1. My personal C coding style as of late 2023
Total comment counts : 62
Summary
The author discusses their recent changes in coding style and habits for programming in the C language. They mention using short names for primitive types, avoiding certain suffixes, and using specific types for different purposes. They also discuss their preferred naming conventions for macros, the use of null pointers and restrict, and their preference for structure returns over out parameters. They also mention their shift away from using null terminated strings and their embrace of a specific string type. Other changes they mention include the use of assignments for initialization and preferences for certain syntax styles. They provide examples of their coding style in action and invite discussion on the topic.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article argues that defining your own types in C is not necessary and can be confusing for programmers who are already familiar with C types. However, they suggest that it does make sense to be specific about sizes, such as using uint32_t instead of uint, to avoid potential issues with architecture-dependent sizes. The author also mentions that these types should be defined in the appropriate header file, although they are unsure which header file that would be dependent on the compiler.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author prefers lowercase for function-like macros instead of ALL_CAPS. They explain that ALL_CAPS in C was originally used for preprocessor macros as a way to signal their presence. The author argues that using ALL_CAPS for constants in other languages doesn’t make sense and suggests that shouting should be reserved for more meaningful purposes in programming languages, such as making template pattern variables stand out.
2. Flappy Dird: Flappy Bird Implemented in MacOS Finder
Total comment counts : 36
Summary
The article discusses the creation and development of a game called “Flappy Dird” that is played within the MacOS Finder application. The game utilizes emojis as characters and involves jumping by selecting files within the Finder window. The author explains how they used AppleScript and double buffering techniques to improve the game’s performance and user experience. Despite certain limitations, the author expresses their enjoyment in creating the game and suggests the possibility of building other games within Finder.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author is amazed by a project detailed in the article and believes it is an incredible accomplishment. They appreciate the author’s efforts and consider themselves an innovative thinker.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Bob accidentally left Flappy Bird Implemented in MacOS running on his laptop over the bank holiday weekend. As a result, the game was consuming his SSD write cycles at a rate of 4 frames per second. When Bob returned on Tuesday, he discovered that his SSD drive was no longer functioning.
3. What we learned making a plastic injection mold with a Chinese mold maker
Total comment counts : 37
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experiences and recommendations for working with mold makers in China to create plastic injection molds for air quality monitors. The author emphasizes the importance of having knowledge about mold making during the design phase to simplify production and avoid problems. They recommend hiring a mold expert and clarifying ownership of the mold in a contract with the mold maker. The article also explains the process of mold production and highlights the significance of thorough testing at various stages. The author concludes by expressing satisfaction with their experiences working with Chinese mold makers.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article highlights the challenges faced by Kickstarter and crowd-funded projects when it comes to manufacturing their products. It emphasizes the complexity involved in every step of the manufacturing process, including wiring harness manufacturing, PCB/PCBA, machined parts, compliance testing, final assembly, QA testing, and revision management. The author suggests that hiring a domain expert can be invaluable in navigating these complexities and avoiding costly mistakes.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article on Keyboard.io’s blog provides detailed insights into their experiences working with Chinese manufacturers for woodwork, plastic injection, assembly, and more. It is highly recommended because it offers a comprehensive account of the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in entering this industry. The blog covers topics such as multiple visits, quality control, ownership issues, and financial losses. For more information, you can visit the following link: https://shop.keyboard.io/blogs/news?page=19
4. Blackmagic Camera for iPhone
Total comment counts : 33
Summary
The article discusses the features and capabilities of the Blackmagic Camera app for iPhones. The app offers professional digital film camera controls and image processing, allowing users to create cinematic looks similar to Hollywood feature films. Users can adjust settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance, and ISO with a single tap. The app also supports recording directly to Blackmagic Cloud in high-quality Apple ProRes files up to 4K, enabling collaboration with editors anywhere in the world. The app is suitable for creating content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and broadcast-quality ENG. It can also be used as a B Cam to capture angles that are difficult to reach with traditional cameras while retaining control of important settings. The app provides an intuitive interface with interactive controls, including a heads-up display (HUD) that shows important camera parameters and tools like histogram, focus peaking, and audio levels. Other features include lens selection, timecode display, exposure adjustment, image stabilization, and various on-screen overlays for framing and aspect ratios. The app also provides options for advanced settings, media management, chat, and access to Blackmagic Cloud. Users can sync media from the Blackmagic Camera app to DaVinci Resolve for editing and color grading. Additionally, the app offers seamless collaboration through Blackmagic Cloud by syncing proxy files and camera originals to project members worldwide. The article also mentions the availability of the free version of DaVinci Resolve, a professional editing tool, and the benefits of upgrading to DaVinci Resolve Studio, which provides additional effects and tools. The Blackmagic Camera app includes a built-in chat workspace for project members to discuss shots and share ideas without leaving the app.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The user is asking if there is a comparison available between footage captured by an iPhone camera and the footage produced by the Blackmagic app. They also want to know why Blackmagic cameras or software offer better value for the same price compared to expensive studio cameras like RED, and whether there are any drawbacks to using Blackmagic cameras for professional purposes.
