1. The new skill in AI is not prompting, it’s context engineering
Total comment counts : 113
Summary
Context Engineering is an emerging concept in AI, shifting the focus from “prompt engineering” to a broader framework that emphasizes the quality of information provided to language models (LLMs). Tobi Lutke defines it as the art of supplying the necessary context for LLMs to solve tasks effectively. Success in AI agents increasingly depends not just on code complexity, but on the quality of context supplied, as agent failures often stem from inadequate context. Thus, Context Engineering involves designing dynamic systems that present the right information and tools in the appropriate format at the right time for effective task execution.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Building effective AI agents relies more on contextual engineering and delivering the right information and tools at the appropriate time, rather than merely finding optimal prompts or model updates. However, the ambiguity in defining “right” information and timing raises questions about whether this approach differs significantly from traditional prompt engineering. Given the non-deterministic nature of AI, it seems challenging to establish reliable heuristics, making the process resemble trial-and-error often seen with prompts.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article compares discussions among programmers to gamers strategizing in games like WoW, highlighting a growing trend of gamification in programming. It suggests that experienced users impose their methods on less knowledgeable individuals, often selling these strategies to management that lacks understanding, likening it to a manipulation of innocent, gaming-addicted people.
2. I write type-safe generic data structures in C
Total comment counts : 35
Summary
The article discusses a method for implementing type-safe generic data structures in C, using unions to associate type information. It demonstrates this technique with a linked list, highlighting the use of macros for type definitions and the advantages of flexible array members for better memory management. The author explains how to enforce type checking through __typeof__() and offers alternatives for compilers lacking this feature. While outlining the benefits of the approach, such as improved memory use and cache performance, it also addresses potential downsides, including the complexity of macros.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article critiques level 2 and level 3 C code, pointing out issues with type alignment and the incorrect use of generics. It highlights that uint64_t data[]; may cause alignment problems and inefficiencies, while int main() { List(Foo) foo_list = {NULL}; is the correct format for initialization. Limitations of generics in C include the inability to use structs with macros and the necessity to forward-declare all types for vtables. The proposed solution involves declaring static functions alongside typedefs to address these constraints.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author discusses creating a C dialect using a generic binary heap as an example, highlighting its link to predictable and optimizable C structs. While the syntax may appear complex, the key benefit is producing straightforward C structures that are easily processed by compilers. In contrast, other methods involving void* and dynamic memory management require macros, complicating the implementation.
3. Donkey Kong Country 2 and Open Bus
Total comment counts : 12
Summary
Donkey Kong Country 2 suffers from a bug in the ZSNES emulator where spinning barrels misbehave, causing them to spin indefinitely in one direction. This bug arises from ZSNES’s failure to emulate open bus behavior, impacting gameplay and difficulty. Although previously mentioned in forum threads, these resources are now unavailable. The issue was first identified by Anomie, who fixed it in the Snes9x emulator. The 65816 CPU architecture adds complexity, requiring precise memory management and processor flags for proper operation, complicating both gameplay and emulator design. ZSNES remains unfixed and abandoned since 2007.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author, a 6502 assembly programmer, reflects on the frustration of debugging code due to common mistakes, such as neglecting to place a ‘#’ in front of immediate values, leading to unintended memory access. A more significant issue arises from relying on uninitialized RAM, which may work consistently on one machine due to DRAM similarities but fail on others. This often results in stressful situations, like during a demo at parties, when the code unexpectedly malfunctions with little time to resolve it.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the term “Open Bus,” which initially confused the reader as a potential protocol but clarified it meant an unconnected bus without enabled memory devices. An interesting oversight was noted regarding the missing immediate mode (#), which affected the emulator’s performance compared to real hardware. To resolve this, the author suggests modifying the instruction to use immediate addressing, which could improve execution time by about 2 microseconds, particularly relevant on bare metal systems rather than emulators, which may not have precise timing.
4. The hidden JTAG in a Qualcomm/Snapdragon device’s USB port
Total comment counts : 5
Summary
Qualcomm has released the source code for its Embedded USB Debug (EUD) interface, a tool integrated into many Qualcomm SoCs since 2018, enhancing debugging capabilities for CPUs and DSPs. This allows developers to access a 7-port USB hub from a PC, with SWD debugging directly over USB, eliminating the need for external tools. The support in upstream Linux has been gradually evolving, and the open-source community is now working to integrate these updates into OpenOCD. With successful implementations on older Snapdragon models, there’s potential for wider support in future SoCs.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The new Qualcomm debug experience significantly improves upon the previous insecure system, which easily allowed for unauthorized root access. Mobile chipsets, including MediaTek’s, often still rely on outdated methods for debugging, complicating access. While Qualcomm’s latest effort shows progress towards accessible functionality, it’s likely that most OEMs will disable this support to enhance security after adapting their bootloaders, as end-user debuggability is generally discouraged.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the eFuses feature on devices like the OnePlus 6, which has this technology enabled but is still accessible. It raises a question about how the eFuses are being read on production models, suggesting the presence of a Qualcomm-signed loader. The author notes the existence of related components in the device tree of an SM4350 device and indicates plans to recompile the kernel to explore this further.
5. Gridfinity: The modular, open-source grid storage system
Total comment counts : 22
Summary
Gridfinity is a highly modular, open-source storage system designed for workshops, promoting organization and safety. Almost entirely 3D printable, it was inspired by Alexander Chappels’ Assortment System and initially developed by Zack Freedman. Released under the MIT license, Gridfinity encourages community involvement, allowing users to adapt and enhance the designs. Join the thriving community to maximize your workshop’s productivity!
