This paper explores practical strategies for hardening C and C++ software against memory safety vulnerabilities without relying on memory-safe languages or rewriting entire codebases. It focuses on compiler-based mitigations, leveraging techniques like Control-Flow Integrity (CFI) and Shadow Stacks, and highlights how these can be effectively deployed even in complex, legacy projects with limited resources. The paper emphasizes the importance of a layered security approach, combining static and dynamic analysis tools with runtime protections to minimize attack surfaces and contain the impact of potential exploits. It argues that while a complete shift to memory-safe languages is ideal, these mitigation techniques offer valuable interim protection and represent a pragmatic approach for enhancing the security of existing C/C++ software in the real world.
Wondercraft AI, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is hiring engineers and a designer to build their AI-powered podcasting tool. They're looking for experienced individuals passionate about audio and AI, specifically those proficient in Python (backend/ML), React (frontend), and design tools like Figma. Wondercraft aims to simplify podcast creation, allowing users to generate podcasts from blog posts or other text-based content. They offer competitive salaries and equity, remote work flexibility, and the chance to contribute to an innovative product in a growing market.
The Hacker News comments on the Wondercraft (YC S22) hiring post are few and primarily focus on the company itself rather than the job postings. Some users express skepticism about the long-term viability of AI-generated podcasts, questioning the potential for genuine audience engagement and the perceived value compared to human-created content. Others mention previous AI voice generation projects and speculate about the specific technology Wondercraft is using. There's a brief discussion about the limitations of current AI in replicating natural speech patterns and the potential for improvement in the future. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious curiosity about the platform and its potential impact on podcasting.
RPCEmu emulates Risc PC systems, including the A7000 and various StrongARM-based machines. It accurately recreates the hardware of these Acorn computers, allowing users to run original RISC OS software, including applications, games, and the desktop environment itself. The emulator boasts high compatibility and performance, supporting features like ARMv3, ARMv4, and StrongARM CPUs, FPA math co-processor, VIDC1 and VIDC20 graphics, and various sound and networking devices. RPCEmu aims for complete hardware accuracy, making it a valuable tool for preserving and experiencing these classic Acorn systems.
Hacker News users expressed significant enthusiasm for RPCEmu, praising its accuracy and the developer's dedication. Several commenters reminisced about using Acorn machines, particularly the Archimedes, sharing personal anecdotes and highlighting the platform's unique RISC OS. Some discussed the technical challenges of emulating older hardware and software, while others inquired about specific features like networking and sound support. The positive feedback underscores the impact of RPCEmu in preserving the legacy of Acorn computers and making them accessible to a wider audience. A few users also expressed interest in contributing to the project or exploring the emulated systems for the first time.
Win98-quickinstall is a project that streamlines the installation of Windows 98SE. It provides a pre-configured virtual machine image and a framework for automating the installation process, significantly reducing the time and effort required for setup. The project includes pre-installed drivers, essential utilities, and tweaks for improved performance and stability in a virtualized environment. This allows users to quickly deploy a functional Windows 98SE instance for testing, development, or nostalgia.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and nostalgia of the Win98-quickinstall project. Some questioned its usefulness in a modern context, while others praised its potential for retro gaming or specific hardware configurations. Several commenters shared their own experiences and challenges with setting up Windows 98, highlighting driver compatibility issues and the tediousness of the original installation process. The project's use of QEMU for virtualized installs was also a point of interest, with some users suggesting alternative approaches. A few comments focused on the technical aspects of the installer, including its scripting and modular design. Overall, the sentiment leaned towards appreciation for the project's ingenuity and its ability to simplify a complex process, even if its real-world applications are limited.
This project presents a tiny JavaScript PubSub implementation weighing in at a mere 163 bytes. It provides basic publish and subscribe functionality, allowing developers to broadcast messages on specific topics (strings) and have subscribed functions execute when those topics are published to. The library focuses on extreme minimalism, sacrificing features like wildcard subscriptions or complex message filtering for an incredibly small footprint. This makes it suitable for resource-constrained environments or situations where a full-fledged PubSub library would be overkill.
Hacker News users discussed the minimalist JavaScript pub/sub implementation, praising its small size and cleverness. Some questioned its practicality for complex applications, suggesting larger libraries like mitt might be more suitable due to features like wildcard subscriptions and unsubscribing. Others debated the value of minimizing bundle size in modern web development, with some arguing that 163 bytes is a negligible saving. A few commenters suggested improvements or alternative implementations, including using a Map instead of an object for storing subscriptions to avoid prototype pollution issues. Overall, the reception was positive, though tinged with pragmatic considerations regarding real-world usage.
