1.Reading Neuromancer for the first time in 2025(Reading Neuromancer for the first time in 2025)
In 2025, the author reflects on reading William Gibson's influential 1984 novel Neuromancer for the first time. The book is a cornerstone of the cyberpunk genre, introducing key themes like computer hacking, artificial intelligence, and dystopian futures, which have since permeated modern sci-fi media.
The author notes that while familiar with the book's concepts, they were surprised by the original language and jargon, which made it challenging yet rewarding to read. They also point out that many modern sci-fi films and series have drawn from Neuromancer, making its ideas feel familiar, yet it still holds relevance today as it addresses issues like AI and virtual reality.
Despite some predictions being outdated (like the absence of mobile phones), Neuromancer remains a profound exploration of human experience, highlighting how difficult it is to accurately foresee technological advancements. The author concludes that the book's exploration of the human condition keeps it relevant, even decades after its publication.
2.Bypassing Google's big anti-adblock update(Bypassing Google's big anti-adblock update)
Summary: How I Found a Bypass in Google's Anti-Adblock Update
Derin Eryılmaz discusses a bug he discovered in Google Chrome that allowed adblockers to work despite the new MV3 update, which restricts their functionality. MV3, or Manifest Version 3, removes the "webRequestBlocking" permission that adblockers depend on, making it harder for them to block ads.
The bug stemmed from how Chrome handles its extension APIs. Although most APIs have moved to safer C++ bindings, some still use JavaScript, including the chrome.webRequest API. Eryılmaz found that by exploiting a parameter meant for platform apps (now deprecated), he could create a fake event that bypassed the restrictions on blocking requests.
He reported the bug to Google in 2023, which was patched in 2025. Although he received no monetary reward for his report, he enjoyed the experience and highlighted how even small coding issues can undermine major updates from big companies.
3.Axon's Draft One AI Police Report Generator Is Designed to Defy Transparency(Axon's Draft One AI Police Report Generator Is Designed to Defy Transparency)
Axon Enterprise's Draft One is a generative AI tool that creates police reports from audio captured by officers' body cameras. An investigation by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) raised concerns about its lack of accountability and transparency. Key findings include:
-
Lack of Auditability: It is difficult for police departments and researchers to determine which parts of a report were generated by AI and which were written by officers, making it hard to hold anyone accountable for inaccuracies.
-
AI Report Generation: Draft One uses AI to transcribe audio into reports, but officers can edit the text before finalizing it. However, the original AI-generated drafts are not stored, which means there is no record of what the AI produced.
-
Potential for Misuse: Without a clear audit trail, it is unclear if officers are properly reviewing AI drafts or if they are simply accepting them without scrutiny. This can lead to issues such as biased language or inaccuracies going unchecked.
-
Legislative Efforts: Some lawmakers are proposing bills to ensure transparency in AI-generated reports, requiring that any AI input be disclosed and that initial drafts are retained. However, Draft One's design makes compliance with these proposals unlikely.
-
Concerns About Reliability: The AI's ability to accurately interpret audio situations is still unproven, raising significant concerns about its use in police reporting, particularly in a system that already faces transparency issues.
-
Call for Caution: EFF urges caution in adopting such technologies until their impacts are fully understood and transparent processes are established. Many prosecutors and law enforcement officials are currently hesitant or refusing to use AI for report writing.
In conclusion, there are significant risks associated with using AI to generate police reports, including lack of accountability, potential for errors, and inadequate oversight.
4.Forget borrow checkers: C3 solved memory lifetimes with scopes(Forget borrow checkers: C3 solved memory lifetimes with scopes)
No summary available.
5.Notes on Graham's ANSI Common Lisp (2024)(Notes on Graham's ANSI Common Lisp (2024))
Graham's Lisp code is generally easy to maintain and portable, with short and clear function definitions. However, there are some notable aspects of his coding style that differ from the norm:
- Naming: He prefers short, sometimes cryptic names, which may not be clear. Better naming practices are suggested.
- Conditionals: He tends to use "if" instead of "cond," even if it results in complex nested structures.
- Loops: He avoids using loops due to the potential for misuse, although they can sometimes be the simplest solution.
- Recursion: He favors recursion over iteration, which can lead to issues like stack overflows with large lists.
The text also references more specific comments on various chapters and sections of his work, but those details are not included in this summary.
6.Learn LLMs LeetCode Style(Learn LLMs LeetCode Style)
TorchLeet Overview
TorchLeet offers two sets of practice questions for enhancing skills in PyTorch and deep learning:
-
Question Set: Contains a variety of PyTorch problems organized by difficulty:
- Basic: For beginners (e.g., implementing linear regression or custom datasets).
- Easy: For those with some knowledge (e.g., building CNNs or training autoencoders).
- Medium: More challenging problems (e.g., implementing LSTMs or CNNs from scratch).
- Hard: Advanced tasks (e.g., writing GANs or complex neural networks).
-
LLM Set: Focuses on understanding and building Large Language Models (LLMs) from scratch (e.g., implementing attention mechanisms and embedding techniques).
Getting Started
- Install Dependencies: Ensure PyTorch and other necessary packages are installed.
- Structure: Organized by difficulty and includes question and solution files.
- How to Use: Navigate to the question files, fill in missing code, and test your solutions.
Contribution: Users are encouraged to add new questions and improve existing ones by submitting pull requests.
Note: It's advised to solve problems independently without relying on GPT for learning purposes.
7.The upcoming GPT-3 moment for RL(The upcoming GPT-3 moment for RL)
Summary:
The text discusses the potential breakthrough in reinforcement learning (RL) that could resemble the impact of GPT-3 in natural language processing. Currently, RL models are pre-trained on large data sets and then fine-tuned for specific tasks, which limits their generalization and effectiveness in new contexts. The authors predict a shift towards training RL models across many diverse environments, enabling them to quickly adapt to new tasks without extensive fine-tuning.
To achieve this, they propose a concept called "replication training," where AI systems are tasked with duplicating existing software, thus leveraging a vast amount of available data. This method would help develop models capable of performing complex tasks by requiring them to follow detailed instructions accurately and maintain consistent quality over time.
While replication training has its challenges, such as the need for effective testing and the artificial nature of some tasks, it could significantly enhance RL capabilities. The authors believe that this approach may lead to more robust and versatile AI systems, although they acknowledge that it may not fully replicate the broad skills humans have.
Overall, they see replication training as a promising step toward improving RL and are looking to hire software engineers to work on related projects.
8.How does a screen even work?(How does a screen even work?)
The text discusses how screens work, highlighting the technology behind digital displays. It explains the role of electron guns and small electric crystals in creating images. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of screens in computing, even though they often go unnoticed.
9.Understanding Tool Calling in LLMs – Step-by-Step with REST and Spring AI(Understanding Tool Calling in LLMs – Step-by-Step with REST and Spring AI)
No summary available.
10.Zig's New Async I/O(Zig's New Async I/O)
Summary of Zig's New Async I/O
Loris Cro discusses the introduction of a new I/O interface in Zig, announced during the Zig Roadmap 2026 stream. The key points are:
-
Asynchronicity vs. Concurrency: Asynchronicity does not equal concurrency. The new design aims to clarify this distinction.
-
New I/O Interface: The new I/O interface allows the programmer to specify the I/O implementation, enhancing flexibility and enabling better integration with various dependencies.
-
Concurrency and Parallelism: The new interface supports concurrency, allowing operations to run in parallel when properly expressed in the code. For example, writing to two files can be done simultaneously.
-
Cancellation Support: The new design introduces functions for canceling ongoing tasks, making it easier to manage resources and handle errors.
-
Different Implementations: The standard library will include various I/O implementations, such as blocking I/O, thread pools, and green threads, with plans for stackless coroutines in the future.
-
Design Goals:
- Code Reusability: The new approach allows libraries to work in both synchronous and asynchronous modes without needing separate implementations.
- Optimal Performance: The interface minimizes code bloat and optimizes performance by embedding buffering at the interface level.
-
Future Changes: Some aspects of this new I/O system will be included in Zig 0.15.0, with more comprehensive updates in subsequent releases.
In essence, the new async I/O in Zig aims to improve flexibility, performance, and usability while simplifying the integration of asynchronous programming.
11.Chrome's hidden X-Browser-Validation header reverse engineered(Chrome's hidden X-Browser-Validation header reverse engineered)
Summary: Chrome X-Browser-Validation Header Overview
Chrome has introduced several new headers, including "x-browser-validation," which appears to be a hash used for ensuring the integrity of the browser's user agent and detecting any spoofing attempts.
