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Scaling PostgreSQL: Weird Issues and Solutions for High-Growth Startups

2025-02-09

Scaling PostgreSQL: Weird Issues and Solutions for High-Growth Startups

This post tackles common PostgreSQL scaling challenges faced by high-growth startups. It covers issues like lock contention, index bloat, TOAST storage inefficiencies, and the complexities of vertical vs. horizontal scaling, append-only vs. update-heavy tables, and multi-tenancy. For each problem, practical solutions are offered, ranging from database parameter adjustments and concurrency tools to rethinking data access patterns and utilizing features like advisory locks. The author also explores advanced topics such as schema migrations under load, zero-downtime upgrades, and efficient COUNT query strategies. This is a valuable resource for engineers striving to optimize PostgreSQL performance in demanding environments.

(www.shayon.dev)

Development Database Scaling

The Man Keeping 70-Year-Old Pinball Machines Alive

2025-01-06

The Man Keeping 70-Year-Old Pinball Machines Alive

Steve Young, a metallurgical engineer with a lifelong passion for pinball, has built The Pinball Resource, a unique business that supplies parts and expertise for repairing vintage pinball machines. His vast collection of rare parts and schematics, accumulated over 50 years, makes him the go-to resource for enthusiasts worldwide. Operating out of an unassuming workshop, Young eschews modern marketing, relying instead on word-of-mouth and a reputation for trust and expertise to maintain his thriving, old-school business.

(arstechnica.com)

Game vintage games pinball

Python's JIT Decorators: Three Implementation Strategies

2025-02-03

This article delves into the popular JIT decorator pattern in Python, particularly its use in JAX and Triton libraries. The author implements three JIT decorators from scratch using a simplified example: AST-based, bytecode-based, and tracing-based. The AST-based approach directly manipulates the Abstract Syntax Tree; the bytecode-based approach leverages Python's bytecode interpreter; and the tracing-based approach builds an expression IR by tracing function execution at runtime. The article details the advantages and disadvantages of each approach and uses JAX and Numba as examples to illustrate their strategies in real-world applications.

(eli.thegreenplace.net)

Development JIT compilation

Debian 13 Trixie Released: A More Stable and Powerful Universal OS

2025-08-10

After over two years of development, Debian 13 Trixie is finally here! This release boasts over 69,830 packages, supports seven architectures (amd64, arm64, armel, armhf, ppc64el, riscv64, and s390x), and officially supports riscv64 for the first time. Trixie includes numerous updated software packages like Linux kernel 6.12 LTS, OpenJDK 21, and Python 3.13, alongside improved hardware support and an enhanced installer. Upgrading to Trixie from Debian 12 Bookworm is automated via APT, but backing up crucial data is strongly recommended. With five years of support, Trixie is ideal for desktops, servers, and cloud environments.

(www.debian.org)

Development

Meta's Alleged Illegal Torrenting of Books for AI Training: New Evidence Surfaces

2025-02-07

Meta's Alleged Illegal Torrenting of Books for AI Training: New Evidence Surfaces

Newly surfaced emails reveal Meta allegedly used the shadow library LibGen to train its AI models, employing torrenting to download and seed terabytes of data. Internal messages suggest high-level knowledge and attempts to conceal the activity. Authors allege direct copyright infringement and demand further depositions, contradicting previous testimony. Meta maintains its actions constituted fair use, but the new evidence complicates its legal defense and expands the scope of the copyright infringement claim.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech

Reverse Engineering Samsung NX mini Firmware Compression: Uncovering Fujitsu RELC

2025-05-07

Reverse Engineering Samsung NX mini Firmware Compression: Uncovering Fujitsu RELC

This post details the reverse engineering of a proprietary LZSS compression algorithm used in the firmware of Samsung NX mini, NX3000/NX3300, and Galaxy K Zoom cameras. The initial goal was to understand enough of the algorithm to extract and disassemble the ARM code, but it turned out to be Fujitsu's RELC (Rapid Embedded Lossless Data Compression), a hardware IP block on their ARM SoCs. By meticulously analyzing the compressed stream, the researchers determined the bitmask, offset, and length encoding schemes, ultimately creating a complete decompressor that successfully decompressed all firmware files. This research not only reveals the compression mechanism of the Samsung camera firmware but also highlights the challenges and techniques involved in reverse engineering unknown compression algorithms.

(op-co.de)

Development compression algorithm

FreeBSD 14.3 Officially Adds Dedicated Kernel Module Package Repositories

2025-06-22

FreeBSD 14.3 Officially Adds Dedicated Kernel Module Package Repositories

For a long time, FreeBSD point releases have caused kernel module packages to be incompatible with the kernel version, leading to system crashes. To solve this problem, FreeBSD 14.3 officially introduces separate kernel module package repositories containing modules compatible with the latest kernel version. This addresses a long-standing user issue, improving system stability, particularly fixing system crashes caused by incompatible graphics drivers on desktop/laptop systems. The upgrade involves modifying the `/etc/pkg/FreeBSD.conf` file to include the new kernel module repositories.