Fragments of a rare, previously unknown manuscript containing parts of the Merlin legend have been discovered in the Cambridge University Library. Dating back to around 1300, the seven parchment fragments were originally used to reinforce the binding of another book. The text recounts scenes from the Suite du Merlin, a later prose continuation of Robert de Boron’s Merlin, detailing King Arthur's wars in France and featuring characters such as Merlin, Gawain, and King Claudas. This discovery offers valuable insight into the popularization and transmission of Arthurian literature in medieval England, particularly because the text varies from other known versions and suggests a distinct manuscript tradition. Researchers believe these fragments could be the oldest surviving remnants of a complete Middle English Suite du Merlin manuscript.
HN commenters discuss the exciting discovery of Merlin fragments, expressing skepticism about the £70k fundraising goal seemingly unrelated to the digitization cost, already completed by the Parker Library. Several suggest alternative, potentially free, digitization methods were available. Some question the library's motives, wondering if the funds are intended for preservation or other unrelated projects. Others express interest in seeing the digitized manuscript and debate the historical accuracy and portrayal of Merlin across different periods and legends. A few commenters provide interesting historical context about the Arthurian legend and its various versions.
This project introduces "sortashuffle," a tool designed to shuffle a list of TV shows (or other media) while maintaining the intended viewing order within each show. It accomplishes this by treating each show as a group, shuffling the order of the shows themselves, but keeping the episodes within each show in their original sequence. This allows for a randomized viewing experience while still preserving the narrative flow of individual series. The implementation uses Python and provides command-line options for customizing the shuffling process.
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and limitations of the "sortashuffle" tool, which shuffles items while preserving original order within groups. Some highlight its usefulness for playlists or photo albums where related items should stay together. Others point out that true randomness isn't achieved, with the algorithm simply rearranging pre-defined chunks. Several suggest alternative approaches for achieving similar results, such as shuffling album lists and then tracks within each album, or using a weighted shuffle based on metadata. The discussion also touches on the definition of "shuffle" and the user experience implications of different shuffling methods. A few users delve into the specific algorithm, suggesting improvements or noting edge cases.
MAME 0.276, the latest version of the Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator, adds support for several newly dumped arcade games, including previously undocumented titles like "Exciting Hour" and "Monster Bash". This release also features improvements to emulation accuracy for various systems, such as Sega Model 2 and Taito X-System, addressing graphical glitches and sound issues. Furthermore, 0.276 includes updates to the internal core, driver optimizations, and bug fixes, enhancing overall performance and stability. The developers encourage users to download the latest version and explore the expanded roster of supported arcade classics.
Hacker News users discussed the new features in MAME 0.276, particularly the improvements to the Apple IIgs driver and the addition of new arcade systems. Some commenters expressed excitement about finally being able to emulate specific Apple IIgs games accurately, while others reminisced about their experiences with these older systems. There was some technical discussion about the challenges of emulating certain hardware and the ongoing work to improve accuracy and performance. Several commenters also appreciated the consistent development and updates to MAME, highlighting its importance in preserving gaming history. Finally, a few users discussed the legal gray area of ROM distribution and the importance of owning original hardware or acquiring ROMs legally.
This "Ask HN" thread from March 2025 invites Hacker News users to share their current projects. People are working on a diverse range of things, from AI-powered tools for tasks like writing code documentation and debugging to hardware projects like custom keyboards and robotics. Several individuals are developing new programming languages or developer tools, while others are focused on SaaS products for specific industries or consumer apps for personal productivity and entertainment. Some posters are also exploring personal projects like creative writing or game development. Overall, the thread reveals a vibrant community engaged in a wide spectrum of innovative endeavors.
The Hacker News comments on the "Ask HN: What are you working on? (March 2025)" thread showcase a diverse range of projects. Several commenters are focused on AI-related tools, including personalized learning platforms, AI-driven code generation, and AI for scientific research. Others are working on more traditional software projects, such as developer tools, mobile apps, and SaaS products. A few commenters mention hardware projects, like custom keyboards and embedded systems. Some responses are more whimsical, discussing personal projects like creative writing or game development. A recurring theme is the integration of AI into various workflows, highlighting its increasing prevalence in the tech landscape. Several commenters also express excitement about emerging technologies like augmented reality and decentralized platforms.
