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Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Making Sense of Lambda Calculus 0: Abstration, Reduction, Substitution?
In "Making Sense of Lambda Calculus 0: Abstraction, Reduction, Substitution?" Artyom Bologov, a Lisp programmer, shares his journey to demystify Lambda Calculus, a foundational concept in functional programming. Despite its elegance and power, Bologov finds the learning curve steep, akin to mastering Emacs, and existing resources either too terse or complex. He aims to bridge this gap with a series of articles, starting with key terms like abstraction, application, and reduction. Bologov humorously acknowledges his struggles and offers relatable examples, making the topic accessible to fellow programmers. A surprising element is his candid admission of past failures and the clever analogy of currying to Russian dolls. The article is both a personal exploration and a resource for others, highlighting the need for clearer explanations in programming education.
Show HN: I built a side project to manage my side projects
In my latest project, I've developed an app designed to help manage side projects more efficiently. Available on the Apple App Store, this tool aims to streamline the organization and tracking of multiple projects. Regarding privacy, the app may collect data linked to your identity, such as purchases and identifiers, as well as usage data and diagnostics that are not linked to you. Privacy practices can vary depending on the features you use or your age. For detailed information, please refer to the developer's privacy policy. This approach ensures transparency and user control over their data, which is a unique aspect of the app.
The Principles of Mr. Harrison's Time-Keeper
This post provides a transcription and commentary on the 1767 document "The Principles of Mr. Harrison's Time-keeper," detailing John Harrison's innovative sea watch, H4. The author explores the escapement mechanism and offers insights into Harrison's methods for achieving accurate timekeeping at sea, crucial for determining longitude. Notably, the post highlights Harrison's unique approach to using air resistance as a beneficial factor, contrary to most clockmakers who viewed it as an error source. The author questions some technical aspects, such as the effect of balance weight distribution and the role of the cycloid-pin, inviting readers to ponder whether the misunderstanding lies with Harrison, Maskelyne, or themselves. (Summary based on 40% of story text.)
Booleans Are a Trap
In "Booleans Are a Trap," the author argues that while booleans are beloved by developers for their simplicity and alignment with computer logic, they can lead to problematic domain modeling. The article highlights how using booleans for domain logic can result in complex and often invalid state combinations, as illustrated by examples of modeling doors and company contracts. The author suggests using enums and enum sets as a more robust alternative, which reduces the number of invalid states and simplifies testing. The clever insight is that while booleans are suitable for technical tasks, they fall short in representing complex real-world scenarios. The controversy lies in challenging the conventional use of booleans in domain modeling, advocating for a shift towards more nuanced state representations.
19th Century Map Shows a Fictional Country Created by a Con Man
In the 19th century, Gregor MacGregor, a Scottish con artist, orchestrated one of history's most audacious scams by creating a fictional Central American country called Poyais. He produced a detailed map and convincing narrative, enticing hundreds to invest in and even attempt to settle in this non-existent paradise. MacGregor's elaborate deception included government bonds, a guidebook, and even currency, all of which duped many into believing in Poyais's prosperity. Daniel Crouch, a rare book dealer, highlights this map in his collection of fictional cartography, noting its unique success in convincing people of its authenticity. The tale underscores the power of detailed world-building, akin to the maps used in fantasy literature by authors like J.R.R. Tolkien. The controversy lies in MacGregor's ability to exploit people's dreams and the tragic consequences for those who believed in his fabricated utopia.
Ousterhout's Dichotomy
Ousterhout's Dichotomy, proposed by computer scientist John Ousterhout, categorizes high-level programming languages into two groups: system programming languages and scripting languages. System programming languages, like C and OCaml, are used for applications requiring complex algorithms and high performance, such as operating systems. In contrast, scripting languages, such as Python and Tcl, are used to integrate and extend existing programs, prioritizing simplicity over execution efficiency. This dichotomy influenced the design of Tcl. However, it has faced criticism, notably from Richard Stallman, who questioned its validity. Critics argue that the distinction between compiling and interpreting is arbitrary, as most languages use a mix of both, challenging the dichotomy's relevance.
Judge tosses publishers' copyright suit against OpenAI
A US judge dismissed a lawsuit by publishers Raw Story and AltNet against OpenAI, alleging the removal of copyright management information (CMI) from training sets for ChatGPT. The publishers claimed this removal caused "concrete injury" and posed a risk of ChatGPT reproducing their copyrighted content. OpenAI defended its use of publicly available data under fair use principles. Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate their articles were copyrighted and noted the improbability of ChatGPT outputting verbatim content from them. The ruling highlights the broader issue of AI developers using copyrighted material without compensation, a point not addressed in this case. The decision allows for an amended complaint and is part of a larger debate on AI's use of copyrighted content, with other lawsuits pending against OpenAI and Anthropic. The controversy lies in balancing innovation with copyright protection.
