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Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Show HN: Rate limiting, caching and request prioritization for AI apps
Introducing Flux Ninja's new API that combines rate limiting, caching, and request prioritization into one simple solution. With this 3-in-1 API, developers can easily manage the flow of requests to their AI applications, ensuring optimal performance and preventing overload. The rate limiting feature allows for controlling the number of requests per minute, while caching helps to store and retrieve frequently accessed data quickly. Additionally, request prioritization ensures that high-priority requests are processed first, improving overall efficiency. This API simplifies the process of managing these essential functions, making it a valuable tool for AI developers.
Weldon's Dice, Automated (2009) [pdf](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=39190354)
The article titled "Weldon's Dice, Automated" discusses the development of an automated system for rolling dice. The system, named Weldon's Dice, uses a combination of robotics and computer algorithms to roll dice in a fair and random manner. The authors explain the design and implementation of the system, highlighting its accuracy and efficiency. The article also discusses the potential applications of Weldon's Dice in various fields, such as gambling and statistical analysis. Overall, this article provides an interesting insight into the world of automated dice rolling and its potential impact.
Disinformation Is the Real Threat to Democracy and Public Health
The article discusses the prevalence of disinformation in today's society and its detrimental effects on democracy and public health. It highlights the World Economic Forum's recognition of misinformation as one of the greatest threats to humanity. The article also addresses the misinformation surrounding COVID vaccines and its impact on vaccination rates and excess mortality. It mentions Congressman Jim Jordan's campaign against research on disinformation and the chilling effect it has had on the research community. The article suggests that misinformation researchers have identified techniques, such as "inoculation," to make people more resistant to being misled without infringing on freedom of speech.
Seven Indicators of Shell Company Risk
In this article, we discuss seven indicators that can help identify the risk of a shell company. Shell companies are often used for illicit activities such as money laundering and tax evasion, so it is crucial to be able to spot them. The indicators include a lack of physical presence, minimal or no employees, low or no revenue, frequent changes in ownership, and more. By being aware of these indicators, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves from potential risks associated with shell companies.
Microsoft Edge is apparently usurping Chrome on people's PCs
Multiple users have reported that their Chrome browsing sessions have been mysteriously replicated in Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 or 11. The cause of this issue is unclear, but it is speculated to be a bug or a result of inadvertently clicking through a dialog box that triggers a feature in Edge. This feature, which can be accessed through a specific setting, offers to import recent browsing data from Chrome every time Edge is launched. Microsoft has been known to use various tactics to promote Edge, including system notifications, pop-up messages, and post-update messages. Edge is based on the same Chromium engine as Chrome but is centered on Microsoft's products and services. The intention behind the Edge data-import issue remains uncertain.
Two Nations, a Horrible Accident, and the Urgent Need to Understand Space Law
This article discusses the importance of understanding space law in light of a recent competition and a controversial accident involving two nations. The Leiden team, representing Xenovia, won the competition by arguing that their client repossessed Candidia's satellite in accordance with the Outer Space Treaty. However, there are concerns about the exploitation of vague language in space law by monied interests. The article also highlights the lack of job opportunities in space law in Africa, despite the continent's rightful claim to space. The Midlands team, inspired by their experience, expresses a desire to be part of the field for the rest of their lives.
Profiling Your Numba Code
The article discusses the use of Numba, a tool for speeding up numeric Python code by compiling it to machine code. It introduces Profila, a new profiler specifically designed for Numba code, which helps identify slow lines of code. The article provides an example of profiling a program that converts an image from grayscale to black and white using Numba. It also highlights the limitations of profiling and mentions that not all performance enhancements can be discovered through profiling. The article concludes by showing an optimized version of the code that significantly improves performance. (Summary based on 55% of story text.)
What the The end of 0% interest rates means for software engineers
The article discusses the impact of the end of zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) on software engineers. It highlights that the ZIRP era saw the rise of smartphone and cloud revolutions, which made it easier to build startups and access funding. However, with the end of ZIRP, the job market for software engineers has become more competitive, with fewer job openings and more qualified candidates. The article also discusses changes in compensation, the need to adapt to an employer's market, and the potential impact on career growth and promotions. It concludes by noting that efficiency improvements and a cheap distribution channel are necessary for tech innovation to continue. (Summary based on 68% of story text.)
