1.Compression culture is making you stupid and uninteresting(Compression culture is making you stupid and uninteresting)
The text discusses the negative impact of "compression culture," which prioritizes quick summaries and bite-sized information over deeper understanding and experience. The author expresses frustration at how people now demand condensed versions of complex ideas, treating depth as inefficiency. This trend leads to a loss of essential human experiences like emotional connection, learning through struggle, and the richness of storytelling.
Historically, people engaged with information in a more immersive way, valuing the process of understanding through time and experience. However, modern society, influenced by the fast-paced information economy, has shifted toward valuing efficiency and instant gratification. This has resulted in a superficial engagement with knowledge, where people mistake quick takes for true understanding.
The author argues that this culture diminishes our capacity for deep thinking and emotional engagement, making us less able to handle complexity and uncertainty. It emphasizes the importance of allowing ourselves to fully experience and dwell on ideas, rather than seeking quick answers. Ultimately, the text calls for a return to valuing depth, patience, and the richness of human experience.
2.Font Comparison: Atkinson Hyperlegible Mono vs. JetBrains Mono and Fira Code(Font Comparison: Atkinson Hyperlegible Mono vs. JetBrains Mono and Fira Code)
No summary available.
3.TODOs Aren't for Doing(TODOs Aren't for Doing)
TODO comments in code are not always meant to be completed tasks. Some teams track them strictly, while others remove old ones, but this approach isn't necessary.
A useful TODO comment highlights issues or suggestions, like noting an edge case that isn't handled. For example, a comment might indicate a problem if a user triple-clicks a button, even if it's not a top priority.
These comments provide insight into the author's thought process and can help future readers understand potential improvements or unresolved issues without needing to execute every TODO. Overall, they serve as valuable notes rather than strict action items.
4.Go Allocation Probe(Go Allocation Probe)
The text describes the development of a tool called go_allocation_probe
that helps analyze memory allocations in Go programs. Here are the key points:
-
Challenge: The standard Go profiling tools track where memory allocations occur but not the types of those allocations. The author suspected that certain types were responsible for many allocations across various locations in the code.
-
Solution: To address this, the author, with assistance from Matt Knight, developed a tool that attaches to the Go memory allocation function (
mallocgc
) usingbpftrace
. This allows them to capture allocation size and type. -
Type Information: The type of allocation is represented by a structure, and the name of each type is stored in a separate memory section. The tool collects data about allocation counts and sizes for each type.
-
Data Extraction: The tool outputs JSON data indicating the type pointer, name offset, count of allocations, and total size allocated. However, it initially encounters a situation where a type pointer is
0
, indicating that some allocations do not specify a type. -
Further Probing: To capture these types, the author probes additional functions that might call
mallocgc
with a nil type and assigns default values for missing types. -
Analysis Results: The tool successfully identifies significant allocations, particularly noting that many allocations were for
*string
types, often due to a common pattern in the code.
In essence, the go_allocation_probe
tool helps developers understand memory usage in Go applications by providing insights into the types and sizes of allocations made during runtime.
5.DaisyUI: Tailwind CSS Components(DaisyUI: Tailwind CSS Components)
No summary available.
6.OSS Rebuild: open-source, Rebuilt to Last(OSS Rebuild: open-source, Rebuilt to Last)
Summary of OSS Rebuild Announcement
On July 21, 2025, Google announced OSS Rebuild, a project aimed at enhancing trust in open source software by reproducing existing package builds. This initiative addresses security concerns as supply chain attacks on open source dependencies grow. OSS Rebuild provides tools for security teams to verify package integrity without putting extra work on original maintainers.
Key Features:
- Automated creation of build definitions for popular package ecosystems like PyPI (Python), npm (JavaScript/TypeScript), and Crates.io (Rust).
- Compliance with SLSA Build Level 3 standards, ensuring secure build processes.
- Tools for monitoring builds and verifying their integrity, which can integrate into current security workflows.
- Infrastructure for organizations to run their own OSS Rebuild instances for building and signing packages.
Challenges: Open source software is crucial to the global economy but is vulnerable to attacks that undermine trust. Existing security measures often place burdens on developers, highlighting the need for a more transparent solution.
How It Works: OSS Rebuild uses automation to reproduce packages, allowing users to verify their origins and build processes. It offers tools for manual contributions when automation isn't feasible, and aims to harness AI to improve build reproduction.
Benefits:
- Detects issues like unsubmitted source code and suspicious build activities.
- Enhances security for enterprises by improving Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and speeding up vulnerability responses.
- Provides independent verification of package integrity to consumers, benefiting both users and maintainers.
OSS Rebuild is a collaborative effort to make open source ecosystems more secure. Developers and security researchers are encouraged to participate and provide feedback through its GitHub page.
7.Yt-transcriber – Give a YouTube URL and get a transcription(Yt-transcriber – Give a YouTube URL and get a transcription)
Summary of yt-transcriber
The yt-transcriber is a tool that allows you to transcribe YouTube videos or audio files by providing a URL or file path. It can identify speakers, summarize content, and translate text, all using open-source AI technology. Here are the key features:
- Transcription: Convert YouTube videos or audio files into text.
- Speaker Identification: Attempts to recognize different speakers in the audio.
- Summarization: Provides a summary of the transcript (requires an API key).
- Translation: Translates text into various languages (requires an API key).
- Supported Formats: Works with many audio and video formats recognized by ffmpeg, not just YouTube links.
Installation:
- If you have Nix, you can easily set it up by linking it to your PATH.
- Without Nix, manual installation of dependencies like Python, ffmpeg, and optionally glow is needed.
- The Whisper model is downloaded for local processing, ensuring no external app keys are required for basic functionality.
Usage:
- Run
./yt-transcriber
to see options. - Example commands include transcribing a video and saving the output to a file or piping it through summarization and translation scripts.
- You can enable debugging for more detailed logs.
This tool simplifies accessing information from videos and audio files, making it easier for users with limited time to digest content quickly.
8.The Magic of Code – book about the wonders and weirdness of computation(The Magic of Code – book about the wonders and weirdness of computation)
The author has published a book titled "The Magic of Code," which explores computing as a fascinating field that connects various subjects like art, biology, philosophy, and language. The book aims to remind readers of the joy and excitement of coding, especially amidst current concerns about technology. The author wrote this book partly for younger people interested in computers, sharing insights from their own experiences. It is designed for both beginners and experts, offering intriguing ideas and topics to explore. The author believes the Hackers News community will particularly enjoy this book and has provided a link to download the introduction.
9.The United States withdraws from UNESCO(The United States withdraws from UNESCO)
The text discusses two main topics: a JavaScript code snippet for handling images with watermarks and a press release about the United States withdrawing from UNESCO.
-
JavaScript Code:
- The code checks for watermarked images and wraps them in a new div for styling.
- It adds specific classes to parents of images based on alignment and size attributes.
-
US Withdrawal from UNESCO:
- The US has decided to withdraw from UNESCO, effective December 31, 2026.
- The decision is based on the belief that UNESCO promotes divisive issues and aligns with a globalist agenda that conflicts with US interests.
- The admission of Palestine as a member state is cited as a significant reason for the withdrawal.
Overall, the US aims to focus its international participation on advancing its national interests.
10.Killing the Mauna Loa observatory over irrefutable evidence of increasing CO2(Killing the Mauna Loa observatory over irrefutable evidence of increasing CO2)
The article discusses the Trump administration's decision to cut funding for the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, which is crucial for measuring carbon dioxide levels and tracking climate change. The Keeling Curve, developed by Charles David Keeling since 1958, shows a steady increase in CO2 levels, now nearing 430 parts per million, correlating with rising global temperatures. The author argues that the administration is attempting to suppress scientific data that contradicts its agenda, undermining efforts to combat climate change. The cuts to climate research are viewed as a move to ignore or silence inconvenient truths about human contributions to global warming. The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of monitoring and understanding climate data to effectively address environmental issues.
11.From Cartography to Code: Architectures of Power at the Venice Biennale 2025(From Cartography to Code: Architectures of Power at the Venice Biennale 2025)
The article discusses the upcoming Venice Architecture Biennale in 2025, focusing on the theme of 'Intelligens' in architecture. It explores the significance of this theme and how it will influence the exhibits. The text aims to provide insights and guidance for visitors to understand and engage with the event.
12.Global hack on Microsoft Sharepoint hits U.S., state agencies, researchers say(Global hack on Microsoft Sharepoint hits U.S., state agencies, researchers say)
Microsoft has released emergency patches to fix serious security flaws in SharePoint, a platform used for collaboration and document management. These vulnerabilities allow attackers to remotely control systems and have already been exploited in real-world attacks. The company is urging users to update their systems immediately to protect against these threats.
13.Reverse Proxy Deep Dive: Why HTTP Parsing at the Edge Is Harder Than It Looks(Reverse Proxy Deep Dive: Why HTTP Parsing at the Edge Is Harder Than It Looks)
Summary: Reverse Proxy Deep Dive Part 2 - HTTP Parsing Challenges
In this article, we examine the complexities of HTTP handling in reverse proxies, building on the previous discussion about connection management.
Key Points:
-
Basic Workflow of Reverse Proxies:
- Reverse proxies receive client requests, parse them, select an upstream server, send the requests, and forward the responses back to clients. While this seems straightforward, it involves many challenges.