A New Chapter for RubyGems: How Ruby Central Is Building a Sustainable Future
RubyGems and Bundler have been pivotal in the Ruby ecosystem, simplifying package management for developers globally. Over the years, these tools have evolved, becoming indispensable for Ruby applications. However, maintaining this infrastructure has been challenging, leading to the merger of Ruby Together with Ruby Central in 2022. This merger aimed to unify operational and financial management, ensuring sustainability. A significant development is the formation of the Ruby Central Open Source Software (OSS) Committee in 2023, which focuses on governance, security, and reducing technical debt. This structured approach aims to secure the future of RubyGems and Bundler, fostering a resilient and supportive ecosystem. The transition highlights the importance of formal governance and community engagement, ensuring these tools remain robust and well-maintained.
Audio Decomposition – open-source seperation of music to constituent instruments
In this project, I aimed to develop an open-source program that converts music into sheet music by separating audio into its constituent instruments. Motivated by the lack of simple algorithms for audio source separation, I utilized instrument data from the University of Iowa Electronic Music Studios. The process involves using Fourier transforms and envelopes to identify which instrument plays each note. By analyzing the sound wave's attack, sustain, and release phases, the program distinguishes between static and dynamic decay in instruments. Although recreating audio from magnitudes proved challenging, the tool effectively aids in generating sheet music, especially for those struggling with pitch or chords. The innovative use of Fourier transforms and envelope analysis is a unique aspect of this project.
Earth Could Be Alien to Humans by 2500 (2021)
In "Earth Could Be Alien to Humans by 2500," the author explores the long-term impacts of climate change beyond the typical 2100 horizon, emphasizing the need for policymakers to consider projections up to 2500. Using climate models based on Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), the study predicts significant environmental changes, such as barren landscapes in the Amazon and uninhabitable tropical regions due to extreme heat stress. The article highlights the potential for Earth to become alien to humans if current warming trends continue, urging immediate action to reduce emissions. The use of visual projections, depicting landscapes from 1500 to 2500, cleverly illustrates the drastic changes that could occur. The surprising aspect is the lack of mainstream consideration for post-2100 scenarios, despite their relevance to future generations.
Show HN: Gleam.so – Beautiful OG images in seconds, no design skills needed
Gleam.so is a user-friendly tool designed to create stunning Open Graph (OG) images effortlessly, catering to individuals with no design expertise. The platform emphasizes simplicity and speed, allowing users to generate visually appealing images in seconds. This service is particularly beneficial for enhancing social media presence and improving link previews, making content more engaging. The color palette provided suggests a wide range of vibrant and subtle hues, enabling customization to fit various branding needs. The unique aspect of Gleam.so lies in its accessibility and efficiency, making professional-quality design achievable for everyone, regardless of their technical skills.
How to Salt Water Test a Dice
In the world of tabletop gaming, dice are crucial, and bad rolls can dampen the fun. If you're consistently rolling low, it might not be your luck but your dice. Dice can be unbalanced due to internal flaws, affecting your game. To identify this, try a saltwater balancing test. By floating your dice in a supersaturated saltwater solution and spinning them, you can see if they consistently land on the same numbers, indicating imbalance. This method, inspired by golfers, is simple but doesn't work for metal dice. Interestingly, clear or translucent dice tend to be more balanced due to their uniform material and visible internal structure. If your dice fail the test, consider switching to more reliable options like True Roll Dice, which are always translucent and can enhance your gaming experience. Life's too short for bad dice!
How hard can it be to buy software?
Last year, I embarked on my first journey of implementing software internally, and it was far from straightforward. Initially, I thought the toughest part would be budget approvals and vendor negotiations. However, the real challenge lay in navigating security reviews and GDPR compliance, especially when dealing with subprocessors. Integrating the new SaaS with existing systems like Salesforce required collaboration with Revenue Operations, which was an adventure in itself. The most daunting task was getting the organization to adopt the software, as convincing people to use yet another system proved difficult. Maintenance, too, was unexpectedly hands-on, especially with GDPR deletion requests. By the end of the year, the software's usage dwindled, and I realized the monumental effort required to make software truly valuable to a company. This experience highlighted the extensive work needed post-deployment to integrate software into a customer's ecosystem. Now, my focus is on ensuring our SaaS offers deeper integration and broader usability, presenting a new philosophy in software operation and development. This endeavor is both challenging and fascinating.
