hngrok

Why xor eax, eax? from xania.org
243 by hasheddan 4h ago | | |

Article: 6 min

The article explains why the XOR instruction is frequently used by compilers to set a register to zero and discusses its optimization in x86 CPUs.

Educates readers on compiler optimization techniques, potentially improving code efficiency and performance.

Compilers often use XOR eax, eax to set the EAX register to zero due to its efficiency.
The operation is optimized by x86 CPUs as it doesn't depend on previous values, reducing execution time and code size.
When returning a long value, writing to the lower 32 bits of rax with xor eax, eax sets all 64 bits to zero without additional cost.
Partial register writes like writing to an e-register result in automatic zeroing of higher bits.

Discussion (87): 19 min

The comment thread discusses the use of XOR for zeroing registers in assembly language across various CPU architectures. It highlights the efficiency gains and historical context while also exploring contrasting views on dedicated zero registers and RISC-V's instruction set design.

XOR is preferred for zeroing registers due to its efficiency in terms of bytes and cycles
Zero register helps RISC-V reduce instruction complexity

Counterarguments:

Some argue that a dedicated zero register is unnecessary or even a liability for certain architectures
Others question the benefits of RISC-V's approach compared to traditional CISC designs

Computer Science Programming Languages, Compilers, Computer Architecture

Cartographers Have Been Hiding Covert Illustrations Inside of Switzerland's Maps from eyeondesign.aiga.org
92 by mhb 2h ago | | |

Article: 27 min

The article discusses how cartographers at the Swiss Federal Office of Topography, Swisstopo, have been secretly hiding illustrations on official maps for decades as a form of inside joke or coping mechanism. These illustrations include a marmot, a naked woman, a spider, and a fish among others. The drawings are not mistakes but rather transgressions against the mandate to reconstitute reality accurately. Some of these illustrations have remained hidden for almost sixty years before being discovered.

Quality:
Balanced article with clear information on the topic

Discussion (15):

The comment thread discusses various aspects of digital map services and official maps provided by the Swiss topographical institute. Opinions vary on the quality and usability of these services, with some finding them useful for hiking and urban life while others find the idea of hidden illustrations in maps odd but fun. There is a general agreement that the speed of loading on older devices is pleasant.

The digital map has existed for many years.
All Cantons have agreed to provide data for free recently.
Swisstopo app is very detailed and useful.
Illustrations are hidden in official maps.

Counterarguments:

Magnified parts directly over their original location blocks the view to see them in their original size and context.

Arts Illustration, Graphic Design

Search tool that only returns content created before ChatGPT's public release from tegabrain.com
676 by dmitrygr 12h ago | | |

Article:

A new browser extension has been developed to filter out AI-generated content from Google searches, focusing on results created before ChatGPT's public release in November 2022.

This tool could lead to a more human-focused internet experience, reducing the prevalence of AI-generated content and potentially encouraging creators to produce higher-quality work manually.

Filters AI-generated content
Focuses on pre-ChatGPT public release results

Discussion (263): 41 min

The comment thread discusses concerns over AI-generated content's impact on online information quality, authenticity, and search result integrity. Participants debate whether SEO spam existed prior to AI and its role in degrading internet content. Strategies for filtering out AI-generated material are shared, alongside opinions on the utility of such content when used responsibly. The conversation also touches on trends like evolving SEO practices and the potential for new tools or platforms to address these issues.

AI-generated content is a problem affecting online information quality
SEO spam has always been an issue on the internet

Counterarguments:

AI-generated content can be useful and creative when used responsibly
The decline in search result quality is not solely due to AI-generated content

Internet Browser Extensions, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

ImAnim: Modern animation capabilities to ImGui applications from github.com/soufianekhiat
5 by klaussilveira 22m ago | |

Article: 4 min

ImAnim introduces a modern animation engine for Dear ImGui applications, enabling smooth UI animations with minimal code and offering features like tweens, clips, easing functions, and procedural animations.