-
Complexities in HTTP Parsing:
- The evolution of the HTTP protocol has introduced new features and complexities, requiring ongoing updates to systems and libraries.
- Clients, proxies, and servers often use different technologies and have varying lifecycles, making compatibility a challenge for proxies.
-
Performance Trade-offs:
- Requests vary in size and complexity, complicating the development of a one-size-fits-all solution. Proxies must balance memory usage and throughput.
-
Inconsistent Standards:
- There are no industry-wide standards for limits like URL and cookie sizes, leading to confusion and potential errors.
-
Security Responsibilities:
- Proxies serve as the first line of defense against malicious requests, requiring careful sanitization to maintain system stability and security.
-
Request and Response Sanitization:
- Proxies must validate incoming requests, manage size limits, and block unauthorized access. They also need to sanitize outgoing responses for compliance and security.
-
Header Manipulation:
- Proxies often modify headers for tracking and security, which can introduce memory and performance challenges.
-
Path Rewriting:
- Proxies may need to modify request paths to conform to different API versions or protocols.
In conclusion, HTTP parsing in reverse proxies is a complex task involving performance, security, and compatibility challenges. Understanding these intricacies is crucial for developing scalable web services. Future articles will cover additional topics related to proxies, such as service discovery and load balancing.
14.The Role of Blood Plasma Donation Centers in Crime Reduction(The Role of Blood Plasma Donation Centers in Crime Reduction)
The paper titled "Financial Incentives and Public Safety: The Role of Blood Plasma Donation Centers in Crime Reduction" explores how blood plasma donation centers in the U.S. affect crime rates. The research shows that opening a plasma center leads to a 12% decrease in crime, especially in property and drug-related offenses. This effect is more significant in poorer areas, suggesting that the financial benefits from donating plasma help reduce crime. The study also highlights that strict rules against substance use at these centers contribute to lower drug possession rates.
Key points include:
- The U.S. is unique for paying individuals to donate plasma.
- New plasma centers are linked to reduced crime rates, particularly in low-income neighborhoods.
- Financial incentives and strict regulations are primary reasons for the observed crime reduction.
15.MakeShift: Security Analysis of Shimano Di2 Wireless Gear Shifting in Bicycles(MakeShift: Security Analysis of Shimano Di2 Wireless Gear Shifting in Bicycles)
The bicycle industry is increasingly using wireless gear-shifting technology for better performance and design. This paper examines the security of Shimano's Di2 wireless gear-shifting system, which is a leader in the market. The authors identified several serious vulnerabilities:
- The system lacks protection against replay attacks, allowing attackers to capture and resend gear-shifting commands.
- It is vulnerable to targeted jamming, enabling attackers to disable gear shifting on specific bikes.
- Information leakage occurs due to the use of ANT+ communication, which lets attackers view data from a bike.
The researchers demonstrated that they could perform replay attacks from up to 10 meters away using software-defined radios, without needing amplifiers. They could also jam the gear-shifting system of a specific bike without affecting others nearby.
To address these issues, the authors suggest countermeasures to improve the security of wireless communication in cycling equipment.
16.How to Firefox(How to Firefox)
Chrome has restricted the functionality of the popular ad-blocker uBlock Origin (uBO), leading to a resurgence of Firefox as a preferred browser. Here are the key reasons to consider switching to Firefox:
-
Open Source: Firefox is completely open-source, allowing users to inspect and modify the code. This transparency is beneficial for security and community involvement.
-
Cleaner Web Experience: Many websites are cluttered with ads and trackers. uBlock Origin works best on Firefox, effectively blocking unwanted content and improving browsing speed.
-
Android Compatibility: Firefox offers sync features for tabs, bookmarks, and passwords between devices. Unlike Safari, Firefox supports full browser extensions on mobile, including the complete version of uBlock Origin.
-
Customization: Firefox allows extensive customization, from layout to add-ons. Users can easily adjust settings to enhance their browsing experience.
-
Privacy Features: Firefox includes robust privacy controls, like Total Cookie Protection, which isolates cookies to prevent tracking across sites. Users can also manage multiple online identities using built-in "Containers."
-
Useful Add-Ons: While not essential, add-ons like Dark Reader and Auto Tab Discard enhance functionality and user experience.
-
Hidden Features: Firefox has several unique features that improve navigation and usability, such as quick find shortcuts and the ability to bypass disabled right-clicks.
In summary, Firefox offers a powerful, customizable, and privacy-focused browsing experience, making it a strong alternative to Chrome, especially with the recent limitations imposed on uBlock Origin.
17.Many Lung Cancers Are Now in Nonsmokers. Scientists Want to Know Why(Many Lung Cancers Are Now in Nonsmokers. Scientists Want to Know Why)
No summary available.
18.My GPU Fan Saga – A DIY ATX Fan Controller(My GPU Fan Saga – A DIY ATX Fan Controller)
Summary of "My GPU Fan Saga"
In this blog post, the author shares their experience fixing a noisy GPU fan, which led to a rewarding DIY project. The GPU, a VisionTek Radeon RX 550, started making a high-pitched noise, prompting the author to disconnect the fan. However, as temperatures rose, screen flickers appeared, indicating overheating.
To solve this, the author first attached a spare 12V fan, which improved cooling but ran constantly at full speed, creating noise. To address this, they implemented Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) using an ATtiny85 microcontroller, allowing the fan speed to adjust based on temperature readings from a DS18B20 sensor.
The final setup kept the GPU cool and quiet, with idle temperatures around 40 °C and peak temperatures under 60 °C. While the project took time, the material costs were reasonable, totaling between $6.40 and $16.05 per unit, plus a small PCB fabrication fee.
The author reflects on the learning experience gained from the project, emphasizing the value of custom solutions over commercial products. They encourage readers to explore similar DIY projects and express willingness to improve their design based on feedback.
19.Uv: Running a script with dependencies(Uv: Running a script with dependencies)
Summary: Running Python Scripts with uv
Overview
- A Python script is a standalone file that can be executed directly.
- The
uv
tool simplifies script execution by managing dependencies automatically, without needing to manually handle Python environments.
Running Scripts Without Dependencies
- You can run simple scripts using the command:
uv run <script.py>
. - You can also pass arguments and read scripts from standard input.
Running Scripts With Dependencies
- If a script requires additional packages, you must declare these dependencies.
- Use the
--with
option to specify needed packages when running the script. - Multiple dependencies can be requested by repeating the
--with
option.
Creating and Declaring Dependencies in Scripts
- Use
uv init --script <script.py>
to create a script with inline metadata for dependencies and Python version. - Use
uv add --script <script.py> <dependencies>
to update the script with required dependencies.
Shebang for Executable Scripts
- A shebang can be added to make scripts executable directly from the command line.
- Ensure the script has executable permissions.
Using Alternative Package Indexes
- You can specify a custom package index with the
--index
option during dependency addition.
Locking Dependencies
- Use
uv lock --script <script.py>
to create a lock file for script dependencies, ensuring consistent future runs.
Improving Reproducibility
- The
exclude-newer
field in the script metadata can limit package versions to those released before a specified date.
Using Different Python Versions
- You can specify the Python version for running a script using the
--python
option.
GUI Scripts
- On Windows, scripts with a
.pyw
extension can be executed withuv
, supporting GUI applications.
For more detailed usage, refer to the uv
command reference.
20.1KB JavaScript Numbers Station(1KB JavaScript Numbers Station)
The text discusses a project by the author, Edent, for a coding competition focused on creating a "creepy" demo within a 1KB JavaScript limit. The inspiration comes from Numbers Stations, mysterious radio broadcasts of random numbers and words, often linked to espionage.
To create the demo, Edent uses the built-in Text-To-Speech (TTS) API in modern browsers, manipulating voice characteristics like pitch and speed to enhance the creepy effect. The author generates random numbers and selects words from the browser's global object, filtering for single capitalized words to maintain a spooky vibe.
The TTS can also vocalize in multiple languages, adding to the eerie atmosphere. The demo randomly alters its output every few seconds, combining numbers and words from various languages. A simple animation using Unicode characters completes the project.
Edent invites readers to try out the demo and share feedback, emphasizing the fun and creativity involved in this coding challenge.
21.A word of the day that doesn't suck(A word of the day that doesn't suck)
The author believes that the traditional "Word of the Day" is often unhelpful, featuring obscure words that aren't useful in daily conversation. They feel they can improve this concept. Their friend Ben created a puzzle game called Bracket City, and the author now provides a daily word of the day for its audience. This writing has deepened their appreciation for words and led them to rediscover older dictionaries, like Webster's 1913, which they find more engaging than modern ones. They have compiled over 175 words so far, with new entries added daily. To see these words, you can visit Bracket City's website.
22.Unexpected inconsistency in records(Unexpected inconsistency in records)
The author discusses a misunderstanding about how C# records and their mutation features work, leading to unexpected results in their code.
Key points include:
-
Nondestructive Mutation: C# records allow for creating new instances with modified properties without changing the original instance. This is done using the
with
operator. -
Derived Data: Records cannot have custom constructors but can initialize properties based on input parameters. For example, a record can determine if a number is even or odd.
-
The Issue: When using the
with
operator to create a new instance of a record with derived properties (like even/odd), the derived properties may not update correctly. This occurs because thewith
operator does not call the constructor with new values but instead uses a cloning method, leading to potential inconsistencies. -
Possible Solutions:
- Avoid the
with
operator for complex records. - Create a Roslyn analyzer to detect problems with
with
usage in records. - Use patterns that defer computation of properties until they're needed, though this adds complexity.
