1. The Time I Lied to the CTO and Saved the Day
Total comment counts : 66
Summary
The author shares a personal experience from several years ago where their company’s CTO made a poor decision by outsourcing a key part of a big project to a vendor. The vendor’s product was not a good fit and required heavy customization. As the project fell behind schedule and encountered issues, the author’s team secretly started a skunkworks project to replace the problematic vendor integration without informing the vendor or the client. With only three people assigned to the replacement project, they worked through the holidays to rewrite the entire core system.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article advises “delivery driven” individuals who cancel holidays to keep working to stop doing so as it will eventually lead to regret. The author argues that by working during vacations, people are perpetuating a problematic business environment where companies rely on employees sacrificing their time off to sell products. The article suggests that if nobody agrees to work during holidays, companies will be forced to provide more realistic estimates and not burden employees with excessive workloads.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the importance of a healthy company or organization in avoiding the negative outcome described in the story. It emphasizes that in a healthy company, outsourcing implementation approaches would be carefully considered, communication with the CTO would be honest, collaboration between various parties would occur, and employees would not be overworked. It suggests that in a half-healthy organization, managers may intentionally withhold information, but lying up the chain of command is generally considered bad. The article concludes by stating the importance of learning from such scenarios to handle similar situations better in the future.
2. Algebraic Data Types for C99
Total comment counts : 12
Summary
The article discusses a library called Datatype99, which provides safe and intuitive algebraic data types for the C99 programming language. This library includes features such as exhaustive pattern matching and compile-time introspection. It is type-safe, portable, and predictable. Datatype99 is used at OpenIPC to develop real-time streaming software and consists of a single header file and a dependency called Metalang99. The article explains how to use Datatype99 in a project and provides examples of how it simplifies and enhances code. It also discusses pattern matching and how to construct variants. The article concludes with information about derivers, record types, and the match construct.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s appreciation for Algebraic Data Types (ADTs) when using imperative languages, particularly in contrast to their work using Java. The author expresses a desire for Java to have the same functionality of F#’s discriminated unions. The article mentions that while there are ways to mimic ADTs in Java, they lack the flexibility and conciseness found in true ADTs. The author highlights the attractiveness of a C extension that provides the pattern matching capabilities they desire and expresses interest in using it for Arduino projects.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a new code implementation that is considered to be better in terms of appearance and functionality compared to a previous attempt. However, it also mentions that the new implementation uses eight times more code and relies on a macro toolkit called Metalang9, which is described as impressive but intimidating. The article suggests that the library called libsum is a good resource for understanding how algebraic data types work. The article includes a link to the previous implementation on GitHub.
3. Opening Windows in Linux with sockets, bare hands and 200 lines of C
Total comment counts : 14
Summary
The article explains how to create a program to open a window in Linux by exploring the X11 protocol. X11 is a network protocol used to interact with a server that manages windows, and it is similar to other protocols like HTTP and FTP. The article mentions that X11 documentation is more approachable than Xlib’s documentation, which is a library for simplifying X11. The program uses unix sockets for communication with the X server and the connection is initiated by the user. The initialization process involves setting the communication byte order and filling in the necessary parameters. The article simplifies the authorization process and focuses on showing the concept. By sending an initialization request and reading the response, the program can open a window.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article explains that the X Windowing system is ideal for hackers. It suggests that if you have a remote server with a user interface (UI), you can set up an X Window server on your Windows or MacOS machine. By forwarding X messages via SSH, you can use GUI apps on your server and view the output on your local machine. The performance of the UI depends on your network capabilities.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a talk about replacing Xlib with a new abstraction using the programming language Zig. The talk explains the benefits of this change and provides a link to watch the full talk.
