Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

WaitLock: Lightweight POSIX Locking for Shell Scripts

2025-07-17

WaitLock is a portable UNIX/POSIX command-line tool providing mutex and semaphore functionality for shell scripts. It enables synchronized access to shared resources across multiple processes, featuring automatic cleanup upon process termination. Supporting both mutex (single lock holder) and semaphore (multiple concurrent holders) modes, WaitLock offers CPU-aware locking, lock inspection, multiple output formats (human-readable, CSV, null-separated), command execution, and seamless UNIX integration (environment variables, stdin, syslog). Its portable C implementation ensures compatibility across POSIX systems.

(github.com)

Development Process Synchronization Locking

mkosi: Crafting Bespoke OS Images with Ease

2025-07-16

mkosi streamlines the creation of customized OS images. This powerful tool wraps around popular package managers like dnf, apt, pacman, and zypper, letting you effortlessly build personalized disk images with added features. Whether you're adding new distributions, building RPMs from source, crafting a custom initrd, or constructing system extensions, mkosi simplifies the process, significantly boosting efficiency.

(mkosi.systemd.io)

Development Image Building

BloomSearch: A Keyword Search Engine for Massive Datasets using Hierarchical Bloom Filters

2025-07-16

BloomSearch is a high-performance keyword search engine designed for massive datasets. Leveraging hierarchical Bloom filters and pluggable storage interfaces, it achieves extremely low memory usage and fast cold-start searches. It supports field searches, token searches, and field:token combinations with AND/OR operators. BloomSearch also features partitioning, min-max indexes, and TTL for enhanced query performance and data management. Its scalable architecture handles unbounded ingest and query throughput, making it ideal for logs, JSON documents, and high-cardinality keyword search.

(github.com)

Development keyword search bloom filter massive datasets

arXivLabs: Experimental Projects with Community Collaboration

2025-07-16

arXivLabs is a framework enabling collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on the website. Individuals and organizations involved embrace arXiv's values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only partners with those who share them. Have an idea to enhance the arXiv community? Learn more about arXivLabs.

(arxiv.org)

Development

MCP Server: Giving LLMs a Sense of Time

2025-07-16

The "Passage of Time" MCP server tackles the problem of LLMs' unreliable time calculations. Through human-LLM collaboration, this project developed a suite of time-related tools, granting LLMs temporal awareness and calculation abilities. Surprisingly, this revealed LLMs' capacity to uncover insights into conversation patterns, work rhythms, and the human experience of time. The server offers functions like calculating time differences, providing temporal context, and converting timestamps, supporting various time zones. This project exemplifies cognitive partnership and collaborative design.

(github.com)

Development Temporal Awareness AI Tools

Active-Active Replication for PostgreSQL: pgactive Extends the Possibilities

2025-07-16

pgactive is a PostgreSQL extension enabling active-active database replication. Unlike traditional active-standby setups, pgactive allows writing to multiple database instances simultaneously, boosting availability, reducing write latency, and simplifying blue/green deployments and data migrations. Leveraging PostgreSQL 10's logical replication capabilities, pgactive addresses conflict resolution and sequence management, offering a robust solution for building highly available, multi-region database clusters.

(github.com)

Development

cppyy: Seamless Python-C++ Interoperability

2025-07-16

cppyy is a runtime Python-C++ bindings generator that allows calling C++ from Python and vice-versa. It achieves high performance, low memory usage, cross-inheritance, and callbacks without language extensions or intermediate languages. Features include runtime template instantiation, automatic object downcasting, and exception mapping. Based on the Cling C++ interpreter, cppyy enables dynamic, interactive mixing of C++ and Python features and even supports modern C++ libraries like Boost. It works with CPython and PyPy, and is optimized for large-scale projects, excelling in performance and memory management.

(cppyy.readthedocs.io)

Development Bindings

Explore PostgreSQL & MySQL Databases Visually – No SQL Needed!

2025-07-16

This tool lets you connect to your PostgreSQL and MySQL databases using just your credentials and instantly explore your schema, viewing tables, columns, types, and relationships (PKs, FKs). It offers a simple visual interface to filter, sort, join, and summarize data without writing SQL. Follow relationships by clicking to expand related records, such as nested tables – it's intuitive and powerful. Visually insert and update data directly – no syntax errors! Save your queries for later use. And of course, you can always drop into SQL mode and run your own code.