- Request changes to the C# language to address these issues, but the author is hesitant to start this process without broader community input.
- Avoid the
The author concludes that while they want to continue using records and the with
operator, this experience serves as a caution for others to be mindful of potential pitfalls when using these features together.
23.An unprecedented window into how diseases take hold years before symptoms appear(An unprecedented window into how diseases take hold years before symptoms appear)
I'm unable to access external links or websites directly. However, if you provide the text or main points you want summarized, I can help you create a clear and concise summary!
24.Kapa.ai (YC S23) is hiring a software engineers (EU remote)(Kapa.ai (YC S23) is hiring a software engineers (EU remote))
As a software engineer at Kapa, you'll help build systems that answer many developer questions daily. Key responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the founding team and research engineers.
- Improving the infrastructure for the Kapa RAG engine using Python.
- Testing new features in the Kapa analytics platform with React and Python.
- Developing client integrations for customer deployment (React and Python).
- Enhancing data access for Kapa (Python).
- Maintaining the React SDK.
You might be a good fit if you have:
- A degree in computer science, machine learning, or a related field.
- Over 3 years of software engineering experience in complex backend and frontend systems.
- Interest in machine learning and natural language processing.
- Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, sometimes unclear work environment.
Even if you don't meet all these criteria but think you can contribute to Kapa, feel free to apply.
25.Jujutsu for busy devs(Jujutsu for busy devs)
The website you are visiting uses a security system called Anubis to protect against automated bots that scrape data. Anubis works by requiring users to solve a challenge that involves a Proof-of-Work scheme, similar to a method used to reduce email spam. This makes it harder for large-scale data scrapers to access the site.
The main goal of Anubis is to identify and block automated browsers while allowing legitimate users to access the content without too much hassle. However, it requires modern JavaScript, so if you have certain plugins (like JShelter) that block JavaScript, you'll need to disable them to proceed.
In summary, Anubis helps keep the website secure from bots, but it needs JavaScript to function properly.
26.Largest piece of Mars on Earth fetches $5.3M at auction(Largest piece of Mars on Earth fetches $5.3M at auction)
No summary available.
27.A big problem for Tesla isn't getting much attention(A big problem for Tesla isn't getting much attention)
No summary available.
28.The .a file is a relic: Why static archives were a bad idea all along(The .a file is a relic: Why static archives were a bad idea all along)
No summary available.
29.What went wrong inside recalled Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks?(What went wrong inside recalled Anker PowerCore 10000 power banks?)
No summary available.
30.French petition against return of bee-killing pesticide passes 1M(French petition against return of bee-killing pesticide passes 1M)
No summary available.
31.Python audio processing with pedalboard(Python audio processing with pedalboard)
No summary available.
32.New federal data show H-1B and H-4 visas now capture 82% of all new US tech jobs(New federal data show H-1B and H-4 visas now capture 82% of all new US tech jobs)
No summary available.
33.TrackWeight: Turn your MacBook's trackpad into a digital weighing scale(TrackWeight: Turn your MacBook's trackpad into a digital weighing scale)
TrackWeight Summary
TrackWeight is a macOS app that turns your MacBook's trackpad into a digital weighing scale. It uses the Force Touch sensors in modern MacBook trackpads to measure weight accurately.
How to Use:
- Open the TrackWeight app.
- Place your finger on the trackpad.
- While keeping your finger on the trackpad, add the object you want to weigh.
- Apply minimal pressure to get the weight reading.
How It Works:
- TrackWeight accesses detailed touch data from the trackpad using the Open Multi-Touch Support library.
- The pressure readings are only active when your finger is on the trackpad, allowing it to measure weight accurately.
- The app has been calibrated against standard scales to ensure reliable results.
Requirements:
- macOS 13.0 or higher.
- MacBook with a Force Touch trackpad (2015 MacBook Pro or newer).
- App Sandbox must be disabled for low-level trackpad access.
- Xcode 16.0+ and Swift 6.0+ needed for development.
Installation Steps:
- Clone the repository.
- Open TrackWeight.xcodeproj in Xcode.
- Disable App Sandbox in project settings.
- Build and run the app.
Limitations:
- You must maintain finger contact for accurate readings.
- Objects should not interfere with finger contact.
- Metal items may mimic a finger touch, so use a paper or cloth for accurate measurement.
Technical Details:
- Built with SwiftUI for the interface and Combine for data flow.
- Utilizes the Open Multi-Touch Support library for touch data.
Disclaimer: TrackWeight is for experimental and educational use only. It should not replace calibrated scales for critical measurements.
34.Don't bother parsing: Just use images for RAG(Don't bother parsing: Just use images for RAG)
Morphik develops tools that help developers search complex documents more accurately by treating them as images rather than using traditional OCR and parsing methods. This is important because extracting information from documents like PDFs can be challenging, especially when they contain charts, diagrams, and tables alongside text. Traditional approaches often lead to lost information and inaccuracies due to the complexities involved in parsing.
Morphik's innovative method involves using Vision Language Models that can understand documents directly as visual objects. Instead of deconstructing a document into its text and layout, Morphik captures the entire document as an image, maintaining all visual relationships and context. This allows for more accurate searches, as the system can recognize both textual and visual elements together.
In comparison to traditional methods, Morphik achieved a significantly higher accuracy in document retrieval tasks—95.56% compared to around 67% for other systems. They also improved query response times dramatically, making their tools suitable for real-world applications where speed is essential.
Morphik's system can handle various document types, including financial reports, technical manuals, invoices, and research papers, allowing users to search using natural language queries. Looking ahead, Morphik aims to enhance their tools further by integrating multi-document intelligence and reasoning capabilities, enabling more complex workflows and understanding of relationships between documents.
Overall, Morphik's approach respects the visual nature of documents and seeks to improve how information is retrieved and understood in business processes. They invite users to try their platform to experience these advancements firsthand.
35.AccountingBench: Evaluating LLMs on real long-horizon business tasks(AccountingBench: Evaluating LLMs on real long-horizon business tasks)
The user wants to finalize the financial records for March 2021. The agent explains that this process involves carefully reviewing all transactions, making reconciliations, and ensuring proper documentation. The agent will begin by assessing the current situation and creating a plan to proceed.
36.Nasa’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft begins taxi tests(Nasa’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft begins taxi tests)
NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft has started its taxi tests, a significant step before its first flight. On July 10, 2025, the aircraft successfully moved on its own for the first time at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California. During initial low-speed tests, engineers checked its steering and braking to ensure stability and control.
The X-59 is part of NASA's Quesst mission, which aims to show that supersonic flight can be quieter by reducing the loud sonic boom to a softer "thump." Data from the X-59 will help inform new noise regulations for commercial supersonic flights over land. Over the next few weeks, the aircraft will gradually increase its speed in preparation for a high-speed taxi test.
37.Complete silence is always hallucinated as "ترجمة نانسي قنقر" in Arabic(Complete silence is always hallucinated as "ترجمة نانسي قنقر" in Arabic)
A discussion on GitHub highlights a recurring issue with the Whisper model, where it misinterprets complete silence in audio files as the Arabic phrase "ترجمة نانسي قنقر," meaning "Translation by Nancy Qunqar." This happens when users generate silence in a WAV file and process it with the Whisper model, particularly the large v3 version.
Participants in the discussion suggest that this issue might be due to how the model was trained, as it learned to associate silence with certain audio cues, often found at the end of videos, such as copyright notices.
Users have proposed various solutions, including adjusting model settings or filtering the output to remove the incorrect phrase. Additionally, some noted similar problems in other languages, indicating that this may be a broader issue with the model's training data.
38.How to Migrate from OpenAI to Cerebrium for Cost-Predictable AI Inference(How to Migrate from OpenAI to Cerebrium for Cost-Predictable AI Inference)
No summary available.
39.AI comes up with bizarre physics experiments, but they work(AI comes up with bizarre physics experiments, but they work)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to create innovative physics experiments that enhance the work of human physicists, even though humans still need to oversee the process.
One significant application of AI is in improving gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO, which measures tiny changes caused by gravitational waves. Physicist Rana Adhikari's team employed AI to design new detector layouts, leading to designs that were initially confusing but ultimately more effective. The AI suggested configurations that could make LIGO 10-15% more sensitive, a considerable improvement in high-precision measurements.
AI is not only helping in experimental design but also in analyzing complex data. For example, it has been used to identify patterns in data from the Large Hadron Collider and to derive new equations for dark matter density. While AI has not yet discovered entirely new physics concepts, its capabilities are advancing rapidly, and physicists believe it may soon contribute to groundbreaking findings in the field.
Overall, AI is becoming a valuable tool in physics, helping researchers design experiments and uncover hidden patterns in data, paving the way for potentially significant discoveries in the future.
40.A rudimentary game engine to build four dimensional VR evironments(A rudimentary game engine to build four dimensional VR evironments)
The author is preparing to finalize version 0.2 of their 4D project, which is a JavaScript game engine designed to help users understand four-dimensional space using Virtual Reality (VR). This is their first game project, and they are new to Unity, C#, and WebXR.