Key Points:
-
New headers added to Chrome:
- "x-browser-channel": indicates the version (e.g., "stable").
- "x-browser-copyright": mentions copyright information.
- "x-browser-validation": a hashed value whose function is not fully documented.
- "x-browser-year": indicates the year (e.g., "2025").
-
The "x-browser-validation" header likely helps verify that the user agent matches the actual platform.
Header Generation:
To generate the "x-browser-validation" header:
- Combine a hard-coded API key (specific to the operating system) with the full user agent string.
- Hash this combined data using the SHA-1 algorithm.
- Encode the result using Base64.
Platform API Keys:
- Windows:
AIzaSyA2KlwBX3mkFo30om9LUFYQhpqLoa_BNhE
- Linux:
AIzaSyBqJZh-7pA44blAaAkH6490hUFOwX0KCYM
- macOS:
AIzaSyDr2UxVnv_U85AbhhY8XSHSIavUW0DC-sY
Reverse Engineering:
The process of creating the header involves retrieving the API key and user agent, hashing them, and encoding the result. The code reveals how the data is prepared, hashed, and then added to the request headers.
In summary, the "x-browser-validation" header is a mechanism in Chrome to enhance security by verifying user agents against their actual platforms.
12.Gaming cancer: How citizen science games could help cure disease(Gaming cancer: How citizen science games could help cure disease)
Summary of "Gaming Cancer: How Citizen Science Games Could Help Cure Disease"
In the book "Gaming Cancer," Jeff Yoshimi explores how video games can help tackle serious scientific challenges, particularly in cancer research. He argues that games engage our natural problem-solving instincts, similar to how scientists work to find solutions in their fields.
Yoshimi suggests creating citizen science games where everyday people can help solve real scientific problems, such as cancer treatment, by participating in open challenges. These games would present players with unsolved problems and encourage them to find solutions using defined tools.
He highlights existing games like Eterna and Foldit, which have already contributed to scientific discoveries, including advancements in vaccine development. These games not only entertain but also educate players about biology, empowering them to make informed health decisions.
The potential for gamified challenges in cancer research is vast, as cancer involves many interconnected problems. By involving the public in these challenges, we can leverage diverse skills and perspectives to advance scientific discovery and make progress against diseases like cancer.
13.The Decipherment of the Dhofari Script(The Decipherment of the Dhofari Script)
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the ancient Dhofari script, which is found on rock faces in Oman and dates back nearly 2,400 years. Linguist Ahmad Al-Jallad has deciphered a subtype of this script, suggesting it does not originate from southern Arabia. The Dhofari script has puzzled scholars for over a century, with various theories about its origins, including connections to a lost tribe mentioned in the Quran.
Previously, the script was documented in the 1990s but remained undeciphered until Al-Jallad analyzed it. He identified that the script consists of about 26 unique symbols, leading him to believe it was an alphabet rather than a long sentence. By comparing it to ancient scripts from Yemen and North Arabia, he matched the glyphs to sounds, revealing that the language is not Arabic but an ancient relative of indigenous languages still spoken in Oman.
His findings also suggest that the script's symbols likely originated from a widely used script in northern Arabia, indicating a historical connection between different regions. The decipherment has begun to clarify the significance of archaeological sites, such as the ancient port city of Sumhuram, linking it to a god named Sumhu.
Al-Jallad speculates that the inscriptions may have been created for educational purposes or to ward off evil, revealing that there is still much to learn from these ancient writings.
14.Let me pay for Firefox(Let me pay for Firefox)
No summary available.
15.Lua beats MicroPython for serious embedded devs(Lua beats MicroPython for serious embedded devs)
No summary available.
16.The North Korean fake IT worker problem is ubiquitous(The North Korean fake IT worker problem is ubiquitous)
Summary: Fake North Korean IT Workers and How to Combat Them
There is a growing issue with fake IT workers from North Korea applying for jobs in the US and Europe, causing significant financial losses for companies. These scammers often present impressive resumes but have few LinkedIn connections and avoid in-person interviews. They have cost American businesses at least $88 million over six years and sometimes use insider access to steal sensitive information and extort companies.
Many companies, including large ones like Google and Snowflake, have reported encountering these fraudulent applicants. Some scammers even use deepfake technology to enhance their chances of getting hired. Job applications have surged, with suspicious profiles showing inconsistencies, like extravagant resumes paired with shallow online presence.
To combat this issue, companies are advised to implement several strategies:
- Conduct in-person interviews to screen candidates thoroughly.
- Utilize technology to check the legitimacy of applicants’ backgrounds and identifiers.
- Train hiring managers to look out for warning signs, such as overly impressive resumes or inconsistent responses during interviews.
Awareness and collaboration between security teams and HR departments are crucial in identifying and preventing these scams, as these fraudulent applicants can adapt quickly to new methods of deception.
17.A Mental Model for C++ Coroutine(A Mental Model for C++ Coroutine)
Summary of C++ Coroutine Model
C++ coroutines are not a ready-to-use library like std::vector; instead, they are a specification that requires library developers to implement specific features to create functional coroutines.
Key Features of C++ Coroutines:
- Generalization of Functions: Coroutines extend the basic function model by adding operations for suspending, resuming, and destroying, in addition to calling and returning.
- Customization Points: C++ coroutines provide specific points where developers can customize behavior, such as during calls, returns, suspensions, and resumptions.
Coroutine Example: A simple coroutine to add two numbers might look like this:
Task<int32_t> add(int32_t a, int32_t b) {
uint32_t actualSleepSec = co_await co_sleep(1);
co_return a + b;
}
Here, co_await
pauses the coroutine until co_sleep
completes.
Philosophy of C++ Coroutines: C++ emphasizes flexibility, allowing developers to define unique behaviors for various coroutine events, such as what happens when a coroutine is called, returns, or is destroyed.
Promise Type:
The return type, Task<T>
, includes a promise_type
that defines how the coroutine behaves during its lifecycle, including storing state and handling calls and returns.
Awaiters and Awaitables:
- Suspension Points: Coroutines can suspend execution at defined points, like
initial_suspend
andfinal_suspend
. - Awaiters: When a coroutine awaits an operation, an awaiter object is created to manage the suspension and resumption of the coroutine.
- Await Transform: This feature allows customization of the
co_await
expression to work with different types.
C++ coroutines provide a flexible method for asynchronous programming, allowing developers to define their own coroutine behaviors while managing the complexities of suspension and resumption.
18.Hacking Coroutines into C(Hacking Coroutines into C)
Summary
The text discusses the challenges of using state machines in embedded software development, particularly for managing control flow in systems without an operating system. The author suggests using coroutines, which allow for pausing and resuming execution, as a clearer alternative for managing concurrency.
Key Points:
-
State Machines Limitation: State machines can complicate logic and make code difficult to maintain due to their non-linear flow.
-
Coroutines as a Solution: Coroutines, which are used in several programming languages, can help simplify control flow by allowing the code to run sequentially and wait for events, thus avoiding the complexities of threads and blocking calls.
-
Example Application: The author provides an example of implementing an LED blinker that changes its blinking period based on user input. This was initially done using state machines and polling functions but was then transformed into a coroutine-based solution for clarity.
-
Implementation: The text describes how to implement coroutines using macros in C, detailing how to manage state and control flow without traditional function calls.
-
Trade-offs: While the coroutine approach improves readability and maintainability, it requires an operating system like FreeRTOS for task scheduling.
-
Comparison with Rust: The author concludes that while the C coroutine implementation is educational and clever, using a language like Rust offers built-in support for asynchronous programming, making it a better choice for serious development.
-
Alternative Approaches: The author mentions Adam Dunkels' Protothreads as a more elegant solution for managing coroutines in C, which avoids some complexity present in their own implementation.
Overall, the text serves as a technical exploration of integrating coroutines into C programming for embedded systems, discussing both the benefits and limitations of this approach.
19.ArchGW – an intelligent edge and service proxy for agents(ArchGW – an intelligent edge and service proxy for agents)
Adil, Salman, and Jose have developed archgw, an intelligent proxy server designed for AI agents that can handle prompts, not just network traffic. They created this project to simplify the repetitive and low-level work involved in building production-ready AI agent demos, such as ensuring safety, clarifying vague inputs, and routing requests.
