"Hacktical C" is a free, online guide to the C programming language aimed at aspiring security researchers and exploit developers. It covers fundamental C concepts like data types, control flow, and memory management, but with a specific focus on how these concepts are relevant to low-level programming and exploitation techniques. The guide emphasizes practical application, featuring numerous code examples and exercises demonstrating buffer overflows, format string vulnerabilities, and other common security flaws. It also delves into topics like interacting with the operating system, working with assembly language, and reverse engineering, all within the context of utilizing C for offensive security purposes.
This open guide provides a comprehensive overview of equity compensation, primarily aimed at software engineers but applicable to anyone receiving equity. It covers the basics of different equity types (e.g., stock options, RSUs), explains key terminology like vesting and exercise, and delves into more complex topics such as taxes, early exercises, and the impact of dilution. The guide emphasizes practical considerations, offering advice on negotiating offers, evaluating equity's value, and making informed decisions throughout the employee lifecycle. It aims to empower individuals to understand their equity compensation and maximize its potential.
HN commenters largely praised the guide for its clarity and comprehensiveness, particularly appreciating the breakdown of different equity types and the realistic scenarios presented. Several highlighted the importance of understanding equity, especially for those early in their careers. Some questioned the advice regarding exercising options early, citing the tax implications and potential loss if the company doesn't perform well. Others offered additional resources and perspectives, like considering the impact of dilution and the importance of negotiating for more equity. A few pointed out minor errors or suggested improvements, such as clarifying the tax treatment of RSUs and including information on early exercise provisions.
This post provides a practical guide to using Perlin noise for creating realistic terrain features in procedural generation. It covers fundamental concepts like octaves and persistence, explaining how combining different noise scales creates complex landscapes. The guide then demonstrates how to apply Perlin noise to generate mountains by treating noise values as elevation, cliffs by using thresholds to create sharp drops, and cave systems by applying 3D Perlin noise and manipulating thresholds to carve out intricate networks. It also touches on optimizing performance and integrating these techniques into game development workflows. The overall goal is to equip developers with the knowledge and techniques to generate compelling and varied landscapes using Perlin noise.
HN users largely praised the article for its clear explanations and helpful visualizations of Perlin noise for procedural generation. Several commenters shared their own experiences and experiments with Perlin noise, discussing techniques like combining multiple octaves of noise for more detailed terrain, and using it for generating things beyond landscapes, like clouds or textures. Some pointed out the computational cost of Perlin noise and suggested alternatives like Simplex noise. A few users also offered additional resources and tools for working with procedural generation. One commenter highlighted the article's effective use of interactive diagrams, making it easier to grasp the concepts.
This GitHub repository offers a comprehensive exploration of Llama 2, aiming to demystify its inner workings. It covers the architecture, training process, and implementation details of the model. The project provides resources for understanding Llama 2's components, including positional embeddings, attention mechanisms, and the rotary embedding technique. It also delves into the training data and methodology used to develop the model, along with practical guidance on implementing and running Llama 2 from scratch. The goal is to equip users with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively utilize and potentially extend the capabilities of Llama 2.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and accessibility of training large language models (LLMs) like Llama 3. Some expressed skepticism about the feasibility of truly training such a model "from scratch" given the immense computational resources required, questioning if the author was simply fine-tuning an existing model. Others highlighted the value of the resource for educational purposes, even if full-scale training wasn't achievable for most individuals. There was also discussion about the potential for optimized training methods and the possibility of leveraging smaller, more manageable datasets for specific tasks. The ethical implications of training and deploying powerful LLMs were also touched upon. Several commenters pointed out inconsistencies or potential errors in the provided code examples and training process description.
This 1996 document outlines the puzzle design for the adventure game Grim Fandango. It details the game's four-year structure, dividing the story into distinct acts and locations. Each act's puzzles are meticulously charted, specifying the required items, character interactions, and logical steps players must take. The document emphasizes a focus on logical, inventory-based puzzles that arise naturally from the narrative, aiming to avoid "moon logic" and ensure solutions feel fair and intuitive. It also tracks the player's inventory throughout the game, highlighting key items and their uses. This detailed planning aimed to create a tightly-woven and engaging player experience.