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a filament-efficient version of a design that allows the use of cardboard waste, like toilet rolls, for creating walls. More details and models can be found at the provided link.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Zach Freedman, creator of Gridfinity, is also a talented writer known for his clever tongue twisters, alliterations, and puns in his videos. His writing skills inspire a desire for him to publish books. Highly recommended: Zach Freedman’s YouTube.
6. Cell Towers Can Double as Cheap Radar Systems for Ports and Harbors (2014)
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
The article discusses a Varnish cache server identified as cache-sjc1000130-SJC, with the specific identifier 1751403286 and a reference number of 298017582. It highlights operational details related to the cache server’s functioning.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses advancements in RF sensing technology for devices like laptops and phones, highlighting multiple years of development and user interaction. Key topics include an ESP32-based WiFi sensing array in 2025, the usability of Wi-Fi for tracking movement in 2024, and detailed insights on mmWave radar from previous years. Noteworthy discussions span technological potential and implications, indicating a growing interest in the intersection of wireless communication and sensing capabilities. Links to each discussed article feature varying user comments and perspectives.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article questions the practicality of a radar system for small ports or harbors, noting that a good complete radar system costs around $5,000, while budget options start at $2,000. It challenges whether a proposed system can offer similar coverage at a lower cost and raises concerns about reliability if the passive signal source fails.
7. Show HN: New Ensō – first public beta
Total comment counts : 39
Summary
The new version of Ensō (codename: Occult Vampire Keanu) is now available for public testing, focusing on minimizing distractions rather than adding features. Key updates include a redesigned UI, a ‘Coffeeshop mode’ for privacy while typing, and improved text rendering. The app will be primarily distributed via the App Store, maintaining the older version on Gumroad as a backup. Ensō emphasizes user feedback and privacy, with no network traffic by design. Future updates will consider the needs of non-Latin script users and further enhance user experience while maintaining simplicity.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author appreciates the advantage of editing while writing on a computer but acknowledges that this approach doesn’t suit everyone. They find the discussed app interesting, despite not planning to use it themselves.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author expresses enthusiasm for a project they wish to build, highlighting the coffee shop mode as a great feature. They request the ability to change the font and cursor, finding the blinking cursor distracting and unnecessary since editing isn’t expected.
8. Sony DTC-700 audio DAT player/recorder
Total comment counts : 29
Summary
Digital Audio Tape (DAT) players delivered superior sound quality comparable to CDs while retaining the recording versatility of cassettes. Despite their potential, DATs struggled in the domestic market and gained more traction in professional settings. Sony’s DTC-700, launched in 1990 as an entry model, offered advanced features like digital inputs and a headphone amplifier, yet remained costly. With a sampling rate of 48kHz, DAT was designed to outperform CDs, but high prices and limited availability of original recordings hindered its popularity. Ultimately, despite their advantages, DAT technology could not rival the widespread use of cassettes.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article reflects on the decline of VHS players, suggesting that they became disposable items, leading to a lack of concern about their longevity. The author questions their memory of a time when families frequently purchased new VCRs every year or two, implying that this was not the norm in their experience.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Minidiscs evoke nostalgia for their portable recording and stylish design. Compared to DAT, they offered excellent compression and digital line-in recording, making them superior to tapes. The freedom they provided led to personal enjoyment until their replacement by the iPod and iPod Shuffle.
9. Show HN: TokenDagger – A tokenizer faster than OpenAI’s Tiktoken
Total comment counts : 23
Summary
The article discusses a high-performance implementation of OpenAI’s TikToken, designed for large-scale text processing. It claims to offer double the throughput and four times faster tokenization of code samples, tested on an AMD EPYC 4584PX processor. It emphasizes the importance of user feedback and refers readers to documentation for available qualifiers. However, there are repeated loading errors noted within the content.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author suggests that coding parts of AI/ML infrastructure in C++ can significantly optimize performance, particularly by addressing key bottlenecks without requiring a complete rewrite. They note that Chinese engineers excel in this approach, often resulting in solid engineering trade-offs and substantial improvements.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article highlights the appeal of developing drop-in replacements that significantly enhance performance, using ScyllaDB as a key example.
10. The $25k car is going extinct?
Total comment counts : 80
Summary
The demand for affordable cars, like Ford’s Maverick, has significantly decreased as automakers focus on higher-profit models. Since its launch in late 2021, the Maverick’s price increased from $19,995 to $28,145 by 2025, reflecting a broader trend where the share of new cars priced under $25,000 fell from 23% in 2019 to just 4.8% in 2025. Automakers favor higher-end vehicles due to better profit margins, leading to a scarcity of budget-friendly options. Supply chain issues post-COVID exacerbated this trend, further limiting choices for consumers seeking affordable vehicles.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author enjoys working on older cars from the early 90s, appreciating their simplicity compared to today’s more complex and expensive vehicles, which they view as over-engineered. Diagnosing issues in older cars often involves straightforward tasks, like tracing wires or using a multimeter. In contrast, newer cars require costly diagnostic tools, and sensor replacements can be expensive, as demonstrated by a £800 bill for glow plug sensors that didn’t resolve an actual engine issue. This highlights the challenges and costs associated with modern automotive technology.
Top 2 Comment Summary
In the US automotive market, two main factors contribute to the decline of inexpensive cars. First, manufacturers earn significant profits from luxury vehicles but minimal margins on cheaper models, making them less appealing to produce. Second, many Americans have normalized long-term car loans, often prioritizing monthly payments over total cost, leading them to purchase expensive vehicles. This consumer behavior benefits dealers and creditors but is detrimental to individual wealth-building, reducing demand for affordable cars and discouraging manufacturers from making them.