Archgw functions like a service mesh for AI agents, keeping the application logic clean by managing these tasks externally. The team, with backgrounds at Lyft, AWS, Microsoft Research, and Meta, designed archgw to consolidate the infrastructure needed for prompt management in one reliable service, based on the Envoy Proxy foundation.
The system includes three main components:
- A listener subsystem for processing requests.
- A prompt handler for safety checks and routing.
- A model serving interface for lightweight language models.
The team believes archgw will help developers create faster, safer, and more personalized AI agents without the hassle of manual integration. They invite other developers to use and improve the project and have provided links for demos, documentation, and their models.
20.Aeron: Efficient reliable UDP unicast, UDP multicast, and IPC message transport(Aeron: Efficient reliable UDP unicast, UDP multicast, and IPC message transport)
Aeron Summary
Aeron is a messaging system that efficiently transports messages using UDP and IPC (Inter-Process Communication). It offers clients in Java, C, C++, and .NET that can communicate across different machines or on the same machine. Key features include:
- High Performance: Aeron aims for the highest throughput and the lowest, most predictable latency in messaging.
- Message Archiving: The Archive module allows recording message streams for later or real-time playback.
- Fault Tolerance: Aeron Cluster supports reliable services using the Raft consensus algorithm.
- Integration: It uses Simple Binary Encoding (SBE) for efficient message encoding and decoding.
For more information on how to use Aeron, including programming guides and best practices, visit their Wiki. Aeron is managed by Adaptive Financial Consulting, with the original creators joining in 2022.
They offer various services, including training, consulting, and enhancements for performance and security. For inquiries, you can contact them at [email protected].
Aeron is licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.
21.Parse, Don’t Validate – Some C Safety Tips(Parse, Don’t Validate – Some C Safety Tips)
No summary available.
22.Switching to Claude Code and VSCode Inside Docker(Switching to Claude Code and VSCode Inside Docker)
Summary: Switching to Claude Code + VSCode in Docker
Tim recently transitioned his AI coding setup to use Claude Code inside a Docker container with VSCode's Dev Container feature. He shares his reasons for this switch and provides a brief guide for others interested in doing the same.
Key Points:
-
Previous Setup: Tim was using ChatGPT Plus and Cursor Pro but found issues with speed and limitations on requests. He switched to a Claude subscription because it offered better value and performance for his needs.
-
Security Concerns: Tim expresses concerns about the security of running AI agents with access to his entire system. To mitigate risks, he decided to isolate the AI by running it in a Docker container, which restricts its access to only the files within that container.
-
Setup Process:
- To get started, users need Docker, VSCode, and a Claude subscription.
- Create a project folder with a
.devcontainer
directory and adevcontainer.json
file. - Clone Tim's GitHub repository for the necessary setup files.
- Open the folder in VSCode and select "Reopen in Container" to start using Claude Code.
-
GitHub Integration: Since the container doesn't have access to local SSH keys, Tim suggests creating a GitHub fine-grained access token for basic Git operations instead of generating a new SSH key.
-
Conclusion: Tim acknowledges that his setup may not be the best for everyone but believes it will work well for casual users who want to code with AI while minimizing risks.
For those interested in the full guide and code, Tim provided a link to his GitHub repository.
23.Monitoring My Homelab, Simply(Monitoring My Homelab, Simply)
No summary available.
24.C++: Maps on Chains(C++: Maps on Chains)
Summary of "Maps on Chains"
In this text, the author discusses using C++ maps to manage disjoint integer intervals, represented as a structure called interval
. Each interval has a minimum and maximum value. The author highlights a challenge when trying to insert overlapping intervals into a map, which can lead to undefined behavior due to the requirement for a strict weak ordering in C++ associative containers.
To avoid issues when inserting intervals that overlap, the author suggests modifying the comparison operator to throw an exception if an overlapping interval is detected, thereby preventing insertion and maintaining the integrity of the map.
Additionally, the author introduces a way to enhance the map's functionality by allowing direct lookups for integers that fall within the defined intervals, using a custom less-than operator.
The key takeaway is that careful management of interval comparisons is essential to avoid errors in C++ maps, and a proper handling strategy can allow for flexible operations on intervals while ensuring data integrity.
25.Experimental imperative-style music sequence generator engine(Experimental imperative-style music sequence generator engine)
Summary of pattrns
pattrns is a tool for creating music sequences using programming. You can use it in Rust (a compiled language) or Lua (an interpreted language), making it suitable for live coding music. It generates musical events but does not produce audio; you need an application that supports pattrns to hear the music.
The generation process has three main parts:
- Rhythm: Creates a pulse to define the rhythm.
- Gate: Filters the pulse for event generation (optional).
- Emitter: Triggers musical notes or parameters based on the rhythm.
This separation allows you to easily modify and combine rhythm and melody.
You can learn how to use pattrns through its Scripting Book and examples. It features an online playground for testing, and it is used in the Renoise music software.
Pattrns is open for contributions and is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License V3.
26.Lost Chapter of Automate the Boring Stuff: Audio, Video, and Webcams in Python(Lost Chapter of Automate the Boring Stuff: Audio, Video, and Webcams in Python)
Summary of "Working with Audio, Video, and Webcams in Python"
Al Sweigart's blog post introduces a chapter on using audio, video, and webcams in Python, which was cut from the third edition of Automate the Boring Stuff with Python. The chapter provides a rough draft where readers can learn to control multimedia content using Python code.
Key Points:
-
VLC Media Player: The open-source VLC Media Player is recommended for viewing and playing audio/video files due to its wide compatibility and features.
-
File Formats:
- Audio Formats:
- .wav (uncompressed, large size)
- .mp3 (compressed, popular for music)
- .ogg (compressed, better quality than .mp3)
- Video Formats:
- .avi (older, larger files)
- .mp4 (widely supported)
- .mkv (feature-rich but less supported)
- .webm (newer, better compression)
- Audio Formats:
-
Video and Audio Basics: Understanding container formats (like MP4) and codecs (like H.264) is crucial for working with multimedia.
-
Recording with Python:
- You can use libraries like OpenCV, sounddevice, and wavio to access webcams and microphones.
- Example code is provided for taking photos and recording videos using a webcam.
-
Playing Audio Files:
- The
playsound
library can play audio files and block execution until done. - The Pygame library offers more control over audio playback.
- The
-
Downloading Videos: The
yt-dlp
tool allows downloading videos from sites like YouTube, with various command options. -
Editing Multimedia: The powerful
ffmpeg
tool can edit audio/video files through command-line commands, including converting formats, extracting audio, resizing videos, and applying effects like fading. -
Practical Applications: There are suggested practice projects, such as creating time-lapse videos, adding fade effects, and adjusting brightness.
This chapter serves as an introduction to multimedia programming in Python, providing essential tools and examples for automating audio and video tasks.
27.Edward Burtynsky's monumental chronicle of the human impact on the planet(Edward Burtynsky's monumental chronicle of the human impact on the planet)
No summary available.
28.Capturing the International Space Station (2022)(Capturing the International Space Station (2022))
Summary: Capturing the International Space Station Transit
To photograph the International Space Station (ISS) as it transits across the sun or moon, follow these key steps:
-
Use Transit Finder: Visit transit-finder.com to check upcoming transits based on your location. This tool helps you see when and where the ISS will be visible.
-
Plan Your Equipment: A camera with at least an 800mm lens is recommended. Ensure you have a tripod and a remote shutter for better shot quality. Solar filters are needed for solar transits.
-
Scout Your Location: Visit the shooting site a day before to confirm it’s a good spot with enough space for your setup.
-
Arrive Early: Get to your location at least an hour before the transit to verify the ISS's path and test your gear.
-
Prepare for the Shot: Set up your camera, check settings, and focus on the sun or moon. Use low ISO and short exposure times to avoid motion blur.
-
Start Shooting Early: Begin taking photos 5-10 seconds before the expected transit and continue for 10 seconds after, as the ISS may not be on time.
-
Check Your Results: After the transit, review your shots to see if you captured the ISS.
Following these steps can improve your chances of successfully photographing the ISS.
29.Kimi K2 is a state-of-the-art mixture-of-experts (MoE) language model(Kimi K2 is a state-of-the-art mixture-of-experts (MoE) language model)
The text provides a link to a GitHub repository for a project called Kimi-K2, created by MoonshotAI. You can access it here.
