The blog post argues that the common distinction between "streaming" and "batch" processing is a false dichotomy. Instead of two separate categories, the author proposes a spectrum of data processing based on latency, ranging from micro-batching with near real-time processing to long batch jobs. The core difference isn't how data is processed, but when results are made available. "Streaming" simply implies lower latency, achieved through various techniques like smaller batch windows or true stream processing. Framing the discussion around latency allows for a more nuanced understanding of data processing choices and avoids the artificial limitations of the streaming vs. batch dichotomy.
Sofie is a free and open-source web-based automation system designed specifically for live television news production. It provides a visual interface for rundown management, allowing users to create, edit, and execute complex show rundowns with ease. Sofie integrates with various broadcast hardware and software, enabling control of studio equipment like video switchers, graphics systems, and audio mixers. Its modular architecture supports customization and extensibility, catering to diverse workflows and technical setups. The system aims to streamline live news production, increasing efficiency and reliability while reducing the risk of on-air errors.
HN users generally praised Sofie's ambitious goal of automating live TV news production, with several expressing excitement about its potential. Some questioned the practicality and safety of fully automating such a complex and sensitive process, highlighting the risk of errors and the importance of human oversight. A few users with broadcast engineering experience offered specific technical feedback, mentioning concerns about latency, redundancy, and integration with existing broadcast systems. There was also interest in the choice of technologies used, particularly the use of JavaScript and Node.js in a real-time environment. Finally, some commenters discussed the potential impact of such automation on the broadcast industry, raising concerns about job displacement and the potential for misuse.
The blog post explores a hypothetical redesign of Kafka, leveraging modern technologies and learnings from the original's strengths and weaknesses. It suggests improvements like replacing ZooKeeper with a built-in consensus mechanism, utilizing a more modern storage engine like RocksDB for improved performance and tiered storage options, and adopting a pull-based consumer model inspired by systems like Pulsar for lower latency and more efficient resource utilization. The post emphasizes the potential benefits of a gRPC-based protocol for improved interoperability and extensibility, along with a redesigned API that addresses some of Kafka's complexities. Ultimately, the author envisions a "Kafka 2.0" that maintains core Kafka principles while offering improved performance, scalability, and developer experience.
HN commenters largely agree that Kafka's complexity and operational burden are significant drawbacks. Several suggest that a ground-up rewrite wouldn't fix the core issues stemming from its distributed nature and the inherent difficulty of exactly-once semantics. Some advocate for simpler alternatives like SQS for less demanding use cases, while others point to newer projects like Redpanda and Kestra as potential improvements. Performance is also a recurring theme, with some commenters arguing that Kafka's performance is ultimately good enough and that a rewrite wouldn't drastically change things. Finally, there's skepticism about the blog post itself, with some suggesting it's merely a lead generation tool for the author's company.
"JSX over the Wire" explores the idea of sending JSX directly from the server to the client, letting the browser parse and render it. This eliminates the need for separate HTML templates and API calls to fetch data, theoretically simplifying development and potentially improving performance by reducing data transfer and client-side processing. The author acknowledges this approach is unconventional and explores its potential benefits and drawbacks, including security considerations (XSS vulnerabilities) and the need for client-side hydration. Ultimately, the article concludes that while JSX over the wire is a fascinating concept with some appealing aspects, the existing ecosystem around established practices like server-side rendering and traditional APIs remains robust and generally preferred. Further research and experimentation are needed before declaring JSX over the wire a viable alternative for most applications.
Hacker News users discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of sending JSX over the wire, as proposed in the linked article. Some commenters saw it as a potentially elegant solution for certain use cases, particularly for internal tools or situations where tight coupling between client and server is acceptable. They appreciated the simplified workflow and reduced boilerplate. However, others expressed concerns about security vulnerabilities (especially XSS), performance implications due to larger payload sizes, and the tight coupling making it harder to scale or adapt to different client technologies in the future. The idea of using a templating engine on the server was suggested as a more traditional and potentially safer approach. Several questioned the practicality and overall benefits compared to existing solutions, viewing it as a niche approach not suitable for most production environments.