GitHub Actions: macOS 14 (Sonoma) is now available
GitHub has released CodeQL 2.16.1, which is now available for users of GitHub code scanning on github.com. This update includes important changes such as support for Swift 5.9.2 and the addition of new queries for Swift and Java to detect inappropriate password hashing algorithms and injection of environment variables. The tracking of flows from handler methods to Razor Page files has also been improved. Additionally, JavaScript now supports doT templates and Go has added support for AWS Lambda functions and the fasthttp framework. A change in the measurement of scanned files in the Code Scanning UI has also been implemented. For a complete list of changes, refer to the changelog for version 2.16.1.
How to make your own computer chips
The author of the web content discusses the process of making computer chips and highlights the lack of accessible information on the topic. They criticize the vague and politicized answers often given when asking where computer chips come from. The author mentions their research on making their own printed circuit boards (PCBs) and the use of CAD-like programs to create circuit patterns. They also mention the option of buying finished PCBs from companies in China. The author then attends the RISC-V Summit and learns about chip manufacturing, comparing it to making a PCB for a science fair project. They note the challenges in accessing information and resources for chip manufacturing and discuss the potential of open source projects like ChipFlow and Amaranth to make the industry more accessible. The author expresses excitement about the future of chip development and their own potential to create something.
Putin Isn't Hitler, He's Mussolini–and Ukraine Is His Abyssinia
In this article, the author reflects on the parallels between Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and Benito Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) in 1935. The author draws comparisons between the appeasement strategies employed by Western powers in both cases and highlights the failure of appeasement in preventing conflict. The author argues that the West must learn from history and continue to support Ukraine to deter aggression and prevent a larger-scale war. The article also mentions the potential threats posed by China, Iran, and North Korea, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining collective security interests.
A South Carolina lawmaker is suing Instagram after his son died by suicide
South Carolina state house Rep. Brandon Guffey is suing Instagram's parent company, Meta, after his son died by suicide following a sextortion scam on the platform. Gavin Guffey, 17, had sent nude photos to a scammer who convinced him he was talking to a girl his age. The scammers then demanded money from Gavin and his family in exchange for not sharing the photos. Guffey's lawsuit accuses Meta of wrongful death and gross negligence, claiming that the company does not do enough to protect children from online predators. The FBI warns that sextortion is increasingly targeting underage boys and leading to a rise in suicides.
The Crime Rings Trafficking Sand
The article discusses the issue of sand trafficking, which is a major global problem that is often overlooked. Sand is the world's most widely consumed natural resource after water and is used in various industries, particularly construction. However, the demand for sand has led to illegal mining and trafficking, causing significant environmental damage. The article highlights the brazenness of the sand traffickers and the involvement of organized crime in the trade. It also mentions the devastating environmental impacts of sand mining, including the destruction of ecosystems and exacerbation of flooding. The article emphasizes the need for greater awareness and regulation of the sand trade to prevent further damage. (Summary based on 59% of story text.)
Daily Driving the PinePhone Pro
The author of the web content shares their experience using the PinePhone Pro as their daily driver. They appreciate the freedom it provides to work with FOSS software and avoid the smartphone doom spiral. However, they express frustration with the phone's terrible audio quality and constant glitches. Despite these issues, they find joy in the moments when something suddenly works due to the efforts of developers. The author discusses the history of their involvement in the open-source Linux world and their previous use of Linux-based smartphones. They provide technical details about the PinePhone Pro's specifications and the postmarketOS distribution they chose to run on it. They highlight the challenges they faced with the phone, such as crashes, camera issues, and audio quality. They also discuss the various UI options available and explain why they chose SXMO. The author describes the phone's performance as a smart device, including its calling and texting capabilities, internet tasks, and app ecosystem. They mention the phone's GPS functionality, synced directories, and the ability to perform tasks through Linux terminal commands. They emphasize the learning curve associated with using Linux on mobile but find it rewarding in terms of understanding device functionality and privacy. The author notes that Linux on mobile may not provide a satisfying experience for users who rely heavily on closed commercial platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They mention the phone's battery life as a significant drawback but highlight the light battery drain in suspend mode. The author concludes by acknowledging the mixed experience of depending on the PinePhone Pro but expresses their eagerness to contribute to the development community and help make the world a place where older phones find new life. (Summary based on 97% of story text.)