4. Industrial Design Student Work: “How Long Should Objects Last?”
Total comment counts : 25
Summary
The article discusses a project called “Conditional Longevity” by Charlie Humble-Thomas, a student pursuing a Masters in the Design Products program at the RCA. The project explores the question of how long objects should last. Humble-Thomas focuses on the umbrella and designs three variants: recyclable, repairable, and durable. By examining the designs and their manufacturing processes, he delves into the trade-offs involved in each approach. The article highlights the overlooked life expectancy of everyday objects and the need for more well-demonstrated examples of sustainable design. Visualizations of the impact data for each umbrella variant are presented, and surveys conducted regarding people’s beliefs around longevity reveal contradictions between behavior and environmental beliefs. The article concludes by mentioning that the project was completed in 2021 and that Humble-Thomas now works as a freelance industrial designer. A link to further information about the project is provided.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article points out that the ultra-durable umbrella made from stainless steel is easy to recycle compared to plastic. It also mentions the problem of insufficient customer information, noting that many people choose the ultra-durable umbrella because they assume that other products are of lower quality. The environmentally friendlier alternatives are often made of lesser quality materials, such as recycled plastic, which degrades and becomes brittle. Additionally, manufacturers may intentionally make products less durable to encourage more sales.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The original article on Core 77 is a copy-paste of a student’s work from RCA. It lacks any additional value and it would be beneficial to link to the student’s original website.
5. Temporal Python – A durable, distributed asyncio event loop (2023)
Total comment counts : 14
Summary
The article discusses the release of Temporal Python SDK 1.0.0, which allows Python developers to write durable workflows using native asyncio constructs. Temporal is a workflow system that allows developers to write workflows in code, with workflows running on multiple workers and translating to events in Temporal. Workflows can call out to activities and interact with clients. Temporal Python leverages asyncio event loops for managing tasks such as timers and cancellations. The article provides an example of implementing a one-click buying scenario using Temporal Python. It also explains how asyncio works and how Temporal leverages it. Overall, Temporal Python offers extensive capabilities for writing workflows, and developers can refer to the Python SDK project for more details.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience using Temporal, a cloud-based solution for solving complex problems. While there were some challenges in migrating long-lived workflows, the simplicity and maintainability of the code made it worthwhile. The author mentions that selling Temporal to business leaders was difficult, as it is not a turnkey solution but rather a tool for engineers to build upon. The author describes using Temporal to automate tasks such as onboarding new employees, which involved creating accounts, shipping devices, sending emails, and conducting surveys. The author emphasizes that Temporal’s error handling capabilities were a key factor in their decision to use the platform, as it allows for robustness and manual intervention when things go wrong. The author also praises Temporal’s TypeScript SDK and its ability to handle complicated scenarios.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the concept of abstracting condition checks for determining if a task is done, has succeeded, or needs to be retried. The author likes the idea because it reduces the amount of code needed for these checks but recognizes that it also introduces a potential issue of relying on black box magic that may execute remotely. The author suggests that for custom or optimized behaviors, this abstraction may not be suitable. Additionally, specific conditions, such as whether an entry has been updated or a file has been created, may require more specific checks. The author questions how the abstraction can avoid duplicate results or overlapping tasks and suggests that manual implementation might be necessary. Overall, the author is interested in the technology but raises concerns about its practicality.
6. Breathwork supports emergence of altered states of consciousness
Total comment counts : 22
Summary
The article discusses the potential of circular breathwork as a non-pharmacological alternative to treat mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD. The study explores the physiological and experiential dynamics of breathwork sessions and compares two popular forms of breathwork. The results show that deliberate hyperventilation, which reduces CO2 pressure, plays a crucial role in catalyzing altered states of consciousness (ASCs) during breathwork. The ASCs evoked by breathwork were similar to those induced by psychedelics and had positive psychological and physiological effects, including improved well-being and reduced depressive symptoms. The study establishes the physiological conditions necessary for ASCs in a non-pharmacological context, shedding light on the mechanisms and potential of breathwork as a psychotherapeutic tool.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article expresses concern about the potential harm and discomfort associated with oxygen deprivation and hypercapnia-induced tetany during breathwork. The author shares an experience of faking breathwork during a psychedelic retreat and concludes that they do not feel the need for another similar experience.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience with hyperoxia, which they describe as mildly psychedelic. They claim that being in a naturally euphoric state, such as during athletic activities or feeling love, can increase the effect. The author shares that while backpacking with their wife, they would climb mountains quickly and practice the Wim Hof method, which they found to be rewarding.