(vermaden.wordpress.com)

Development kernel modules

Purple Garden Lexer Optimization: A Speed Boost from 0 to 580MB/s

2025-07-14

This blog post details the author's journey in optimizing the Purple Garden language's lexer, achieving an impressive speed of 580MB/s. Techniques employed include computed gotos, zero-copy zero-allocation strings, an allocator interface, token interning, and pre-computed keyword hashes, significantly improving lexer performance. Further optimizations involved architectural improvements and using mmap for faster file reading. These optimizations resulted in a dramatic speed increase, transforming processing time from tens of milliseconds to mere milliseconds—a true leap in speed.

(xnacly.me)

Development lexer

Aeron: Blazing Fast Messaging for High-Performance Systems

2025-07-13

Aeron: Blazing Fast Messaging for High-Performance Systems

Aeron is a high-performance, low-latency messaging system supporting UDP unicast, multicast, and IPC. It offers Java, C, C++, and .NET clients, enabling efficient message exchange across machines or via IPC. Aeron boasts exceptional throughput and predictable low latency, leveraging Simple Binary Encoding (SBE) for optimized message handling. Features include Aeron Archive for persistent message storage and Aeron Cluster for fault-tolerant services. Owned and operated by Adaptive Financial Consulting, Aeron also provides premium services including training, consulting, and performance enhancements like kernel bypass and high-speed encryption. Ideal for building high-frequency trading systems and other demanding applications.

(github.com)

Development low-latency messaging

Hyper: A Minimalist UI Markup Language Challenging React's Dominance

2025-05-06

Hyper: A Minimalist UI Markup Language Challenging React's Dominance

Hyper is a new, minimalist UI markup language designed to build complex UIs with clean syntax, challenging React's complexity. Key differences include Hyper's lightweight nature, significantly less code, easier maintenance, and complete separation of styling from logic, boosting reusability. The article contrasts building the same components with React and Hyper, highlighting how Hyper's decoupled design and adherence to web standards solve React's scalability and maintainability issues. The ultimate goal is a simpler full-stack framework with AI-powered UI generation.

(nuejs.org)

Development UI framework React alternative

Anthrobots: Self-Assembling Biobots Revolutionize Regenerative Medicine

2025-01-03

Anthrobots: Self-Assembling Biobots Revolutionize Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Michael Levin's team has created Anthrobots, autonomous biorobots constructed from adult human lung epithelial cells. Unlike previous Xenobots, Anthrobots, with their wild-type genome, self-assemble and exhibit diverse behaviors. Remarkably, clusters of Anthrobots can facilitate neural tissue repair, showcasing immense potential in regenerative medicine. This research challenges our understanding of cellular capabilities, opening new avenues for personalized medicine and novel bio-medical platforms.

(thoughtforms.life)

Tech regenerative medicine biobots self-assembly

Verso: Simplifying Web Rendering for Tauri Apps with a Servo-based Browser

2025-04-01

Verso: Simplifying Web Rendering for Tauri Apps with a Servo-based Browser

Verso is a browser built on Servo, a Rust-based web rendering engine, aiming to simplify Servo's APIs. This article details Verso's integration with the Tauri framework. Using the `tauri-runtime-verso` runtime, developers can easily swap runtimes and use standard Tauri functionalities. Verso is currently under active development. Future plans include releasing a pre-built executable, creating an evergreen shared Verso (similar to WebView2), and expanding support for more Tauri features like window decorations, titles, and transparency.

(v2.tauri.app)

Development

Testing Without Mocks: A Novel Approach to Unit Testing

2025-03-29

This article presents a novel approach to unit testing that eliminates the need for mocks and spies, resulting in fast, reliable, and maintainable tests. The core idea involves combining state-based testing with a new infrastructure technique called "Nullables." Nullables aren't test doubles; they're production code with an "off" switch, allowing tests to run without relying on external systems or state. While requiring modifications to production code, this approach avoids many drawbacks of traditional methods, such as flaky tests and difficult refactoring, and offers significant performance gains. The article thoroughly explains the patterns and techniques involved, including Narrow Tests, State-Based Tests, and Overlapping Sociable Tests, providing ample code examples and diverse use cases, making it ideal for developers to learn and implement.