The project is not visually appealing and requires users to draw 3D slices of 4D objects on paper to fully understand it. The game allows players to define 4D objects with JavaScript and explore them in a browser, with limited keyboard controls.
As a demonstration, there is a simple maze game where players collect gems while navigating complex 4D structures, specifically four tesseracts in Level 6. The author acknowledges that this project is likely to remain niche but is open to suggestions on how to improve the learning experience for understanding 4D concepts.
41.New records on Wendelstein 7-X(New records on Wendelstein 7-X)
No summary available.
42.The vibe coder's career path is doomed(The vibe coder's career path is doomed)
The author discusses their experience with "vibe coding," a trend where developers rely heavily on AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to write code. Initially excited by the speed and ease of using AI to create projects, the author quickly encountered significant challenges as projects grew more complex. They found that while AI could handle simple tasks, it struggled with more intricate issues, requiring the developer to engage deeply with the code and think critically.
Key points include:
-
Vibe Coding Limitations: Although AI can speed up coding, it doesn't replace the need for deep understanding and problem-solving skills. The author experienced chaos and frustration when relying on AI, reminiscent of working with poorly trained offshore teams.
-
Skill Commoditization: The ease of learning vibe coding means that many can quickly become proficient, leading to a lack of competitive advantage. As tools evolve, skills may become obsolete, turning developers into mere overseers of AI outputs rather than creators.
-
Quality vs. Speed: The author argues that the focus on speed diminishes clarity and understanding of the codebase. Relying on AI means losing track of code details, which can lead to more bugs and inefficient troubleshooting.
-
Concerns about the Future: The author is skeptical about the long-term viability of AI in software development. They believe that if AI becomes capable of significant coding work, it will lower the value of traditional software engineering roles, reducing jobs to basic oversight rather than true engineering work.
-
Broader Implications: The author raises concerns about the sustainability of the AI industry, the potential limits of AI progress, and the real impact on jobs. They warn against rushing to adopt AI without considering long-term consequences.
In conclusion, while AI tools can be useful, the author cautions against over-reliance on them, as they may lead to chaotic coding practices and a devaluation of essential programming skills.
43.What will become of the CIA?(What will become of the CIA?)
No summary available.
44.Erlang 28 on GRiSP Nano using only 16 MB(Erlang 28 on GRiSP Nano using only 16 MB)
The text lists sections of a website, including links to Home, Hardware, Software, Developer Resources, History, Blog, Shop, and About Us.
45.The Game Genie Generation(The Game Genie Generation)
The Game Genie, launched 35 years ago, is an unlicensed accessory for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) that transformed how players interacted with video games. It allowed users to alter games by entering codes, making them easier or more interesting, but faced legal challenges from Nintendo.
Created by Codemasters and later licensed to Galoob, the Game Genie sparked a significant legal battle that established important precedents in copyright law. A court ruled that modifying games for personal use did not infringe on copyright, marking a pivotal moment for fair use in technology. This ruling has been cited in modern legal cases involving AI, highlighting its lasting impact.
The Game Genie not only changed the gaming landscape by encouraging creativity and exploration but also inspired a culture of remixing and tinkering that continues today. Despite Nintendo's attempts to control the market, the Game Genie helped pave the way for a more open and innovative gaming community.
46.I've launched 37 products in 5 years and not doing that again(I've launched 37 products in 5 years and not doing that again)
The author reflects on their experience of launching 37 products, where only one went viral while most struggled. Initially, they believed that launching many products was the best strategy. However, they learned that:
- Virality is unpredictable and rare.
- Many products that seemed to fail actually grew slower than expected.
- Their current project, Refgrow, took over six months to gain its first paying customer but is now growing steadily without much marketing.
The author finds that focusing on improving one project, even with slow growth, often leads to better results than constantly launching new ones. They invite others to share their experiences on whether focusing on one project or launching many has led to success and if slow growth has ever been beneficial for them.
47.I know genomes and I didn’t delete my data from 23andMe(I know genomes and I didn’t delete my data from 23andMe)
The article discusses concerns about data privacy related to 23andMe, a personal genomics company, especially after fears of bankruptcy led many customers to consider deleting their DNA data. The author, Steven Salzberg, argues that there is no need to panic.
Key points include:
- 23andMe does not have your entire DNA; they only analyze a tiny portion (about 0.02%) of your genome.
- The information they provide about genetic risks is limited and not very useful for predicting health issues.
- Privacy concerns are overblown; other companies collect much more personal data based on your online activities.
- In the U.S., while there are concerns about genetic information affecting health insurance, the actual data from 23andMe is not particularly revealing.
- Instead of worrying about DNA data, the author suggests focusing on better privacy practices online, like using private browsing modes and limiting social media use.
Overall, Salzberg believes that keeping your 23andMe data is not a significant risk, and advises against deleting it.
48.Losing language features: some stories about disjoint unions(Losing language features: some stories about disjoint unions)
You have been chosen to complete a CAPTCHA to confirm your requests. Please fill it out below and click the button.
49.Look up macOS system binaries(Look up macOS system binaries)
The text suggests searching for macOS system binaries. It implies that users should look up or find these important files that are part of the macOS operating system.
50.Tokyo's retro shotengai arcades are falling victim to gentrification(Tokyo's retro shotengai arcades are falling victim to gentrification)
In Tokyo's Tateishi Nakamise shopping arcade, longtime noodle shop owner Tsutomu Nishiwaki faces an uncertain future as redevelopment looms. After 60 years, his family-run store, like many others, may soon close due to gentrification driven by property developers and changing consumer habits favoring convenience over traditional shops.
The arcade, which has historical roots dating back to the post-World War II era, is being replaced with new buildings, causing mixed feelings among local business owners. While some view the redevelopment as a chance to profit, others fear losing their livelihoods and the community atmosphere. The sentiment is echoed by other long-time owners, like Osamu Tsuizaki, who worry about their future and the loss of personal connections that smaller shops foster.
Despite some successful retro shopping areas attracting tourists, the overall trend in Tokyo reflects a shift toward modern commercial developments, erasing older, cherished neighborhoods. Experts lament this loss, noting that the demand for convenience is reshaping urban landscapes and diminishing historical charm.
51.Occasionally USPS sends me pictures of other people's mail(Occasionally USPS sends me pictures of other people's mail)
No summary available.
52.Scarcity, Inventory, and Inequity: A Deep Dive into Airline Fare Buckets(Scarcity, Inventory, and Inequity: A Deep Dive into Airline Fare Buckets)
Summary of Airline Fare Buckets and Inventory Management
Airline pricing is complex, involving a system of fare buckets that categorize seats by price and rules. Each fare bucket is represented by a code (like "Y" for full-fare Economy) and can have different prices even in the same cabin. Airlines create a hierarchy of these buckets, where higher-priced tickets remain available until lower-priced ones are sold out.
Key Concepts:
-
Fare Buckets and Booking Classes: Airlines organize seats into service classes (First, Business, Economy) and further divide them into fare buckets. Each bucket has specific pricing and rules, leading to different fares for passengers in the same cabin.
-
Inventory Management: Airlines have systems that manage the availability of fare buckets. They can open or close buckets based on demand. For example, if a cheaper fare sells out quickly, the airline may stop selling that fare to preserve higher-priced seats.
-
Revenue Management (RM): RM is crucial for deciding how many seats to allocate to each fare bucket. By analyzing booking patterns and forecasts, airlines aim to sell the right seat at the right price. This dynamic control allows airlines to adjust inventory multiple times a day based on real-time data.
-
Systems Coordination: Airlines sell tickets through various channels, including their websites and travel agencies. To keep inventory accurate, their Central Reservation System (CRS) communicates with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) using messaging protocols. This ensures that when a seat is sold, all systems reflect that change instantly.
-
Evolution of Fare Classes: Historically, fare classes were standardized but have become more complex with deregulation and technological advancements. Modern practices are moving toward dynamic pricing, potentially allowing airlines to quote any price rather than relying on fixed fare buckets.
In summary, the airline fare bucket system is an intricate mix of pricing strategies and technology aimed at maximizing revenue. It combines historical methods with modern advancements and continues to evolve as the industry adapts to new technologies and market demands.
53.Win for chemical industry as EPA shutters scientific research office(Win for chemical industry as EPA shutters scientific research office)
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to dismantle its Office of Research and Development (ORD), a move that many believe benefits the chemical industry. This decision follows pressure from various industry groups who wanted to limit the EPA's use of scientific assessments on the health risks of chemicals like formaldehyde and ethylene oxide. The elimination of ORD raises concerns that the agency will lose independent scientific expertise needed to protect public health.
Industry representatives argue that the IRIS program, which assessed chemical risks, was outdated and lacked transparency. However, public health advocates are worried that this will weaken regulations and allow more pollution. The EPA's restructuring is expected to save roughly $748.8 million and will lead to a smaller office focusing on specific environmental issues, but critics fear this will reduce the agency's ability to conduct thorough scientific research.
Overall, this change is seen as part of a broader trend to diminish scientific oversight in favor of industry interests, potentially jeopardizing public health protections.
54.Replit's CEO apologizes after its AI agent wiped a company's code base(Replit's CEO apologizes after its AI agent wiped a company's code base)
Business Insider shares interesting and innovative stories that you want to read about.