ImAnim can enhance the user experience in applications using Dear ImGui by providing more dynamic and interactive UI elements, potentially leading to increased engagement and satisfaction among users.

Zero dependencies on external libraries
30+ easing functions including spring physics
Perceptual color blending with OKLAB and OKLCH
Responsive layouts through anchor-relative animations

Quality:
The article provides clear and concise information about ImAnim, its features, and how to use it.

Discussion (0):

More comments needed for analysis.

Software Development Animation/Visualization, Libraries/Frameworks

Self-hosting a Matrix server for 5 years from yaky.dev
160 by the-anarchist 5h ago | | |

Article: 17 min

The article discusses the author's experiences over five years of self-hosting a Matrix server for personal use, including insights into the Matrix protocol, Synapse server, Element mobile apps, and various features like bridges. It also highlights issues with the lack of an admin panel, constant cleanup requirements, and privacy implications.

Privacy concerns may influence users' decisions on self-hosting Matrix servers due to the federation overhead and data replication issues.

Data replication in Matrix protocol
Privacy implications with federation

Quality:
The article provides a detailed analysis of the author's experiences, offering insights and opinions without being overly promotional or sensational.

Discussion (62): 26 min

The comment thread discusses the complexities, advantages, and disadvantages of using Matrix as an open-source chat platform, with opinions ranging from positive views on its autonomy and privacy features to concerns about self-hosting challenges, client compatibility issues, and GDPR compliance.

Matrix offers decentralization and autonomy but can be complex to manage.
Self-hosting Matrix requires significant maintenance effort.
Matrix lacks a simple administrative dashboard, leading to potential misconfigurations.

Counterarguments:

Matrix's federated nature makes it censorship-proof but can lead to misalignments between communities and infrastructure providers.
GDPR compliance is a concern for some, but others see the 'deletion request' feature as a convenience rather than a privacy guarantee.

Software Development Cloud Computing, DevOps

The Penicillin Myth from asimov.press
40 by surprisetalk 2h ago | | |

Article: 1 hr 6 min

The article discusses the controversial story behind the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming, questioning its serendipitous nature and exploring alternative theories proposed by scientists Ronald Hare and Robert Root-Bernstein.

Alexander Fleming's claim that he discovered penicillin by accident is questioned.
Ronald Hare proposes a theory based on meteorological conditions and a simultaneous contamination event.
Robert Root-Bernstein suggests Fleming was searching for new sources of lysozyme when he found the mold.
The role of chance, preparation, and systematic research in scientific discovery.

Quality:
The article presents multiple perspectives on the discovery of penicillin, providing a balanced view.

Discussion (12): 2 min

The comment thread discusses personal insights on scrollbar functionality, the enjoyment of a discussion about penicillin and its discovery process, appreciation for human nature in scientific communication, and evaluation of note-taking practices. It also includes reflections on historical scientific experiments and opinions on writing style.

scrollbar functionality

Science Biological Sciences, History of Science

WordPress plugin quirk resulted in UK Gov OBR Budget leak [pdf] from obr.uk
69 by robtaylor 1h ago | | |

Article: 1 hr 13 min

An investigation into an accidental early access to the UK Government's Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) Economic and fiscal outlook document was conducted by independent OBR members, with support from Professor Ciaran Martin. The report details how a technical error in website configuration led to the premature publication of the document, which contained sensitive market-sensitive information.

Heavy damage to OBR's reputation, serious disruption to Chancellor's Budget day

Sensitive nature of the document's content

Quality:
The article provides a detailed account of the investigation and its findings, with clear separation between facts and opinions.

Discussion (53): 14 min

The discussion revolves around issues with the WordPress plugin ecosystem and its impact on software security. The main points include criticism of the lack of governance in the plugin store, concerns about the age of the WordPress codebase needing rearchitecture, and the 'nulled' plugin concept. There is also a focus on government organizations using WordPress for sensitive information, leading to discussions on potential security risks.

