The blog post "Elliptical Python Programming" explores techniques for writing concise and expressive Python code by leveraging language features that allow for implicit or "elliptical" constructs. It covers topics like using truthiness to simplify conditional expressions, exploiting operator chaining and short-circuiting, leveraging iterable unpacking and the * operator for sequence manipulation, and understanding how default dictionary values can streamline code. The author emphasizes the importance of readability and maintainability, advocating for elliptical constructions only when they enhance clarity and reduce verbosity without sacrificing comprehension. The goal is to write Pythonic code that is both elegant and efficient.
Terms of Service; Didn't Read (ToS;DR) is a community-driven project that simplifies and rates the terms of service and privacy policies of various websites and online services. It uses a simple grading system (Class A to Class E) to quickly inform users about potential issues regarding their rights, data usage, and other key aspects hidden within lengthy legal documents. The goal is to increase transparency and awareness, empowering users to make informed decisions about which services they choose to use based on how those services handle their data and respect user rights. ToS;DR relies on volunteer contributions to analyze and summarize these complex documents, making them easily digestible for the average internet user.
HN users generally praise ToS;DR as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of terms of service. Several highlight its usefulness for quickly assessing the key privacy and data usage implications of various online services. Some express appreciation for the project's crowd-sourced nature and its commitment to transparency. A few commenters discuss the inherent difficulties in keeping up with constantly changing terms of service and the challenges of accurately summarizing complex legal documents. One user questions the project's neutrality, while another suggests expanding its scope to include privacy policies. The overall sentiment is positive, with many viewing ToS;DR as a vital tool for navigating the increasingly complex digital landscape.
Artemis is a web reader designed for a calmer online reading experience. It transforms cluttered web pages into clean, focused text, stripping away ads, sidebars, and other distractions. The tool offers customizable fonts, spacing, and color themes, prioritizing readability and a distraction-free environment. It aims to reclaim the simple pleasure of reading online by presenting content in a clean, book-like format directly in your browser.
Hacker News users generally praised Artemis, calling it "clean," "nice," and "pleasant." Several appreciated its minimalist design and focus on readability. Some suggested improvements, including options for custom fonts, adjustable line height, and a dark mode. One commenter noted its similarity to existing reader-mode browser extensions, while others highlighted its benefit as a standalone tool for a distraction-free reading experience. The discussion also touched on technical aspects, with users inquiring about the framework used (SolidJS) and suggesting potential features like Pocket integration and an API for self-hosting. A few users expressed skepticism about the project's longevity and the practicality of a dedicated reader app.
Summary of Comments ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43643292
HN commenters largely discussed the practicality and readability of the "elliptical" Python style advocated in the article. Some praised the conciseness, particularly for smaller scripts or personal projects, while others raised concerns about maintainability and introducing subtle bugs, especially in larger codebases. A few pointed out that some examples weren't truly elliptical but rather just standard Python idioms taken to an extreme. The potential for abuse and the importance of clear communication in code were recurring themes. Some commenters also suggested that languages like Perl are better suited for this extremely terse coding style. Several people debated the validity and usefulness of the specific code examples provided.
The Hacker News post "Elliptical Python Programming" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43643292) sparked a discussion with several interesting comments, primarily focusing on the readability and maintainability implications of the coding style advocated in the article.
One of the most compelling threads revolves around the trade-off between conciseness and clarity. Several commenters express concern that while the "elliptical" style might appear elegant and reduce code length, it could significantly hinder readability, especially for those unfamiliar with the specific idioms or tricks employed. This reduced readability could lead to increased difficulty in debugging and maintaining the codebase over time. One commenter specifically points out that code is read far more often than it is written, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing readability over conciseness.
Another key point raised is the potential for misuse and abuse of these techniques. While some elliptical constructs can be genuinely helpful in reducing boilerplate, the concern is that excessive use or application in inappropriate contexts could lead to obfuscated and difficult-to-understand code. The consensus seems to be that these techniques should be used judiciously and only when they genuinely improve clarity rather than detract from it.
Several commenters discuss the specific examples presented in the article, debating their merits and drawbacks. Some of the examples are considered more acceptable than others, with the more controversial ones involving complex nested comprehensions or unconventional uses of operators.
The idea of implicit context also arises in the discussion. Commenters point out that while some elliptical constructs rely on implicit context, excessive reliance on implicit information can make the code harder to reason about. Explicitly stating the context, even if it adds a bit of verbosity, can often improve clarity and maintainability.
Finally, the discussion touches on the importance of coding style guides and team conventions. Even if some developers find elliptical Python acceptable, the consensus is that consistency within a codebase is paramount. Adopting a consistent style, even if it's not everyone's preferred style, is crucial for collaboration and long-term maintainability. Therefore, teams should carefully consider the trade-offs before incorporating highly elliptical styles into their projects.