Top 2 Comment Summary
This article discusses the author’s surprise at discovering a free camera app with impressive features from Blackmagic. They believe that due to Blackmagic’s reputation, this app will quickly surpass other inferior or paid camera apps. They feel it will be particularly useful for film school students and have already recommended it to others interested in film.
5. Show HN: I made a all-in-one web app to help me with my freelance admin tasks
Total comment counts : 17
Summary
This article discusses the challenges of time tracking, revenue loss, invoicing difficulties, and misplaced receipts that individuals face when working with multiple clients and using spreadsheets. It also highlights the anxiety caused by approaching deadlines for VAT returns. The article suggests using a solution that offers effortless time tracking, professional invoice creation, the ability to upload bank transactions for income and expense tracking, and the compilation of reports for smooth tax return preparation.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s approach to tracking time and generating invoices as a freelancer. They use Google Sheets to enter their hours and calculate VAT manually, then export the invoice to PDF. They believe this process is efficient and allows them to double-check everything. The author suggests that a tool like this would be beneficial for those transitioning from a one-person operation to a consultancy or agency.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the reader’s interest in a project and suggests that they would prefer it to be open-source and self-hosted. They acknowledge the creator’s desire for income from the project.
6. Ardour 8.0
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
Ardour 8.0 is now available for Linux, Windows, and macOS, including the latest release of macOS, Sonoma. This update includes bug fixes and several new features to improve the user experience. Users can now make use of “Quick groups,” which allows mix-related controls to operate on all selected tracks and buses. The update also introduces arrangement markers to help manage sections of a song, persistent region groups for easier editing, and the ability to edit velocity on a dedicated automation lane. Other new features include a tool to fit the tempo map to a human performance, the display of note names in the MIDI track header, and support for Novation Launchpad Pro in DAW/Session mode. The article also mentions that there are no changes to Ardour’s session file format and that the software has added traditional velocity lollipop editing and improved MIDI track header piano roll and scroomer. Additionally, Ardour 8.0 includes enhancements to track and bus groups, freehand drawing for automation, the ability to group multiple regions, and the option to adjust the tempo to follow a human performance. The update also resolves issues with downloading Ardour on macOS and introduces three MIDI arpeggiator plugins. Finally, the article states that certain functionality has been removed in Ardour 8.0.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author, who is not a musician, has been using Ardour to edit a podcast for many years and is happy with the workflow. They particularly like the ability to edit while playing the audio at 2x speed for a first pass to remove unwanted elements like dead air and coughs. However, they found that this feature has worsened since version 6, so they have continued using version 5. Despite this, they are still grateful for Ardour’s existence and wonder if others have had the same issue with newer versions.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the addition of new features to a digital audio workstation (DAW) called Ardour. The author acknowledges that some people might find these features to be common in other DAWs, and jokes about how Ardour had them back in 2005. The article made the user laugh.
7. Writing code with pencil and paper (2022)
Total comment counts : 42
Summary
The article discusses the practice of handwriting code and its benefits. The author explains that handwriting code helps in working through logic, especially for small projects or when the scope of the problem is known. They advise outlining the code, writing down the desired output, and using pseudo-code as a shorthand coding method. The author also recommends using spaces and indentations for readability and mentions the importance of clear notes for future reference. They highlight that handwriting code can be done on physical paper or in a digital format using tools like note-taking applications or visual digital tools. The article concludes by emphasizing that handwriting code is a personal preference and offers a summary of the steps discussed in the article.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the different uses of pen and paper versus digital tools. The author finds pen and paper useful for sketching diagrams and graphical relationships due to its cost-effectiveness. While writing pseudocode on paper is acceptable for changing contexts, writing syntactically correct code, including commands like “sudo,” is seen as a waste of time. The author recommends typing code on a computer to easily run and debug it.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the approach to handwritten code by computer scientist Edsger Dijkstra, which is demonstrated in an interview. The author is surprised that Dijkstra’s approach has not been mentioned in the discussion.
