Bazel's next generation focuses on improving build performance and developer experience. Key changes include Starlark, a Python-like language for build rules offering more flexibility and maintainability, as well as a transition to a new execution phase, Skyframe v2, designed for increased parallelism and scalability. These upgrades aim to simplify complex build processes, especially for large projects, while also reducing overall build times and improving caching effectiveness through more granular dependency tracking and action invalidation. Additionally, remote execution and caching are being streamlined, further contributing to faster builds by distributing workload and reusing previously built artifacts more efficiently.
Researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, have developed a new method for producing perovskite LEDs that are significantly cheaper and more environmentally friendly than current alternatives. By replacing expensive and toxic elements like lead and gold with more abundant and benign materials like copper and silver, and by utilizing a simpler solution-based fabrication process at room temperature, they've dramatically lowered the cost and environmental impact of production. This breakthrough paves the way for wider adoption of perovskite LEDs in various applications, offering a sustainable and affordable lighting solution for the future.
HN commenters discuss the potential of perovskite LEDs, acknowledging their promise while remaining cautious about real-world applications. Several express skepticism about the claimed "cheapness" and "sustainability," pointing out the current limitations of perovskite stability and lifespan, particularly in comparison to established LED technologies. The lack of detailed information about production costs and environmental impact in the linked article fuels this skepticism. Some raise concerns about the toxicity of lead used in perovskites, questioning the "environmentally friendly" label. Others highlight the need for further research and development before perovskite LEDs can become a viable alternative, while also acknowledging the exciting possibilities if these challenges can be overcome. A few commenters offer additional resources and insights into the current state of perovskite research.
Amazon announced "Alexa+", a suite of new AI-powered features designed to make Alexa more conversational and proactive. Leveraging generative AI, Alexa can now create stories, generate summaries of lengthy information, and offer more natural and context-aware responses. This includes improved follow-up questions and the ability to adjust responses based on previous interactions. These advancements aim to provide a more intuitive and helpful user experience, making Alexa a more integrated part of daily life.
HN commenters are largely skeptical of Amazon's claims about the new Alexa. Several point out that past "improvements" haven't delivered and that Alexa still struggles with basic tasks and contextual understanding. Some express concerns about privacy implications with the increased data collection required for generative AI. Others see this as a desperate attempt by Amazon to catch up to competitors in the AI space, especially given the recent layoffs at Alexa's development team. A few are slightly more optimistic, suggesting that generative AI could potentially address some of Alexa's existing weaknesses, but overall the sentiment is one of cautious pessimism.
Summary of Comments ( 50 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43601356
Hacker News commenters generally agree that Bazel's remote caching and execution are powerful features, offering significant build speed improvements. Several users shared positive experiences, particularly with large monorepos. Some pointed out the steep learning curve and initial setup complexity as drawbacks, with one commenter mentioning it took their team six months to fully integrate Bazel. The discussion also touched upon the benefits for dependency management and build reproducibility. A few commenters questioned Bazel's suitability for smaller projects, suggesting the overhead might outweigh the advantages. Others expressed interest in alternative build systems like BuildStream and Buck2. A recurring theme was the desire for better documentation and easier integration with various languages and platforms.
The Hacker News post titled "The next generation of Bazel builds" (linking to a blogsystem5.substack.com article about Bazel) has generated a moderate number of comments, many of which delve into the nuances and practicalities of using Bazel.
Several commenters discuss Bazel's performance characteristics. One notes that while Bazel boasts impressive incremental build speeds, clean builds can be significantly slower, sometimes even outpaced by traditional tools like Make. Another commenter points out the high resource demands of Bazel, particularly its memory consumption, posing challenges for developers with limited resources.
The conversation also touches upon Bazel's complexity and the learning curve associated with its adoption. Some commenters acknowledge the initial investment required to understand Bazel's concepts and configuration but argue that the long-term benefits in terms of build speed and scalability justify the effort. Others express frustration with the perceived opacity of Bazel's inner workings and the difficulty of debugging build issues.
A few commenters share their experiences with Bazel in different environments. One recounts success using Bazel to manage a complex C++ project, praising its ability to handle dependencies and enforce build consistency. Another describes challenges integrating Bazel with existing workflows and tooling.
The topic of remote caching and execution also emerges, with commenters highlighting the potential for significant performance gains by leveraging shared caches and distributed build infrastructure. However, the discussion also acknowledges the practical considerations of setting up and maintaining such systems.
Overall, the comments paint a picture of Bazel as a powerful but complex build tool. While many appreciate its capabilities, they also acknowledge the challenges and trade-offs involved in its adoption. The discussion doesn't reach a definitive consensus on whether Bazel is the "right" tool for every project, suggesting that the decision depends heavily on the specific needs and context of the development team.