Show HN: Open SaaS – An open-source alternative to paid boilerplate starters
The purpose of this project is to provide an open-source alternative to paid boilerplate starters for building SaaS (Software as a Service) applications. The project offers a fully open-source and free-to-use template with a range of features. It is focused on utilizing free, open-source services where possible. The template is built on top of powerful tools and frameworks such as Wasp, Astro, Stripe, Plausible or Google Analytics, OpenAI, SendGrid, MailGun or SMTP, TailwindCSS, and TailAdmin. The project differentiates itself by leveraging Wasp's features for rapid development, including full-stack authentication, end-to-end type safety, job scheduling, and one-command deployment. The project also highlights the availability of a supportive community for assistance.
Raspberry Pi is preparing for an IPO in London for likely more than $500M
Raspberry Pi, the popular computer hardware company, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in London. The company has appointed bankers to prepare for the IPO, which is expected to bring in new capital and potentially change the nature of the company, which is currently privately held and charity-controlled. Raspberry Pi has previously raised money from Sony and ARM and has sought public investment. After ARM took a minority stake in the company, Raspberry Pi was valued at over $500 million. The company's IPO is expected to surpass that valuation, given its recovery from supply chain shortages and the success of its recent product launch. However, the news of the potential transformation of Raspberry Pi into a publicly traded company has sparked controversy and confusion among some, particularly regarding its relationship with the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
''Smoking gun proof'': fossil fuel industry knew of climate danger by 1954
Newly discovered documents reveal that the fossil fuel industry funded climate science as early as 1954, including the research of Charles Keeling, known for the "Keeling curve" that tracks rising carbon dioxide levels. The industry provided funding to measure CO2 levels in the western US, which led to Keeling establishing continuous global CO2 measurement at the Mauna Loa Observatory. The documents show that the industry had knowledge of the potential climate impact of CO2 as early as 1954, contradicting their public denial of climate science for decades. The findings highlight the industry's involvement in climate science and its efforts to delay action on the climate crisis.
NASA figures out how to open a $1B canister
NASA has successfully opened a canister containing samples of a 4.6-billion-year-old asteroid after months of tinkering. The canister had been stuck shut, preventing researchers from accessing the rocks inside. Scientists at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston designed custom tools to pry open the final latches and were able to extract the approximately 9-ounce sample. The sample will be weighed and chemically analyzed before being frozen and preserved for future study. The spacecraft that collected the sample is now heading to its next mission, exploring the peanut-shaped asteroid named Apophis. In 2029, Apophis will pass closer to Earth than any object of its size ever has.
Beware of fake job candidates (2023)
The article discusses the rise of fake job candidates targeting companies hiring for remote engineering roles. Engineering managers are being warned to be vigilant when vetting candidates, as a significant portion of resumes submitted for remote-only roles show signs of being part of a sophisticated fraud. The issue has been flagged by members of the LeadDev community, with some companies estimating that about a third of the candidates they receive are fake. The article provides an example of a fake candidate's experience and explains different variations of the scam. Engineering managers are advised to look out for red flags and be cautious during the hiring process.
Chris Date and the Relational Model (2014)
The article discusses the influence of Ted Codd, the inventor of the relational model for database management, on Chris Date, a leading voice in relational database technology. Date explains how he got into the field of database technology and how Codd's work aligned with his mathematical background. He also acknowledges that he and Codd had disagreements and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in the field. Date expresses his concerns about the development of SQL and argues that it deviates from relational theory, stating that SQL DBMSs have no real right to be called relational. He also addresses the criticism of his views as "religious issues" and asserts that they are based on science. (Summary based on 30% of story text.)
Financial crimes steal more than $3T from the global economy
Financial crimes and tax evasion cost the global economy up to $3.5 trillion annually. The article highlights a fraud trial involving Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX, who allegedly swindled over $14 billion from clients. It also discusses the impact of cyberattacks, corruption, and environmental crimes on the economy. The author emphasizes the role of tax havens and loopholes in facilitating financial crimes, as well as the need for greater regulation and financial education. The article also mentions the rise of cryptocurrencies and their potential for illicit activities. The author argues that financial crimes not only harm economies but also contribute to social inequality and loss of life. (Summary based on 68% of story text.)
Using GPT-4 as a probabilistic classifier
The author of this web content discusses the use of GPT-4 as a probabilistic classifier. They highlight the importance of JavaScript in enabling the use of twitter.com and provide instructions on how to enable it or switch to a supported browser. The content does not mention any controversy or surprising elements.
