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  1. Applets Are Officially Gone, but Java in the Browser Is Better from frequal.com
    28 by pjmlp 52m ago | | |

    Article: 7 min

    The article discusses the end of applets in Java, which were once used for interactive web pages, and highlights TeaVM and Flavour as alternatives that allow developers to build modern web applications using Java without needing plugins. TeaVM transpiles Java code into JavaScript or WebAssembly, while Flavour is a framework built on top of TeaVM that provides features like templates, components, routing, JSON handling, resource embedding, and security for single-page apps.

    Java developers now have more options for building web applications, potentially leading to increased adoption of Java in the web development space.
    • Applets are officially removed from Java 26.
    • TeaVM provides a fast, performant way to run Java code in the browser.
    • Flavour is a full front-end toolkit for building modern web apps with 100% Java.

    Discussion (25): 6 min

    The comment thread discusses the evolution of web technologies and the issues faced by Java applets. The main points include the removal of plug-in support due to user complaints about plugin issues rather than political interference, the poor performance of the JVM, and the transition towards modern technologies like Kotlin and WASM.

    Counterarguments:
    • ActiveX was hell for security.
    Software Development Web Development, Programming Languages
  2. Turtletoy from turtletoy.net
    169 by ustad 4d ago | | |

    Discussion (26): 3 min

    The comment thread discusses a minimalistic turtle graphics language called CFRS and its relation to other programming languages. Participants share personal memories from their childhood related to learning to code using LOGO and other languages on different computers. There are suggestions for improving the project, such as exporting graphics in higher resolution or creating more complex visual languages.

  3. GitHub Actions Has a Package Manager, and It Might Be the Worst from nesbitt.io
    4 by robin_reala 53m ago | |

    Article: 19 min

    The article discusses concerns about GitHub Actions' package management system, highlighting its lack of critical features such as lockfiles and integrity verification. It compares GitHub Actions unfavorably to other established package managers like npm, Cargo, NuGet, Bundler, and Go, noting that it fails to provide essential security properties for CI/CD systems.

    GitHub Actions' lack of security features could lead to increased risk in software supply chains, potentially affecting the reliability and integrity of CI/CD processes across various industries.
    • Lack of lockfiles, integrity hashes, and dependency visibility
    • GitHub Actions fails to provide adequate tooling for admittance control, execution control, code control, and access to secrets
    • Research from USENIX Security 2022 found that most GitHub Actions workflows execute externally developed actions without verification or lockfile
    Quality:
    The article provides detailed analysis and research findings, maintaining a balanced viewpoint.

    Discussion (0):

    More comments needed for analysis.

    Software Development DevOps
  4. Emacs is my new window manager from howardism.org
    66 by gpi 2d ago | | |

    Article: 12 min

    The article discusses the author's experience using Emacs as their window manager, particularly in virtual machines for work and personal use. It covers setup steps, integration with other applications, and provides tips on managing multiple windows and applications within Emacs.

    Social implications are minimal, as it pertains to personal productivity and Linux usage.
    • Minimal Ubuntu server installation
    • Use of Emacs for full-screen mode
    • Splitting screen into windows without using mouse
    • Alternative lightweight window managers

    Discussion (16): 2 min

    The comment thread discusses various window managers and terminal emulators with a focus on EXWM, Ratpoison, IceWM, and eat. Users share their experiences, preferences, and setups, comparing different operating systems like Linux and OpenBSD. The conversation also touches upon the leaner setup of Debian VMs compared to Ubuntu.

    • EXWM's benefits
    • Ratpoison's current status and ecosystem
    Counterarguments:
    • Linux drama with OpenBSD
    Software Development Linux/Unix, Productivity Tools
  5. Damn Small Linux from damnsmalllinux.org
    84 by grubbs 7h ago | | |

    Article: 9 min

    Damn Small Linux (DSL) 2024 is a compact Linux distribution designed for low-spec x86 computers. It includes various lightweight applications such as Fluxbox, JWM window managers, Firefox-esr, NetSurf GTK, Dillo, and Links2 browsers, along with office tools like AbiWord, Gnumeric, Sylpheed, Zathura, and multimedia apps like MPV and XMMS. The distribution also features a range of text-based applications for file management, editing, and gaming.

    • Tailored for low-spec x86 computers
    • Includes Fluxbox and JWM window managers

    Discussion (19): 3 min

    A discussion on the reboot of an older Linux distribution, DSL, and its comparison with Tiny Core Linux. The thread also touches upon concerns about spammy ads, size requirements for old computers, and browser comparisons.

    • The post is a refresh of an older distro
    • Tiny Core Linux is the spiritual successor to DSL
    Counterarguments:
    • Old computers need more resiliency for random failures
    • The size was not an issue in the 90s
    Advanced Materials
  6. I failed to recreate the 1996 Space Jam website with Claude from j0nah.com
    428 by thecr0w 15h ago | | |

    Article: 25 min

    The author attempted to recreate a classic 1996 Space Jam website using Claude, but encountered difficulties due to limitations in Claude's ability to measure and reproduce pixel-perfect layouts.