Show HN: Icon (AI Ads, icon.me, funded by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund)
Growing up with aspirations of becoming a professional gamer, I found myself ranked in the top 200 in North America for League of Legends, a significant achievement among over 100 million global players. However, the need for financial stability led me to college, where I discovered a knack for coding, often dedicating 100-hour weeks to it. This passion quickly translated into opportunities at Hulu and Wieden+Kennedy, prompting me to leave college after a year to join Pinterest. My entrepreneurial journey began with Skio, a subscription management platform for Shopify brands, which rapidly grew to partner with over 1,000 brands and achieve $10M+ ARR. Now, with Icon, funded by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, I'm leveraging generative AI to revolutionize marketing for brands and creators. This venture highlights the potential of AI in transforming storytelling and marketing efficiency. Feel free to connect at kennan@icon.me.
Marine pilot loses command after ejecting from F-35B that kept flying
Col. Charles "Tre" Del Pizzo, a Marine pilot, was relieved of his command of Marine Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 after ejecting from a malfunctioning F-35B over South Carolina in September 2023. Despite following proper procedures, an investigation concluded that Del Pizzo's decision to eject was a mistake, as the aircraft was still flyable. The incident, which saw the F-35B continue flying on autopilot for 64 nautical miles before crashing, drew significant attention and criticism, including from Rep. Nancy Mace, who questioned how such an advanced jet could go missing. The controversy lies in the investigation's critique of the F-35B manual's broad definition of "out-of-control flight," which contributed to Del Pizzo's decision. Despite being cleared of dereliction of duty, Del Pizzo's career remains uncertain.
AI-Time Travel-Street View
AI-Time Travel-Street View is an innovative web experience that transports users across various historical and future settings through the power of AI-generated imagery. From the prehistoric landscapes of the Jurassic era to the bustling streets of Medieval France, the artistic grandeur of Renaissance Venice, and the industrial charm of Victorian London, this platform offers a unique glimpse into different epochs. Additionally, it ventures into speculative territory with a futuristic portrayal of Los Angeles in the year 2100. The clever use of AI to recreate these diverse environments provides an engaging and educational journey through time, sparking both curiosity and imagination.
Linux Asceticism
In "Linux Asceticism," the author draws parallels between ascetic practices in philosophies like Stoicism and Buddhism and the use of minimal Linux distributions. The piece argues that just as asceticism strengthens the mind and body by embracing discomfort, using a minimal Linux distro can enhance one's technical understanding and problem-solving skills. While many advocate for Linux due to its political and practical benefits, the author highlights the often-overlooked personal growth aspect of navigating a minimal system. This approach, though not as compelling as other reasons, has motivated the author to delve deeper into Linux, primarily using Arch Linux and NixOS. The author acknowledges the value of non-minimal software but emphasizes the benefits of learning through minimalism. The clever analogy between asceticism and Linux usage is a unique perspective that adds depth to the discussion.
Ask HN: Where to put a static page that would last forever
As I contemplate my legacy through writing physical books, I've considered including a 2D barcode in the back to direct readers to a static webpage for updates or additional information. However, finding a reliable, long-term hosting solution is challenging. Purchasing a domain requires annual renewals, and AWS hosting has similar constraints. GitHub, while an option, frequently changes its access protocols, risking future access issues. Most platforms risk account and data deletion after years of inactivity. I'm seeking advice on where to host a static page that could reliably last 100 years or more, ensuring my digital legacy endures.
High Power Mode for M4 Pro Macs
The M4 Pro chip marks a significant shift from its predecessors, the M1 Pro and M2 Pro, by incorporating more E-cores but fewer P-cores, GPU cores, and reduced memory bandwidth. Despite these changes, the M3 Pro's architectural improvements were largely negated, resulting in a chip that was more efficient but not significantly faster. The M4 Pro, however, increases power usage, especially in multithreaded tasks, yet enhances overall power efficiency by completing tasks with less energy. A notable addition is the High Power Mode, previously exclusive to Max and Ultra chips, now available in Mac mini and MacBook Pros. This mode boosts GPU performance at the cost of increased fan noise, benefiting graphics-intensive tasks like 8K video editing. High Power Mode can be activated in macOS settings, offering flexibility whether on battery or plugged in. The controversy lies in the trade-off between performance gains and increased power consumption and noise.