The original poster wonders why there isn't a widely adopted peer-to-peer (P2P) protocol for live streaming similar to how BitTorrent works for file sharing. They envision a system where viewers contribute their bandwidth to distribute the stream, reducing the load on the original broadcaster and potentially improving stability and scalability, especially for events with large audiences. The existing solutions mentioned, like WebRTC, are acknowledged but considered inadequate for various reasons, primarily due to complexity, latency issues, or lack of true decentralization. Essentially, they're asking why the robust distribution model of torrents hasn't been effectively translated to live video.
HN users discussed the challenges of real-time P2P streaming, citing issues with latency, the complexity of coordinating a swarm for live content, and the difficulty of achieving stable, high-quality streams compared to client-server models. Some pointed to existing projects like WebTorrent and Livepeer as partial solutions, though limitations around scalability and adoption were noted. The inherent trade-offs between latency, quality, and decentralization were a recurring theme, with several suggesting that the benefits of P2P might not outweigh the complexities for many streaming use cases. The lack of a widely adopted P2P streaming protocol seems to stem from these technical hurdles and the relative ease and effectiveness of centralized alternatives. Several commenters also highlighted the potential legal implications surrounding copyrighted material often associated with streaming.
Tunarr transforms your personal media libraries into personalized live TV channels. It fetches media from your servers, structures them into a customizable program guide (EPG), and serves them as live streams accessible via common IPTV players. This allows you to experience your movies, TV shows, and music as traditional broadcast television, complete with channel logos, descriptions, and scheduled programming blocks. Tunarr handles transcoding on the fly for compatibility with various devices and supports popular media server software like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin.
Hacker News users discussed Tunarr's potential, praising its ability to combine local media and internet streams into a cohesive TV-like experience, particularly for cord-cutters. Some highlighted the project's reliance on Docker, simplifying setup and deployment. Concerns were raised about the limited documentation and potential complexity for non-technical users. Several commenters expressed interest in features like DVR functionality and better EPG management. The discussion also touched on alternatives like Plex and Jellyfin, with some suggesting Tunarr could complement or even surpass these platforms for specific use-cases. There was a desire for more information about the project's roadmap and long-term goals.
The "Retro Computing Artifacts Stream" showcases a curated, continuously updating feed of historical computing items. It pulls images and descriptions from various online archives like the Internet Archive, the Computer History Museum, and others, presenting them in a visually appealing, infinite-scroll format. The stream aims to offer a serendipitous exploration of vintage computers, peripherals, software, manuals, and other related ephemera, providing a glimpse into the evolution of computing technology.
Hacker News users generally expressed enthusiasm for the Retro Computing Artifacts Stream, praising its unique concept and the nostalgia it evokes. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with the featured hardware, further enriching the discussion. Some questioned the practicality of using a "water stream" analogy for a data stream, suggesting alternatives like "firehose" might be more apt. Others pointed out potential legal issues surrounding copyrighted ROMs and the need for clear disclaimers. There was also interest in expanding the project to include other retro computing resources and platforms beyond ROMs. A few users suggested technical improvements, like adding timestamps and download links.
Netflix's Media Production Suite is a comprehensive set of cloud-based tools designed to streamline and globalize film and TV production. It covers the entire production lifecycle, from pre-production tasks like scriptwriting and budgeting to post-production processes like editing and VFX. The suite aims to enhance collaboration, improve efficiency, and reduce friction by centralizing assets and providing a unified platform accessible to all stakeholders worldwide. Key features include a centralized asset hub, automated workflows, integrated communication tools, and robust security measures. This allows for real-time feedback, simplified version control, and secure access to production materials regardless of location, ultimately leading to faster production cycles and higher-quality content.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism and criticism of Netflix's Media Production Suite. Several commenters questioned the actual novelty and impact of the described tools, suggesting they're solving problems Netflix created by moving away from established industry workflows. Others pointed out the potential for vendor lock-in and the lack of interoperability with existing tools commonly used in the industry. Some highlighted the complexities and challenges of media production, doubting a single suite could effectively address them all. The lack of open-sourcing any components also drew criticism. A few commenters offered alternative perspectives, acknowledging the potential benefits for large-scale productions while still expressing concerns about flexibility and industry adoption.