Researchers at Praetorian discovered a vulnerability in GitHub's CodeQL system that allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code during the build process of CodeQL queries. This was possible because CodeQL inadvertently exposed secrets within its build environment, which a malicious actor could exploit by submitting a specially crafted query. This constituted a supply chain attack, as any repository using the compromised query would unknowingly execute the malicious code. Praetorian responsibly disclosed the vulnerability to GitHub, who promptly patched the issue and implemented additional security measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the CodeQL vulnerability, with some focusing on the ease with which the researcher found and exploited the flaw. Several commenters highlighted the irony of a security analysis tool itself being insecure and the potential for widespread impact given CodeQL's popularity. Others questioned the severity and prevalence of secret leakage in CI/CD environments generally, suggesting the issue isn't as widespread as the blog post implies. Some debated the responsible disclosure timeline, with some arguing Praetorian waited too long to report the vulnerability. A few commenters also pointed out the potential for similar vulnerabilities in other security scanning tools. Overall, the discussion centered around the significance of the vulnerability, the practices that led to it, and the broader implications for supply chain security.
This post advocates for giving children a rich "analog" childhood filled with real-world experiences. It emphasizes the importance of unstructured play, exploration in nature, hands-on activities like building and creating, and fostering genuine connections with people. The author believes excessive screen time hinders development of crucial social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. While acknowledging the inevitability of technology, the post encourages parents to prioritize and actively cultivate a childhood rich in tangible experiences, delaying and limiting digital exposure to allow for a more well-rounded development. This involves intentional choices about family activities, toy selection, and creating a home environment that encourages imaginative play and offline engagement.
HN commenters largely agree with the author's premise of limiting screen time and fostering "analog" pursuits. Several shared personal anecdotes of successfully implementing similar strategies, emphasizing the benefits of boredom, outdoor play, and real-world interactions for creativity and social development. Some discussed the challenges of balancing this philosophy with the digital realities of modern education and social life, suggesting moderation and leveraging technology for learning rather than pure entertainment. A few cautioned against being overly prescriptive, advocating for adapting the approach to individual children's needs and interests. Practical tips like involving kids in chores and providing engaging physical activities were also shared. A recurring theme was the importance of parents modeling the desired behavior by limiting their own screen time.
The FBI raided the home of Mateo D’Amato, a renowned computer scientist specializing in cryptography and anonymity technologies, and seized several electronic devices. D’Amato has since vanished, becoming incommunicado with colleagues and family. His university profile has been removed, and the institution refuses to comment, further deepening the mystery surrounding his disappearance and the reason for the FBI's interest. D’Amato's research focused on areas with potential national security implications, but no details regarding the investigation have been released.
Hacker News users discussed the implications of the FBI raid and subsequent disappearance of the computer scientist, expressing concern over the lack of public information and potential chilling effects on academic research. Some speculated about the reasons behind the raid, ranging from national security concerns to more mundane possibilities like grant fraud or data mismanagement. Several commenters questioned the university's swift removal of the scientist's webpage, viewing it as an overreaction and potentially damaging to his reputation. Others pointed out the difficulty of drawing conclusions without knowing the specifics of the investigation, advocating for cautious observation until more information emerges. The overall sentiment leaned towards concern for the scientist's well-being and apprehension about the precedent this sets for academic freedom.
This project showcases a JavaScript-based Chip-8 emulator. The emulator is implemented entirely in JavaScript, allowing it to run directly in a web browser. It aims to provide a simple and accessible way to experience classic Chip-8 games. The project is hosted on GitHub and includes the emulator's source code, making it easy for others to explore, learn from, and contribute to the project.
Hacker News users discussed the JavaScript Chip-8 emulator, primarily focusing on its educational value for learning emulator development. Several commenters shared their own positive experiences with Chip-8 as a starting point, praising its simplicity and well-defined specifications. Some discussed specific implementation details like handling timers and quirky ROM behavior. Others suggested potential improvements or additions, such as adding debugging features or exploring different rendering approaches like using canvas or WebGL. One commenter highlighted the emulator's usefulness for testing and debugging ROMs, while another appreciated the clean code and ease of understanding. Overall, the comments reflected a positive reception to the project, emphasizing its educational merit and potential as a foundation for more complex emulator projects.