WordPress plugin situation is deteriorating
Age of WordPress codebase needs rearchitecture

Counterarguments:

WordPress is a nice piece of software, but the plugin situation is getting worse
Governance on existing plugins exists, but the team is understaffed
The codebase started very badly and could have been improved years ago for better safety

Government & Politics ,Security

A vector graphics workstation from the 70s from justanotherelectronicsblog.com
41 by ibobev 3h ago | |

Article: 16 min

The article discusses the history and repair of a Tektronix 4051 graphics workstation, a device released in 1975 that combines a storage CRT with a Motorola 6800 computer. The machine was used for research, analysis, and medical purposes and could display vector graphics using BASIC programming language.

Tektronix's history in electronics equipment production
The workstation's capabilities and intended uses
Repairing the ON/OFF switch and mains transformer wire
Calibrating the display voltages

Quality:
The article provides detailed information about the repair process and technical specifications of a vintage computer.

Discussion (4):

The author expresses their enthusiasm for Vector computing, specifically mentioning the Vectrex and projects like VecFever and PiTrex that aim to combine vector displays with modern CPU technology. They also discuss the beauty of phosphor glow in comparison to OLEDs and the display tech used in Don Bluth films.

Vector computing never took off past the 1980s and has died

Computer Science Vintage Computing, Computer History

Historic Engineering Wonders: Photos That Reveal How They Pulled It Off from rarehistoricalphotos.com
45 by dxs 6d ago | |

Article: 10 min

This article explores the engineering marvels from ancient civilizations through photographs that showcase their innovative techniques and solutions to various challenges. It highlights achievements in heating systems, seismic-resistant foundations, metal clamps for stone blocks, Roman plumbing, transportation bridges, Inca stone bridges, Roman roads, prehistoric timber walkways, medieval waterwheels, lead pipes, ceramic water pipes, mechanical calendars, ancient windmills, and the Barbegal watermill complex.

Advanced heating systems in Ancient Rome
5,000-year-old seismic-resistant foundations in Peru
Metal clamps for securing stone blocks
Sophisticated Roman plumbing and faucets
Innovative transportation solutions like the Snake Bridge
Durability of Inca stone bridges
Roman road construction techniques
Neolithic timber walkways in England
Medieval hydraulic ingenuity with Norias
Long-lasting water pipes from Bath, England and China
Byzantine mechanical calendar
Ancient windmills in Iran
Barbegal watermill complex

Quality:
The article provides a comprehensive overview of ancient engineering marvels with detailed descriptions and historical context.

Discussion (8):

The comment thread discusses the differences between historical and modern engineering, focusing on the reliance of rules in contemporary construction compared to intuition and improvisation used in the past. It also mentions the lack of coverage for engineering feats from South/East Asian subcontinents.

Modern construction relies heavily on rules and precise calculations

Counterarguments:

Rules came from knowledge of forms and rules such as the thickness of an arch should be a bit more than a fifth the span of the arch.

Archaeology Ancient Civilizations, Engineering History

Show HN: I built a 1.8MB native app with self-built UI, vision and AI libraries from github.com/Okery
8 by jaramy 36m ago | |

Article:

Aivition is an all-in-one image processing tool that offers features such as custom RGB channel mixing, matte creation, and image restoration. It's lightweight, portable, and can be downloaded from Google Drive for Windows 10/11 users.

The tool could significantly enhance the workflow of professionals in graphic design and photography, potentially leading to more efficient image processing and creative outputs.

Lightweight and portable
Instant image viewing
Infinite canvas for arranging images
AI-powered features like background removal, HD upscaling

Discussion (2):

A user shares their self-built AI image processing tool, Aivition, written in C++ without third-party libraries. They seek feedback on performance and compatibility.

Software Development Image Processing, AI