InitWare is a portable init system inspired by systemd, designed to function across multiple operating systems, including Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD. It aims to provide a familiar systemd-like experience and API on these platforms while remaining lightweight and configurable. The project utilizes a combination of C and POSIX sh for portability and reimplements core systemd functionalities like service management, device management, and login management. InitWare seeks to offer a viable alternative to traditional init systems on BSDs and a more streamlined and potentially faster option compared to full systemd on Linux.
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Storing and utilizing text embeddings efficiently for machine learning tasks can be challenging due to their large size and the need for portability across different systems. This post advocates for using Parquet files in conjunction with the Polars DataFrame library as a superior solution. Parquet's columnar storage format enables efficient filtering and retrieval of specific embeddings, while Polars provides fast data manipulation in Python. This combination outperforms traditional methods like storing embeddings in CSV or JSON, especially when dealing with millions of embeddings, by significantly reducing file size and processing time, leading to faster model training and inference. The author demonstrates this advantage by showcasing a practical example of similarity search within a large embedding dataset, highlighting the significant performance gains achieved with the Parquet/Polars approach.
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Micro Journal is a minimalist, distraction-free writing tool designed for quick journaling and note-taking. It prioritizes simplicity and privacy by storing entries locally in plain text files, eliminating the need for accounts, cloud syncing, or databases. The interface is deliberately barebones, offering only essential features like creating, saving, and searching entries. This focus on core functionality aims to encourage regular writing by reducing friction and ensuring quick access to past thoughts and ideas.
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Hacker News commenters generally expressed skepticism about the practicality and durability of the single-sheet paper laptop stand. Several questioned its ability to support the weight of a laptop, especially over extended periods, and predicted it would quickly collapse or tear. Some suggested that while it might work for lighter devices like tablets, it wouldn't be suitable for heavier laptops. Others pointed out the potential for instability and wobbling. There was some discussion of alternative DIY laptop stand solutions, including using cardboard or other more robust materials. A few commenters appreciated the minimalist and eco-friendly concept, but overall the sentiment was that the design was more of a novelty than a practical solution.
Summary of Comments ( 11 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43568503
Hacker News users discussed InitWare, a portable systemd fork, with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. Some questioned the value proposition, given the maturity and ubiquity of systemd, wondering if the project addressed a real need or was a solution in search of a problem. Others expressed concerns about maintaining compatibility across different operating systems and the potential for fragmentation. However, some commenters were intrigued by the possibility of a more lightweight and portable init system, particularly for embedded systems or specialized use cases where systemd might be overkill. Several users also inquired about specific technical details, like the handling of cgroups and service management, demonstrating a genuine interest in the project's approach. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious observation, with many waiting to see if InitWare could carve out a niche or offer tangible benefits over existing solutions.
The Hacker News post discussing InitWare, a portable systemd fork running on BSDs and Linux, has generated a number of comments, primarily focusing on the motivations behind the project and its potential implications.
Several commenters express skepticism about the value proposition of InitWare. They question the need for another init system, especially one derived from systemd, given the existing options and the controversies surrounding systemd's design philosophy. Some argue that the resources invested in InitWare could be better directed towards improving existing init systems or addressing other needs within the BSD ecosystem. The complexity of systemd is also raised as a concern, with some suggesting that a simpler init system would be more suitable for BSDs.
A recurring theme is the perception of systemd as overly complex and monolithic. Commenters express concern about replicating these perceived flaws in a new project. They suggest that a more modular approach, focusing on interoperability and leveraging existing BSD tools, would be a better strategy.
Some commenters discuss the technical challenges involved in porting systemd to different operating systems, highlighting the potential for inconsistencies and unexpected behavior. They also raise concerns about the long-term maintenance burden of such a project.
There's a discussion about the licensing implications of forking systemd, given its LGPL license. Commenters clarify the requirements of the LGPL and how they apply to InitWare.
A few commenters express interest in the project, appreciating the effort to bring systemd's features to other platforms. They suggest potential use cases and benefits, such as improved containerization support. However, even those expressing interest also voice reservations about the project's overall direction and potential drawbacks.
One commenter questions the naming of the project, suggesting that it might be confused with existing software.
The overall sentiment appears to be predominantly cautious and skeptical, with many commenters expressing concerns about the project's goals and feasibility. While there's some interest in the technical aspects of the porting effort, the majority of comments question the necessity and wisdom of recreating systemd on other operating systems.