8. Metals Fuse Together in Space
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
The article discusses the phenomenon of cold welding, which occurs when two pieces of similar metals fuse together when they come into contact in a vacuum. In everyday life, this bonding doesn’t typically happen because metals are usually covered by an oxide layer that prevents bonding. However, in space where there is no air, the oxide layer doesn’t form and cold welding could potentially occur. Astronauts’ tools are coated with plastic to minimize the risk of cold welding, although it has still occurred in some cases. The article also mentions that different types of cold welding exist, and some can occur on Earth without a vacuum under specific conditions.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the Galileo antenna deployment issue and highlights a footnote referencing the Galileo Jupiter Atmospheric Probe. The author, who was part of the Galileo Jupiter Atmospheric Probe team, claims to have never heard of the probe causing the antenna deployment problem. The author suggests that if websites like HN had existed in 1994, this news would have reached them much earlier.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a passage from the science fiction novel “Falling Free” by Lois McMaster Bujold. In the passage, a character explains how metal pieces in space become fused together through a process called spontaneous vacuum diffusion welding. This occurs when metal molecules evaporate and bond with neighboring surfaces. The process is faster for pieces exposed to the sun and slower for those in the shade. The character suggests that some of these fused pieces have been in place for twenty years.
9. Zimaboard: The closest thing to my dream home server setup
Total comment counts : 30
Summary
This article is a personal review of the Zimaboard, a small single-board computer used as a home server. The author highlights the affordability and selection of ports, including a PCI Express port. They list their requirements for a dream home server, which prioritize performance, efficiency, and silence. The configuration they purchased includes 8GB of RAM, 32GB of eMMC storage, and a quad-core Intel Celeron N3450 CPU. They praise the polished feel of the Zimaboard, noting that it comes with a case and cooling setup. The author also discusses their experience with adding SATA drives, power usage measurements, and the performance of the board when running server tasks. They express their satisfaction with the purchase, citing sufficient performance, low power usage, and a visually appealing design.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The mentioned article criticizes Zima for having average branding and styling. The hardware is described as random, low power designs that are based on old releases from 2016. The author suggests that Zima may be trying to offload old inventory or there might be other reasons behind it. Regardless, the author does not recommend Zima unless power is free and there is a desire to minimize e-waste. They argue that for the same or lower price, one can get a later generation device with better features and higher performance. An example is given of an ODM with a more advanced Intel SoC from 2021, which has modern features, security, and support. The author concludes by mentioning that even older series boxes would provide better performance at a lower price than Zima.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a variant of a board that costs $200. The author argues that this price is not a good deal when compared to second-hand microservers and small form factor PCs available on eBay. The author provides two examples of these options, which include features like multiple NVMe slots, and the capability for ECC memory and four 3.5" drives. However, the author clarifies that they do not have any knowledge about the sellers of these devices.
10. MiniDisc Hacking
Total comment counts : 15
Summary
The article discusses unit hacking to add new features to the Sony MZ-N510 MiniDisc unit and its variants. The hacking instructions provided in the article enable users to add features such as the Type-R codec, real-time SP recordings, line out mode, and more. The article also compares the N510 to other budget Sony models and highlights its design, build quality, and battery life. Additionally, the article mentions the lack of microphone input and date/time stamp feature in the N510. The hacking instructions are provided in detail, along with recommended settings for different preferences. The article also mentions the R700 and its features, as well as the Type-R hack and its advantages for real-time SP recording quality.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author is a collector of minidiscs and enjoys making mix tapes and copying CDs, records, and other formats. Minidiscs are smaller than CDs but can be erased and re-recorded multiple times. The author finds joy in rearranging tracks and adding or removing individual songs. Despite the digital age, the author continues to engage in this hobby because they find it fun and enjoy the final product. They appreciate the hardware and artistic possibilities that come with minidiscs.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience with the Sony MZRH1, a portable audio device that was purchased in 2007 and discontinued a few years later. The author mentions that the software to download and upload files to the device stopped working on newer operating systems, and that the Windows program called Sonic Stage was poorly designed. They also state that Sony refused to release the source code for the software, making it impossible to reverse engineer the encryption used in the device. The author concludes by expressing distrust towards Sony, praising their hardware but criticizing their software execution.