The article explores a peculiar editing choice in Apple TV+'s Severance. Specifically, it highlights how scenes depicting remote desktop software usage were altered, seemingly to avoid showcasing specific brands or potentially revealing internal Apple practices. Instead of realistic depictions of screen sharing or remote access, the show uses stylized and somewhat nonsensical visuals, which the article suggests might stem from Apple's desire to maintain a controlled image and avoid any unintended associations with its own internal tools or workflows. This meticulous control, while potentially preserving Apple's mystique, ends up creating a slightly distracting and unrealistic portrayal of common workplace technology.
HN commenters discuss the plausibility and implications of the remote editing process depicted in Severance. Some doubt the technical feasibility or efficiency of using remote desktop software for high-end video editing, especially given Apple's own ecosystem. Others suggest it's a commentary on corporate surveillance and control, reflecting real-world trends of employee monitoring. A few commenters highlight the show's satirical nature, arguing that the implausibility is intentional and serves to underscore the dystopian themes. The most compelling comments analyze the remote editing as a metaphor for the detachment and alienation of modern work, where employees are increasingly treated as interchangeable cogs. Several also appreciate the attention to detail in the show's depiction of outdated or quirky software, viewing it as a realistic portrayal of how legacy systems persist in large organizations. A minority of comments focus on the legal and ethical questions raised by the severance procedure itself.
My-yt is a personalized YouTube frontend built using yt-dlp. It offers a cleaner, ad-free viewing experience by fetching video information and streams directly via yt-dlp, bypassing the standard YouTube interface. The project aims to provide more control over the viewing experience, including features like customizable playlists and a focus on privacy. It's a self-hosted solution intended for personal use.
Hacker News users generally praised the project for its clean interface and ad-free experience, viewing it as a superior alternative to the official YouTube frontend. Several commenters appreciated the developer's commitment to keeping the project lightweight and performant. Some discussion revolved around alternative frontends and approaches, including Invidious and Piped, with comparisons of features and ease of self-hosting. A few users expressed concerns about the project's long-term viability due to YouTube's potential API changes, while others suggested incorporating features like SponsorBlock. The overall sentiment was positive, with many expressing interest in trying out or contributing to the project.
This project introduces a C++ implementation of AWS IAM authentication for Kafka clients connecting to MSK clusters, eliminating the need for static username/password credentials. The code provides an AwsMskIamSigner class that generates signed SASL/SCRAM parameters using the AWS SDK for C++, allowing secure and temporary authentication against MSK brokers. This implementation offers a more robust and secure approach compared to traditional password-based authentication, leveraging AWS's existing IAM infrastructure for access control.
Hacker News users discussed the complexities and nuances of AWS IAM authentication with Kafka. Several commenters praised the project for tackling a difficult problem and providing a valuable resource, while also acknowledging that the AWS documentation in this area is lacking and can be confusing. Some pointed out potential issues and areas for improvement, such as error handling and the use of boost::beast instead of the AWS SDK. The discussion also touched on the challenges of securely managing secrets and credentials, and the potential benefits of using alternative authentication methods like mTLS. A recurring theme was the desire for simpler, more streamlined authentication mechanisms within the AWS ecosystem.
Listen Notes, a podcast search engine, attributes its success to a combination of technical and non-technical factors. Technically, they leverage a Python/Django backend, PostgreSQL database, Redis for caching, and Elasticsearch for search, all running on AWS. Their focus on cost optimization includes utilizing spot instances and reserved capacity. Non-technical aspects considered crucial are a relentless focus on the product itself, iterative development based on user feedback, SEO optimization, and content marketing efforts like consistently publishing blog posts. This combination allows them to operate efficiently while maintaining a high-quality product.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the Listen Notes post for its transparency and detailed breakdown of its tech stack. Several appreciated the honesty regarding the challenges faced and the evolution of their infrastructure, particularly the shift away from Kubernetes. Some questioned the choice of Python/Django given its resource intensity, suggesting alternatives like Go or Rust. Others offered specific technical advice, such as utilizing a vector database for podcast search or exploring different caching strategies. The cost of running the service also drew attention, with some surprised by the high AWS bill. Finally, the founder's candidness about the business model and the difficulty of monetizing a podcast search engine resonated with many readers.