This book, "Introduction to System Programming in Linux," offers a practical, project-based approach to learning low-level Linux programming. It covers essential concepts like process management, memory allocation, inter-process communication (using pipes, message queues, and shared memory), file I/O, and multithreading. The book emphasizes hands-on learning through coding examples and projects, guiding readers in building their own mini-shell, a multithreaded web server, and a key-value store. It aims to provide a solid foundation for developing system software, embedded systems, and performance-sensitive applications on Linux.
Hacker News users discuss the value of the "Introduction to System Programming in Linux" book, particularly for beginners. Some commenters highlight the importance of Kay Robbins and Dave Robbins' previous work, expressing excitement for this new release. Others debate the book's relevance given the wealth of free online resources, although some counter that a well-structured book can be more valuable than scattered web tutorials. Several commenters express interest in seeing more practical examples and projects within the book, particularly those focusing on modern systems and real-world applications. Finally, there's a brief discussion about alternative learning resources, including the Linux Programming Interface and Beej's Guide.
The paper "File Systems Unfit as Distributed Storage Back Ends" argues that relying on traditional file systems for distributed storage systems leads to significant performance and scalability bottlenecks. It identifies fundamental limitations in file systems' metadata management, consistency models, and single points of failure, particularly in large-scale deployments. The authors propose that purpose-built storage systems designed with distributed principles from the ground up, rather than layered on top of existing file systems, are necessary for achieving optimal performance and reliability in modern cloud environments. They highlight how issues like metadata scalability, consistency guarantees, and failure handling are better addressed by specialized distributed storage architectures.
HN commenters generally agree with the paper's premise that traditional file systems are poorly suited for distributed storage backends. Several highlighted the impedance mismatch between POSIX semantics and distributed systems, citing issues with consistency, metadata management, and performance bottlenecks. Some questioned the novelty of the paper's findings, arguing these limitations are well-known. Others discussed alternative approaches like object storage and databases, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right tool for the job. A few commenters offered anecdotal experiences supporting the paper's claims, while others debated the practicality of replacing existing file system-based infrastructure. One compelling comment suggested that the paper's true contribution lies in quantifying the performance overhead, rather than merely identifying the issues. Another interesting discussion revolved around whether "cloud-native" storage solutions truly address these problems or merely abstract them away.
A recent paper claims Earth's rotation could be harnessed for power using a "gravity engine," theoretically generating terawatts of energy by raising and lowering massive weights as the Earth rotates. This concept, building on decades-old physics, hinges on the Coriolis effect. However, many physicists are skeptical, arguing that the proposed mechanism violates fundamental laws of physics, particularly conservation of angular momentum. They contend that any energy gained would be offset by a minuscule slowing of Earth's rotation, effectively transferring rotational energy rather than creating it. The debate highlights the complex interplay between gravity, rotation, and energy, with the practicality and feasibility of such a gravity engine remaining highly contested.
Hacker News users discuss a Nature article about a controversial claim that Earth's rotation could be harnessed for power. Several commenters express skepticism, pointing to the immense scale and impracticality of such a project, even if theoretically possible. Some highlight the conservation of angular momentum, arguing that extracting energy from Earth's rotation would necessarily slow it down, albeit imperceptibly. Others debate the interpretation of the original research, with some suggesting it's more about subtle gravitational effects than a large-scale power source. A few commenters mention existing technologies that indirectly utilize Earth's rotation, such as tidal power. The overall sentiment seems to be one of cautious curiosity mixed with doubt about the feasibility and significance of the proposed concept. A few users engage in more playful speculation, imagining the distant future where such technology might be relevant.
"The Nobel Duel" details the intense rivalry between two giants of 20th-century physics: Robert Millikan and Felix Ehrenhaft. Their decades-long feud centered on the fundamental nature of electric charge. Millikan's meticulous oil-drop experiment seemingly proved the quantized nature of charge, earning him the Nobel Prize. Ehrenhaft, however, persistently challenged Millikan's results, claiming to have observed "subelectrons" carrying fractions of the elementary charge. The article portrays the scientific clash, highlighting the personalities and experimental methods of both physicists, while exploring the complexities of scientific validation and the potential for bias in interpreting experimental data. Ultimately, Millikan's view prevailed, solidifying the concept of the elementary charge as a fundamental constant in physics.