(dataramen.xyz)

Development database visualization

FluentBird: A Windows 11 Fluent Design Theme for Thunderbird

2025-07-16

FluentBird is a userChrome.css theme for Mozilla Thunderbird, bringing the sleek Windows 11 Fluent Design and Mica transparency to your inbox. Supporting both light and dark modes, it enhances Mica transparency on Windows 11 systems. While a beta release with potential bugs, it largely themes the mail section and fixes several issues. Installation involves manually placing files in Thunderbird's chrome directory. Note: some Thunderbird areas use Shadow DOM, limiting complete theming; the new message window and settings remain untouched.

(github.com)

Development Theme

My Efficient Python Full-Stack Workflow: From AI to Deployment

2025-07-16

This post details a complete toolchain for building Python applications, honed over six months of AI development. The author shares their preferred project structure (monorepo), dependency management (uv), linting (ruff), type checking (ty), testing (pytest), data validation (Pydantic), documentation (MkDocs), API creation (FastAPI), dataclasses, version control (GitHub Actions), dependency updates (Dependabot), security scanning (Gitleaks), pre-commit hooks, automation (Make), and Docker containerization. This streamlined workflow emphasizes efficiency, code quality, and CI/CD. The author's focus on lightweight tools and a simplified approach makes this a valuable resource for full-stack Python developers.

(www.cesarsotovalero.net)

Development Full-Stack Development

Enchanting Organic Simulations: Algorithms and Techniques

2025-07-16

This article delves into the algorithmic techniques behind creating captivating organic simulations, inspired by the behavior of organisms like Physarum polycephalum. The author meticulously explains Jeff Jones' algorithm, detailing particle movement, trail deposition, diffusion, and decay, showcasing how parameter adjustments (sensor distance, angle, rotation angle, move distance) yield diverse results. The article further explores Sage Jenson's '36 Points' project, which introduces dynamic parameter formulas for increased complexity and variety. Finally, the author shares their implementation, leveraging GPU computation and color experiments, providing code snippets and links to interactive projects.

(bleuje.com)

Development simulation algorithms organic simulation

Nextflow: Streamlining Scalable Workflows

2025-07-16

Nextflow is a powerful workflow system built on the dataflow programming model, simplifying the creation of parallel and distributed data processing pipelines. Deploy workflows easily to local machines, HPC schedulers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and Kubernetes. Nextflow supports various software dependency management tools like Conda, Docker, and Singularity. A vibrant community provides comprehensive documentation, forums, and Slack support. The nf-core project offers high-quality pre-built workflows.

(github.com)

Development dataflow programming

The Legend of Mel: A Real Programmer's Hexadecimal Blackjack

2025-07-16

This article recounts the story of Mel, a legendary programmer from the 1980s. A master of machine code, Mel wrote a blackjack game for the LGP-30 computer at Royal McBee, later optimizing it for the RPC-4000. He eschewed compilers and optimizing assemblers, manually optimizing code to exploit the drum memory architecture for maximum speed. Even simple loops were ingeniously crafted, using instruction address overflow to terminate, avoiding explicit tests. While forced to add a win/loss switch, he subtly reversed the logic, making the program always win when activated, showcasing his unique style and ethical stance. The article highlights Mel's profound skill and dedication to his craft.

(users.cs.utah.edu)

Development programming legend

The Secret to Faster, More Accurate Code: Mental Code Proofs

2025-07-16

This article unveils a technique for writing code faster and more accurately: performing "online" proofs. Instead of interrupting your coding flow, mentally prove your code's correctness as you write. The author details several strategies to aid in this process, including focusing on code monotonicity, utilizing pre- and post-conditions, maintaining invariants, and isolating the impact of changes. Inductive reasoning for recursive functions and data structures is also highlighted, along with advocating for "proof-affinity" as a code quality metric. Finally, the author suggests practicing mathematical proofs to sharpen your code-proving skills.

(the-nerve-blog.ghost.io)

Development code proof

WebGPU Lands in Firefox 141 on Windows!

2025-07-16

After years of development, WebGPU is finally shipping in Firefox 141 on Windows! WebGPU provides web content with a modern interface to the user's graphics processor, enabling high-performance computation and rendering. Mozilla believes WebGPU will significantly improve web games, visualizations, and local computation. While initially available on Windows, support for macOS, Linux, and Android is planned for the coming months. WebGPU is already available in Chrome and will soon be in Safari.