PG-Capture offers an efficient and reliable way to synchronize PostgreSQL data with search indexes like Algolia or Elasticsearch. By capturing changes directly from the PostgreSQL write-ahead log (WAL), it avoids the performance overhead of traditional methods like logical replication slots. This approach minimizes database load and ensures near real-time synchronization, making it ideal for applications requiring up-to-date search functionality. PG-Capture simplifies the process with a single, easy-to-configure binary and supports various output formats, including JSON and Protobuf, allowing flexible integration with different indexing platforms.
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in PG-Capture, praising its simplicity and potential usefulness. Some questioned the need for another Postgres change data capture (CDC) tool given existing options like Debezium and logical replication, but the author clarified that PG-Capture focuses specifically on syncing indexed data with search services, offering a more targeted solution. Concerns were raised about handling schema changes and the robustness of the single-threaded architecture, prompting the author to explain their mitigation strategies. Several commenters appreciated the project's MIT license and the provided Docker image for easy testing. Others suggested potential improvements like supporting other search backends and offering different output formats beyond JSON. Overall, the reception was positive, with many seeing PG-Capture as a valuable tool for specific use cases.
This post explores architectural patterns for adding realtime functionality to web applications. It covers techniques ranging from simple polling and long-polling to more sophisticated approaches like Server-Sent Events (SSE) and WebSockets. The author emphasizes choosing the right tool for the job based on factors like data volume, connection latency, and server resource constraints. They also discuss the importance of considering connection management, message ordering, and error handling. The post provides practical advice and code examples using JavaScript and Node.js to illustrate the different patterns, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, it aims to give developers a clear understanding of the available options for building realtime features and empower them to make informed decisions based on their specific needs.
HN users generally praised the article for its clear explanations and practical approach to building realtime features. Several commenters highlighted the value of the "pull vs. push" breakdown and the discussion of different polling strategies. Some questioned the long-term viability of polling-based solutions and advocated for WebSockets or server-sent events for true real-time experiences. A few users shared their own experiences and preferences with specific technologies like LiveView and Elixir's Phoenix Channels. There was also some discussion about the trade-offs between complexity, performance, and scalability when choosing different realtime approaches.
Warner Bros. Discovery is releasing full-length, classic movies on their free, ad-supported YouTube channels like "WB Movies" and genre-specific hubs. This strategy aims to monetize their vast film library content that isn't performing well on streaming services. By utilizing YouTube's existing audience and ad infrastructure, they can generate revenue from these older films without the costs associated with maintaining their own streaming platform or licensing deals. This also allows them to experiment with different ad formats and potentially drive traffic to their Max streaming service by showcasing their library's depth.
Hacker News commenters discuss several potential reasons for Warner Bros. Discovery's strategy of releasing free, ad-supported movies on YouTube. Some suggest it's a way to monetize their back catalog of less popular films that aren't performing well on streaming services. Others posit it's an experiment in alternative distribution models, given the ongoing challenges and costs associated with maintaining their own streaming platform. The possibility of YouTube offering better revenue sharing than other platforms is also raised. Several commenters express skepticism about the long-term viability of this strategy, questioning whether ad revenue alone can be substantial enough. Finally, some speculate that this move might be a precursor to shutting down their existing streaming services altogether.
FOSDEM 2025 offered a comprehensive live streaming schedule covering a wide range of open source topics. Streams were available for each track, allowing virtual attendees to watch presentations and Q&A sessions in real time. Recordings of the talks were also made available shortly after each session concluded, providing on-demand access to the entire conference content. The schedule webpage linked directly to the individual streams and included a searchable program grid, making it easy to find and follow specific talks or explore different tracks.
Hacker News users discussed the technical aspects and potential improvements of FOSDEM's streaming setup. Several commenters praised the readily available streams and archives, highlighting the value for those unable to attend in person. Some expressed a desire for improved video quality, particularly for slides and diagrams, suggesting higher resolutions or dedicated slide cameras. Others discussed the challenges of capturing the atmosphere of in-person attendance and the benefits of local caching or mirroring to improve access. The lack of embedded timestamps or a proper search function within the videos was also noted as a point for potential improvement, making it difficult to navigate to specific talks or topics within the recordings.