Wikipedia Editors Add Article Titled 'Gaza Genocide' to 'List of Genocides' Page
In a recent update, Wikipedia editors have added an article titled "Gaza Genocide" to the "List of Genocides" page, sparking significant controversy. This move has ignited debates over the appropriateness and accuracy of labeling the ongoing conflict in Gaza as genocide. Critics argue that the term is politically charged and may not meet the strict legal definitions of genocide, while supporters believe it reflects the severity of the situation. The addition has drawn attention to the broader discourse on how conflicts are categorized and the implications of such labels. This development highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mind-Bending Soviet Era Oil Rig City on the Caspian Sea
Filmmaker Marc Wolfensberger was captivated by the mysterious Neft Daşları, a sprawling Soviet-era oil rig city in the Caspian Sea, initially thought to be a myth. Located 60 miles off Azerbaijan's coast, this unique city, dubbed "Oil Rocks," is the world's oldest offshore oil platform. Constructed in the late 1940s, it once housed over 5,000 people and boasted extensive infrastructure, including accommodation, a theater, and even a park. Despite its decline and environmental concerns, Neft Daşları remains operational, symbolizing Azerbaijan's oil history. Controversially, reports of pollution have emerged, though SOCAR claims improvements. As oil reserves dwindle, its future—whether as a museum or tourist attraction—remains uncertain.
Diffusion Models Are Evolutionary Algorithms
In their intriguing paper, Zhang, Hartl, Hazan, and Levin propose that diffusion models can be understood as evolutionary algorithms. They draw parallels between the processes of diffusion models, which sequentially denoise data, and evolutionary algorithms, which iteratively optimize solutions through selection and mutation. This connection is explored through the development of a new algorithm, Diffusion Evolution, which leverages these similarities to maintain multiple good solutions simultaneously, unlike traditional evolutionary algorithms that often converge to a single solution. The authors highlight the potential for cross-pollination between these fields, suggesting that insights from diffusion models could enhance evolutionary algorithms and vice versa. A surprising aspect is the successful application of this approach to high-dimensional problems by exploring a low-dimensional latent space, demonstrating its versatility. The paper raises thought-provoking questions about the fundamental connections between learning, evolution, and computation, inviting further exploration into these interdisciplinary ideas.
RISC-V Vector Extension overview
The RISC-V Vector Extension (RVV) is a significant addition to the RISC-V architecture, introducing 302 instructions and four configurable load/store operations. It stands out by not explicitly defining vector register sizes, making them implementation parameters (VLEN and ELEN), unlike other SIMD ISAs like SSE, AVX, and ARM Neon. RVV supports integer operations on 8-, 16-, 32-, and 64-bit numbers, and floating-point operations depending on core ISA extensions. A unique feature is the encoding of instructions, where the element width is a global state set by the vsetvl instruction, simplifying encoding but requiring compilers to track vector settings. This approach contrasts with existing ISAs, which use separate encodings for each vector element width. The RVV also allows register grouping (LMUL), similar to ARM's SIMD ISAs, enabling the use of register groups instead of single registers. This flexibility and configurability make RVV a powerful and adaptable vector extension. (Summary based on 23% of story text.)
Brewington Hardaway Becomes First U.S. Born Black Grandmaster
Brewington Hardaway, a 15-year-old chess prodigy from the Bronx, has become the first U.S.-born Black grandmaster, a milestone achieved two and a half decades after Maurice Ashley, who was born in Jamaica, earned the title. Hardaway's ascent to grandmaster status was marked by a strategic victory at the NY Fall Invitational GM A, where he surpassed the 2500-rating requirement. His journey began in kindergarten, inspired by his sister's chess club, and quickly progressed as he defeated his coach in first grade. Despite this achievement, Ashley highlights the ongoing challenge of limited resources for African American youth in chess, emphasizing the need for systemic change to foster more diverse representation at the highest levels. Hardaway's story is not just one of personal triumph but also a call to action for broader support and opportunities within the chess community.
