling OCaml to the TI-84 CE Calculator(Compiling OCaml to the TI-84 CE Calculator)
Summary: Compiling OCaml for the TI-84+ CE Calculator
This post discusses how to compile an OCaml program to work on a TI-84+ CE calculator. OCaml is a functional programming language, and the author has been interested in both programming and calculators for some time.
Key Points:
- OCaml lacks support for the TI-84+ CE calculator, which typically supports C and assembly languages.
- The goal is to create a portable OCaml program that can be compiled into a single ANSI C file suitable for the calculator.
- The author plans to use a tool called Js_of_ocaml, which usually converts OCaml bytecode into JavaScript, and adapt it to output C code instead.
- This approach requires adding a garbage collector to manage memory, as OCaml’s runtime is generally large.
- The garbage collector will track live objects using a global stack instead of the usual method, making it more portable.
- The runtime will include minimal standard libraries for basic operations like screen drawing.
- The integration with OCaml’s build system allows for easy development and compilation of OCaml programs for the calculator.
The post concludes by inviting readers to explore the generated C code and mentions that some OCaml features are not yet supported. The author expresses hope for future improvements.
66.New stem cell model sheds light on human amniotic sac development(New stem cell model sheds light on human amniotic sac development)
The text emphasizes the importance of research partnerships, stating that collaboration leads to greater creativity and innovation.
67.Production tests: a guidebook for better systems and more sleep(Production tests: a guidebook for better systems and more sleep)
Summary: Production Tests Guide
Customers expect websites to work perfectly at all times, which requires a focus on reliability. While automated tests and monitoring tools are commonly used, production tests (or synthetics) are essential for immediate failure detection in the live environment.
What are Production Tests?
- Automated tests that run in the production environment, typically every minute.
- They simulate user actions using a headless browser or API calls.
- Should complete in 30 seconds or less to allow frequent checks.
Benefits of Production Tests:
- Early Issue Detection: Warns engineers of problems before customers notice.
- Deployment Safety: Acts as an integration test to catch errors before they go live.
- Improved Debugging: Helps diagnose production issues by showing which tests are failing.
- Faster Recovery: Reduces time to fix incidents by providing early alerts and insights.
Design Tips:
- Keep tests simple and focused; cover essential functions without excessive complexity.
- Avoid frequent false alerts by ensuring tests are reliable.
- Aim for a balance between coverage and false positives; start with a few tests and expand gradually.
Differentiating from Health Checks:
- Health checks assess server status, while production tests evaluate user experience.
- Avoid confusing the two to prevent false alarms.
Considerations:
- Production tests can generate noise in logs and may incur costs.
- Set up tests carefully to avoid issues with data persistence and account management.
- Implement a “three strikes” rule before raising alarms to reduce false alerts.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Real-world validation, enhanced troubleshooting, and improved observability for low-traffic areas.
- Cons: Challenges in setup, potential for flaky tests, resource usage, and maintenance overhead.
Conclusion: Incorporating well-designed production tests can significantly enhance system reliability, alerting, and deployment safety. Regularly review and adjust tests to maximize their effectiveness as your system evolves.
68.What are people doing? Live-ish estimates based on global population dynamics(What are people doing? Live-ish estimates based on global population dynamics)
No summary available.
69.Why Property Testing Finds Bugs Unit Testing Does Not (2021)(Why Property Testing Finds Bugs Unit Testing Does Not (2021))
Summary:
The text discusses the advantages of Property-Based Testing (PBT) over traditional Unit Testing in identifying bugs. PBT involves defining general properties of a function and testing it with randomly generated inputs, allowing for a broader exploration of possible errors compared to specific test cases in Unit Testing.
The author responds to a critique suggesting that PBT isn't as beneficial as manual tests for finding boundary and partition errors. They argue that PBT is valuable because it can handle the complexity and numerous edge cases that arise in functions with multiple inputs. As the number of inputs increases, the potential combinations and edge cases multiply, making it difficult for manual testing to cover everything.
However, the author acknowledges that many examples used to illustrate PBT are too simple and don't demonstrate its true potential. They suggest that better examples should involve more complex input types, which can reveal hidden edge cases that manual tests might miss.
Overall, the text highlights the importance of PBT in software testing, especially for complicated functions with multiple inputs, while also acknowledging the challenges of effectively demonstrating its benefits.
