Marginalia Search, an open-source search engine, prioritizes non-commercial content and privacy by default, featuring custom indexing technology without AI or cloud dependencies.
A hobbyist modified a Steam Deck by removing its screen and controllers to create a compact, portable 'Steam Brick' that connects to AR glasses or external displays. The project demonstrates successful functionality while reducing the device's size by two-thirds and weight by 24%, making it more convenient for travel.
A comprehensive guide details setting up a privacy-focused TV system using Apple TV 4k, emphasizing the importance of avoiding internet connectivity for smart TVs and utilizing external streaming devices. The author provides detailed configuration recommendations for Apple TV settings, apps, and gaming setup, while addressing common privacy concerns and technical challenges.
A developer explored using Zopfli compression to reduce npm package sizes by 5%, potentially saving terabytes of bandwidth. Despite initial success with personal packages, the proposal for npm-wide implementation was ultimately rejected due to complexity, slower publishing times, and limited user benefits.
https://evanhahn.com/my-failed-attempt-to-shrink-all-npm-packages-by-5-percent/
A new build system named 'werk' combines the functionality of make and just, focusing on simplicity and cross-platform compatibility for complex build processes like video game development. The system offers precise dependency tracking, native Windows support, and addresses common frustrations with existing build tools while providing detailed debugging capabilities.
Google released a forced update for Pixel 4a devices that significantly reduces battery charging voltage from 4.44V to 3.95V for phones with LSN batteries, effectively halving their capacity. The update appears to have been rushed and compiled on a personal machine rather than through proper build systems, raising concerns about both the implementation and transparency of this significant change.
Game developer Jonathan Blow argues that software abstraction and loss of low-level programming knowledge threatens civilization's stability, while the author presents extensive counterarguments showing historical inaccuracies and misconceptions in Blow's claims, particularly regarding software robustness and programmer productivity over time.
https://datagubbe.se/endofciv/
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A software engineer shares how formal computer science education proved valuable when tackling real-world challenges, from implementing dependency graphs in code review tools to optimizing meeting room allocation algorithms using compiler theory concepts. The experience highlights how theoretical computer science knowledge can unlock innovative solutions to practical problems in unexpected ways.
An experimental project applying large-scale Reinforcement Learning techniques to computer usage scenarios, utilizing neural reward models to validate agent actions. The system implements a three-step cycle extending ReACT into reinforcement learning, with multiple training stages focused on developing reasoning skills for computer interaction.
Google has released the source code for Pebble smartwatch operating system, enabling potential continued support for the beloved device that sold over two million units before being discontinued. The release includes most OS components for standard smartwatch functionality, though some proprietary code for chipset support and Bluetooth stack was removed.
https://opensource.googleblog.com/2025/01/see-code-that-powered-pebble-smartwatches.html
An empirical study spanning 6 years reveals that NixOS package build reproducibility increased from 69% to 91%, despite lacking systematic monitoring. While Nix doesn't guarantee bitwise reproducibility, research identifies common causes of non-reproducibility including embedded uname outputs, environment variables, and build IDs.
Drawing from 25 years of software development experience and military service in Ukraine, the author shares key insights about software development, emphasizing the importance of clarity, truth-seeking, and adaptability in code writing. The discussion covers the limitations of frameworks and patterns, the inevitability of growing complexity, and the value of focusing on individual code stories rather than rigid methodologies.
This document lists all current and recent Representatives and Senators serving in the U.S. Congress, including their party affiliations, states, and terms of service. The comprehensive roster includes both chambers of Congress, with details spanning from the 97th Congress through the current 119th Congress.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/321/all-actions?s=3&r=1
A software developer shares his journey of creating a specialized smartwatch prototype for his son with Type 1 diabetes, detailing the challenges of hardware development from PCB design to final assembly. The device successfully helps monitor blood glucose levels while avoiding the distractions of commercial smartwatches, though scaling to production proved challenging. Despite technical success, regulatory hurdles and manufacturing complexities ultimately led to considering an open-source approach.
https://andrewchilds.com/posts/building-a-t1d-smartwatch-from-scratch
A software developer shares his journey of creating a specialized smartwatch prototype for his son with Type 1 diabetes, detailing the challenges of hardware development from PCB design to final assembly. The device successfully helps monitor blood glucose levels while avoiding the distractions of commercial smartwatches, though scaling to production proved challenging. Despite technical success, regulatory hurdles and manufacturing complexities ultimately led to considering an open-source approach.
https://andrewchilds.com/posts/building-a-t1d-smartwatch-from-scratch
An experienced software developer shares evolving perspectives on industry practices, highlighting shifts in views about simplicity, technology choices, and team dynamics over a decade. The insights cover technical aspects like database selection and programming paradigms, while emphasizing the importance of communication and mentorship in engineering.
https://chriskiehl.com/article/thoughts-after-10-years
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An analysis of global Internet traffic patterns during the 2023-2024 holiday season, showing how Christmas and New Year celebrations affect online behavior across different regions. The data reveals significant traffic drops during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Western countries, while other regions show different patterns based on their cultural celebrations. The study also highlights universal decreases in Internet usage during New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide.
The article discusses h3i, a binary command line tool and Rust library developed by Cloudflare for testing HTTP/3 protocol implementations. It explains how h3i helps in debugging and testing HTTP/3 servers by allowing developers to send both valid and invalid protocol messages, helping ensure robust and secure implementations. The tool addresses the need for accessible and maintainable testing methods for HTTP/3 implementations.
This is a comprehensive Q4 2024 DDoS threat report from Cloudflare detailing significant increases in attack volumes and sophistication. The report highlights a record-breaking 5.6 Tbps DDoS attack, a 53% year-over-year increase in total attacks, and notes that Cloudflare blocked 21.3 million DDoS attacks in 2024. The report analyzes attack patterns, sources, and trends across different industries and geographical locations.
The article discusses the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and reports a significant increase in cyberattacks against Jewish and Holocaust educational websites since October 7, 2023. Cloudflare's Project Galileo provides protection for these organizations, with data showing an 872% surge in blocked HTTP requests in 2023 compared to 2022, and a further 30% increase in 2024.