    AI's limitations in understanding and reproducing pixel-perfect layouts may lead to better AI design for web development tasks.
    • Claude was unable to accurately recreate the layout of the original website due to its reliance on absolute positioning
    Quality:
    The article provides a detailed analysis of the limitations encountered while attempting to recreate an old website using AI.

    Discussion (356): 1 hr 20 min

    The discussion revolves around the limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs) in tasks requiring pixel-level precision and spatial reasoning, such as recreating websites or layouts. The community acknowledges that feedback loops can improve LLM performance but also discusses the ethical implications of using AI-generated code without proper attribution.

    • LLMs struggle with tasks requiring precise pixel-level measurements and spatial reasoning.
    Counterarguments:
    • LLMs can produce original content in other domains such as language generation and creative writing.
    Artificial Intelligence AI Applications, AI Limitations
  7. Bag of words, have mercy on us from experimental-history.com
    176 by ntnbr 10h ago | | |

    Article: 38 min

    The article critiques the common metaphor of AI as a 'silicon homunculus' and proposes an alternative metaphor: a 'bag of words'. It argues that understanding AI through this lens can help clarify its capabilities and limitations, prevent over-personification, and address potential dangers. The author also discusses how AI's behavior differs from human behavior in various aspects.

    AI's over-personification can lead to unrealistic expectations, misinterpretation of its capabilities, and potential misuse in sensitive areas such as decision-making or ethics.
    • AI is better understood as a collection of words rather than a sentient being
    • AI's behavior differs from humans in specific ways, such as lying or hallucinations
    Quality:
    The article presents a clear argument with supporting evidence and avoids sensationalism.

    Discussion (173): 58 min

    The discussion revolves around the capabilities and limitations of Large Language Models (LLMs), particularly regarding their ability to 'think' or possess human-like intelligence. There is a consensus that LLMs are not truly thinking like humans, but they can be part of systems capable of more complex cognitive functions. The debate also touches on the appropriateness of anthropomorphizing AI and the role of prediction in both human behavior and machine learning models.

    • Predicting the next thing is fundamental to human acting with intent.
    Counterarguments:
    • LLMs are their own thing, with their own peculiar behaviors and place in the world.
    • The bag of words metaphor is misleading for understanding LLMs.
    Artificial Intelligence AI Ethics & Philosophy
  8. Show HN: ReadyKit – Superfast SaaS Starter with Multi-Tenant Workspaces from readykit.dev
    34 by level09 8d ago | |

    Article: 4 min

    ReadyKit is a SaaS starter that provides multi-tenant workspaces, Stripe billing, OAuth authentication, and production-ready UI blocks for faster development of SaaS applications.

    • Zero boilerplate setup
    • 2.8B+ rows handled
    • 392% faster iteration
    • Invisible multi-tenancy for seamless user experience
    • Solo founders and teams get instant sandboxes and collaboration tools
    • Modern UX kit with responsive defaults and accessible patterns

    Discussion (6): 2 min

    The comment thread discusses an open-source SaaS boilerplate called ReadyKit, with praise for its features and tech stack choices. Suggestions are made for improvements in rebranding and URL redirection, while comparisons to Django and criticisms of Python as a web server choice are also presented.

    Software Development SaaS Development, Multi-Tenant Solutions, Billing Systems, Authentication Services, User Interface Design
  9. Show HN: Lockenv – Simple encrypted secrets storage for Git from github.com/illarion
    6 by shoemann 1h ago | |

    Article: 16 min

    lockenv is a simple CLI tool that provides secure storage for sensitive files like .env and infrastructure secrets by encrypting them in an .lockenv file, which can be committed to version control. It offers various installation methods, including Homebrew, deb, rpm, binary download, or Go install. The tool supports commands such as init, lock, unlock, rm, ls, status, passwd, diff, and compact for managing the vault.

    lockenv provides a secure solution for storing sensitive files in version control, which can help protect against data breaches and unauthorized access.
    • Simpler alternative to sops/git-crypt for .env and infra secrets
    • Supports installation on macOS/Linux, Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora/RHEL
    • Available as pre-built binaries or Go install

    Discussion (0):

    The user introduces lockenv, a simple tool for storing environment variables or secrets with a password-protected vault file that integrates with OS keyring and can be used on Mac/Linux/Windows. It aims to provide an alternative solution for scenarios where mature/robust solutions are not necessary.

    Software Development Version Control Systems, Security Tools
  10. Truemetrics (YC S23) Is Hiring from ycombinator.com
    1 by Jan-Truemetrics 2h ago | |

    Discussion (0):

    More comments needed for analysis.

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In the past 13d 22h 47m, we processed 2494 new articles and 102950 comments with an estimated reading time savings of 49d 21h 16m

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