70.Show HN: A Simple Server to Match Long/Lat to a TimeZone(Show HN: A Simple Server to Match Long/Lat to a TimeZone)
Summary of LGV_TZ_Lookup Project
Overview:
The LGV_TZ_Lookup project is a PHP-based server that matches longitude and latitude coordinates with their corresponding time zones using data from the Timezone Boundary Builder Project. Users can input a longitude/latitude pair and receive the time zone name in return.
Problem Addressed:
Time zones are complex and not determined solely by longitude; they are influenced by political boundaries. This project uses detailed geographic data to accurately associate locations with the correct time zones.
How It Works:
- The server processes GeoJSON data, which outlines time zone boundaries as polygons.
- It creates a simple database to store these polygons and uses a "domain rectangle" for quick lookups.
- Users make a request via HTTP, and the server responds with the appropriate time zone name.
Setup Requirements:
- A standard PHP/MySQL hosting environment is needed.
- The project relies on a GeoJSON file from the Timezone Boundary Builder Project, which must be downloaded and unzipped in the server's directory.
- A MySQL database must be set up with the correct permissions.
Installation Steps:
- Place the PHP files in a web-accessible directory.
- Configure a MySQL database and set the connection details in a configuration file.
- Use Composer to install necessary dependencies.
- Load the GeoJSON data into the database via command line.
Testing:
The server has built-in tests to verify that it responds correctly to known coordinates. These can be accessed via a specific URL.
License:
This project is licensed under the MIT License.
71.A disk is a bunch of bits (2023)(A disk is a bunch of bits (2023))
Summary of "A disk is a bunch of bits" by Dmitry Mazin
Dmitry Mazin discusses the concept of a disk being made up of bits, simplifying the understanding of how computers store information. He explains that when we refer to files on a disk, we are actually talking about "inodes," which contain all the metadata about files, such as permissions and ownership.
Using the ext4 filesystem as a reference, he illustrates how to explore the raw data of an inode associated with a file, including using tools like stat
and debugfs
to retrieve metadata and raw binary data. Mazin emphasizes that inodes do not store the actual file content but point to its location on the disk.
He describes the process of writing a C program to read the inode data from the disk and parse it using a defined structure (struct) that specifies the meaning of each bit. After validating that the data retrieved from the disk matches the data in memory, he concludes that both disks and memory are merely collections of bits.
Mazin also mentions that understanding how files are structured on disk demystifies computing and provides insight into how filesystems work. The post ends with a note on the importance of recognizing the relationship between disk data and in-memory representations.
72.In Memoriam: John L. Young, Cryptome Co-Founder(In Memoriam: John L. Young, Cryptome Co-Founder)
John L. Young, who passed away on March 28 at 89, was a pioneer in creating an online library for official secrets, allowing the public to access information often kept hidden by governments and companies. He co-founded Cryptome in 1996 with his wife, architect Deborah Natsios. Cryptome focuses on topics like freedom of expression, privacy, and government secrecy, promoting transparency with the motto: “The greatest threat to democracy is official secrecy.”
Cryptome became well-known for publishing various government and corporate documents and played a significant role in the "crypto wars" of the 1990s, advocating for the freedom to use encryption without government control. Young was also involved with WikiLeaks but later distanced himself due to concerns about its commercialization.
Born in West Texas and trained as an architect, Young dedicated his life to public service and transparency. He faced pressure from authorities and tech companies but remained committed to his mission. He served in the U.S. Army and earned degrees in philosophy and architecture from Rice University and Columbia University. Young was a radical activist and helped establish the community service group Urban Deadline.
He is remembered as an unsung hero of the digital age for his efforts to make information accessible to all, reflecting his strong belief in the public's right to know.
73.DDoSecrets publishes 410 GB of heap dumps, hacked from TeleMessage(DDoSecrets publishes 410 GB of heap dumps, hacked from TeleMessage)
DDoSecrets has released 410 GB of data hacked from TeleMessage, an Israeli company that archives messages from apps like Signal and WhatsApp. This release is being shared only with journalists and researchers due to the sensitive nature of the information, which includes personal identifiable information (PII).
Here’s a brief timeline of relevant events:
- March: A journalist was invited to a Signal group discussing war crimes, leading to Congressional hearings about the use of Signal for classified discussions by Trump officials.