7. UTC, Tai, and Unix Time (2001)
Total comment counts : 9
Summary
The article explains the difference between TAI (International Atomic Time) and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). TAI time is based on atomic clocks and is more accurate than UTC, which is also based on TAI but includes leap seconds to account for variations in Earth’s rotation. The article also discusses UNIX time, the epoch used by UNIX systems, and the issues with the localtime() function not supporting leap seconds. It concludes by mentioning the need to fix these issues and provides references for further information.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses three different systems for measuring time: TAI, UTC, and UT1. TAI focuses on dividing the day into fixed smaller units and ensures a consistent physical duration for each unit. UTC, on the other hand, prioritizes matching the solar day cycle on Earth by adding leap seconds. UT1 combines aspects of both systems by redefining the “second” to match the changing rate of Earth’s solar day cycle.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the concept of UNIX time and its relationship with POSIX standards. UNIX time counts the number of seconds since a specific point in time, called the epoch. This is convenient for measuring time intervals in programs. However, the POSIX standard states that each day should consist of exactly 86400 seconds. This means that in modern systems using NTP, UNIX timestamps may differ from the expected number of TAI seconds. Additionally, there is a debate about whether UNIX time should represent physical seconds or a packed encoding of a date time that can be easily mapped to a calendar day. The article highlights the choices made by POSIX and their divergence from what many people understand UNIX time to mean.
8. Symbolica Computer Algebra System
Total comment counts : 23
Summary
The article is about Symbolica, a library that is designed to be used with languages such as Python, Rust, C++, and Mathematica. Symbolica allows you to match mathematical patterns with advanced wildcards, manipulate individual terms in an expression independently, and has dedicated polynomial algebra routines. It is free for students and hobbyists, but university staff and companies need to obtain a license. The code and development process are open and available on GitHub.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the speed and efficiency of solving a plane equation based on isotropic segments. It mentions that most computer algebra systems (CAS) can solve the equation quickly, but the time-consuming part is simplifying the solution. The author states that on their machine, SymPy provided a solution in under a minute, Maxima in a few seconds, and Symbolica in about a second on Colab. The speed and length of the solutions obtained by Symbolica are particularly impressive.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author leads an academic research group with a site-wide Symbolica license. They appreciate the dedicated attention and quick response to any bugs or features they are interested in. Despite being licensed, the source-available nature of Symbolica gives them confidence in the author’s long-term intent. They trust that including Symbolica as a dependency in their framework will not be a point of failure. Additionally, they find it easy to support Symbolica’s development and discuss specific arrangements with the author due to the direct line of contact.
9. Tracking Illicit Brazilian Beef from the Amazon to Your Burger
Total comment counts : 13
Summary
Journalist Marcel Gomes has conducted an investigation tracing beef in supermarkets and fast food restaurants in the U.S. and Europe to Brazilian ranches on illegally cleared land. With grassroots support from labor unions and Indigenous communities, Gomes mapped the networks of cattle farms responsible for deforestation and tracked the illicit beef through JBS’s supply chain. As a result of the investigation, six of Europe’s largest retail chains stopped purchasing JBS beef. Gomes discusses the challenges of documenting supply chains and getting companies to address the issue. However, he notes that despite the investigation’s success, tainted beef was still found on store shelves in San Francisco. The investigation recently earned Gomes the Goldman Environmental Prize.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article grew up on a small farm and knew where all the meat and other food they consumed came from. As an adult, they find it disconcerting that there is a disconnect with the food they eat. Even when buying from a local “farmer butcher,” they don’t know if the meat is truly what it claims to be. The author feels more comfortable buying deer meat from a friend of a friend, even though they still don’t know what the deer ate during its life.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article states that Brazil has reached a milestone of 92 percent renewable energy. The author expresses hope that the EU Mercosul Free Trade Agreement will include provisions to protect Brazil.
10. Show HN: Exploring HN by mapping and analyzing 40M posts and comments for fun
Total comment counts : 34
Summary
The article discusses the creation of a map of all Hacker News (HN) posts since its founding using text embeddings. Text embeddings allow text to be represented as points in a high-dimensional space based on their semantic meaning. The author outlines their journey from having no data or code to creating interactive search, analysis, and visualization tools using millions of HN content. They also provide access to the data and source code for others to use. The article explains the process of crawling HN data using parallelism and the challenges faced. The author then explores different approaches to generating embeddings and compares them using the Massive Text Embedding Benchmark.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses impressive work done by a single person. The author mentions being intrigued by a sentiment analysis graph of the programming language Rust over time. They want to know about the most positive topics and if there were any sudden drops in sentiment. The author also finds a sentence about negative sentiment on the Hacker News platform interesting, and suggests comparing sentiment across different social media platforms and time periods.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The user is requesting the ability to navigate to the HN (Hacker News) post from the map.