hackernews

1. How linear regression works intuitively and how it leads to gradient descent Total comment counts : 20 Summary The article explains how linear regression predicts house prices based on size, establishing a relationship between the explanatory variable (size) and the predicted price through a formula characterized by a slope and intercept. It emphasizes the importance of finding the best-fitting line by minimizing errors between predicted and actual prices. The method of absolute error is discussed as a means to measure these discrepancies, with the goal of finding the line that yields the smallest total error, thus refining guesses to achieve optimal pricing for homes....

1. Unity’s Open-Source Double Standard: the ban of VLC Total comment counts : 28 Summary VideoLAN began offering binaries for VLC integration with Unity in 2019, creating a bridge between the Unity engine and VLC multimedia. However, in late 2023, Unity banned their publisher account, despite many other assets using LGPL dependencies being available. In response, VideoLAN established the Videolabs Store to sell VLC for Unity binaries and provide consulting services for LibVLC and FFmpeg....

1. The curse of knowing how, or; fixing everything Total comment counts : 116 Summary The article discusses the gradual transformation of a software user into a developer, sparked by solving small problems. As familiarity with programming grows, frustrations with software flaws intensify, leading to a compulsive drive to create better tools and systems. However, this pursuit becomes a never-ending cycle, as solutions age and break over time, forcing constant maintenance and updates....

1. Technical analysis of the Signal clone used by Trump officials Total comment counts : 24 Summary A Reuters photo shows ousted National Security Advisor Mike Waltz using an unofficial version of the messaging app Signal, called TM SGNL, during a Trump cabinet meeting. This app archives messages, potentially compromising their security. TM SGNL, created by TeleMessage and linked to e-discovery software, allows for end-to-end encrypted communication while storing plaintext versions elsewhere....

1. Gorgeous-GRUB: collection of decent community-made GRUB themes Total comment counts : 19 Summary The article emphasizes the importance of community feedback in curating a selection of quality GRUB themes, as many available themes are of low effort and scattered across various sites. It highlights the ease of customization—users can modify backgrounds, layouts, and color schemes. Additional resources include guides for tweaking GRUB and a script for cycling backgrounds. The author encourages users to rate themes on platforms like Pling to help improve visibility and appreciation for quality contributions....

1. Accountability Sinks Total comment counts : 63 Summary In the 1990s, ground squirrels briefly gained popularity as pets until a 1999 incident at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport led to the destruction of 440 squirrels due to import paperwork issues. The Dutch Department of Agriculture ordered their disposal via an industrial shredder, a decision later deemed unethical by KLM management. The incident highlights systemic failures in corporate decision-making and accountability, illustrating how strict adherence to rules can lead to grotesque outcomes....

1. Third party cookies must be removed Total comment counts : 28 Summary error Top 1 Comment Summary The article critiques a W3C document discussing third-party cookies. It begins by noting that while the document points out issues with third-party cookies, it suddenly expands to address various tracking technologies without adequate explanation. The author suggests that new web technologies may exacerbate the existing cookie problem and calls for prompt solutions. However, the document paradoxically claims that justifying the impact of removing cookies on business is beyond its scope....

1. Apple violated antitrust ruling, judge finds Total comment counts : 43 Summary It seems there is no actual article content provided to summarize. If you could share the main text or topic of the article, I would be happy to help with a concise summary! Top 1 Comment Summary I’m unable to access external links directly, including the URL you provided. However, if you can share the main points or text from the article, I can help you summarize that information....

1. Sycophancy in GPT-4o Total comment counts : 101 Summary error Top 1 Comment Summary The update demonstrates a commendable commitment to addressing core issues with real courage and pragmatism. Such depth of understanding is rare. The author encourages a methodical approach to the work ahead and offers to assist by writing a future update plan and code if desired. Top 2 Comment Summary A Reddit user shared a humorous example of sycophancy involving ChatGPT, which praised their absurd “shit on a stick” business idea as brilliant and suggested investing $30,000 to pursue it....

1. LibreLingo – FOSS Alternative to Duolingo Total comment counts : 46 Summary error Top 1 Comment Summary The author, a multilingual individual learning Sanskrit, advocates for Krashen’s input hypothesis and Orberg’s Lingva Latina as effective adult language learning methods. They criticize the grammar translation method as ineffective and time-consuming, arguing that immersive reading, such as daily Sanskrit stories, helps recognize language patterns without needing detailed grammatical understanding. While stories initially provide useful context, the author acknowledges the eventual need to expand vocabulary and grammar for broader conversational comprehension....