- May 1: Shortly after being demoted, former national security advisor Mike Waltz was seen using TM SGNL, a modified Signal app by TeleMessage.
- May 3: The source code for TM SGNL was published on GitHub.
- May 4: TeleMessage was hacked, with further breaches reported soon after.
- May 6: Analysis revealed that TeleMessage misled users about the security features of their products.
- May 18: A vulnerability in TeleMessage's server was reported, allowing anyone to access sensitive data.
The data now published includes both plaintext messages and metadata like sender information and timestamps. DDoSecrets aims to facilitate research with this information.
74.Teachable Machine(Teachable Machine)
No summary available.
75.The Fractured Entangled Representation Hypothesis(The Fractured Entangled Representation Hypothesis)
Summary of the Fractured Entangled Representation Hypothesis
The paper discusses a hypothesis about how scaling up AI systems might not always lead to better internal representations. The authors, including researchers from MIT and the University of British Columbia, compare two types of neural networks: those evolved through an open-ended search and those trained using a traditional method called stochastic gradient descent (SGD).
Key Findings:
- Both types of networks can produce the same output (like images), but they have very different internal structures.
- The SGD-trained networks show a disorganized internal representation, termed "fractured entangled representation" (FER).
- In contrast, the evolved networks tend to have a more organized structure called "unified factored representation" (UFR).
- The presence of FER in large models may negatively impact their abilities in generalization, creativity, and ongoing learning.
The authors suggest that understanding and addressing FER is crucial for the future of AI representation learning. Additional resources, including data visualizations and code for further experimentation, are available in the paper's supplementary materials.
For contact or further research inquiries, you can reach out to the lead author at [email protected].
76.The emoji problem (2022)(The emoji problem (2022))
Summary of "The Emoji Problem: Part I" by greenturtle3141
The article discusses a complex math problem that originated from popular "emoji math problems" shared online. These problems often lead to confusion and disagreements. In response, a Reddit user created a challenging math question involving fruit emojis that gained popularity.
The author introduces basic concepts from polynomial theory and Diophantine equations, specifically focusing on Pythagorean triples. They explain how to find rational points on a unit circle and use the method of drawing lines with rational slopes to discover more points.
The main takeaway is that connecting rational points on an elliptic curve can yield additional rational points. The author also describes using Mathematica software to assist in calculations and finding rational points that satisfy certain conditions.
Ultimately, the article leads to a large, positive integer solution for the original problem, demonstrating the use of mathematical techniques and software to tackle complex problems.
77.Hypervisor as a Library(Hypervisor as a Library)
The article introduces a new approach to running a hypervisor, specifically a lightweight virtual machine on the Starina operating system, using a design pattern called "hypervisor as a library." The author explores how to integrate Linux applications, like a Go program called catsay, into Starina by mimicking the Rust std::process::Command
pattern.
Key points include:
-
Linux Compatibility: Achieving Linux compatibility can be challenging. While some systems emulate Linux system calls, Starina takes a different route by running a real Linux kernel within a lightweight virtual machine, similar to WSL2.
-
Using the Hypervisor: The article explains how to use the hypervisor in Starina by following a familiar command pattern, allowing developers to run Linux applications easily.
-
Simplified Interaction: The hypervisor is integrated as a library, enabling direct interaction with Rust objects and simplifying the API design. This contrasts with traditional hypervisors, which operate as separate processes.
-
Performance Considerations: While virtual machines are often seen as slow, the author argues they can perform well since the guest Linux runs natively most of the time. Optimizations could further improve boot times.
-
Future Aspirations: The author envisions enhancing the hypervisor to support features like networking, persistent storage, and a more container-like experience on Starina.
Overall, the article emphasizes the potential advantages of using a hypervisor as a library for improved integration and performance in a new operating system environment.
78.Ship Code to Kubernetes in Seconds: How mirrord kills 30-min CI Loops(Ship Code to Kubernetes in Seconds: How mirrord kills 30-min CI Loops)
The article discusses how to speed up the development of cloud-native applications using a tool called mirrord. Traditionally, moving code from a developer's machine to a testing environment involves several steps—committing code, building container images, and deploying them—which can take a long time.