HN commenters discuss potential bias in the Nobel Prize selection process, referencing the linked article's account of the competition between Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for the mRNA vaccine technology prize. Some express skepticism towards the narrative of a "duel," highlighting the collaborative nature of scientific advancements and suggesting the article oversimplifies the story for dramatic effect. Others point to the inherent difficulties in attributing credit within complex research fields and the potential for overlooking deserving contributors. The discussion touches on the wider issue of recognition in science, with some questioning the value of individual awards like the Nobel Prize, given the inherently collaborative nature of scientific discovery. There's also discussion around the potential for overlooking less prominent scientists due to institutional or personal biases.
The Economist article explores the stark contrast between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola. While the Dominican Republic experiences relative prosperity and stability, attracting tourists and foreign investment, Haiti remains mired in poverty, political instability, and gang violence. The article attributes this divergence to a complex interplay of historical factors, including Haiti's brutal French colonial past, its devastating 2010 earthquake, and its more recent struggles with corruption and weak governance. Despite sharing an island and some cultural similarities, the two nations have followed drastically different paths, highlighting the impact of historical legacies and political choices on development.
Hacker News commenters discuss potential root causes for the stark differences between Haiti and the Dominican Republic beyond the commonly cited deforestation narrative. Some highlight the impact of Trujillo's massacre of Haitians and subsequent discriminatory policies creating lasting ethnic tensions and hindering integration. Others point to the Dominican Republic's earlier embrace of tourism and its more stable political landscape, fostering investment and economic growth. A few commenters criticize the Economist article for oversimplification and suggest deeper historical research, citing differing colonial legacies, legal systems, and cultural influences as contributing factors. The role of foreign aid and its potential to exacerbate corruption in Haiti is also debated, with some arguing that aid dependency has stifled local development initiatives.
This blog post explains why the author chose C to build their personal website. Motivated by a desire for a fun, challenging project and greater control over performance and resource usage, they opted against higher-level frameworks. While acknowledging C's complexity and development time, the author highlights the benefits of minimal dependencies, small executable size, and the learning experience gained. Ultimately, the decision was driven by personal preference and the satisfaction derived from crafting a website from scratch using a language they enjoy.
Hacker News users generally praised the author's technical skills and the site's performance, with several expressing admiration for the clean code and minimalist approach. Some questioned the practicality and maintainability of using C for a website, particularly regarding long-term development and potential security risks. Others discussed the benefits of learning C and low-level programming, while some debated the performance advantages compared to other languages and frameworks. A few users shared their own experiences with similar projects and alternative approaches to achieving high performance. A significant point of discussion was the lack of server-side rendering, which some felt hindered the site's SEO.
Spice Data, a Y Combinator-backed startup, is seeking a software engineer to build their AI-powered contract analysis platform. The ideal candidate is proficient in Python and JavaScript, comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment, and passionate about leveraging large language models (LLMs) to extract insights from complex legal documents. Experience with natural language processing (NLP), information retrieval, or machine learning is a plus. This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact the product's direction and contribute to a rapidly growing company transforming how businesses understand and manage contracts.
HN commenters discuss the unusual job posting from Spice Data (YC S19). Several find the required skill of "writing C code like it's 1974" intriguing, debating whether this implies foregoing modern C practices or simply emphasizes a focus on efficiency and close-to-the-metal programming. Some question the practicality and long-term maintainability of such an approach. Others express skepticism about the company's claim of requiring "PhD-level CS knowledge" for seemingly standard software engineering tasks. The compensation, while unspecified, is a point of speculation, with commenters hoping it justifies the apparently demanding requirements. Finally, the company's unusual name and purported focus on satellite data also draw some lighthearted remarks.
Ursula K. Le Guin's "The Child and the Shadow" explores the crucial role of integrating the shadow self for healthy psychological development. Le Guin uses the fairy tale of "The Shadow" by Hans Christian Andersen to illustrate how denying or repressing the shadow leads to alienation and unhappiness. She argues that the shadow, representing our darker impulses and less admirable qualities, must be acknowledged and accepted as part of the whole self. Through consciousness and acceptance, the shadow can be integrated, leading to wholeness, maturity, and the ability to connect authentically with others. This process, though potentially frightening, is essential for living a full and meaningful life.