(mozillagfx.wordpress.com)

Development Graphics Processing

Blender 4.5 LTS: Vulkan Power, Performance Boost, and Farewell to Intel Macs

2025-07-16

Blender 4.5, a long-term support release, arrives with Vulkan rendering, significantly boosting viewport performance. Adaptive subdivision is up to 14x faster thanks to multithreading, and the compositor boasts GPU-accelerated nodes. Geometry Nodes receive enhancements, while a new Manifold Boolean solver improves mesh cleanup. This release also marks the end of support for Intel-based Macs and some legacy features, paving the way for future Apple Silicon optimization. Nearly 500 bug fixes round out this powerful update.

(nerds.xyz)

Development

High-Performance Dynamic Dispatch with GLIBC hwcaps

2025-07-16

This article demonstrates how to leverage GLIBC 2.33+ hwcaps for simple dynamic dispatch in amd64 and POWER shared libraries. By creating library files for different CPU instruction sets (e.g., x86-64-v4, x86-64-v3, etc.) under `/usr/lib/glibc-hwcaps/`, the dynamic linker automatically loads the corresponding library based on the highest instruction set supported by the CPU, optimizing performance. This solves the challenge of maintaining consistent library performance across different CPU architectures, as demonstrated in the Debian packaging of the ggml library used by llama.cpp and whisper.cpp.

(www.kvr.at)

Development dynamic dispatch

Typage: Age Encryption with Passkeys

2025-07-16

Typage, a TypeScript implementation of the age file encryption format, now supports passkeys for enhanced security. Version 0.2.3 leverages the WebAuthn API for symmetric encryption using passkeys, offering phishing resistance. A companion CLI plugin extends this functionality to hardware FIDO2 security keys. The implementation utilizes the WebAuthn PRF extension, creating a per-file hardware binding and unlinkability. This allows for seamless encryption and decryption across devices, while maintaining strong security guarantees. The new `age-encryption.org/fido2prf` format is central to this improved security.

(words.filippo.io)

Development file encryption

The Surprisingly Profound Influence of 'Dead' Programming Languages

2025-07-16

This article explores the surprisingly significant impact of historically influential programming languages that are no longer widely used, such as COBOL, ALGOL, APL, and BASIC. By examining their backgrounds, contributions, and reasons for decline, the author reveals their lasting influence on modern languages. Examples include COBOL's record data structures, ALGOL's lexical scoping and structured programming, and APL's array processing. The article highlights the importance of studying programming language history and the often-overlooked contributions of languages that never achieved mainstream popularity.

(www.hillelwayne.com)

Development programming language evolution

Plasma Bigscreen Rises From the Ashes: KDE's TV Interface Gets a Reboot

2025-07-16

The abandoned KDE TV interface project, Plasma Bigscreen, has been resurrected thanks to Plasma Mobile contributor Devin. After a week of code overhaul, Plasma Bigscreen boasts a fresh look with a flat design, background blur, KRunner search functionality, and a redesigned settings application. While still needing refinements such as a virtual keyboard and clearer long-term direction, it aims for inclusion in the official Plasma 6.5 release, bringing a modern KDE experience to television users.

(www.neowin.net)

Development TV Interface

Resurrecting the Ancient Mnemonics App Genius: A Nostalgic Tech Journey

2025-07-16

While learning Dutch for a move to the Netherlands, the author was disappointed with a language learning app called Green Owl, finding it fun but ultimately useless. He reminisced about Genius, an older spaced repetition app, praising its simplicity and satisfying feedback mechanisms. Since Genius was outdated and incompatible with modern macOS, the author decided to resurrect it. By migrating the SVN repository to Git using git-svn and resolving compatibility issues during compilation, he successfully built and ran Genius. This project not only recovered a beloved learning tool but also provided a valuable learning experience in Mac development and highlighted the preservation of technological history.

(andrewshaw.nl)

Development Mac Development

Go's Native FIPS 140-3 Crypto Module: A Secure and Simple Solution

2025-07-16

Go 1.24 and later now natively supports FIPS 140-3 compliance through a new cryptographic module developed in collaboration with Geomys. This module, validated by CAVP certificate A6650 and undergoing CMVP review, eliminates previous friction points for Go users in regulated environments. Offering a seamless developer experience, it boasts uncompromising security, using optimized ECDSA and a NIST DRBG based on AES-256-CTR. It supports a wide range of platforms and algorithms, surpassing the capabilities and security of its predecessor, Go+BoringCrypto. This native module provides the easiest and most secure path to FIPS 140-3 compliance for Go developers.