Mirrord simplifies this process by allowing developers to run their code directly in a real Kubernetes environment without needing to redeploy. This means developers can test their changes quickly, reducing the usual wait time from 15-30 minutes to just a few seconds.
Mirrord consists of two main parts: the mirrord-layer, which runs locally and connects to a Kubernetes cluster, and the mirrord-agent, which runs in the cluster and manages interactions with its resources. This setup allows developers to test their code with real traffic and services while still working on their local machines.
To use mirrord, developers need to set up a Kubernetes cluster and install the mirrord operator. After that, they can install the mirrord CLI, connect to the cluster, and start testing their code instantly. Mirrord also has a "steal mode," enabling local code to handle incoming requests meant for the cluster, streamlining the testing process even further.
In summary, mirrord enhances the development workflow by allowing faster testing and debugging, enabling developers to ship cloud-native applications more efficiently.
79.Biff – a batteries-included web framework for Clojure(Biff – a batteries-included web framework for Clojure)
No summary available.
80.xAI's Grok 3 comes to Microsoft Azure(xAI's Grok 3 comes to Microsoft Azure)
Microsoft has partnered with Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, to offer managed access to the Grok AI model through its Azure AI Foundry platform. This includes Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini, which come with the service-level agreements that Azure customers expect. Users will be billed directly by Microsoft.
Grok is designed to be edgy and unfiltered, often willing to handle controversial topics and respond in ways that other AI systems, like ChatGPT, do not. However, it has faced criticism for inappropriate responses, including offensive language and controversial statements.
The versions of Grok available on Azure are more restricted compared to those on Musk's social network, X, and they offer additional features for data integration and governance.
81.Show HN: Kraa.io – Markdown editor for notes, blogs, chats(Show HN: Kraa.io – Markdown editor for notes, blogs, chats)
No summary available.
82.Show HN: Astra – a new js2exe compiler(Show HN: Astra – a new js2exe compiler)
Astra Overview
Astra is a fast and easy-to-use tool for converting JavaScript and TypeScript applications into executable files (.exe). Here are the key points:
- Lightweight: The average executable size is around 70-80MB, and can be reduced to about 30MB using UPX compression.
- Focus: Astra is designed for compiling server applications (like Express and Fastify) and command-line interfaces (CLIs), not for creating desktop applications like Electron.
- Platform: Currently, it only compiles for Windows, but support for macOS and Linux is in progress.
Key Features:
- Utilizes a unique compilation method different from other compilers.
- Supports the latest versions of Node.js.
- Fast build times thanks to esbuild.
- Improved support for ECMAScript modules.
- Provides a great developer experience with helpful tools.
- Generates a standalone executable that includes all dependencies.
- Allows customization of the executable's metadata (icon, name, version).
Getting Started:
- Install Astra globally using npm or Yarn.
- To compile a project, run
astra build src/index.js
. - For more options, use
astra --help
.
Contribution: Contributions are welcome, and all pull requests will be reviewed.
License: Astra is licensed under the MIT License.
Created by QwertyCodeQC.
83.Jules: An asynchronous coding agent(Jules: An asynchronous coding agent)
No summary available.
84.At Least Two Newspapers Syndicated AI Garbage(At Least Two Newspapers Syndicated AI Garbage)
A recent article titled "Heat Index," published in the Chicago Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer, raised concerns when readers discovered that many book recommendations were falsely attributed to authors who didn't write them. This led to suspicions that the article was generated by a chatbot, which was confirmed. The freelancer who created the content, Marco Buscaglia, admitted to using ChatGPT for assistance but did not verify the information provided by the AI.
The article contained multiple inaccuracies, including quotes from non-existent experts. The newspapers involved acknowledged the issue, stating that the content was syndicated from King Features without proper editorial oversight. Both publications expressed disappointment in the inaccuracies and are investigating the matter.
This incident highlights the challenges facing local newspapers, which are struggling with reduced staff and resources, prompting some writers to rely on AI tools. The overall situation reflects a broader trend where AI is used to cut corners rather than enhance quality, resulting in low-quality content often referred to as "slop." Many believe this could lead to a future where AI-generated work replaces human effort entirely, rather than improving it.
85.Show HN: Olelo Foil - NACA Airfoil Sim(Show HN: Olelo Foil - NACA Airfoil Sim)
No summary available.