The disastrous communication from Apple to apps developers
The blog post discusses Apple's response to the EU's DMA (Digital Markets Act) and its impact on app developers. The author expresses disappointment with Apple's decisions, calling Tim Apple "evil." The author highlights two significant changes: developers will have to pay $0.50 per download and each month to Apple after reaching a limit of 1 million downloads, and alternative App Stores must prove they have $1 million in their bank account to be considered. The author criticizes Apple's communication and argues that the company is trying to discourage developers from releasing apps in alternative stores. The author also criticizes Apple for not supporting developers of free apps. The post concludes with the author questioning alternatives for software developers and Apple product owners.
AI Companies and Advocates Are Becoming More Cult-Like
The article discusses the increasing cult-like behavior and fervor surrounding AI companies and advocates. The author highlights instances where AI gadgets and assistants, such as the Rabbit R1 and Microsoft's Copilot, are being marketed as personal assistants that can make decisions for users, potentially leading to a loss of agency. The author also mentions the lack of trust consumers have in AI and the potential risks associated with AI technology. The article draws parallels between the cult dynamics observed in certain AI subcultures and the behavior of cult members who willingly surrender their agency to a leader. The author criticizes the messianic fervor and irrational exuberance surrounding AI, particularly in the context of AI's potential to save lives and revolutionize industries. (Summary based on 47% of story text.)
Block (Square) lays off 800 employees
Block/Square, a company that has not released the total number of layoffs, has recently made significant cuts across all business units. The exact number of employees affected is still unknown, but it appears to be a substantial amount. The thread on Teamblind.com will be updated as more information becomes available. In an update, it is revealed that the severance package includes a minimum of 16 weeks pay, with an additional week for each year of service. Update 2 states that approximately 800 full-time employees have been impacted by the layoffs.
Enzyme breaks down single use plastic PLA quickly
Scientists at King's College London have developed a groundbreaking method for recycling single-use bioplastics, such as those found in coffee cups and food containers. The method uses enzymes commonly found in biological laundry detergents to break down the bioplastics into soluble fragments within just 24 hours. This process is 84 times faster than traditional industrial composting methods. The researchers also found that by subjecting the bioplastics to a temperature of 90°C for an additional 24 hours, the materials can be converted into high-quality plastic for multiple reuse. This discovery could revolutionize plastic production and contribute to a more sustainable circular economy.
Germany: Police seize bitcoins worth €2B
German law enforcement authorities have seized approximately €2 billion worth of bitcoins in Saxony, making it potentially the largest seizure of its kind in Germany. The investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed yet. The police are looking into two men who are suspected of running a piracy website and allegedly bought bitcoins with the money they earned from the portal. The suspects voluntarily transferred the bitcoins to the Federal Criminal Police Office, but no decisions have been made regarding cashing them in. Further information will be provided once the investigation concludes.
How to Build an Origami Computer
In 2023, mathematicians Inna Zakharevich and Thomas Hull proved that origami is "Turing complete," meaning it can solve any tractable computational problem. Zakharevich, an origami enthusiast, was inspired by the Turing completeness of the Game of Life and wondered if origami could also be Turing complete. She reached out to Hull, an expert in the math of origami, and together they set out to prove that origami can be used to build a computer. They encoded computational inputs and outputs, as well as logical operations like AND and OR, as folds of paper. The crease pattern in the paper represents the inputs, with different folds indicating TRUE or FALSE values.
Russian TLD .RU fails DNSSEC validation
The Russian top-level domain (TLD) .RU has failed DNSSEC validation, according to a report on dnsviz.net. DNSSEC is a security protocol that adds an extra layer of protection to the Domain Name System (DNS). The report shows that the .RU TLD has several issues with its DNSSEC configuration, including missing or incorrect signatures. This means that the .RU domain is vulnerable to DNS spoofing and other attacks. The failure of a major TLD like .RU to implement DNSSEC correctly is concerning, as it puts the security and integrity of the entire domain at risk.
Kirei is a work-in-progress keyboard library written in Zig
Kirei is a keyboard library written in Zig that allows for different hardware and protocol implementations, ranging from embedded systems to emulated OS input. It is not just keyboard firmware, but also keyboard software. Kirei uses a portable keymap file format called Hana and can be configured declaratively using Nickel. The current implementation includes key press, hold-tap, and tap dance behaviors. It supports CH58x and RP2040 implementations, with features such as BLE keyboard functionality and USB HID support. Kirei can also be used for testing key presses against keymaps and can be used as a base for emulating a keyboard device.