HN users discuss Le Guin's essay on the shadow self, largely agreeing with her premise of integrating rather than suppressing the negative aspects of personality. Several commenters appreciate the Jungian perspective and explore the idea of the shadow as a source of creativity and authenticity. Some discuss the practical challenges of integrating the shadow, noting the societal pressures to conform and the difficulty in accepting uncomfortable truths about oneself. The danger of projecting the shadow onto others is also highlighted, as is the importance of self-awareness in navigating these complexities. A few commenters mention the relevance of Le Guin's essay to current societal issues, such as political polarization. Overall, the comments reflect a thoughtful engagement with Le Guin's ideas.
The author argues that Google's search quality has declined due to a prioritization of advertising revenue and its own products over relevant results. This manifests in excessive ads, low-quality content from SEO-driven websites, and a tendency to push users towards Google services like Maps and Flights, even when external options might be superior. The post criticizes the cluttered and information-poor nature of modern search results pages, lamenting the loss of a cleaner, more direct search experience that prioritized genuine user needs over Google's business interests. This degradation, the author claims, is driving users away from Google Search and towards alternatives.
HN commenters largely agree with the author's premise that Google search quality has declined. Many attribute this to increased ads, irrelevant results, and a focus on Google's own products. Several commenters shared anecdotes of needing to use specific search operators or alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo or Bing to find desired information. Some suggest the decline is due to Google's dominant market share, arguing they lack the incentive to improve. A few pushed back, attributing perceived declines to changes in user search habits or the increasing complexity of the internet. Several commenters also discussed the bloat of Google's other services, particularly Maps.
Blue95 is a passion project aiming to recreate the nostalgic experience of a late 90s/early 2000s home computer setup. It's a curated collection of period-accurate software, themes, and wallpapers, designed to evoke the look and feel of Windows 95/98, packaged as a bootable ISO for virtual machines or physical hardware. The project focuses on free and open-source software alternatives to commercial applications of the era, offering a curated selection of games, utilities, and creative tools, all wrapped in a familiar, retro aesthetic. The goal is to capture the essence of that era's computing experience – a blend of discovery, simplicity, and playful experimentation.
Hacker News users generally expressed nostalgia and appreciation for Blue95's aesthetic, recalling the era of Windows 95 and early internet experiences. Several commenters praised the attention to detail and accuracy in recreating the look and feel of the period. Some discussed the practical limitations of older hardware and software, while others reminisced about specific games and applications. A few users questioned the project's purpose beyond nostalgia, but overall the reception was positive, with many expressing interest in trying it out or contributing to its development. The discussion also touched on the broader trend of retro computing and the desire to revisit simpler technological times.
Isar Aerospace's inaugural launch of their Spectrum rocket ended in failure shortly after liftoff from Andøya Spaceport. While the first stage ignited and the rocket cleared the launch tower, an anomaly occurred low in the powered ascent, triggering the flight termination system. The specific cause of the failure is under investigation, but preliminary information suggests an issue within the first stage propulsion system. Isar Aerospace stated they are collecting and analyzing data to understand the problem and implement corrective actions for future launch attempts.
HN commenters discuss the Isar Aerospace launch failure, with several expressing sympathy and acknowledging the difficulty of orbital rocketry. Some speculate about the cause, mentioning potential issues with turbopump cavitation or other engine problems, drawing parallels to previous rocket failures. Others focus on the positive aspects, emphasizing the valuable data gained from the attempt and Isar's quick turnaround for a second launch attempt. A few commenters mention the competitive landscape of the small launch vehicle market, noting the high failure rate for inaugural launches in general. Overall, the sentiment is one of cautious optimism for Isar's future, recognizing this failure as a learning experience in a challenging field.
The post "Literate Development: AI-Enhanced Software Engineering" argues that combining natural language explanations with code, a practice called literate programming, is becoming increasingly important in the age of AI. Large language models (LLMs) can parse and understand this combination, enabling new workflows and tools that boost developer productivity. Specifically, LLMs can generate code from natural language descriptions, translate between programming languages, explain existing code, and even create documentation automatically. This shift towards literate development promises to improve code maintainability, collaboration, and overall software quality, ultimately leading to a more streamlined and efficient software development process.
Hacker News users discussed the potential of AI in software development, focusing on the "literate development" approach. Several commenters expressed skepticism about AI's current ability to truly understand code and its context, suggesting that using AI for generating boilerplate or simple tasks might be more realistic than relying on it for complex design decisions. Others highlighted the importance of clear documentation and modular code for AI tools to be effective. A common theme was the need for caution and careful evaluation before fully embracing AI-driven development, with concerns about potential inaccuracies and the risk of over-reliance on tools that may not fully grasp the nuances of software design. Some users expressed excitement about the future possibilities, while others remained pragmatic, advocating for a measured adoption of AI in the development process. Several comments also touched upon the potential benefits of AI in assisting with documentation and testing, and the idea that AI might be better suited for augmenting developers rather than replacing them entirely.