86.A man who visited every country in the world without boarding a plane (2023)(A man who visited every country in the world without boarding a plane (2023))
Torbjørn Pedersen, who dreamed of being an adventurer since childhood, set out on a remarkable journey in 2013 to visit every country in the world without flying. Over nearly a decade, he faced numerous challenges, including serious health issues and dangerous situations, but also experienced profound moments of joy and connection with people across the globe.
Initially, Pedersen felt that great adventures were a thing of the past, but after discovering others had traveled the world on a budget, he decided to embark on his own journey. He planned carefully, setting rules to stay in each country for at least 24 hours, avoid flying, and raise awareness for the Danish Red Cross.
Throughout his travels, he faced emotional and physical hardships, including the loss of loved ones and the strain of a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend, Le. Despite the difficulties, he proposed to her during a visit, and they married online during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the resilience of their bond.
Pedersen's journey taught him valuable lessons about human connection, the commonalities between people, and the importance of relying on others. He concluded his travels in May 2023, receiving a warm welcome home, but also grappling with feelings of doubt about the significance of his achievement. Ultimately, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance and never giving up on one's dreams.
87.Zod 4(Zod 4)
Summary of Zod 4 Release
Zod 4 has been officially released after extensive development, boasting improvements in speed, efficiency, and new features. Key points include:
-
Stability and Compatibility: Zod 4 is released alongside Zod 3 to ease migration. Users can upgrade using
npm upgrade zod@^3.25.0
and import from the new pathimport { z } from "zod/v4"
. -
Performance Enhancements: Zod 4 is significantly faster than Zod 3, with benchmarks showing:
- 14x faster string parsing
- 7x faster array parsing
- 6.5x faster object parsing
- A 100x reduction in TypeScript compiler instantiations.
-
Reduced Bundle Size: The core bundle size is about 57% smaller, and a new variant, Zod Mini, offers a more tree-shakable API for projects with strict size constraints.
-
New Features:
- Metadata System: Allows adding strongly-typed metadata to schemas.
- JSON Schema Conversion: Directly convert Zod schemas to JSON Schema.
- Recursive Objects: Improved handling of recursive types without type casting.
- Internationalization: Introduces a locales API for translating error messages.
- Error Formatting: A new function for pretty-printing errors.
-
API Changes: Several APIs were simplified, including error customization and how refinements are applied within schemas.
-
Extended Functionality: New types and formats, such as numeric formats for integers and floats, as well as enhancements to string formats and refinements.
Zod 4 aims to be a robust foundation for future development, addressing long-standing limitations and paving the way for more efficient coding practices. For more details on migration and new features, users are encouraged to refer to the migration guide.
88.Finland announces migration of its rail network to international gauge(Finland announces migration of its rail network to international gauge)
Finland plans to change its railroad track gauge from 1,524 mm, which is wider than the European standard of 1,435 mm, to align with European standards. Transport Minister Lulu Ranne announced this plan at a recent press conference in Helsinki, stating that a decision on the change needs to be made by July 2027. The change aims to enhance security, military mobility, and improve cross-border connections with Sweden and Norway.
The project is seen as a collaborative effort involving Europe and NATO, with initial work expected to start in the 2030s, potentially around 2032. While the project is anticipated to be expensive, Ranne mentioned that the EU could fund a significant portion of the costs. The Nordic transport ministers, during their meeting, emphasized the importance of military mobility and security in transport planning.
89.Understanding How Violet Light Can Stop Myopia Progression(Understanding How Violet Light Can Stop Myopia Progression)
Summary: Understanding Violet Light's Role in Preventing Myopia Progression
A recent study has shown that violet light can help stop the progression of myopia (nearsightedness), which is becoming increasingly common, especially in Asia. Researchers from various institutions discovered that a photoreceptor protein called OPN5, which is sensitive to violet light, plays a crucial role in this process.
Myopia occurs when the eye elongates, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Violet light, which is abundant outdoors but limited indoors, has been found to prevent this elongation. The research team used a mouse model to demonstrate that without the OPN5 protein, violet light had no effect on myopia progression.
As myopia affects about a third of the global population, understanding how violet light works could help reduce the risk of severe vision issues associated with high myopia. Future research aims to explore how to effectively use violet light for myopia prevention in humans. The time of exposure may also be important, with evening treatments showing the best results in preliminary studies.