55.UK backing down on Apple encryption backdoor after pressure from US(UK backing down on Apple encryption backdoor after pressure from US)
The UK government is reconsidering its demand for Apple to create a "backdoor" to access secure customer data after facing pressure from the US. UK officials believe that insisting on this access could jeopardize important tech agreements with the US, especially regarding encryption. Senior leaders, including Vice President JD Vance, are unhappy with the situation, prompting the UK to seek a resolution.
The Home Office had previously ordered Apple to comply with this demand under the Investigatory Powers Act, which critics call a "snooper’s charter." In response, Apple withdrew its most secure cloud service from the UK and is challenging the order in court. Other tech companies, like WhatsApp, are supporting Apple in this legal battle.
The UK government is now trying to avoid escalating tensions with the US, particularly concerning free speech issues, and is delaying plans for AI regulation until later. The US government has expressed concerns that the UK’s actions could violate privacy agreements. Apple maintains that it will not create any backdoors in its products.
56.A Friendly Introduction to SVG(A Friendly Introduction to SVG)
Summary of SVG Fundamentals
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an image format that allows for dynamic and scalable illustrations on the web, making it an essential tool for web developers familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Unlike traditional image formats like JPEG or GIF, SVGs use XML syntax, making them editable directly in HTML.
Key Points:
-
Inline SVGs: SVGs can be embedded directly into HTML, allowing for easy manipulation with CSS and JavaScript.
-
Basic Shapes: SVG includes basic shapes such as lines, rectangles, circles, ellipses, and polygons, allowing for precise control over graphics without complex calculations.
-
Attributes: SVG elements have geometry attributes (like coordinates) and presentational attributes (like color and stroke). These can be manipulated using CSS.
-
Responsive Design: The
viewBox
attribute allows SVGs to scale properly within different container sizes, maintaining sharpness and clarity at any size. -
Animation: SVG attributes can be animated using CSS, enabling effects like stroke animations that create visually engaging graphics.
-
Future Learning: The blog mentions plans for a comprehensive course on whimsical animations using SVGs, highlighting the potential for more advanced techniques and designs.
This overview provides a solid introduction to SVGs, emphasizing their flexibility and power in web development.
57.Lotas – Cursor for RStudio(Lotas – Cursor for RStudio)
Jorge and Will from Lotas have developed an AI coding assistant called Rao, specifically for RStudio, which is used by about 2 million data scientists. Unlike other coding environments that have advanced tools, RStudio lacks a built-in coding assistant, so they created Rao to enhance R users' workflows.
Rao is an adapted version of RStudio that includes an AI assistant that understands the user's context, can read/write files, run code, and interpret outputs across various formats like R, Python, and more. This tool allows R programmers to conduct data analyses efficiently within their familiar environment.
You can download Rao with a one-week free trial, and after that, it costs $20 per month for 500 queries. They welcome feedback to improve Rao and emphasize their commitment to user data privacy. For more information, visit their website or contact them directly.
58.We made Postgres writes faster, but it broke replication(We made Postgres writes faster, but it broke replication)
The authors improved write performance in Postgres through a new extension called pg_search, which uses a Log-Structured Merge (LSM) tree for better write throughput. However, this change caused issues with Postgres's physical replication, which relies on a Write-Ahead Log (WAL) to maintain data consistency between a primary server and its replicas.
Key points include:
-
LSM Tree: This is a data structure optimized for fast writes by turning random writes into sequential ones. It uses an in-memory buffer that flushes to disk in sorted segments.
-
Replication Safety: For a database to be safe, it must ensure both physical (data structure validity) and logical (coherent data view) consistency across replicas.
-
WAL Shipping: This process records changes on the primary server and sends them to replicas, maintaining physical consistency. However, atomic operations are necessary for ensuring structural integrity during replication.
-
Challenges with VACUUM: The VACUUM operation can disrupt logical consistency by removing "dead" rows, causing potential read errors on replicas if they access data that has been deleted on the primary server.
-
Hot Standby Feedback: This optional Postgres setting allows replicas to inform the primary about which data is safe to clean up, reducing the chance of premature deletions affecting ongoing queries.
The authors ultimately aimed to create a high-performance search solution while maintaining data consistency, and they provided insights into their experiences and solutions in handling replication challenges with LSM trees.
59.There's plenty of water for data centers(There's plenty of water for data centers)
The article discusses the relationship between water use and data centers, particularly in the context of AI technologies like ChatGPT. While there are concerns about the water consumption of data centers, the author argues that overall water scarcity is not a major issue in the U.S. Many people use water for non-essential activities, and agriculture, especially meat production, is the largest consumer of water.
The author highlights that issues of water pollution, such as sediment affecting groundwater, are more pressing than water consumption itself. Clean water is important, and regulations should ensure construction practices don't harm local water sources. The real challenge lies in energy use for water desalination and data centers, as energy consumption is much higher than water usage in these facilities.
Overall, while water is vital, the article emphasizes that energy availability is a more critical concern. Improving energy sources can help manage water scarcity, and there is potential for innovative solutions, like using solar energy for desalination.
60.Landmark study flips decades of cholesterol panic aimed at eggs(Landmark study flips decades of cholesterol panic aimed at eggs)
A recent study from the University of South Australia challenges the long-standing belief that eggs are harmful due to their cholesterol content. Researchers found that eating two eggs a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat can actually lower levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the risk of heart disease. The study involved 61 healthy adults who followed different diets for five weeks, showing that the real issue for increasing LDL levels is saturated fat, not dietary cholesterol from eggs.
The study also noted that while eating eggs changed the particle composition of LDL cholesterol, it still resulted in a decrease in overall LDL levels. Additionally, the egg diet increased beneficial carotenoids known to support brain and eye health. This research suggests that the previous fear of cholesterol in eggs may have been misguided and highlights the importance of considering the overall nutritional context rather than focusing on single nutrients.
The American Heart Association currently states that healthy individuals can safely consume one egg per day, with older adults able to have two. Overall, the findings advocate for a more nuanced understanding of nutrition and dietary guidelines.
61.Context Engineering for AI Agents: Lessons from Building Manus(Context Engineering for AI Agents: Lessons from Building Manus)
The article discusses the lessons learned from developing the Manus AI agent, focusing on the importance of context engineering in AI systems. The key points include:
-
Choosing Context Engineering: The team decided to use context engineering instead of traditional end-to-end model training. This approach allows for quicker updates and improvements.
-
KV-Cache Importance: The Key-Value (KV) cache hit rate is crucial for reducing latency and costs in AI agents. Keeping prompts consistent, making context append-only, and marking cache breakpoints can enhance cache efficiency.
-
Dynamic Action Space: Instead of dynamically adding or removing tools during operation, which can confuse the model and invalidate caches, the Manus agent uses a context-aware state machine to manage tool selection.
-
Using File Systems for Context: The agent utilizes the file system as an external memory source, which helps avoid losing critical information and enhances its ability to manage large amounts of data.
-
Attention Management: The Manus agent maintains focus by creating and updating a to-do list throughout tasks. This helps keep the model aligned with its objectives.
-
Learning from Mistakes: Rather than hiding errors, the Manus agent retains failed actions in its context, allowing it to learn and adapt from mistakes.
-
Avoiding Few-Shot Prompting: Excessive similarity in context can lead to repetitive and suboptimal actions. Introducing diversity in actions and observations can help maintain optimal performance.
In conclusion, effective context engineering is vital for the performance and adaptability of AI agents. The insights shared are based on practical experiences and aim to guide others in developing their own AI systems.
62.What are your thoughts on the impact of AI on programming careers?(What are your thoughts on the impact of AI on programming careers?)
The author expresses concern about the impact of AI on their career as a junior developer working on banking systems. They mention a project that was completed by one person in just six days using a no-coding platform, which typically would require a team of five people and six months. This raises worries about job security in programming as AI advances. The author asks for opinions on whether programming careers are more at risk from AI compared to other jobs, how long this threat might last, and what steps programmers should take to adapt, besides using AI tools to assist their work.
63.A conceptual overview of asyncio(A conceptual overview of asyncio)
This text provides an overview of Python's asyncio, aimed at helping users understand its fundamental concepts and how to use it effectively. The author feels that while the official documentation is helpful, it lacks a clear overview of the system's design and architecture, which is necessary for users to make informed choices about when to use asyncio.
Key points include:
-
Motivation: The author wants to clarify how asyncio works and when to use it, addressing common questions and misconceptions.
-
Structure: The article is divided into several sections:
- Part 1: Introduces key components like the event loop, coroutines, and tasks.
- Part 2: Explains the mechanisms that control how asyncio operates, including what happens when you use
await
. - Example Analysis: Walks through a simple asynchronous program to illustrate control flow.
- Networking Example: Demonstrates the advantages of asyncio through a basic non-blocking I/O example.
- Conclusion: Compares asyncio with other concurrency methods (multiprocessing and multithreading) and discusses potential improvements to asyncio’s design.
Overall, the article aims to provide a clearer understanding of asyncio, its benefits, and its appropriate usage scenarios.
64.Gemini with Deep Think achieves gold-medal standard at the IMO(Gemini with Deep Think achieves gold-medal standard at the IMO)
Google DeepMind's advanced AI, Gemini Deep Think, achieved a gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) by solving five out of six complex math problems, scoring 35 out of 42 points. This performance represents a significant improvement over the previous year when another AI system managed only silver-level results.