(www.jamesshore.com)

Development

AI-Assisted Coding: The Two Sides of the Coin

2025-01-05

AI-Assisted Coding: The Two Sides of the Coin

The rise of AI-assisted coding tools has revolutionized software engineering, but it's not without its challenges. This article explores two typical AI usage patterns: "bootstrappers" and "iterators." Bootstrappers leverage AI to rapidly build prototypes, while iterators use AI in their daily workflow for code completion, refactoring, and more. While AI significantly boosts efficiency, it also presents the "70% problem": AI quickly handles most of the work, but the remaining 30% of fine-tuning still requires human intervention, especially challenging for inexperienced developers. The article emphasizes that AI is better suited for experienced developers, helping them accelerate solutions to known problems and explore new approaches, rather than completely replacing them. In the future, AI-assisted coding will move toward "intelligent agents" with greater autonomy and multimodal capabilities, but human oversight and guidance will remain crucial. Ultimately, the essence of software engineering remains unchanged, and the demand for experienced engineers may even increase.

(newsletter.pragmaticengineer.com)

Development AI-assisted coding

Igatha: Open-Source Offline SOS for Disaster Zones

2025-04-01

Igatha: Open-Source Offline SOS for Disaster Zones

Igatha is an open-source app designed for emergency communication in war zones and disaster areas. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), it broadcasts and scans for SOS signals, estimates distance, and operates entirely offline. It features automated disaster detection. Open-sourced for transparency and community contribution, Igatha welcomes bug reports, translations, and feature enhancements.

(github.com)

Development emergency SOS offline communication

Chaos Game Fractal Generator in Rust

2025-09-07

Chaos Game Fractal Generator in Rust

A command-line application written in Rust that generates fractals using the 'Chaos Game' algorithm. The application iteratively selects vertices of a polygon and moves a point a certain ratio towards the selected vertex, creating intricate patterns. Users can customize parameters like the number of polygon sides, distance ratio, and iterations. Furthermore, it allows users to create custom rules for generating even more complex fractals. The project is open-source and provides detailed instructions and extension methods.

(github.com)

Development chaos game

Windows-Use: Empowering AI to Directly Control Windows GUI

2025-09-12

Windows-Use: Empowering AI to Directly Control Windows GUI

Windows-Use is a powerful automation agent that interacts directly with the Windows GUI layer. It bridges the gap between AI agents and the Windows OS, enabling tasks like opening apps, clicking buttons, typing, executing shell commands, and capturing UI state—all without relying on traditional computer vision models. This allows any LLM to perform computer automation. Simple Python code and an LLM like Google Gemini let you control your Windows system with natural language instructions. For example, dictate a document or switch system themes via voice commands. Use in a sandbox environment for safety.

(github.com)

Development

Niigata's Geothermal Snow-Melting System: A Clever Solution

2025-03-09

Niigata's Geothermal Snow-Melting System: A Clever Solution

Facing heavy snowfall, Niigata, Japan, developed a clever snow-melting system in the 1960s called 'shosetsu'. This system uses geothermal heat to warm groundwater, which is then pumped through pipes under roads and sprayed onto the asphalt to prevent snow from freezing. Niigata currently has approximately 571 kilometers of roads equipped with this system, offering a more environmentally friendly and car-friendly alternative to traditional salting methods.

(www.core77.com)

Tech snow melting

Hackers Weaponize Legitimate Websites to Spread Malicious Links

2025-05-05

A security researcher uncovered a shocking method of distributing malicious links: attackers leverage websites belonging to government agencies, universities, and others, exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated WordPress plugins and CMS systems. Using SEO optimization and cache poisoning, they disguise links leading to fraudulent Robux, OnlyFans content, and more, bypassing antivirus and VPN detection. These links funnel victims through an affiliate network, generating small profits for the attackers. This isn't new; similar incidents occurred as early as 2020. The researcher emphasizes the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and caution when clicking unfamiliar links.

(vin01.github.io)

Tech malicious links SEO attacks

Cross-Country Killing Spree Linked to Online 'Death Cult'

2025-02-02

Cross-Country Killing Spree Linked to Online 'Death Cult'

A string of recent killings across the US has been linked to a fringe online group called the "Zizians," described as a death cult. The incidents include a samurai sword attack in Vallejo, California, and a deadly shootout with Border Patrol agents in Vermont. Investigations suggest a connection between the killings, with weapons possibly originating from an individual linked to the Vallejo homicide. The group, associated with the Rationalism movement, holds extreme views on AI and other topics. One individual warned a friend about the group, labeling them a "death cult."

(www.sfgate.com)

Misc Death Cult Killing Spree Online Extremist Group

Prevent Remote Desktop Sleep: A Simple systemd-inhibit Trick

2025-09-18

Prevent Remote Desktop Sleep: A Simple systemd-inhibit Trick

Frustrated by remote desktop sessions being interrupted by your computer going to sleep? This article presents a clever solution using the `systemd-inhibit` command and bash aliases. Two simple commands, `block` and `unblock`, are created. `block` starts a background process preventing sleep, while `unblock` kills that process, allowing the system to sleep. No complex configuration needed; just add two lines to your `.bashrc` or `.zshrc` to solve this common problem and improve your workflow.