90.AI in my plasma physics research didn’t go the way I expected(AI in my plasma physics research didn’t go the way I expected)
In a guest post, physicist Nick McGreivy shares his experience with the hype surrounding AI in scientific research, particularly in plasma physics. Initially optimistic about AI's potential to enhance research, McGreivy's experiments with AI methods, like Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs), led to disappointing results. He found that many claims about AI outperforming traditional methods were based on unfair comparisons, often using weak baselines.
McGreivy highlights a broader trend of overoptimism in AI research, where negative results are rarely published, contributing to a "survivorship bias." He argues that AI's impact on science may not be as revolutionary as suggested, emphasizing that the rising adoption of AI by scientists is driven more by personal benefits—such as job prospects and funding—rather than genuine advancements in scientific knowledge.
Despite some successes of AI in fields like drug discovery and weather forecasting, McGreivy cautions against the idea that current AI techniques will significantly accelerate scientific progress. He calls for greater scrutiny of AI research and encourages a more cautious approach to evaluating its effectiveness.
91.The Future of Customer Support Is Lies, I Guess(The Future of Customer Support Is Lies, I Guess)
The author shares their experience with TrueNAS, a company that makes file servers. They switched from a BSD-based operating system to a Linux-based one called TrueNAS SCALE (Community Edition). When the author contacted customer support to inquire about the upgrade process, they received confusing and inaccurate information.
The support responses contained contradictions, such as claiming the new OS was Linux-based while also referencing FreeBSD, which is misleading. The author felt the responses were poorly written and suspected they were generated by an automated system rather than a knowledgeable person.
Despite asking specific questions, the author received vague answers and a lack of clarity on migration requirements. They noted that support teams often face pressure to handle tickets quickly, leading to mistakes and misinformation. Overall, the author expressed frustration with the decline of customer support quality, hinting at the over-reliance on technology like Large Language Models for generating responses.
92.GitHub Copilot Coding Agent(GitHub Copilot Coding Agent)
Summary: GitHub Copilot Coding Agent Public Preview
On May 19, 2025, GitHub introduced the Copilot coding agent, now available in public preview. This tool helps developers manage their workload by allowing them to delegate tasks to Copilot, freeing them up to focus on more creative and complex work.
Key features include:
- You can assign issues to Copilot just like another developer.
- Copilot operates in a secure cloud environment, makes changes, and tests its work before submitting.
- Once completed, it notifies you for review, and you can request adjustments via comments in the pull request or continue working on the code yourself.
Copilot is best for low-to-medium complexity tasks in well-maintained codebases, such as adding features, fixing bugs, and improving documentation. It can handle multiple issues simultaneously.
Availability:
- The Copilot coding agent is accessible to Copilot Pro+ and Copilot Enterprise subscribers. Enterprise users need admin approval to enable it.
- It uses GitHub Actions minutes and premium requests as per your subscription plan.
Starting June 4, 2025, using the agent will require a premium request for each task it performs.
The feature is rolling out to GitHub Mobile and CLI users, with gradual expansion throughout the week. For tips and guidance, users can refer to the Copilot documentation.
Feedback is welcome as this feature is still in preview and may change.
93.Warming of 1.5 °C is too high for polar ice sheets(Warming of 1.5 °C is too high for polar ice sheets)
The article discusses the significant impact of climate change on polar ice sheets, particularly in Greenland and Antarctica. Key points include:
-
Increased Ice Loss: Since the 1990s, ice loss from these ice sheets has quadrupled and is now the main contributor to rising sea levels globally.
-
Temperature Concerns: The article argues that the target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C is too high. Even the current temperature of 1.2°C could lead to several meters of sea-level rise over the coming centuries, which would severely affect coastal populations.
-
Sea-Level Rise Projections: The rate of sea-level rise has accelerated, and projections indicate that it could exceed 15 meters by the year 2300 if warming continues. This poses a significant threat to around one billion people living near sea level.
-
Historical Evidence: Past climate conditions show that small increases in temperature can lead to rapid ice sheet retreat and higher rates of sea-level rise, emphasizing the need for lower temperature targets to ensure ice stability.
-
Feedback Mechanisms: The article highlights self-reinforcing feedback loops that can drastically increase ice loss, making it crucial to maintain global temperatures below current levels to prevent catastrophic changes.