Hacker News users discussing the Grim Fandango puzzle document generally express appreciation for its insight into game design, particularly the iterative process and the challenges of balancing difficulty. Several commenters note the document's demonstration of how seemingly minor details can significantly impact puzzle solutions, highlighting the complexity of creating a cohesive and enjoyable player experience. The document's focus on avoiding "moon logic" and ensuring puzzles feel fair is also praised. Some commenters draw parallels to other adventure games, like Monkey Island, and discuss the evolution of puzzle design in the genre. A few users also reminisce about their personal experiences playing Grim Fandango, reinforcing its status as a classic.
This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to BCPL programming on the Raspberry Pi. It covers setting up a BCPL environment, basic syntax and data types, control flow, procedures, and input/output operations. The guide also delves into more advanced topics like separate compilation, creating libraries, and interfacing with the operating system. It includes numerous examples and exercises, making it suitable for both beginners and those with prior programming experience looking to explore BCPL. The document emphasizes BCPL's simplicity and efficiency, particularly its suitability for low-level programming tasks on resource-constrained systems like the Raspberry Pi.
HN commenters expressed interest in BCPL due to its historical significance as a predecessor to C and its influence on Go. Some recalled using BCPL in the past, highlighting its simplicity and speed, and contrasting its design with C. A few users discussed specific aspects of the document, such as the choice of Raspberry Pi and the use of pre-built binaries, while others lamented the lack of easily accessible BCPL resources today. Several pointed out the educational value of the guide, particularly for understanding compiler construction and the evolution of programming languages. Overall, the comments reflected a mix of nostalgia, curiosity, and appreciation for BCPL's role in computing history.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43679781
Hacker News users largely praised "Hacktical C" for its clear writing style and focus on practical application, particularly for those interested in systems programming and security. Several commenters appreciated the author's approach of explaining concepts through real-world examples, like crafting shellcode and exploiting vulnerabilities. Some highlighted the book's coverage of lesser-known C features and quirks, making it valuable even for experienced programmers. A few pointed out potential improvements, such as adding more exercises or expanding on certain topics. Overall, the sentiment was positive, with many recommending the book for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of C and its use in low-level programming.
The Hacker News post for "Hacktical C: practical hacker's guide to the C programming language" has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the book's target audience and its potential utility.
Several commenters question the book's relevance for experienced C programmers. One user points out that the content seems geared towards beginners, covering fundamental concepts already familiar to seasoned developers. They express skepticism about the book offering new insights for those well-versed in C. Another echoes this sentiment, suggesting the target demographic is those transitioning from higher-level languages to C, rather than individuals with significant C experience.
Another thread discusses the book's "hacker" focus, with some users questioning its practical application for security-related tasks. One commenter remarks that while the book might provide a solid foundation in C, it doesn't delve deep into specific hacking techniques or exploit development. They suggest it's more of a general C programming guide rather than a specialized resource for security researchers.
A few commenters praise the book's clear and concise writing style. They appreciate the author's approach to explaining complex topics in an accessible manner, making it potentially beneficial for beginners. One user highlights the book's coverage of low-level concepts, which they find valuable for understanding the underlying mechanics of C.
Finally, some comments touch upon the book's coverage of x86-64 assembly language. One user expresses interest in this aspect, noting that understanding assembly can be crucial for low-level programming and reverse engineering. Another commenter suggests that the book might serve as a good starting point for those wanting to explore the relationship between C and assembly.
In summary, the comments generally portray "Hacktical C" as a potentially useful resource for beginners or those new to C, offering a clear introduction to the language and some low-level concepts. However, experienced C programmers or those seeking advanced hacking techniques might find the content less compelling. The discussion revolves around the book's target audience and its practical application in different contexts.