.NET 7's Span<T>.SequenceEqual, when comparing byte spans, outperforms memcmp in many scenarios, particularly with smaller inputs. This surprising result stems from SequenceEqual's optimized implementation that leverages vectorization (SIMD instructions) and other platform-specific enhancements. While memcmp is generally fast, it can be less efficient on certain architectures or with smaller data sizes. Therefore, when working with byte spans in .NET 7 and later, SequenceEqual is often the preferred choice for performance, offering a simpler and potentially faster approach to byte comparison.
Hacker News users discuss the surprising performance advantage of Span<T>.SequenceEquals over memcmp for comparing byte arrays, especially when dealing with shorter arrays. Several commenters speculate that the JIT compiler is able to optimize SequenceEquals more effectively, potentially by eliminating bounds checks or leveraging SIMD instructions. The overhead of calling memcmp, a native function, is also mentioned as a possible factor. Some skepticism is expressed, with users questioning the benchmarking methodology and suggesting that the results might not generalize to all scenarios. One commenter suggests using a platform intrinsic instead of memcmp when the length is not known at compile time. Another commenter highlights the benefits of writing clear code and letting the JIT compiler handle optimization.
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) holds a special place in gaming history, offering a perfect blend of portability, affordability, and a vast library of incredible games. The author reminisces fondly about their childhood experiences with the console, highlighting its sturdy design, the satisfying click of the buttons, and the immersive world it opened up through titles like Pokémon Ruby, Metroid Fusion, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. The GBA served as a gateway to RPGs and fostered a lifelong love for gaming, representing a golden age of handheld consoles that remains unmatched even by today's technologically superior devices. Its impact was not just about the technology, but the memories and formative experiences it provided, making it more than just a gaming device, but a cherished piece of personal history.
Hacker News users fondly recall the Game Boy Advance, praising its perfect size, durable build, and the vast library of quality games. Several commenters highlight the backlit GBA SP as a pivotal upgrade, while others discuss favorite titles like Metroid Fusion, Advance Wars, and the various Pokemon games. The modding scene is also mentioned, with users discussing using flash carts to play ROMs and other homebrew software. Some lament the decline of dedicated handheld gaming devices and the rise of mobile gaming, contrasting the tactile experience and focused gameplay of the GBA with the more distracting nature of smartphones. There's a general consensus that the GBA represents a golden age of handheld gaming.
Lehmer's continued fraction factorization algorithm offers a way to find factors of a composite integer n. It leverages the convergents of the continued fraction expansion of √n to generate pairs of integers x and y such that x² ≡ y² (mod n). If x is not congruent to ±y (mod n), then gcd(x-y, n) and gcd(x+y, n) will yield non-trivial factors of n. While not as efficient as more advanced methods like the general number field sieve, it provides a relatively simple approach to factorization and serves as a stepping stone towards understanding more complex techniques.
Hacker News users discuss Lehmer's algorithm, mostly focusing on its impracticality despite its mathematical elegance. Several commenters point out the exponential complexity, making it slower than trial division for realistically sized numbers. The discussion touches upon the algorithm's reliance on finding small quadratic residues, a process that becomes computationally expensive quickly. Some express interest in its historical significance and connection to other factoring methods, while others question the article's claim of it being "simple" given its actual complexity. A few users note the lack of practical applications, emphasizing its theoretical nature. The overall sentiment leans towards appreciation of the mathematical beauty of the algorithm but acknowledges its limited real-world use.
An Air France flight from Paris to Algiers returned to Paris shortly after takeoff because a passenger realized their phone had fallen into a gap between the seats, potentially near flight control mechanisms. Unable to retrieve the phone, the crew, prioritizing safety, decided to turn back as a precaution. The plane landed safely, the phone was retrieved, and passengers eventually continued their journey to Algiers on a later flight. The incident highlights the potential risks posed by small items getting lodged in sensitive aircraft areas.