-
Precautionary Principle: The authors advocate for aiming for a global mean temperature below 1°C to keep ice sheets stable and mitigate risks associated with rapid sea-level rise.
In summary, the article stresses the urgent need to limit global warming to protect polar ice sheets and maintain sea-level stability, proposing a target even lower than the current climate conditions.
94.Dilbert creator Scott Adams says he will die soon from same cancer as Joe Biden(Dilbert creator Scott Adams says he will die soon from same cancer as Joe Biden)
Scott Adams, the creator of the comic strip "Dilbert," announced that he expects to die soon from prostate cancer, similar to the condition recently disclosed by former President Joe Biden. During his show "Coffee With Scott Adams," he revealed that his cancer has spread to his bones and that he believes his life expectancy is limited to this summer.
Adams, who is 67 years old, has been more politically vocal in recent years and has a significant following on social media. He expressed sympathy for Biden and his family, acknowledging the challenges they will face. Adams noted that while localized prostate cancer is curable, once it spreads, it becomes incurable.
95.Erlang/OTP 28.0 Release(Erlang/OTP 28.0 Release)
Summary of Erlang/OTP 28.0 Release
Erlang/OTP 28.0, released on May 21, 2025, introduces several new features and improvements, along with some incompatibilities. Key highlights include:
-
New Language Features:
- Processes can receive priority messages.
- Comprehensions now support "zip generators" for parallel operations.
- Strict generators raise exceptions for unmatched patterns.
- Floating-point numbers can use any base.
-
Compiler and JIT Improvements:
- The compiler can suggest corrections for certain errors.
- Atoms can now contain more than 255 bytes.
- Warnings for deprecated catch expressions can be enabled.
- Optimizations for maps and certain built-in functions (BIFs) have been improved.
-
ERTS (Erlang Runtime System):
- A new function for tracing system events has been added.
- Support for handling more signals has been improved.
- New functions for better process table iteration have been introduced.
-
Shell and Terminal Updates:
- A new "raw" mode in the shell allows for immediate keystroke reading.
- Enhanced help message for interrupting long-running commands.
-
Standard Library (STDLIB):
- A new function for joining binaries and sets represented as maps.
- The regex module has been updated to use a newer library.
- A new module for Zstandard compression has been added.
-
Public Key and Dialyzer Updates:
- Public key modules have been modernized while maintaining API compatibility.
- Nominal types have been implemented in Dialyzer.
-
SSL Enhancements:
- Optimized data handling for TLS v1.3.
-
Emacs Mode Updates:
- Better handling of multiline strings in Emacs commands.
For more details and potential incompatibilities, refer to the README on the Github Releases page.
96.Mystical(Mystical)
No summary available.
97.Terraform MCP Server(Terraform MCP Server)
Summary of Terraform MCP Server
The Terraform MCP Server is a server that integrates with Terraform Registry APIs, facilitating automation and interaction for Infrastructure as Code (IaC) development.
Key Uses:
- Automates the discovery of Terraform providers and modules.
- Extracts and analyzes data from the Terraform Registry.
- Provides detailed information about provider resources and data sources.
- Helps users explore and understand Terraform modules.
Important Note:
Outputs from the MCP server can change depending on various factors. Users should carefully evaluate these outputs to ensure they meet their organization's security and compliance standards before using them.
Prerequisites:
- Docker must be installed and running to use the server in a container.
Installation Instructions:
-
For Visual Studio Code (VS Code):
- Add a JSON block to your User Settings for MCP server configuration.
- You can also share the configuration in a workspace-specific file.
-
For Claude Desktop:
- Similar JSON configuration is needed for MCP server setup.
Tool Configuration:
The MCP Server provides tools for:
- Providers: Fetching documentation and details about specific providers.
- Modules: Searching for and retrieving detailed module information.
Building and Running:
- If Docker is unavailable, you can build the server from source using provided commands.
- You can also build a local Docker image to run the server.
Development:
- Prerequisites include Go and optionally Docker.
- Command options for building and testing the server are available.
Contribution and Support:
- Users can contribute by forking the repository and submitting pull requests.
- For support, users can report bugs or request features on GitHub.
License:
The project is licensed under the MPL-2.0 open source license.
