The blog post "Everything wrong with MCP" criticizes Mojang's decision to use the MCP (Mod Coder Pack) as the intermediary format for modding Minecraft Java Edition. The author argues that MCP, being community-maintained and reverse-engineered, introduces instability, obfuscates the modding process, complicates debugging, and grants Mojang excessive control over the modding ecosystem. They propose that Mojang should instead release an official modding API based on clean, human-readable source code, which would foster a more stable, accessible, and innovative modding community. This would empower modders with clearer understanding of the game's internals, streamline development, and ultimately benefit players with a richer and more reliable modded experience.
Google's GoStringUngarbler is a new open-source tool designed to reverse string obfuscation techniques commonly used in malware written in Go. These techniques, often employed to evade detection, involve encrypting or otherwise manipulating strings within the binary, making analysis difficult. GoStringUngarbler analyzes the binary’s control flow graph to identify and reconstruct the original, unobfuscated strings, significantly aiding malware researchers in understanding the functionality and purpose of malicious Go binaries. This improves the ability to identify and defend against these threats.
HN commenters generally praised the tool described in the article, GoStringUngarbler, for its utility in malware analysis and reverse engineering. Several pointed out the effectiveness of simple string obfuscation techniques against basic static analysis, making a tool like this quite valuable. Some users discussed similar existing tools, like FLOSS, and how GoStringUngarbler complements or improves upon them, particularly in its ability to handle Go binaries. A few commenters also noted the potential for offensive security applications, and the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between obfuscation and deobfuscation techniques. One commenter highlighted the interesting approach of using a large language model (LLM) for identifying potentially obfuscated strings.
Summary of Comments ( 186 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43676771
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's criticisms of Minecraft's Marketplace. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of frustrating experiences with low-quality content, misleading pricing practices, and the predatory nature of some microtransactions targeted at children. The lack of proper moderation and quality control from Microsoft was a recurring theme, with some suggesting it damages the overall Minecraft experience. Others pointed out the irony of Microsoft's approach, contrasting it with their previous stance on open-source and community-driven development. A few commenters argued that the marketplace serves a purpose, providing a platform for creators, though acknowledging the need for better curation. Some also highlighted the role of parents in managing children's spending habits within the game.
The Hacker News post titled "Everything wrong with MCP" (linking to an article criticizing Microsoft's Certified Professional program) has generated several comments discussing the certification's value, relevance, and overall perception within the tech industry.
Several commenters express skepticism about the value of MCP certifications, viewing them as generally meaningless and not indicative of actual skill or competence. One commenter mentions that while some certifications might hold value (e.g., specific cloud provider certifications), MCP is not one of them, highlighting a perceived disconnect between the certification's content and real-world job requirements. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, suggesting that MCP is more of a "participation trophy" than a true measure of expertise. The ease of obtaining the certification is also brought up, further diminishing its perceived value.
The discussion also touches upon the broader issue of certifications in the IT industry. Some commenters argue that certifications are often used as a filtering mechanism by HR departments, even if their technical relevance is questionable. This suggests that while certifications might not reflect actual skills, they can still play a role in the hiring process, especially for entry-level positions. However, there is a consensus that practical experience and demonstrable skills are significantly more valuable than certifications, especially as one progresses in their career.
Another thread in the comments focuses on the evolution of the MCP program over time. Commenters who obtained the certification years ago note that it used to hold more weight, suggesting that its perceived value has declined. One commenter recounts their experience preparing for and passing multiple MCP exams in the past, contrasting it with the current perception of the certification as less rigorous and meaningful.
Finally, some comments criticize the blog post itself, arguing that the author is misrepresenting the purpose of MCP. These commenters suggest that MCP is designed to be a foundational certification, intended as a starting point for further specialization within the Microsoft ecosystem. They argue that the author's criticism is misplaced because they are judging the certification against criteria it was not designed to fulfill.
In summary, the comments on Hacker News reflect a generally negative perception of the MCP certification, questioning its relevance, rigor, and value in the current tech landscape. While some commenters acknowledge its potential use as an entry-level credential or a stepping stone to more specialized certifications, the prevailing sentiment is that practical skills and experience are far more important than holding an MCP certification.