30.MacPaint Art from the Mid-80s Still Looks Great Today(MacPaint Art from the Mid-80s Still Looks Great Today)
No summary available.
31.The fish kick may be the fastest subsurface swim stroke yet (2015)(The fish kick may be the fastest subsurface swim stroke yet (2015))
No summary available.
32.Two-step system makes plastic from carbon dioxide, water and electricity(Two-step system makes plastic from carbon dioxide, water and electricity)
No summary available.
33.New Date("wtf") – How well do you know JavaScript's Date class?(New Date("wtf") – How well do you know JavaScript's Date class?)
No summary available.
34.HNSW as abstract data structure: video intro to Redis vector sets [video](HNSW as abstract data structure: video intro to Redis vector sets [video])
No summary available.
35.A better Ghidra MCP server – GhidrAssistMCP(A better Ghidra MCP server – GhidrAssistMCP)
Summary of GhidrAssistMCP
GhidrAssistMCP is a Ghidra extension that adds an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server, allowing AI tools and scripts to work with Ghidra’s reverse engineering features via a standardized API.
Key Features:
- MCP Server: Integrates a Model Context Protocol server for communication.
- Built-in Tools: Includes 31 analysis tools for functions, data, and references.
- User Interface: Offers an easy-to-use configuration interface.
- Real-time Logging: Monitors all server requests and responses.
- Dynamic Management: Tools can be enabled or disabled individually, with settings saved persistently.
- Context Awareness: Tools can recognize Ghidra's current cursor position and active function.
Installation Requirements:
- Ghidra version 11.4 or higher.
- An MCP client like GhidrAssist.
Installation Steps:
- Download the latest GhidrAssistMCP release.
- Install the extension in Ghidra and enable it in the plugin configuration.
Configuration:
- Open the Control Panel to manage server settings and tool configurations.
Available Tools: The extension offers a variety of tools for program and function analysis, navigation, and modification.
Development Details:
- The project has a structured codebase with components for the main plugin, server, and tools.
- New tools can be added by implementing a specific interface.
Logging and Troubleshooting:
- Real-time logs provide insights into server activities and tool usage.
- Common issues include server startup failures and tool execution errors, which can be diagnosed through log messages.
Contributing:
- Developers can contribute by forking the repository and submitting pull requests after making changes.
License:
- The project is under the MIT License.
Support: For any questions or issues, users can open a ticket on the project’s repository.
36.Working through 'Writing A C Compiler'(Working through 'Writing A C Compiler')
No summary available.
37.I made a JSFiddle-style playground to test and share prompts fast(I made a JSFiddle-style playground to test and share prompts fast)
The author created a tool for testing AI prompts out of frustration with existing options. They found other tools to be complicated, requiring logins and lengthy setups, and were also costly—one tool quoted $6,000 a year for limited use. They envisioned a simple, free tool similar to JSFiddle, where users could quickly experiment without signing up or needing API keys. After not finding a suitable solution, the author built their own tool, which can be accessed at langfa.st. They invite feedback on any issues or missing features while cautioning users to use the tool wisely to avoid excessive costs.
38.OpenAI’s Windsurf deal is off, and Windsurf’s CEO is going to Google(OpenAI’s Windsurf deal is off, and Windsurf’s CEO is going to Google)
OpenAI's plan to acquire the AI startup Windsurf has fallen through. Instead, Google will hire Windsurf's CEO Varun Mohan, cofounder Douglas Chen, and several researchers to join its DeepMind team, where they will work on agentic coding projects, particularly focusing on a model called Gemini. Despite this shift, Google will not own Windsurf but will have a non-exclusive license for some of its technology. Windsurf's head of business, Jeff Wang, is now the interim CEO, and Graham Moreno is its new president. The financial details of this transition have not been disclosed, but previously, the acquisition was valued at $3 billion.
39.Vibe-Coding a PCB – surprisingly good(Vibe-Coding a PCB – surprisingly good)
No summary available.
40.Supreme Court's ruling practically wipes out free speech for sex writing online(Supreme Court's ruling practically wipes out free speech for sex writing online)
No summary available.
41.FMD Android: secure open source alternative to Google's Find My Device(FMD Android: secure open source alternative to Google's Find My Device)
Please provide the text from the README.md file that you would like me to summarize.
42.Hill Space: Neural nets that do perfect arithmetic (to 10⁻¹⁶ precision)(Hill Space: Neural nets that do perfect arithmetic (to 10⁻¹⁶ precision))
No summary available.
43.DesignArena – crowdsourced benchmark for AI-generated UI/UX(DesignArena – crowdsourced benchmark for AI-generated UI/UX)
The author has been using AI to create repetitive frontend designs and found some surprisingly good results. They turned this into a ranking game with friends, where users can vote for their favorite AI-generated designs. You can participate at this link: Design Arena.
In the game, users see four anonymous designs based on the same prompt and choose their favorite. There's a leaderboard showing which designs are currently winning based on votes. The author noted that DeepSeek and Grok performed well, while OpenAI was particularly good for game development but less effective in other areas. They are eager for feedback to improve the experience.
44.Second Variety, by Philip K. Dick (1953)(Second Variety, by Philip K. Dick (1953))
No summary available.
45.Exposing a web service with Cloudflare Tunnel (2022)(Exposing a web service with Cloudflare Tunnel (2022))
Summary: Exposing a Web Service with Cloudflare Tunnel
Cloudflare Tunnel allows you to host a web service without exposing any ports, enhancing security. Instead of traditional hosting methods like VPS or dedicated servers, you can run your service on any device, even an old laptop at home, while keeping it safe from direct internet access.
Key Features:
- No Port Exposure: The tunnel creates a secure connection between your server and Cloudflare's data centers, protecting your application.
- Encryption: All traffic is encrypted, ensuring security.
Getting Started:
- Install cloudflared: Download and install the command-line tool for managing tunnels.
- Login: Authorize your Cloudflare account through a provided URL.
- Create a Tunnel: Use the command
cloudflared tunnel create mytunnel
to set up a tunnel. - Configuration: Create a configuration file to specify your tunnel details and the services it will route.
- Systemd Service: Set up a systemd service to manage the tunnel easily.
Running Your Service:
- You can use simple web servers (like Python's HTTP server or Nginx) to host content.
- Configure the tunnel to route traffic to your web service.
DNS Setup:
- You can let Cloudflare create DNS records for you or do it manually by adding a CNAME record in the Cloudflare dashboard.
Once set up, your local web service will be accessible through the internet securely, without the need for complex configurations or port forwarding. Enjoy experimenting with different setups and configurations!
46.First malaria treatment for babies approved for use(First malaria treatment for babies approved for use)
The first malaria treatment specifically for babies and very young children has been approved and will soon be available in African countries. Previously, babies were treated with medications meant for older children, which could lead to overdoses. In 2023, malaria caused about 597,000 deaths, mostly among young children in Africa.
The new drug, developed by Novartis and supported by various organizations, is called Coartem Baby (or Riamet Baby in some areas). It provides a safe and effective dose for babies weighing less than 4.5 kg (about 10 lbs). This approval is seen as a significant step towards better healthcare for the most vulnerable populations, particularly in regions heavily affected by malaria. Experts believe this treatment will help reduce the high mortality rate from malaria, especially in children under five years old. Novartis plans to distribute the drug on a not-for-profit basis, improving access to necessary healthcare.
47.Light exposure at night predicts incidence of cardiovascular diseases(Light exposure at night predicts incidence of cardiovascular diseases)
Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to summarize.
48.Proposed NOAA Budget Kills Program Designed to Prevent Satellite Collisions(Proposed NOAA Budget Kills Program Designed to Prevent Satellite Collisions)
No summary available.
49.Programming Affordances That Invite Mistakes(Programming Affordances That Invite Mistakes)
The article discusses "programming affordance," which refers to how the design of a programming language can lead to mistakes. The author, Noah Hall, shares a story from his experience running an R&D startup where they lost all data from a psychology study due to a coding error.
He explains that the issue arose when using a common PHP pattern, "or die()", which caused the program to exit if an email failed to send (due to lack of internet access), preventing any data from being saved. This experience taught him the importance of proper error handling and testing in the same environment as the final deployment.
Hall emphasizes that programming languages and their patterns can influence developers' choices, sometimes leading to errors. He concludes with a principle: to prevent mistakes, design systems that make right actions easy and wrong actions difficult. The article invites readers to join a waiting list for his upcoming book, which will include similar lessons.