Mixlist is a collaborative playlist platform designed for DJs and music enthusiasts. It allows users to create and share playlists, discover new music through collaborative mixes, and engage with other users through comments and likes. The platform focuses on seamless transitions between tracks, providing tools for beatmatching and key detection, and aims to replicate the experience of a live DJ set within a digital environment. Mixlist also features a social aspect, allowing users to follow each other and explore trending mixes.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism and concern about Mixlist, a platform aiming to be a decentralized alternative to Spotify. Many questioned the viability of its decentralized model, citing potential difficulties with content licensing and copyright infringement. Several commenters pointed out the existing challenges faced by similar decentralized music platforms and predicted Mixlist would likely encounter the same issues. The lack of clear information about the project's technical implementation and funding also drew criticism, with some suggesting it appeared more like vaporware than a functional product. Some users expressed interest in the concept but remained unconvinced by the current execution. Overall, the sentiment leaned towards doubt about the project's long-term success.
FFmpeg by Example provides practical, copy-pasteable command-line examples for common FFmpeg tasks. The site organizes examples by specific goals, such as converting between formats, manipulating audio and video streams, applying filters, and working with subtitles. It emphasizes concise, easily understood commands and explains the function of each parameter, making it a valuable resource for both beginners learning FFmpeg and experienced users seeking quick solutions to everyday encoding and processing challenges.
Hacker News users generally praised "FFmpeg by Example" for its clear explanations and practical approach. Several commenters pointed out its usefulness for beginners, highlighting the simple, reproducible examples and the focus on solving specific problems rather than exhaustive documentation. Some suggested additional topics, like hardware acceleration and subtitles, while others shared their own FFmpeg struggles and appreciated the resource. One commenter specifically praised the explanation of filters, a notoriously complex aspect of FFmpeg. The overall sentiment was positive, with many finding the resource valuable and readily applicable to their own projects.
Summary of Comments ( 15 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43983201
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's premise that the streaming vs. batch dichotomy is a false one. Several pointed out that the real distinction lies in how data is processed (incrementally vs. holistically), not how it's delivered. Some commenters offered alternative ways to frame the discussion, like focusing on bounded vs. unbounded data, or data arrival vs. processing time. Others shared practical examples of how batch and streaming techniques are often used together in real-world systems. A few commenters raised the point that the distinction can still be relevant in certain contexts, particularly when discussing tooling and infrastructure. One compelling comment highlighted the need for careful consideration of data consistency and correctness when mixing streaming and batch approaches. Another interesting observation was that the "dichotomy" might stem from historical limitations rather than fundamental differences.
The Hacker News post titled "“Streaming vs. Batch” Is a Wrong Dichotomy, and I Think It's Confusing" has generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters offering their perspectives on the article's premise.
A recurring theme in the comments is the agreement with the author's point that the dichotomy between streaming and batch processing is often oversimplified. One commenter explains this by highlighting that choosing between streaming and batch isn't a binary decision, but rather a spectrum. They suggest that many systems end up being a combination of both approaches, utilizing streaming for real-time aspects and batch for others.
Another commenter dives into the practical implications, pointing out that the choice between the two often depends on factors such as data volume, velocity, and the specific requirements of the application. They elaborate that when dealing with smaller data volumes, the distinction blurs, and a simple batch process might be sufficient. However, as data volume and velocity increase, a streaming approach becomes more relevant for maintaining responsiveness and handling the influx.
A different user offers a more nuanced perspective by introducing a third category: "request-driven" processing. They describe this as an approach where computations are triggered by specific requests, potentially accessing and processing data from both streaming and batch sources. They also point out that the rise of "serverless" computing paradigms leans towards this request-driven model.
Further discussion revolves around the terminology used in the field. One commenter argues that the term "batch" often conflates different concepts, sometimes referring to the processing method (processing data in chunks) and other times referring to the frequency of processing (e.g., daily or hourly). This commenter suggests that the term "micro-batch" adds to this confusion, blurring the lines further.
A few comments also touch upon the historical context of batch processing, emphasizing that in the past, it was the primary method due to technological limitations. With the advent of more powerful and accessible real-time technologies, streaming has gained prominence, leading to the perceived dichotomy discussed in the article.
Overall, the comments generally support the author's argument against a rigid streaming vs. batch dichotomy. They delve into the practical nuances, the varying factors influencing the choice, and the potential for hybrid approaches, enriching the discussion and providing further context to the original article's claims.