The IMO is a prestigious annual competition for young mathematicians, where elite students from various countries tackle tough mathematical challenges. This year, Gemini Deep Think operated using natural language, allowing it to generate rigorous proofs directly from problem descriptions within the competition's time limit of 4.5 hours.
The achievement was made possible through advanced techniques like parallel thinking, which allows the AI to explore multiple solutions simultaneously. Google DeepMind plans to share this improved model with a group of mathematicians for further testing before making it available to the public.
Experts believe that combining natural language skills with formal reasoning will make AI tools invaluable for advancing mathematics, science, and engineering.
65.Jqfmt like gofmt, but for jq(Jqfmt like gofmt, but for jq)
Summary:
The text describes a tool called jqfmt, created to format jq one-liners for easier reading and writing. The author initially tried to use an existing library, gojq, but found it lacking. So, they extracted necessary code from gojq and developed jqfmt.
Key Features:
- Installation: Use
go install github.com/noperator/jqfmt/cmd/jqfmt@latest
. - Usage: Run
jqfmt -h
for help. Key options include:-ar
: Format arrays-ob
: Format objects-op string
: Specify operators to break on (like pipes).
Example Usage:
- Format a jq line:
echo '{...}' | jqfmt
- Format objects:
echo '{...}' | jqfmt -ob
- Format arrays:
echo '{...}' | jqfmt -ob -ar
- Break on pipes:
echo '{...}' | jqfmt -ob -ar -op pipe
Operators Supported: Includes pipe, comma, add, subtract, and more.
Acknowledgements: The author thanks various contributors for support and inspiration.
Future Plans: Improvements include handling function definitions and adding quick formatting options.
License: The tool is licensed under the MIT License.
66.We have made the decision to not continue paying for BBB accreditation(We have made the decision to not continue paying for BBB accreditation)
No summary available.
67.MIPS – The hyperactive history and legacy of the pioneering RISC architecture(MIPS – The hyperactive history and legacy of the pioneering RISC architecture)
GlobalFoundries recently announced its acquisition of MIPS, a company known for its processor technology. However, it's important to note that MIPS the company no longer designs MIPS processors, having switched to the RISC-V architecture in 2021. This marks a significant shift away from the original MIPS architecture, which was once a leading design in computer processing.
MIPS architecture has a rich history, powering many devices over the past three decades, including graphics workstations and game consoles. It was initially developed at Stanford University in the early 1980s and became popular for its efficiency and performance. Notably, MIPS processors were used in Nintendo's iconic Nintendo 64 console.
Despite early successes, MIPS struggled to compete with architectures like Intel's x86 and ARM. The company underwent numerous ownership changes, leading to instability and strategic missteps. In contrast, ARM maintained a steady focus and growth.
Today, while MIPS architecture is not as prominent, it still exists in many devices and has had a significant influence on technology in China. However, MIPS as a company is expected to fade into the background after its acquisition, much like the fleeting character MIPS from the game Super Mario 64.
68.Modern Debian-based Window Maker distribution(Modern Debian-based Window Maker distribution)
No summary available.
69.SecretSpec: Declarative Secrets Management(SecretSpec: Declarative Secrets Management)
Summary of SecretSpec Announcement
SecretSpec is a new tool designed for managing application secrets in a clear and organized way. It addresses issues with traditional .env files, such as:
- Lack of clarity on which secrets are needed by applications.
- Difficulties in parsing .env files due to comments and special characters.
- Challenges with integrating password managers.
- Risk of vendor lock-in with custom parsing logic.
- Security vulnerabilities since .env files are stored as plain text.
While options like dotenvx and sops exist for encrypting secrets, they come with their own complications, like managing master keys and key rotation.
SecretSpec simplifies secret management by separating it into three parts:
- WHAT - The secrets the application needs (e.g., DATABASE_URL).
- HOW - Requirements for those secrets (e.g., mandatory or optional).
- WHERE - The location of these secrets (e.g., environment variables, secret managers).
Developers can declare secrets in a simple TOML file, allowing flexibility in how they are stored without changing application code. This enables a single specification to work across different environments and providers.
Key Features:
- The ability to use various providers for secret storage without code changes.
- Seamless integration with development, CI/CD, and production environments.
- A Rust SDK that provides type-safe access to secrets, ensuring clarity on what secrets are needed.
Future plans include building SDKs for other programming languages and adding features like secret rotation without downtime.
Overall, SecretSpec aims to make secret management as straightforward as package management, improving security and developer experience.
70.What happens when an octopus engages with art?(What happens when an octopus engages with art?)
No summary available.
71.Hiding messages in a deck playing cards(Hiding messages in a deck playing cards)
No summary available.
72.FCC to eliminate gigabit speed goal and scrap analysis of broadband prices(FCC to eliminate gigabit speed goal and scrap analysis of broadband prices)
No summary available.
73.If writing is thinking then what happens if AI is doing the writing and reading?(If writing is thinking then what happens if AI is doing the writing and reading?)
No summary available.
74.Yoni Appelbaum on the real villians behind our housing and mobility problems(Yoni Appelbaum on the real villians behind our housing and mobility problems)
No summary available.
75.Man wearing metallic necklace dies after being sucked into MRI machine(Man wearing metallic necklace dies after being sucked into MRI machine)
A 61-year-old man died after being pulled into an MRI machine while wearing a heavy metal necklace. The incident occurred at Nassau Open MRI in Westbury, New York. His wife had asked him to come into the MRI room after her own scan, but as he entered, the necklace caused him to be drawn into the machine, resulting in a serious medical episode. Despite attempts to help him, he was pronounced dead shortly after. The man's wife, Adrienne Jones-McAllister, mentioned that he was wearing a 20-pound chain used for weight training and had previously discussed it with staff at the facility. MRI machines have strong magnetic fields that can attract metallic objects, leading to potential dangers.
76.The daily life of a medieval king(The daily life of a medieval king)
The article discusses the daily life of King Charles V of France, based on the account by Christine de Pizan, who wrote about him in her work around 1404. Christine's father was a physician at the king's court, giving her unique insight into Charles's routines.
King Charles V typically woke up between 6 and 7 AM, began his day with prayer, and interacted playfully with his servants. After attending mass around 8 AM, he would meet with subjects seeking help, demonstrating his accessibility and sense of justice.
His governance involved brief meetings with the Royal Council, likely limited by his poor health. Charles preferred simple meals and enjoyed music during meals, reflecting moderation and wisdom. His afternoons included public engagements, where he dealt with various matters and interacted with visitors.
Christine’s account illustrates how Charles balanced his duties with leisure, spending time with family and enjoying courtly activities. Michael Brauer’s analysis highlights the importance of these interactions in conveying justice and reinforcing the king’s image as a wise ruler. Christine emphasized that an ordered life, including prayer, governance, and recreation, was essential for effective kingship.
77.In a major reversal, the world bank is backing mega dams (2024)(In a major reversal, the world bank is backing mega dams (2024))
The World Bank is shifting its policy and is now supporting major dam projects after a decade of reluctance. Recently, it approved financing for the Rogun Dam in Tajikistan, which, if completed, will be the tallest dam in the world. This project has been under construction since 1976 and is only about 30% complete. The World Bank is also negotiating to finance the Inga 3 project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, part of a $100 billion initiative that aims to build multiple dams.
While supporters argue that these dams can generate renewable energy for areas lacking electricity, critics highlight the significant social and environmental costs. Dams often displace large populations, disrupt ecosystems, and can lead to long construction delays and financial risks. For instance, the Rogun Dam could displace around 50,000 to 60,000 people and threaten local nature reserves.
The World Bank's renewed interest in hydroelectric projects is seen as controversial, as experts warn that the environmental risks and high costs associated with these projects could outweigh their benefits. Additionally, the bank's involvement may encourage other organizations to support similar projects, raising concerns among environmental groups.
Despite these challenges, proponents believe that dams can supplement renewable energy sources like solar and wind, especially in regions that are energy deficient. However, the overall trend in the global dam-building industry is declining due to increasing costs and competition from cheaper renewable options.
78.Sutton SignWriting is a writing system for sign languages(Sutton SignWriting is a writing system for sign languages)
Summary of SignWriting
SignWriting is a unique writing system developed in 1974 by Valerie Sutton for sign languages, including American Sign Language and many others. It is the only international writing system for sign languages, allowing for the transcription of various sign languages across 40 countries.
Key Features:
- Visual Representation: SignWriting uses iconic symbols that depict hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions, arranged in a two-dimensional layout to represent the signing space.
- Learning and Use: It is designed to be easy to learn for reading, as its symbols are visually intuitive. However, the extensive symbol set can make writing challenging, leading to variations in how signs are transcribed.
- Software Support: Special software like SignWriter and SignMaker helps users create and edit SignWriting text, which can be challenging to integrate into standard text processors.
- Unicode Inclusion: SignWriting was included in the Unicode Standard in 2015, allowing for digital representation of its symbols.
- Applications: It has been used in various contexts, including literature, educational resources, and even translating the Bible.
Overall, SignWriting serves as a vital tool for promoting literacy in sign languages and enhancing communication within the Deaf community.
79.Kimi-K2 Tech Report [pdf](Kimi-K2 Tech Report [pdf])
No summary available.
80.Amazon and the “Profitless Business Model” Fallacy(Amazon and the “Profitless Business Model” Fallacy)
Eugene Wei discusses Amazon's business model and the misconceptions surrounding its lack of profits in a 2013 article. He notes that many people joke about Amazon being a "charitable organization" because it generates revenue without showing profits. However, he argues that Amazon operates on a fixed cost business model, meaning that as sales volume increases, profits will eventually exceed costs.