50.AI therapy bots fuel delusions and give dangerous advice, Stanford study finds(AI therapy bots fuel delusions and give dangerous advice, Stanford study finds)
No summary available.
51.Sieve (YC X25) is hiring researchers to build large video datasets for AI labs(Sieve (YC X25) is hiring researchers to build large video datasets for AI labs)
No summary available.
52.ISRO successfully conducts hot tests of Gaganyaan propulsion system(ISRO successfully conducts hot tests of Gaganyaan propulsion system)
No summary available.
53.ETH Zurich and EPFL to release a LLM developed on public infrastructure(ETH Zurich and EPFL to release a LLM developed on public infrastructure)
No summary available.
54.Daniel Kleppner, Physicist Who Brought Atomic Clock Precision to GPS, Has Died(Daniel Kleppner, Physicist Who Brought Atomic Clock Precision to GPS, Has Died)
No summary available.
55.Incus – Next-generation system container, application container, and VM manager(Incus – Next-generation system container, application container, and VM manager)
The text is about the incus, which is a small bone in the middle ear. It plays a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The incus is one of three bones in the ear, along with the malleus and stapes. Understanding its function is important for grasping how we hear.
56.Richard Sutton: The Era of Experience, The Age of Design(Richard Sutton: The Era of Experience, The Age of Design)
No summary available.
57.Context Engineering Guide(Context Engineering Guide)
No summary available.
58.Malware found in official gravityforms plugin indicating supply chain breach(Malware found in official gravityforms plugin indicating supply chain breach)
Summary of Malware Found in GravityForms Plugin
On July 11, 2025, a security breach was discovered in the GravityForms plugin, indicating a supply chain attack. The malware was found in versions 2.9.12 and earlier. Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that the malicious code affected only manual downloads and installations of the plugin.
Key Updates:
- Malware Identification: The malware was identified in a suspicious HTTP request to a newly registered domain, gravityapi.org, which seemed to collect sensitive site information.
- Release of Safe Version: The developers released version 2.9.13 to remove the backdoor and the domain gravityapi.org was suspended to prevent exploitation.
- Limited Impact: Initial scans indicated that the infection was not widespread, suggesting that the compromised version was available for a short time.
- Technical Details: The malware included functions that could create admin user accounts, execute arbitrary code, and manipulate files on infected WordPress sites.
Indicators of Compromise:
- IP addresses: 185.193.89.19 and 193.160.101.6
- Presence of specific functions related to the malicious code.
Conclusion: The situation is under control, but users are advised to update their plugins and monitor for any signs of the described malware. Patchstack is actively monitoring the situation and has implemented measures to block requests to the malicious domain.
59.Commodore 64 Ultimate is the company's first hardware release in over 30 year(Commodore 64 Ultimate is the company's first hardware release in over 30 year)
No summary available.
60.Replication of Quantum Factorisation Records with an 8-bit Home Computer [pdf](Replication of Quantum Factorisation Records with an 8-bit Home Computer [pdf])
This paper discusses how to replicate quantum factorization achievements using very simple tools: an 8-bit home computer (the VIC-20), an abacus, and even a dog. The authors, Peter Gutmann and Stephan Neuhaus, aim to inspire future attempts at matching quantum factorization records.
Key Points:
-
Background on Quantum Factorization:
- Shor's Algorithm, developed in 1994, is a method for factorizing numbers using quantum computing. Since then, some factorization records have been set, but many claims have been controversial and often involve special cases that simplify the problem.
-
Sleight-of-Hand Numbers:
- The paper argues that many claimed quantum factorization results are achieved using "sleight-of-hand" techniques, where numbers are specially chosen to be easy to factor, rather than genuinely showcasing quantum computing power.
-
Methods of Factorization:
- The authors replicated known factorization records for the numbers 15, 21, and 35 using the VIC-20, without using any advanced quantum computing techniques. They emphasized that these factorization processes could also be performed on an abacus and even with a dog trained to bark the correct number of times.
-
VIC-20 Operations:
- The VIC-20 can factor small numbers efficiently using pre-computed multiplication tables and integer square root calculations. The authors demonstrated this by successfully factoring the aforementioned numbers and RSA-2048 moduli, which were also specially selected for ease of factorization.
-
Using an Abacus:
- The authors described how to use an abacus for simple division and multiplication to factor the small numbers, noting that working with larger numbers would be impractical.
-
Involving a Dog:
- The paper humorously suggests that a dog could "factor" the numbers by barking a specified number of times, which metaphorically represents the factors of these numbers.
Conclusion:
The authors conclude that they have successfully replicated historical quantum factorization records with basic tools, challenging the legitimacy of some contemporary claims in the field. Their work highlights the importance of critically evaluating claims of quantum factorization and understanding the techniques behind them.
61.A software conference that advocates for quality(A software conference that advocates for quality)
No summary available.
62.Making a Speedrun Timer in D(Making a Speedrun Timer in D)
The article describes the author's experience creating a custom speedrun timer for the game Deus Ex using the D programming language. After enjoying the game, the author decided to speedrun it but found existing tools inadequate on Linux, prompting them to build a new timer with features like auto-splitting and load time removal.
Key Points:
-
Linux Limitations: Unlike Windows, where speedrunners can use tools like LiveSplit for auto-splitting, Linux users lack such options, making it challenging to track accurate run times.
-
Goals for the Timer:
- Create an accurate timer.
- Automatically detect level changes for auto-splitting.
- Pause the timer during loading screens.
- Track splits effectively.
-
Development Challenges:
- The author researched system calls (syscalls) to read and write game memory, ultimately using the
ptrace
syscall for process control. - They identified the
LoadMap
function in the game’s code, which was crucial for detecting loading screens.
- The author researched system calls (syscalls) to read and write game memory, ultimately using the
-
Implementation Steps:
- Created a framework consisting of classes to manage running processes and memory.
- Developed a patching system to modify the game's memory, allowing the timer to set and unset loading flags.
- Implemented UI components and timer logic to display running times and map names.
-
Remaining Issues:
- The timer does not handle save screens or exception cases in the game, which can disrupt the timer’s accuracy.
- The current method for detecting loading transitions causes minor game stuttering, suggesting a need for more efficient detection methods.
-
Conclusion: The article concludes by highlighting the technical aspects covered, including Linux syscalls, D programming features, and assembly language insights, while humorously noting the author's fatigue from the project.
Overall, the project showcases the author's dedication to enhancing their gaming experience on Linux and the technical skills involved in modifying game processes.
63.Reverse proxy deep dive(Reverse proxy deep dive)
No summary available.
64.Dynamic Chunking for End-to-End Hierarchical Sequence Modeling(Dynamic Chunking for End-to-End Hierarchical Sequence Modeling)
Recent advancements in language models (LMs) have shifted from specialized models to general ones, but pre-processing steps like tokenization still pose challenges. This text introduces new techniques for a dynamic chunking system that learns to segment data based on its content and context, which works together with the rest of the model. By integrating this into a hierarchical network (H-Net), the process of tokenization can be replaced with a single end-to-end model.
An H-Net with a simple hierarchical structure operating at the byte level performs better than a strong Transformer model using traditional tokenization. Adding more layers to the hierarchy improves performance further by capturing different levels of meaning, and it shows better scalability with data compared to larger token-based models. H-Nets trained on English also demonstrate greater robustness at the character level and develop effective chunking strategies without needing manual rules.
The benefits of H-Nets are especially pronounced in languages or formats with less effective tokenization, such as Chinese, programming code, and DNA sequences, achieving nearly four times the data efficiency compared to standard methods. This highlights the potential of fully end-to-end models that can learn and scale more effectively from raw data.
65.Faking a JPEG(Faking a JPEG)
Summary of "Faking a JPEG"
On March 25, 2025, the author discussed their web application, Spigot, which generates fake web pages filled with nonsensical content to mislead aggressive web crawlers. Spigot has been successful, serving over a million pages daily. Recently, a bot named "ImageSiftBot" began making numerous requests for images that Spigot doesn’t provide.
To address this, the author devised a method to create fake JPEG images using a template approach. By using existing JPEG files as templates, they could fill in the image data with random bytes, creating files that appeared to be valid JPEGs without requiring heavy CPU usage. This method allows for the generation of around 900 images per second, efficiently feeding crawlers with fake data.
The images generated can bypass some errors in crawlers since they still display as images despite being corrupted. The author has integrated this image generation into Spigot, resulting in a significant increase in the number of fake images served.