The Hacker News comments discuss the cost-benefit analysis of turning a plane around for a lost phone, with many questioning the rationale. Some speculate about security concerns, suggesting the phone might have been intentionally planted or could be used for tracking, while others dismiss this as paranoia. A few commenters propose alternative solutions like searching upon landing or using tracking software. Several highlight the lack of information in the article, such as the phone's location in the plane (e.g., between seats, potentially causing a fire hazard) and whether it was confirmed to belong to the passenger in question. The overall sentiment is that turning the plane around seems like an overreaction unless there was a credible security threat, with the inconvenience to other passengers outweighing the benefit of retrieving the phone. Some users also point out the potential environmental impact of such a decision.
This blog post demonstrates how to achieve tail call optimization (TCO) in Java, despite the JVM's lack of native support. The author uses the ASM bytecode manipulation library to transform compiled Java bytecode, replacing recursive tail calls with goto instructions that jump back to the beginning of the method. This avoids stack frame growth and prevents StackOverflowErrors, effectively emulating TCO. The post provides a detailed example, transforming a simple factorial function, and discusses the limitations and potential pitfalls of this approach, including the handling of local variables and debugging challenges. Ultimately, it offers a working, albeit complex, solution for achieving TCO in Java for specific use cases.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism about the practicality and value of the approach described in the article. Several commenters pointed out that while technically interesting, using ASM to achieve tail-call optimization in Java is likely to be more trouble than it's worth due to the complexity and potential for subtle bugs. The performance benefits were questioned, with some suggesting that iterative solutions would be simpler and potentially faster. Others noted that relying on such a technique would make code less portable and harder to maintain. A few commenters appreciated the cleverness of the solution, but overall the sentiment leaned towards considering it more of a curiosity than a genuinely useful technique.
Summary of Comments ( 53 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43532220
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed "TypeArmor" system for securing C/C++ code. Some expressed skepticism about its performance overhead and the complexity of retrofitting it onto existing projects, questioning its viability compared to rewriting in memory-safe languages like Rust. Others were more optimistic, viewing TypeArmor as a potentially valuable tool for hardening legacy codebases where rewriting is not feasible. The discussion touched upon the trade-offs between security and performance, the challenges of integrating such a system into real-world projects, and the overall feasibility of achieving robust memory safety in C/C++ without fundamental language changes. Several commenters also pointed out limitations of TypeArmor, such as its inability to handle certain complex pointer manipulations and the potential for vulnerabilities in the TypeArmor system itself. The general consensus seemed to be cautious interest, acknowledging the potential benefits while remaining pragmatic about the inherent difficulties of securing C/C++.
The Hacker News post titled "How to Secure Existing C and C++ Software Without Memory Safety [pdf]" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43532220) has several comments discussing the linked pre-print paper and its proposed approach.
Several commenters express skepticism about the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed "Secure by Construction" approach. One commenter argues that while the idea is intriguing, the complexity and effort required to retrofit existing codebases would be prohibitive. They suggest that focusing on memory-safe languages for new projects would be a more efficient use of resources. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, pointing out the difficulty of achieving comprehensive coverage with this technique and the potential for subtle bugs to be introduced during the transformation process.
A thread of discussion emerges around the comparison between this approach and using Rust. Some argue that Rust's inherent memory safety features offer a more robust solution, while others point out that rewriting large C/C++ codebases in Rust is not always feasible. The "Secure by Construction" method is positioned as a potential compromise for situations where a complete rewrite is impossible.
One commenter questions the claim that the technique doesn't require memory safety, suggesting that it essentially introduces a form of dynamic memory safety through runtime checks. They further highlight the potential performance overhead associated with these checks.
Another commenter expresses interest in the potential for automated tools to assist in the process of applying the "Secure by Construction" transformations. They also raise the concern about the potential impact on code readability and maintainability.
Some commenters offer alternative solutions, such as using address sanitizers and static analysis tools to identify and mitigate memory-related vulnerabilities in existing C/C++ code.
A few commenters engage in a more technical discussion about the specifics of the proposed technique, debating the effectiveness of the different transformation rules and the potential for false positives or negatives. They also discuss the challenge of handling complex data structures and pointer arithmetic.
Overall, the comments reflect a cautious interest in the proposed "Secure by Construction" approach, with many expressing reservations about its practicality and effectiveness compared to other solutions like using Rust or focusing on more traditional security hardening techniques. The discussion highlights the ongoing challenge of securing existing C/C++ codebases and the trade-offs involved in different approaches.