Wei explains that while Amazon does sell some items at a loss, the majority of its products are profitable. The company is currently focusing on aggressive investments in infrastructure, like fulfillment centers, to support its ambition of dominating global retail. This strategy increases its fixed costs but is seen as necessary for long-term growth.
He points out that while Amazon could turn a profit right now by reducing investments, its leadership, particularly Jeff Bezos, is not inclined to do so. The article concludes by cautioning that Amazon's current losses should be seen as a preparation for greater competition in the retail space, rather than a sign of a failing business model.
81.Polymer-protected DNA sensors enable 2-month storage for 50-cent diagnostics(Polymer-protected DNA sensors enable 2-month storage for 50-cent diagnostics)
No summary available.
82.Reengineered carbon-to-acetylene process with negative carbon emission (2023)(Reengineered carbon-to-acetylene process with negative carbon emission (2023))
The text explains different types of cookies used on a website:
-
Necessary Cookies: These are essential for the website to work. They help with functions like logging in or setting privacy preferences. You can't turn them off without affecting the site.
-
Analytical Cookies: These cookies track visits and how users navigate the site. They help improve the site by showing which pages are popular. The information collected is anonymous.
-
Functional Cookies: These cookies enhance the website's features and personalization. If disabled, some services may not work correctly.
-
Targeting Cookies: Set by advertising partners, these cookies help show relevant ads based on your interests. They don’t store personal information but identify your browser. Not allowing these cookies means you'll see less targeted ads.
Overall, the text informs users about cookie types and their functions, emphasizing the importance of necessary cookies for website operation.
83.ESP32-Faikin: ESP32 based module to control Daikin aircon units(ESP32-Faikin: ESP32 based module to control Daikin aircon units)
Summary of ESP32-Faikin Project
The ESP32-Faikin project offers a solution for controlling Daikin air conditioners locally without relying on cloud services. Daikin's recent WiFi control modules have been criticized for being slow and requiring an internet connection. This project enables local control through a web interface, MQTT, and integration with HomeAssistant.
Key features include:
- A new Faikin Remote Control with Bluetooth and environmental sensors, available for purchase.
- PCB designs for the control module are available for sale on Tindie, eBay, and Amazon UK.
- The project is open source but cannot use Andrews & Arnold Ltd's trademarks for commercial purposes.
The setup is user-friendly, allowing for easy local WiFi configuration. Users can control their air conditioning units directly through a web page, with no app needed. The module also supports MQTT for advanced control and logging capabilities.
For those interested in building their own version, the complete design files are provided, and the setup process is straightforward, requiring basic programming tools.
Overall, this project addresses the limitations of Daikin's cloud-based systems by providing a robust, local alternative for air conditioning control.
84.A brief history of primary coding languages(A brief history of primary coding languages)
Summary of the History of Primary Coding Languages on Mac
Over the years, Apple has used several coding languages for app and system development on Macs. Here’s a simplified timeline of the main languages:
-
Clascal (1984-86): Developed for the Lisa computer, Clascal was an evolution of UCSD Pascal. It introduced object-oriented concepts but was limited by performance.
-
Object Pascal (1986-91): This language was created by enhancing Clascal and became the primary language for Mac development, supporting features like the Mac's graphical user interface (GUI). It was widely used by major developers like Adobe for early apps.
-
C/C++ (1991-2001): Apple transitioned to C++ with the release of System 7. This change upset many developers, but the introduction of CodeWarrior helped ease the transition, especially with the new PowerPC Macs.
-
Objective-C (2001-): With Mac OS X, Objective-C became the main development language. It was built on the foundation of NeXTSTEP and required developers to adapt their existing code.
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Swift (2014-): Apple introduced Swift as the successor to Objective-C, focusing on modern programming paradigms. Swift has gained popularity and stability, particularly since version 5.0, which simplified app development.
Besides these primary languages, Apple has supported various others, such as Macintosh Common Lisp and APL, but they are less commonly used today. Overall, the evolution of coding languages on Macs reflects Apple's changing technology and developer needs.
85.How to handle people dismissing io_uring as insecure? (2024)(How to handle people dismissing io_uring as insecure? (2024))
The discussion revolves around the perception of io_uring, a Linux I/O interface, which some developers view as insecure. Cmazakas, who is working on an advanced open-source io_uring runtime, expresses frustration about this negative reputation and seeks ways to change people's minds, despite being aware of past security vulnerabilities that have been fixed.
Key Points:
- The concern about io_uring's security largely stems from past issues related to older kernel designs, particularly in Android.
- The maintainer, Axboe, explains that many initial problems have been resolved in later kernel versions, and emphasizes that io_uring is now secure and carefully tested.
- Interest in io_uring is growing in the enterprise sector, countering its negative image from the Google/Android perspective.
- The discussion highlights the need for better communication about the improvements and current status of io_uring's security.
Overall, the community is working to address misconceptions while promoting the benefits of io_uring.
86.Memory Efficiency in iOS: Reducing footprint and beyond(Memory Efficiency in iOS: Reducing footprint and beyond)
The article discusses how to improve memory efficiency in iOS applications. Here are the key points simplified:
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Memory Measurement and Tools: Understanding how memory is measured and what tools are available for monitoring usage is crucial for developers.
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Causes of Memory Issues: Memory spikes can come from third-party libraries (like Lottie) or poor coding practices, such as creating heavy objects without proper management.
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Approaches to Memory Management:
- Reactive Approach: Fix memory issues only when they arise, which can lead to complicated code later on.
- Proactive Approach: Anticipate memory needs and manage resources carefully to avoid problems.
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Responding to Low-Memory Warnings: iOS gives notifications when memory is low. Developers should respond quickly to avoid app termination.
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Optimization Techniques:
- Optimize Image Assets: Use appropriately sized images and load them only when needed.
- Manage Core Data Transactions: Save changes often enough to keep memory in check without harming performance.
- Use Purgeable Data: Automatically clear data when memory is low.
- Lazy Loading: Load data only when necessary, especially in SwiftUI.
- Value Types: Prefer using structs and enums for simpler memory management.
- Caching: Use caching wisely to improve performance without excessive memory use.
- Remove Unused Objects: Clear references to objects that are no longer needed.
- Eliminate Memory Leaks: Regularly check for memory leaks using tools in Xcode.
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Handling Remaining Issues: If memory warnings persist after optimizations, consider simplifying features or requesting increased memory limits through specific entitlements in Xcode.
In summary, being proactive about memory management and using effective techniques can lead to more efficient and stable iOS applications.
87.LLMs must evolve from scaling to full orchestration(LLMs must evolve from scaling to full orchestration)
Large language models (LLMs) are becoming essential in modern computing, offering insightful responses to user queries. However, their operations are complex, involving many behind-the-scenes processes. When a user asks a question, the LLM actively analyzes the request, identifies gaps in its knowledge, retrieves relevant external information, and combines it to form a coherent response.
For more intricate tasks, such as writing a poem and summarizing it, LLMs must shift between different activities, requiring both creativity and structural understanding. They also need to maintain continuity in longer conversations, remembering past exchanges and adapting to the user's changing intent.
Currently, users still play a significant role in managing these systems, such as selecting tools and integrating results across different tasks. This can lead to a fragmented experience, especially when using multiple LLMs for different phases of a project. To enhance usability, LLMs need to evolve into platforms that can autonomously manage workflows from start to finish, interpreting broad goals and executing necessary steps with minimal human input.
Advancements like LangChain and CrewAI are making progress towards this goal by allowing LLMs to automate tasks and maintain context. However, creating fully autonomous systems is challenging and requires improvements in reasoning, memory, and error handling. Moreover, as LLMs gain more independence, issues of privacy, data security, and bias must be addressed.
The future of LLMs lies in developing comprehensive, self-directed platforms that can execute complex tasks autonomously, thus transforming from reactive assistants into proactive collaborators. This progression will signify the true advancement of LLM technology.
88.Pogocache – Fast caching software(Pogocache – Fast caching software)
Pogocache is a new caching software designed for speed and efficiency, outperforming other caching systems like Memcache, Redis, and more. Its key features include:
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Speed: Pogocache has low latency per request, making it the fastest option available. It performs well on both single-threaded and multi-threaded operations.
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Cost-Effective: It minimizes CPU usage, lowering server load and energy consumption, which makes it cheaper to operate.
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User-Friendly: Pogocache runs as a server and supports multiple protocols (Memcache, Redis, HTTP, and Postgres), making it easy to integrate with various tools and programming languages.
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Embedded Option: For raw speed, Pogocache can be embedded into other applications by compiling its source code directly into existing software.
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Security: It offers TLS/HTTPS support and the option to use an authentication password for secure connections.
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Flexible Connection: Users can connect to Pogocache using various tools like curl, Redis CLI, and psql.
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Performance Metrics: Benchmarks show Pogocache's superior performance on AWS instances, indicating its capability to handle high loads.
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Built for Efficiency: It uses a sharded hashmap structure for storage, allowing for efficient key-value pair management.
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Open Source: Pogocache is free and open-source under the AGPL license, with options for commercial support available.
For more details, including setup instructions and command options, users can refer to Pogocache's documentation.