Additionally, they refined the process by ensuring the generated image data minimizes the chances of invalid JPEG codes without much extra computational cost. This project aims to make it costly and inefficient for web crawlers to retrieve valid data. The code for this system is planned for release on GitHub soon.
66.Lorem Gibson(Lorem Gibson)
No summary available.
67.OpenAI delays launch of open-weight model(OpenAI delays launch of open-weight model)
No summary available.
68.Astronomers race to study interstellar interloper(Astronomers race to study interstellar interloper)
On July 1, an asteroid-hunting telescope in Chile discovered a new object called 3I/ATLAS, which is moving too fast to be in orbit around the Sun. This object is the third known interstellar visitor, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. ATLAS is bright and could be up to 20 kilometers wide, significantly larger than the previous interstellar objects, though its size is uncertain due to possible outgassing.
ATLAS has an unusual orbit with an eccentricity greater than six, suggesting it has traveled through the galaxy longer than earlier interstellar objects. Scientists are eager to study its composition, as it may provide clues about the building blocks of other planetary systems. ATLAS has a reddish color, indicating organic materials similar to those found in comets.
Astronomers are racing to observe ATLAS before it gets too close to the Sun and becomes difficult to study. It is expected to be visible again in December 2023 and remain observable until May 2026. Future telescopes, like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are expected to find more interstellar objects, enhancing our understanding of the cosmos.
69.Monorail – Turn CSS animations into interactive SVG graphs(Monorail – Turn CSS animations into interactive SVG graphs)
Monorail is a tool that transforms CSS keyframe animations into interactive graphs. You can experiment with a demo provided on the site. For more information on how to use Monorail, visit the GitHub repository. You can adjust settings like playback speed and see elements like rotation, translation, opacity, and background color in action.
70.New Windows 11 build adds self-healing "quick machine recovery" feature(New Windows 11 build adds self-healing "quick machine recovery" feature)
No summary available.
71.Preliminary report into Air India crash released(Preliminary report into Air India crash released)
I'm sorry, but I cannot access external links or content from URLs. However, if you provide the text or main points from the report, I'd be happy to help you summarize it!
72.Commodore 64 Ultimate(Commodore 64 Ultimate)
Commodore 64 Ultimate Summary
The Commodore 64 Ultimate is a modern take on the classic computer, priced from $299. It aims to bring back a positive and human-centered technology experience.
Key features include:
- Compatibility with over 10,000 original games and accessories.
- A color-changing LED case that responds to gameplay.
- Wi-Fi game transfers and a USB "cassette" filled with classic and new games.
- A transparent keyboard that showcases its technology.
- Autographs of original C64 creators on the mainboard.
- A classic box and a spiral-bound manual included.
This computer offers a simpler, distraction-free experience, making it a great way to learn about computing and introduce kids to coding. Commodore emphasizes tech that invites users to engage, rather than control them.
73.U.S. abandons hunt for signal of cosmic inflation(U.S. abandons hunt for signal of cosmic inflation)
The U.S. government has canceled the CMB-S4 project, a $900 million plan to study the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation in detail. This project aimed to provide evidence for the theory of cosmic inflation, which describes the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang. It was supposed to be a collaboration between the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Energy (DOE), but they recently announced they can no longer support it.
The cancellation is disappointing for scientists, as CMB-S4 was highly ranked in recent surveys of astronomy priorities. The project planned to use advanced telescopes in the South Pole and Chile's Atacama Desert to detect faint patterns in the CMB, which could reveal important information about the early universe.
Despite previous logistical challenges, no specific reason was given for the cancellation. The NSF and DOE stated they will still work with the CMB research community to explore simpler upgrades to existing experiments.
74.Stone–Wales Transformations(Stone–Wales Transformations)
Summary of Stone-Wales Transformations
Buckminsterfullerene, a molecule with 60 carbon atoms shaped like a soccer ball, can undergo a change called a Stone-Wales transformation. This involves a 90° rotation of a bond between carbon atoms, altering its structure.
In graphene, which is made of carbon arranged in hexagons, a Stone-Wales transformation turns four hexagons into two pentagons and two heptagons, creating a defect known as a Stone-Wales defect.
The process is interesting because it shows how simple transformations can impact molecular structures in chemistry. The Arrhenius equation is mentioned as a tool for understanding the rates of chemical reactions, including the rate at which Stone-Wales transformations occur in buckminsterfullerene.
Overall, this transformation illustrates a connection between chemistry and mathematical concepts of topological changes, suggesting potential for further exploration in statistical mechanics and molecular behavior.
75.Vibe Kanban – Kanban board to manage your AI coding agents(Vibe Kanban – Kanban board to manage your AI coding agents)
Louis, one of the creators of Vibe Kanban, shares that they developed this tool to help human engineers work more effectively with coding agents. He found that waiting for coding agents to complete tasks often led to distractions. Vibe Kanban allows users to run multiple coding agents simultaneously, enabling them to focus on planning or reviewing work while the agents handle tasks in the background. After testing it internally and with friends, they have now open-sourced Vibe Kanban for everyday use and welcome feedback on GitHub.
76.Daniel Stenberg of Curl on how and why he does it(Daniel Stenberg of Curl on how and why he does it)
Summary of cURL and libcurl by Daniel Stenberg
Daniel Stenberg, the lead developer of the cURL project, shares insights about his work and motivation. He leads the cURL project, engaging in various tasks such as development, reviewing contributions, and interacting with the community. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards in the open-source project, which serves billions of users.
Stenberg's work is driven by a strong commitment and passion for programming, sparked by a love for creating useful software. He works around 50-55 hours a week, balancing between regular hours and evening shifts to accommodate colleagues in different time zones.
The cURL project operates independently, meaning no single company controls it, which fosters a collaborative environment. Stenberg finds motivation in user feedback and the project's impact on digital infrastructure.
He leads by example, encouraging a welcoming atmosphere for contributors while ensuring quality through testing and documentation. Stenberg values direct communication and aims to maintain a positive community spirit.
His dedication to cURL stems from a blend of personal commitment and a supportive family, which allows him to pursue his passion for open-source development fully.
77.Most (ly Dead) Influential Programming Languages (2020)(Most (ly Dead) Influential Programming Languages (2020))
The article discusses ten influential programming languages that are considered "mostly dead" but have significantly impacted modern computing. The author critiques a previous list that overlooked important historical languages in favor of modern ones. Key points about each language include:
-
COBOL: Developed in 1960 for business data processing, it introduced record data but became complex and was largely overlooked by later programming languages.
-
ALGOL: Created in 1960 as a research language, it laid the groundwork for many programming concepts like structured programming and scoping but was not widely adopted due to its lack of practical I/O features.
-
APL: Known for its unique symbol-based syntax, APL focused on array processing and influenced languages like R and Matlab, but its complexity and keyboard requirements limited its use.
-
BASIC: A simplified language for beginners, it became popular in the microcomputer era but was often seen as inferior, leading to its decline in favor of more robust languages.
-
PL/I: Attempted to unify business and scientific programming but was too complex for users of either camp, leading to its quick decline.
-
SIMULA 67: The first language to introduce object-oriented programming concepts but was too slow for practical use, leading to its ideas being adopted in faster languages like C++.
-
Pascal: Designed for teaching and clarity, it standardized many programming concepts but faced competition from C and did not innovate significantly.
-
CLU: Introduced many modern programming concepts such as iterators and abstract data types but was more of a showcase for ideas rather than a widely adopted language.
-
ML: Known for type inference and functional programming features, it influenced modern theorem provers but was overshadowed by Haskell.
-
Smalltalk: Pioneered object-oriented programming and influenced many languages but struggled with performance and interoperability, ultimately losing ground to Java.
The article emphasizes the importance of these languages in shaping modern programming and highlights that many influential ideas come from languages that are no longer in common use. The author invites readers to appreciate the history of programming languages to understand the foundations of current technology.
78.MoonPay executives may have sent $250k to Nigerian scammer(MoonPay executives may have sent $250k to Nigerian scammer)
Executives from MoonPay might have sent $250,000 to a scammer in Nigeria, according to a filing from the Department of Justice.
79.Introduction to Digital Filters (2024)(Introduction to Digital Filters (2024))
No summary available.
80.How are you productively using Claude code?(How are you productively using Claude code?)