Measuring keyboard-to-photon latency with a light sensor (2023)
In this post, I explore a novel method for measuring keyboard-to-photon latency using a light sensor, inspired by my friend Raph. Traditional methods, like using the "Is It Snappy" app with a high-speed camera, are cumbersome and imprecise for extensive testing. My solution involves a hardware latency tester that uses a Teensy LC microcontroller and a light sensor to detect screen changes after a key press, providing a more efficient and accurate measurement. The results, displayed as ASCII histograms, reveal significant latency differences between monitors and software setups. Notably, the HP Z27 monitor exhibited a 30ms slower response than the Dell P2415Q. This method highlights the complexity of accurately measuring latency, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of factors like USB polling rates and signal strength. A surprising finding was the variability in latency based on seemingly minor differences, such as typing 'a' versus 'aa', which affected performance in text editors like Sublime and VSCode. Additionally, I discovered that my initial setup inadvertently synchronized with screen refreshes, leading to misleadingly low variance in measurements. (Summary based on 62% of story text.)
GenMC: Model checking for concurrent C programs
GenMC is a cutting-edge, open-source model checker designed to verify concurrent C/C++ programs under various weak memory models, including RC11, IMM, and LKMM. Utilizing a stateless model checking algorithm, GenMC is both sound and complete, ensuring each consistent program execution is explored exactly once, while avoiding inconsistent or redundant paths. The tool is optimized with features like lock-aware and barrier-aware partial order reduction, symmetry reduction, and automatic spinloop bounding. This makes it highly efficient and effective for developers working with weakly consistent libraries. The research and development of GenMC have been extensively documented in numerous academic papers, showcasing its innovative approach to model checking. Notably, GenMC's ability to handle complex memory models without unnecessary exploration is a unique and clever advancement in the field.
Physical Intelligence's first generalist policy AI can finally do your laundry
In an era where AI excels in digital tasks, Physical Intelligence introduces π 0, a groundbreaking generalist policy AI designed to bridge the gap in physical intelligence. Unlike traditional AI models, π 0 integrates vision, language, and action, enabling robots to perform complex tasks like folding laundry and assembling boxes with unprecedented dexterity. This model leverages a vast dataset from diverse robots and tasks, combined with Internet-scale pretraining, to output continuous motor commands. The innovation lies in its ability to adapt to new tasks with minimal data, akin to how language models have surpassed specialized systems. While π 0 marks a significant step forward, challenges remain in achieving fully autonomous, versatile robots. The project invites collaboration to refine and expand its capabilities, signaling a promising future for AI in physical environments. Notably, π 0's ability to recover from human intervention during tasks is a surprising and unique feature, showcasing its adaptability and potential for real-world applications.
How Shopify built the BFCM 2023 globe
In anticipation of Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) 2023, Shopify has shared insights into the creation of their real-time purchase visualization globe from the previous year. The focus was on enhancing both visuals and performance, utilizing technologies like Three.js and React-three-fiber. A key feature is the arcs representing real-time orders, optimized through instancing to allow rendering of up to a million arcs simultaneously. This method significantly improves performance by reducing memory usage and draw calls. The globe also features animated city pins, fireworks for first sales, and whimsical elements like airplanes and loopy arcs, all contributing to an engaging and dynamic visualization experience. The clever use of instancing and shader manipulation stands out as a unique approach to handling complex animations efficiently. (Summary based on 61% of story text.)
Oddly-Specific Cleaning Products
In my quest for effective cleaning solutions, I prefer concentrated, professional-grade products. As Aftermath's "product guy," I've curated a list of intriguing, hyper-niche cleaning products. Notably, zinc ricinoleate, a castor oil derivative, excels at odor elimination and is found in Trader Joe’s affordable natural deodorant. Tergazyme, an enzyme cleaner, is potent for biological stains but contains ecologically concerning phosphates. Star San, a homebrewing sanitizer, is famed for its foamy, no-rinse formula. Thymol, derived from thyme oil, is a safer mold remedy. While these products are fascinating, always adhere to manufacturer guidelines. Controversially, Tergazyme's phosphate content raises environmental concerns. (Summary based on 63% of story text.)
Unused Keys in Vim
This page on vim.fandom.com provides a comprehensive list of unused keys in Vim, serving as an inverted version of the :help index. It categorizes keys as "Free" if they are not used by default, and "Synonym" if they are used but can be safely remapped. The page also offers insights into combining keys for more mappings, referencing the article "Follow my leader" for further guidance. Notably, the page highlights that while Alt key combinations are free, they can be problematic depending on the terminal emulator. Additionally, the page mentions that certain keys, like <C-Q> and <C-S>, are traditionally used for flow control but can be repurposed on modern machines. The documentation also suggests creative mappings, such as mapping Y to y$ to align with the behavior of C and D, showcasing a clever approach to customizing Vim.