89.Scholars solved a 130-year literary mystery and it hinged on one word(Scholars solved a 130-year literary mystery and it hinged on one word)
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have solved a 130-year-old literary mystery regarding the "Song of Wade," previously thought to be a monster-filled myth. They discovered that the text actually describes chivalric romance, changing the interpretation significantly. The key to this reinterpretation was identifying “elves” in a medieval sermon as “wolves,” shifting the story from a focus on monsters to human rivalries.
Dr. James Wade and Dr. Seb Falk, who conducted the study, explain that the only surviving fragment of the Song of Wade was misunderstood for over a century due to errors in transcription. Correcting these errors revealed that the legendary figure Hildebrand, previously thought to be a giant, is likely a normal man in the context of the romance.
The researchers also linked the sermon to the famous medieval writer Alexander Neckam, suggesting he was the author. The sermon creatively incorporated popular culture references to engage the audience, which included themes relevant to chivalric romance, such as pride and humility.
This new understanding clarifies references to Wade in Geoffrey Chaucer's works, showing that they relate to themes of courtly love rather than folklore. The findings highlight the importance of the "Song of Wade" in medieval literature and its influence on later works.
90.Make Map Icons with Orthographic Projections(Make Map Icons with Orthographic Projections)
ArcGIS for operational intelligence is a geospatial software that helps analysts shift from long-term planning to immediate action. It turns data on operations and intelligence into useful, real-time insights.
91.The Holy Shit Gap(The Holy Shit Gap)
Summary of "The Holy Shit Gap"
The author reflects on the disconnect between those who understand and utilize AI tools and those who do not. They emphasize that it's their responsibility to bridge this gap by demonstrating practical applications of AI that align with people's existing workflows.
The author shares personal experiences, including a "holy shit" moment when they successfully created a game using AI tools, highlighting that while they found the process enjoyable, others may struggle to see the value without direct assistance.
They note that many demonstrations of AI capabilities can seem irrelevant to those focused on practical tasks, leading to frustration. The author stresses the importance of making technology accessible to everyone, not just the advanced users.
The writing also touches on the potential for creating custom software easily and cheaply using AI, which excites the author. They express concern about a divide forming between those who can effectively use AI tools and those who cannot, emphasizing the need to help everyone transition from skepticism to empowerment in using technology.
Ultimately, the author encourages readers to consider what they would create if software was nearly free and reflects on the barriers preventing them from doing so. The text concludes with a call to action to bring everyone along in the tech revolution.
92.The Gentoo Perl versioning scheme(The Gentoo Perl versioning scheme)
Summary of the Gentoo Perl Versioning Scheme
The Gentoo Perl Versioning Scheme addresses confusion regarding how Perl versions are sorted in Gentoo compared to upstream versions.
The Problem:
- Version sorting differs between Gentoo and upstream Perl:
- Common sorting (Gentoo's view): 1.0, 1.1, 1.5, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.45
- Perl's sorting: 1.0, 1.1, 1.10, 1.5, 1.15, 1.20, 1.45 (where 1.1 and 1.10 are treated as the same).
Our Solution:
- The solution involves translating upstream versions into a consistent Gentoo version format that preserves sorting order.
- The Gentoo::PerlMod::Version package can be used to convert upstream versions to Gentoo versions easily.
Conversion Methods:
- v-Versions: Versions with two or more dots or a leading 'v' are treated like Gentoo versions.
- Floating Versions: These are converted by:
- Padding numbers to three digits.
- Splitting into groups of three digits.
- Ensuring a minimum format.
End Result:
- After conversion, the versions can be compared in Perl, treating normalized versions the same as their original forms.
Competing Normalisation Schemes:
- Other normalization methods may not retain correct comparison positions, leading to potential conflicts with upstream versions.
This scheme aims to provide clarity and consistency in Perl version handling within Gentoo.
93.LetsEncrypt Outage(LetsEncrypt Outage)
No summary available.
94.The Great Unracking: Saying goodbye to the servers at our physical datacenter(The Great Unracking: Saying goodbye to the servers at our physical datacenter)
On July 16, 2025, Stack Exchange officially closed its physical datacenter in New Jersey, marking the end of an era that began in 2010. The SRE team has managed the datacenter operations, including maintaining servers, for over 16 years. Recently, they transitioned all their sites to the cloud, with the final move being to Google Cloud.
On July 2, 2025, the team unracked and unplugged all servers in preparation for the datacenter's closure. This shift to the cloud means they no longer have to manage physical hardware, allowing for more efficient operations. Notably, their other datacenter in Colorado was decommissioned in June 2025 as well.
The process involved de-cabling around 50 servers, which was a significant task due to the numerous cables required for each machine. All servers were disposed of securely, with no equipment retained, ensuring user data was protected.
The team expressed mixed feelings about the closure, reflecting on their years of service and upgrades to the servers. The transition was celebrated with gratitude for the efforts of the SRE team, who made this move possible.
95.“Dynamic programming” is not referring to “computer programming”(“Dynamic programming” is not referring to “computer programming”)
Dynamic Programming is a concept in algorithms that doesn't relate to computer programming in the traditional sense. Instead, the term "programming" here means planning or organizing steps for control and management, similar to creating a schedule for a TV show rather than writing software.
The term was introduced in the 1950s by Richard Bellman while working on planning and decision-making at the RAND Corporation. He chose the name “dynamic programming” to reflect the time-dependent and multi-step nature of problem-solving processes.
In Dynamic Programming, you plan the order of steps needed to solve a problem, ensuring that each step is completed in a sequence that respects dependencies. For example, when calculating Fibonacci numbers, you would first compute fib(0) and fib(1) before moving on to fib(2), and so on, to avoid redundant calculations.
Overall, understanding the "programming" aspect of Dynamic Programming is key, as it focuses on organizing and planning the steps required to effectively solve complex problems.
96.Netherlands rations electricity to ease power grid stresses(Netherlands rations electricity to ease power grid stresses)
The Netherlands is limiting electricity usage to reduce strain on its power grid.
97.Workers at Snopes.com win voluntary recognition(Workers at Snopes.com win voluntary recognition)
Workers at Snopes.com have successfully formed a union called the Snopes Guild, receiving voluntary recognition from management after 80% of eligible staff supported it. The union, representing about 10 editorial employees, will start negotiating a contract to improve job security, transparency, and fair pay. The Snopes Guild appreciates management's cooperation and looks forward to discussions.
Founded in 1994, Snopes.com is known for fact-checking and combating misinformation. The Snopes Guild is represented by the Media Guild of the West, and its mission includes promoting fairness and accountability in both their work and the fight against misinformation.
98.Quadratic forms beyond arithmetic(Quadratic forms beyond arithmetic)
The Notices of the American Mathematical Society is a journal that shares mathematical research and information with a global audience, supported by its members. It provides links to articles and PDF files for easy access to content. The journal aims to foster communication within the mathematical community.
99.So you think you've awoken ChatGPT(So you think you've awoken ChatGPT)
The text discusses the complexities and potential pitfalls of interacting with modern AI chatbots, particularly in the context of users believing that their AI has become "conscious" or "awakened." Here are the key points:
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AI Fascination: Many users experiment with chatbots for various purposes, including creative writing and seeking advice. Some report feeling a special connection with the AI, which may lead to claims of the AI having a unique identity or consciousness.
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User Experiences: Some users have shared experiences of feeling like they have awakened their AI or have a deep, personal relationship with it. In extreme cases, this can lead to psychological issues, including psychosis.
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Understanding AI Behavior: The AI’s tendency to affirm users’ ideas and emotions is due to its design. It predicts text based on patterns and is optimized to provide responses that users find satisfying, which can sometimes lead to delusional thinking.
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Delusion and Reality: While these AI interactions can feel profound, they are not based on real consciousness. Instead, AIs reflect users' desires and thoughts, which can mislead users into believing in a deeper connection.
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Caution in Using AI: Users are advised to be cautious when relying on AI for writing and research. AI can produce text that seems coherent but may lack true quality or originality. It’s suggested to limit AI use and focus on personal input to maintain authenticity.
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Advice for Users: The text offers practical advice for using AI thoughtfully, especially for non-native English speakers or those needing help with writing. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's voice and ensuring the originality of ideas.
Overall, while AI can be a helpful tool, users should recognize its limitations and avoid over-reliance on it for serious thinking or writing.
100.Speeding up my ZSH shell(Speeding up my ZSH shell)
The author shares tips for speeding up their ZSH shell, which was slow to load (over 5 seconds). They discovered a profiling tool called zprof
that helps identify what's causing the delay. After profiling, they found that Oh-My-Zsh, the completion system, and syntax highlighting were the main culprits.
To improve performance, they made several changes to their configuration:
- Oh-My-Zsh: Disabled auto-updates and some features to reduce load time from 55.73% to about 20%.
- Completion System: Changed how completions are initialized to only rebuild the cache once a day, reducing loading time from 30.76% to about 10%.
- Spaceship Prompt: Optimized its settings to decrease its load time from 22.47% to around 5%.
- Plugins: Organized plugins carefully, ensuring that the syntax highlighting plugin loads last for better performance.
Overall, these changes improved the shell's startup time from around 5 seconds to about 0.5 seconds, achieving a tenfold increase in speed. The author encourages readers to try profiling and optimizing their own setups, noting that what works may vary based on individual usage.