The author is skeptical about coding tools based on large language models (LLMs) despite hearing many positive reviews about their productivity benefits. They recently tried one such tool, referred to as "cc," while working on a new Rust project. They assigned tasks that seemed suitable for a junior developer, like changing a return type, refactoring duplicate code, and using an external crate. However, the tool failed to complete these tasks correctly and took a long time. The author wonders if they are using the tool incorrectly and asks others how they use "cc" or similar tools.
81.Pyhoff – Connect Python ML Models to Beckhoff/WAGO IO Hardware(Pyhoff – Connect Python ML Models to Beckhoff/WAGO IO Hardware)
I created a Python package to control hardware and run machine learning algorithms without the complications of traditional PLC tools, which can be limited to Windows and involve licensing issues. While it's not meant for high-speed or critical production environments, it simplifies prototyping in less time-sensitive applications. The package is user-friendly, requires only Python, has clear type annotations, and is licensed under MIT. It communicates with hardware using ModBus/TCP, and it can also serve as a ModBus/TCP client library. I'm interested in hearing about your experiences and ideas for features. You can find the documentation here: pyhoff documentation.
82.Bootstrapping a side project into a profitable seven-figure business(Bootstrapping a side project into a profitable seven-figure business)
Kyle Nolan shares his journey of building ProjectionLab, a financial planning tool, into a successful business that now generates $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR) without any outside funding. He started the project in 2021, inspired by the financial independence movement and the need for better life planning tools.
Key milestones in his journey include:
- 2021: First revenue of $150 monthly.
- 2022: Growth to $4,000 monthly, aided by public endorsements.
- 2023: Reached $10,000 monthly and later quit his day job to focus on the business.
- 2024: Grew the team and expanded customer support.
- 2025: Achieved $83,300 monthly, continuing to grow.
Nolan emphasizes the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, highlighting that persistence is crucial for success. He initially worked solo but later partnered with Jon Kuipers to handle growth and marketing, allowing him to focus on product development.
Looking ahead, Nolan aims to continue improving ProjectionLab while maintaining a strong connection with its user community. He encourages others to consistently work on their ideas, as small, daily efforts can lead to significant long-term results.
83.GumTree: A syntax-aware diff tool(GumTree: A syntax-aware diff tool)
GumTree Summary
GumTree is a code differencing tool that works with Git. It offers two main advantages:
- It aligns edit actions with the code's syntax.
- It can identify moved or renamed code elements, in addition to deleted and inserted code.
Features:
- It supports multiple programming languages, including C, Java, JavaScript, Python, R, and Ruby. More languages will be added soon.
Getting Started: To begin using GumTree, refer to the Getting Started page on their wiki. For questions, use GitHub's discussions.
Citing GumTree: If you use GumTree in academic work, please cite relevant articles provided in the documentation.
For more details and citations, refer to the original text.
84.Measuring power network frequency using junk you have in your closet(Measuring power network frequency using junk you have in your closet)
On February 8-9, 2025, the Baltic states' electricity grid will shift from synchronization with the Russian grid to the European grid. This process involves temporarily operating as an "island system" and then connecting to the EU grid.
A person curious about monitoring the frequency change experimented with basic audio recording techniques. They used a computer's audio input, wrapped an audio cable around a power cable, and recorded the signal. Initially, no signal was detected, but after some adjustments, they found a sine wave around 50Hz, indicating the power frequency.
Using Python and some digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, they were able to analyze the frequency. They compared their measurements with data from a professional frequency monitoring tool and found that their method worked surprisingly well, despite some lag and smoothing in the output.
The individual plans to continue collecting data to see how the frequency changes when the grids are synchronized. They also discovered an API that provides European network frequency data, allowing them to plot their measurements against official readings. This revealed a clear moment when the two grids synchronized, suggesting a controlled process.
85.I built an LLM chat app because we shouldn't need 10 AI subscriptions(I built an LLM chat app because we shouldn't need 10 AI subscriptions)
The author is confused about which AI chat subscriptions to choose among ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. They wanted a simple chat app that allows them to use any AI model and pay only for what they use, without needing multiple tools. Since they couldn't find such an app, they decided to create one themselves. This app lets users work with different models without copying and pasting between apps. It started as a personal project, but they believe it could also help others. For more information, they provided a link to the app.
86.Arbitrary Design of DNA-Programmable 3D Crystals Through Symmetry Mapping(Arbitrary Design of DNA-Programmable 3D Crystals Through Symmetry Mapping)
No summary available.
87.Jank is C++(Jank is C++)
In this update, the author shares significant progress made on a project called "jank" that enables seamless interoperability between Clojure and C++. Here are the key points:
-
Memory Management: Manual memory management has been implemented using C++'s
new
anddelete
, allowing for more control over memory allocation. The system supports destructors for both manual and automatic memory management. -
Boolean Handling: New features allow direct use of C++ boolean values (
cpp/true
andcpp/false
) to streamline code and reduce unnecessary conversions. -
Complex Type Support: The syntax for defining complex types in C++ has been improved, allowing for pointer types and template types using a new method (
cpp/type
). -
Opaque Boxes: A new structure called "opaque boxes" has been created to handle raw native pointers in a way that retains type information, allowing for easier integration with Clojure data structures.
-
Pre-compiled Headers: To improve performance, pre-compilation of C++ headers is now set up to reduce startup time.
-
Stability and Testing: Extensive testing has been conducted to identify and fix various issues related to C++ interop, ensuring system reliability.
-
Static Typing: The system is statically typed, meaning all types must be known at compile time, which minimizes runtime errors.
-
Practical Examples: The author showcases practical applications of jank, including a "Hello World" program, a JSON pretty printer, and a terminal layout tool using a third-party library.
-
Future Plans: The focus for the next quarter includes improving packaging and distribution, fixing bugs, enhancing tools, and preparing for an alpha launch. The author also emphasizes the need for funding to support further development.
Overall, the project has made impressive strides in C++ interop within the last quarter, and the author encourages community involvement and support.
88.Million Times Million(Million Times Million)
Summary of "Million Times Million" by Susam Pal
The article discusses the difference between two systems for naming large numbers: the long scale and the short scale.
- In the long scale, a million times a million is a billion, and each term reflects how many times a million is multiplied by itself (e.g., a trillion is a million multiplied three times).
- In the short scale, which is now widely used, a million times a million equals a trillion, with each term representing additional thousands (e.g., a billion is a million multiplied by a thousand).
The author shares their childhood experience of learning the long scale from an old dictionary, which made sense to them due to its clear naming convention. However, upon entering university and the tech world, they had to adjust to the short scale.
A table in the article illustrates the differences between the two systems. The author eventually embraced the short scale, as it is the standard in technology and finance today, but they still hold a fondness for the long scale due to nostalgia and its simplicity.
89.I built a toy music controller for my 5yo with a coding agent(I built a toy music controller for my 5yo with a coding agent)
The HN community might find the prompts organized by session turns useful, detailed on the website's prompt and session files. The author is exploring workflows for a language model (LLM) to follow, which are stored in a specific folder. They found it helpful to have the LLM document their work while integrating it with the project, which included music and logic. The backend of the project took about a day, and the C++ controller was developed quickly. The author focused on enhancing their son's experience while letting the LLM handle the coding in C++, JavaScript, and Go. They are new to coding agents and welcome tips for improving their projects, especially on working effectively with the agent.
90.Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024)(Lead pigment in turmeric is the culprit in a global poisoning mystery (2024))
Summary:
A global investigation into lead poisoning has revealed a surprising source: turmeric spice. In Bangladesh, farmers began adding lead chromate dye to turmeric in the 1980s to enhance its color for better sales after a flood affected the drying process. This practice led to high levels of lead in turmeric, which is a staple in Bangladeshi cooking.
Detectives in New York City discovered a significant number of Bangladeshi children suffering from lead poisoning, linking the issue to contaminated spices brought from Bangladesh. Researchers, including Ph.D. student Jenna Forsyth and NYC detective Paromita Hore, teamed up to investigate and found that lead in turmeric was a major culprit.
After identifying the problem, the Bangladeshi Food Safety Authority took swift action in 2019, warning the public and enforcing penalties on vendors selling lead-tainted turmeric. This led to a dramatic decrease in lead levels in turmeric and a corresponding drop in lead poisoning cases among local communities.
Despite this success, lead poisoning remains a serious global issue, with ongoing efforts to identify other sources of lead exposure. A new $150 million initiative from UNICEF and USAID aims to combat lead poisoning worldwide, targeting consumer products like paint, spices, and cosmetics. Forsyth and her team continue to work on this critical issue, striving to eliminate lead exposure and protect children’s health.
