hngrok

UEFI Bindings for JavaScript from codeberg.org
75 by ananas-dev 1h ago | | |

Article: 4 min

This article discusses a proof of concept for UEFI Bindings for JavaScript, which allows executing JavaScript code within the UEFI environment.

This development could potentially lead to more flexible and powerful bootloaders, enhancing system customization and security. However, it also raises concerns about the potential misuse of such capabilities.

Uses Duktape tooling with Node.js to generate sources.
Freestanding build with minimal libc stubs provided.

Quality:
The article provides detailed information on the UEFI Bindings for JavaScript, including how to fetch dependencies and build/run in QEMU.

Discussion (40):

The comment thread discusses a technical experiment related to web development and customizability. There is a mix of opinions on the subject, ranging from curiosity to criticism, but overall the tone is neutral with some humorous sarcasm.

It's just a silly experiment; the real endgame is to make a bootloader that is customisable using HTML/CSS/JS

Software Development Operating Systems/UEFI

Thoughts on Generating C from wingolog.org
68 by ingve 1h ago | |

Article: 15 min

The article discusses the author's practices and patterns for generating C code, focusing on static inline functions for data abstraction, avoiding implicit integer conversions, wrapping raw pointers and integers with intent, and manual register allocation for ABI and tail calls.

The practices described in the article can improve code quality and performance, but may require additional effort for debugging and maintenance.

Use static inline functions for data abstractions to avoid performance penalties.
Avoid implicit integer conversions by defining explicit conversion functions.
Wrap raw pointers and integers with intent-specific structs to prevent confusion.
Manually allocate registers for ABI and tail calls in generated C code.

Discussion (4):

More comments needed for analysis.

Programming C Programming

Show HN: Algorithmically Finding the Longest Line of Sight on Earth from alltheviews.world
217 by tombh 5h ago | | |

Article: 2 min

An article detailing a custom-developed algorithm, CacheTVS, used to find the longest line of sight on Earth, with the Hindu Kush to Pik Dankova being identified as the longest at 530km. The second and third longest lines of sight are also mentioned, from Antioquia to Pico Cristobal in Colombia (504km) and Mount Elbrus in Russia to the Pontic Mountains in Turkey (483km). An interactive map is provided for users to explore more lines of sight.

This discovery could inspire further geographical research and exploration, potentially leading to new insights into Earth's topography and the development of more advanced algorithms for spatial analysis.

Custom-developed algorithm CacheTVS

Discussion (79): 12 min

The thread discusses an impressive project by Tom and Ryan, who used Rust and SIMD to find the longest line of sight on Earth. The team shares details about their algorithm, interactive map, and technical achievements, sparking interest and debate among participants.

Counterarguments:

discussion on the limitations of visibility due to atmosphere, terrain, and observer height
comparison with other projects that focus on different aspects (e.g., WiFi long-shot project)

Science Geography, Technology

Sleeper Shells: Attackers Are Planting Dormant Backdoors in Ivanti EPMM from defusedcyber.com
8 by waihtis 31m ago | |

Discussion (0):

More comments needed for analysis.

AI Doesn't Reduce Work–It Intensifies It from hbr.org
54 by swolpers 58m ago | |

Discussion (11):

Comment analysis in progress.

Long-Sought Proof Tames Some of Math's Unruliest Equations from quantamagazine.org
17 by ibobev 1h ago | |

Discussion (0):

More comments needed for analysis.

AT&T, Verizon blocking release of Salt Typhoon security assessment reports from reuters.com
55 by redman25 1h ago | |

Article: 3 min

Senator Maria Cantwell accuses AT&T and Verizon of blocking the release of security assessment reports on a Chinese espionage operation known as Salt Typhoon, which allegedly infiltrated U.S. telecommunications networks. Cantwell has requested that both companies provide network security assessments conducted by Alphabet's cybersecurity unit Mandiant.

, as it raises concerns about national security and the potential for surveillance by foreign entities on U.S. citizens' communications.

Senator Cantwell's request for network security assessments from Mandiant
Mandiant refusing to provide the requested documents at AT&T and Verizon's direction
Cantwell's demand for CEOs' appearance before Congress
Evidence of Chinese intelligence officers surveilling Americans' private communications

Quality:
The article presents factual information without expressing a clear bias.

Discussion (8):

Comment analysis in progress.

Politics Government & Law, Cybersecurity

Show HN: Browse Internet Infrastructure from wirewiki.com
80 by pul 3h ago | | |

Article:

This article introduces a web application that allows users to browse and search for various internet infrastructure resources, including domain names, IP addresses, and tools related to DNS records.

Browse and search for domain names like Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Apple, YouTube, Pinterest, and Wikipedia.
Tools to check DNS propagation, website IP lookup, SPF records, MX records, TXT records, and zone transfer.
Features include tab cycling, navigation, and opening options.

Quality:
The article provides clear and concise information about the web application, without any promotional or misleading content.

Discussion (15): 3 min

The user has launched Wirewiki.com, a browsable graph for internet's hidden infrastructure, aiming to provide an alternative to existing DNS lookup tools with a focus on completeness. The thread includes positive feedback, feature requests, and suggestions for learning resources.

Wirewiki is an innovative solution to the internet's hidden infrastructure

Internet Web Development, Tools & Utilities

Art of Roads in Games from sandboxspirit.com
486 by linolevan 18h ago | | |

Article: 12 min

The article discusses the intricate patterns of roads in games and their resemblance to real-world road networks, exploring the fascination behind them and the challenges faced by game developers in accurately representing these structures.

Primal satisfaction from observing intricate patterns
Comparison between real-life road networks and game representations
Evolution of city builder games' road systems

Quality:
The article provides a detailed analysis of the topic with technical insights and comparisons, maintaining an objective tone.

Discussion (151): 35 min

The comment thread discusses various opinions on road design in games, urban planning aspects in city building simulations, and the balance between realism and fun. Players express interest in more realistic game mechanics, while others argue that such complexity may not be necessary or enjoyable for most players.

City builders should incorporate more realistic city planning aspects
Road design is a complex and important aspect of urban development

Counterarguments:

Most players are not interested in such technical details
Games prioritize fun gameplay over realism

Game Development City Builders

Vouch from github.com/mitchellh
967 by chwtutha 1d ago | | |

Discussion (424): 1 hr 34 min

The discussion revolves around a proposed web-of-trust system designed to manage contributions in open-source projects, particularly addressing issues with low-quality AI-generated content. While there is appreciation for the system's potential to mitigate such problems, concerns are raised about its effectiveness, potential for abuse, and impact on community dynamics. The debate highlights the tension between accessibility and quality control within open-source communities.

The web-of-trust system aims to address the issue of low-quality AI-generated contributions by introducing a social layer for managing trust and vouching among contributors.
There is concern about potential gaming or abuse of the system, especially with respect to reputation and trust signals.

Counterarguments:

The system is designed to reduce scrutiny on future contributions by trusted individuals, potentially making it easier for bad actors to slip in malware or low-quality patches under the guise of trust.
There are concerns about the potential for abuse, such as account takeovers and creation of fake chains of trust.