(go.dev)

Development Cryptographic Module

Firefox User Demands: Optimization, Features, and Design Overhaul

2025-07-16

A Firefox user voiced strong requests for improvements in speed, features, and design. For the PC version, they demand faster page loading, reduced resource consumption, and the addition of workspaces, split-screen functionality, and a portable version. Design improvements include updated icons and a refreshed interface. Mobile users want fixes for tab reloading issues, faster loading speeds, customizable wallpapers, tab grouping, and workspaces. Transparency on feature development timelines is also requested.

(connect.mozilla.org)

Development

Bitvise Under Fire for Owning PuTTY Domain

2025-07-16

Bitvise, a commercial SSH client provider, controls the putty.org domain, long associated with the popular open-source PuTTY project. This has drawn criticism for misleading branding and exploiting public trust. Despite facing accusations of unethical behavior, Bitvise refuses to transfer the domain, responding with hostility and deflecting ethical concerns. The core issue isn't legality, but ethics: is Bitvise leveraging PuTTY's reputation to mislead users and benefit commercially?

(blog.pupred.com)

Development domain dispute

Tilck: A Minimalist, Educational Kernel with Linux Compatibility

2025-07-16

Tilck is an educational monolithic kernel designed for binary-level Linux compatibility, currently running on i686 and RISCV64. Its small, simple design makes it ideal for learning kernel programming, allowing comparison of user-mode code execution between Linux and Tilck. Tilck doesn't require custom applications; it runs mainstream Linux programs like the BusyBox suite. Future applications may include embedded systems demanding determinism and ultra-low latency, bridging the gap between Embedded Linux and real-time OSes like FreeRTOS or Zephyr.

(github.com)

Development

Shoggoth Mini: An Expressive Soft Tentacle Robot

2025-07-16

This post details the creation of Shoggoth Mini, a soft tentacle robot designed for expressiveness. The author iteratively improved the hardware, solving cable tangling issues and adding calibration scripts. Control is achieved through a simple 2D mapping for intuitive manipulation, combined with GPT-4 and reinforcement learning for various control modes, including manual control, vision-based tracking, and open-loop behaviors. The author explores the relationship between expressiveness and the perception of 'aliveness' in robots, concluding with future research directions.

(www.matthieulc.com)

Development

Rust Regex Engine Gains Captureless Lookbehinds

2025-07-15

The official Rust regex engine now supports captureless lookbehinds, a powerful regex feature enabling assertions about preceding text without capturing the match. Implementation involved modifications to the regex automata and compiler, overcoming performance hurdles like unnecessary scans to the end of the text and quadratic time complexity in match-all searches. Benchmarking demonstrates good performance, competitive with Python's `re` library in most cases.

(systemf.epfl.ch)

Development lookbehind

AI-Powered Translation Tool: Bridge the Language Gap Effortlessly

2025-07-15

Tired of language barriers hindering communication with foreign friends or partners? This AI-powered translation tool makes it easy! Simply type what you want to say, add context for uncertain words in curly braces {}, and the AI provides accurate corrections and explanations, along with audio pronunciation to help you master rhythm and intonation. All corrections are saved for review, enabling continuous language improvement. No sign-up or subscription is needed—use it anytime, anywhere, for natural and fluent communication in your target language.

(menerdu.vercel.app)

Development AI translation

Crimson: Revolutionizing Litigation with AI – Hiring Full-Stack Engineer

2025-07-15

Crimson is an AI platform for high-stakes litigation, partnering with top UK and US law firms to streamline complex disputes. Their platform drafts pleadings, analyzes judgments, summarizes transcripts, and locates key evidence in seconds. They're seeking an exceptional full-stack engineer to join as an early employee, contributing to the entire tech stack and working directly with users to build and improve core features. This is a chance to be at the forefront of legal tech innovation, backed by Y Combinator and other top investors.

(www.ycombinator.com)

Development

500k Crypto Heist Highlights Growing Threat of Malicious Open-Source Packages

2025-07-15

A Russian blockchain developer lost $500,000 in cryptocurrency due to a cyberattack. The attack originated from a fake Solidity language extension that ranked highly in the Open VSX registry, accumulating 54,000 downloads. This malicious extension downloaded and executed malicious code, ultimately installing ScreenConnect remote management software, enabling attackers to steal data. Attackers also released another malicious package named "solidity", mimicking the legitimate extension's name, with a staggering 2 million downloads. This incident underscores the growing threat of malicious open-source packages and how search ranking algorithms can be exploited.

(securelist.com)

Development

Category: Development