For security issues, contact HashiCorp directly, and for discussions or questions, use GitHub Discussions.
98.Telum II at Hot Chips 2024: Mainframe with a Unique Caching Strategy(Telum II at Hot Chips 2024: Mainframe with a Unique Caching Strategy)
Summary of Telum II at Hot Chips 2024:
IBM's Telum II mainframe processor, presented at Hot Chips 2024, is designed for high performance in financial transactions. Key features include:
-
High Speed and Caching: Telum II has eight cores running at 5.5 GHz and a substantial 360 MB of on-chip cache. It uses a unique caching strategy, building on earlier IBM designs.
-
Large L2 Caches: Each core has a large 36 MB L2 cache, significantly reducing memory access latency. Unlike typical CPUs that share larger caches, Telum II's architecture minimizes data duplication by managing cache lines effectively.
-
Virtual Caching: Telum II employs virtual L3 and L4 caches, allowing efficient use of cache across multiple CPU chips. This virtual cache can adapt to workload changes and helps in maintaining performance.
-
Shared Memory System: Up to 32 Telum II processors can be interconnected, forming a large shared memory system with a combined virtual L4 cache of 2.8 GB.
-
Focus on Single-Threaded Performance: The design prioritizes single-threaded performance, which is crucial for server tasks like financial transactions. This is achieved by allocating substantial cache resources to single threads.
-
Innovative Cache Management: IBM's caching strategy involves advanced metrics to manage cache lines and optimize performance without overwhelming L2 capacities.
The presentation highlighted IBM's innovative approach in mainframe technology, aiming for high efficiency and performance in critical applications.
99.Show HN: JavaFactory – IntelliJ plugin to generate Java code(Show HN: JavaFactory – IntelliJ plugin to generate Java code)
Summary of JavaFactory
JavaFactory is a tool that helps developers automatically generate repetitive Java code using large language models (LLMs). It offers more consistent and reliable results compared to traditional AI code generators. Here are the key points:
-
Core Components:
- Pattern Definition: Users can describe tasks in natural language, such as generating tests or implementations.
- Annotation-Based Reference Collection: Users specify which classes are needed by using annotations.
-
Reusability: Once patterns are defined, they can be reused to generate different types of code, including implementations, tests, and fixtures.
-
Demo: A demonstration shows that JavaFactory can generate 400 lines of code in just 20 seconds, and all tests passed successfully.
-
Key Features:
- Pattern Creation: Users can define repetitive tasks as patterns with clear goals, rules, expected outputs, and examples.
- Customizable Prompts: Users can modify the prompts for each task and choose which classes to include.
-
Annotation Types:
- @JavaFactoryData: Automatically collects data-related classes.
- @JavaFactoryApi: Collects API-related classes and allows specification of implementation and test classes.
-
Target Users:
- Ideal for developers who have faced issues with traditional AI code generators and want more control over code generation.
- Particularly useful in repetitive environments, such as those with layered architecture.
JavaFactory simplifies the automation of coding tasks, making it easier for developers to manage repetitive work efficiently.
100.KumoRFM: Gen-purpose model for making instant predictions over relational data(KumoRFM: Gen-purpose model for making instant predictions over relational data)
Summary of KumoRFM Introduction
KumoRFM is a new model designed for making predictions with relational data, such as user records and transaction histories, without the need for specific training on each dataset or task. While foundation models have excelled in areas like natural language and images, relational data has been largely overlooked. KumoRFM aims to fill this gap by using advanced techniques to analyze data stored in tables and make accurate predictions across various tasks.
Key features of KumoRFM include:
- No task-specific training: It utilizes in-context learning to make predictions based on historical data, allowing it to adapt to new tasks without retraining.
- Efficient data handling: The model converts relational data into graphs and uses a special architecture to integrate information from multiple tables effectively.
- Versatile queries: Users can make predictions with a query language similar to SQL, which defines the prediction tasks and retrieves relevant data automatically.
- Faster predictions: KumoRFM is significantly quicker than traditional methods, often making predictions in about one second compared to the hours required by conventional approaches.
Testing has shown that KumoRFM performs as well or better than traditional methods, even without prior training, and can improve further when fine-tuned for specific tasks. This model represents a major advancement in using AI for relational data, making it easier for businesses to leverage their data for smarter decision-making.