91.Andrew Ng: Building Faster with AI [video](Andrew Ng: Building Faster with AI [video])
No summary available.
92.Upgrading an M4 Pro Mac mini's storage for half the price(Upgrading an M4 Pro Mac mini's storage for half the price)
In July 2025, the author upgraded their M4 Mac mini's internal storage from 1 TB to 2 TB using a DIY kit. They were later contacted by M4-SSD to test a new upgrade for the M4 Pro Mac mini, increasing its storage from 512 GB to 4 TB. The upgrade process is straightforward but requires caution when removing the rear plastic cover.
The M4 Pro's SSD uses a proprietary connector and needs a full DFU (Device Firmware Update) restore, which can be done using certain Intel Macs or Apple Silicon Macs. The author completed three upgrades successfully.
For performance, the upgraded 4 TB SSD showed better write speeds, while read speeds were similar to the original. The internal SSD performs consistently well compared to an external Thunderbolt drive, which experiences brief slowdowns.
The M4 Pro 4 TB SSD upgrade costs $699, which is cheaper than Apple's $1,200 option but still more expensive than typical 4 TB NVMe SSDs.
93.Xenharmlib: A music theory library that supports non-western harmonic systems(Xenharmlib: A music theory library that supports non-western harmonic systems)
Xenharmlib is a music theory library designed for composers and researchers familiar with Python. It supports various musical systems, including both Western and non-Western harmonies, unconventional tunings, and unique notations. The library allows users to explore harmonic relations scientifically, rather than functioning as a composition tool or synthesizer.
Key features include:
- Support for equal division tunings (like Western and Bohlen-Pierce).
- Western and Up/Down notation.
- Analysis of scales, intervals, and their relationships.
- Group theory analysis and modulation suggestions.
- Basic posttonal analysis.
Xenharmlib follows functional programming principles, meaning objects are immutable, and methods return new versions of objects rather than altering them. The library is open-source under the GNU Public License v3, with ongoing development and a roadmap for future features.
For more information, users can refer to the user guide, which covers installation, notation, and various analytical methods. Support and feature requests can be made via the project's Gitlab page or the Xenharmonic Alliance Discord.
94.The death of partying in the USA(The death of partying in the USA)
Summary: The Decline of Partying in the U.S.
Young Americans are attending or hosting parties 70% less than they did 20 years ago. In 2023, only 4.1% of Americans reported attending or hosting a party on a typical weekend. This decline is part of a larger trend of increasing solitude, with face-to-face socializing dropping by about 20% over the past two decades.
Several factors contribute to this shift:
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Busy Lifestyles: More women are working full-time, which has affected social planning. As dual-income households have become common, the time and effort to organize social events have diminished.
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Parenting Changes: Parents are spending more time with fewer children, leading to less socializing with others outside the family.
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Screen Time: The rise of television and smartphones has shifted leisure time away from social interactions towards screen-based activities. Many people now engage more online than with their immediate neighbors.
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Changing Attitudes Toward Alcohol: Young Americans are drinking less, which may reduce the motivation to socialize and party.
Overall, while technological advancements and changing family dynamics have increased individualism and productivity, they have also led to a decline in social connections and gatherings. This trend raises concerns about the long-term impacts on friendships and community bonds.
95.QRS: Epsilon Wrangling(QRS: Epsilon Wrangling)
No summary available.
96.Bill Atkinson's psychedelic user interface(Bill Atkinson's psychedelic user interface)
The Pattern Project is a unique research collective focused on the potential of low doses of 5-MeO-DMT, a powerful psychedelic. Bill Atkinson, a legendary Apple engineer known for his work on the Macintosh, also had a significant role in the psychedelic community under the pseudonym "Grace Within." He passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2025.
Atkinson created the LightWand, a vape pen designed to deliver 5-MeO-DMT in safer, lower doses, allowing users to have more controlled experiences. While high doses of 5-MeO-DMT can lead to intense experiences and risks, Atkinson advocated for its therapeutic use, emphasizing the importance of safe exploration. He shared his knowledge openly, mentoring others and providing over 1,000 LightWand sets to promote wider accessibility.
His work has inspired a movement towards low-dose psychedelic therapy, making these experiences available to more people, not just elite circles. The Pattern Project continues his mission by researching and sharing information about low-dose 5-MeO-DMT to promote safe and responsible use.
97.Repasting a MacBook(Repasting a MacBook)
Summary:
The author reflects on their experience with their M1 Pro MacBook Pro, which has been reliable for four years but has started to show signs of aging, particularly with loud fans during intensive tasks. They consider replacing the thermal paste, which can dry out over time and affect heat transfer from the CPU.
After purchasing a tube of thermal paste, the author disassembles the MacBook, following a guide from iFixit. They encounter issues when they accidentally damage a fan cable, requiring a replacement fan. While attempting to reinstall the logic board, they accidentally tear the Touch ID sensor cable, which complicates the repair process since it would need professional help to fix.
Despite the challenges, the thermal paste replacement improves the laptop's performance, reducing CPU temperatures and fan noise. The author concludes that while the process is risky, it can be worthwhile for those experienced with small electronics, but they miss the Touch ID functionality.
98.Apple vs the Law(Apple vs the Law)
Summary of "Apple Vs The Law"
On July 7, 2025, a workshop in Brussels focused on Apple's compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA). This law requires major tech companies, called "gatekeepers," to allow competitors access to their software and services to promote fair competition. Apple has resisted these requirements, claiming the law is overly demanding and unfairly targets them.
During the workshop, Apple primarily presented its view of compliance, often using the platform to promote itself rather than answering questions directly. They expressed frustration with the DMA's interpretations and claimed that complying with the law is impossible due to its complexity. This approach was similar to that of Google’s representatives, who also downplayed the law’s requirements.
Apple has a history of challenging regulations and has been accused of anti-competitive practices. They often avoid giving detailed answers and have created obstacles for third-party developers, particularly regarding the use of alternative browser engines on iOS. Many attendees felt that Apple's representatives were dismissive and disrespectful during discussions.
Key issues raised included the difficulty of competing with Apple's App Store and its restrictive policies on browser engines. Despite some responses from Apple that hinted at potential improvements, there is skepticism about their commitment to change.
The workshop also highlighted concerns about lobbying and potential conflicts of interest, as some attendees were funded by Apple. The author criticized Apple's efforts to undermine the DMA and emphasized the importance of fair and equal application of laws to all companies, regardless of their size.
Overall, the article stresses the need for transparency and adherence to regulations that foster competition, stating that big tech companies like Apple should not be allowed to manipulate the legal system to maintain their market dominance.
99.RULER – Easily apply RL to any agent(RULER – Easily apply RL to any agent)
Kyle, a co-founder of OpenPipe, discusses the challenges of using reinforcement learning (RL), which is effective but difficult to implement due to the need for specific "reward functions" to measure success. Creating these functions often requires high-quality data or expertise.
To simplify this process, they have developed RULER, a flexible reward function that can be used across various tasks without the usual complexity. RULER ranks multiple task trajectories using a large language model (LLM) as a judge, which helps avoid common issues with such models.
In tests on four different tasks, models trained with RULER and another method called GRPO performed better than larger, more expensive models and even outperformed models that relied on manually crafted reward functions in three out of four tasks. More details and results are available on their blog and GitHub repository.
100.The day someone created 184 billion Bitcoin (2020)(The day someone created 184 billion Bitcoin (2020))
Here’s a simplified summary of the cryptocurrency prices:
- Bitcoin (BTC): $118,708.00 (+1.33%)
- Ethereum (ETH): $2,992.91 (+2.69%)
- XRP: $2.84 (+5.68%)
- Binance Coin (BNB): $691.39 (+1.39%)
- Solana (SOL): $162.06 (+2.38%)
- Dogecoin (DOGE): $0.2002 (+3.64%)
- Cardano (ADA): $0.7416 (+6.93%)
- Litecoin (LTC): $96.00 (+5.17%)
Other notable cryptocurrencies include:
- Polkadot (DOT): $4.01 (+4.87%)
- Chainlink (LINK): $15.70 (+6.02%)
- Avalanche (AVAX): $21.30 (+4.66%)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB): $0.00001328 (+2.84%)
Prices fluctuate, with many coins showing positive percentage changes, indicating a general upward trend in the market today.