(kd8bny.com)

Development remote desktop

Corpses Move for Over a Year After Death, Study Finds

2025-01-28

Corpses Move for Over a Year After Death, Study Finds

An Australian researcher's 17-month time-lapse study of a decomposing body at a human body farm revealed significant post-mortem movement. The body's limbs shifted considerably due to the decomposition process, specifically the drying of ligaments. This discovery has implications for forensic investigations, potentially improving estimations of time of death and aiding crime scene reconstruction. While not yet peer-reviewed, the findings have already sparked interest within the forensic science community.

(www.newsweek.com)

Tech forensic science decomposition time of death

Nearly 3,000 Datasets Vanish from Data.gov Since Trump Took Office

2025-02-01

Nearly 3,000 Datasets Vanish from Data.gov Since Trump Took Office

Almost 3,000 datasets have disappeared from Data.gov, the U.S. government's open data repository, since President Trump's inauguration. According to 404 Media, this reduction is attributed to factors including link rot, data migration, and agencies archiving data independently. While some deletions might be intentional, others could be routine administrative changes. Archivists are working to differentiate between these possibilities, a task complicated by the lack of a regulated archiving system. Previous administrations have also seen dataset deletions, but the current instance raises concerns, particularly given the disproportionate number of deletions from environmental science agencies. This raises questions about transparency and potential political motivations.

(mashable.com)

Tech data deletion government transparency

Anker Recalls 1 Million Power Banks: CT Scan Reveals Battery Defects

2025-07-22

Anker Recalls 1 Million Power Banks: CT Scan Reveals Battery Defects

Anker recalled over one million PowerCore 10000 power banks due to lithium-ion battery overheating risks. Lumafield used industrial CT scanning to analyze recalled and non-recalled units, revealing variations in battery cell suppliers, connection methods, and gap sizes between positive and negative terminals. These variations could lead to short circuits and overheating. The newer model uses a single pouch cell, simplifying assembly and improving safety. This case highlights the complexity of battery supply chains and the importance of quality control, showcasing industrial CT scanning's role in ensuring product safety and improving quality.

(www.lumafield.com)

Hardware product recall industrial CT scan

A 90s PC Build Adventure: The Memorable First

2025-08-23

A 90s PC Build Adventure: The Memorable First

Building a PC in the 90s was an adventure. In 1996, the author helped a friend build a computer, sourcing parts from used computer stores, magazine ads, and local shops. Finding compatible parts was a challenge, with limited online resources and the need for in-person purchases. The process involved multiple trips to different stores, including a last-minute dash for a keyboard adapter. The finished PC worked, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of PC building in the 90s, a stark contrast to today's ease of assembly.

(dfarq.homeip.net)

Hardware pc building 90s tech

Cursor Apologizes for Pro Plan Pricing Changes, Offers Refunds

2025-07-05

Cursor Apologizes for Pro Plan Pricing Changes, Offers Refunds

Cursor is apologizing for its recent pricing changes to its Pro plan, admitting poor communication led to unexpected charges for users. They're issuing full refunds for any unexpected usage between June 16th and July 4th. The new Pro plan offers unlimited usage of Tab and models in Auto mode, $20 of frontier model usage per month (at API pricing), with the option to purchase more. This change reflects the varying costs of different models across various tasks. Cursor promises improved communication for future pricing updates, including advance notice, clearer documentation, and better support.

(cursor.com)

Development pricing change

SpaceX Starship V2 Test Failure: Design Flaws Cause Delay

2025-03-12

Anonymous sources suggest that parts of SpaceX's Starship will require a major redesign after its break-up shortly after stage separation on its last two test flights. The issues stem from fundamental miscalculations in the design of Starship V2, specifically within the fuel lines, engine wiring, and power unit, requiring urgent rework. The fate of S35 and S36 is unclear, with potential for revision or scrapping. Production of subsequent ships may be paused until design issues are resolved. Leaks suggest the next test flight is delayed until after June. However, the author believes the situation may not be as dire, as the issues seem localized and fixable. Furthermore, the FAA is no longer an obstacle, allowing SpaceX to lead the investigation and implement fixes.

(behindtheblack.com)

Tech Test Failure

China's Diaspora: A Network of Unconventional Spies

2024-12-29

China's Diaspora: A Network of Unconventional Spies

The US is hunting for unconventional spies, many of whom are members of the Chinese diaspora. The case of Tang Yuanjun, a Chinese dissident who fled to Taiwan after the Tiananmen Square protests and later sought asylum in America, highlights this issue. Despite his pro-democracy activism in New York, Tang was arrested for providing information to the Chinese government, hoping to secure permission to return home to see his ailing parents. This story illustrates the complex and risky nature of China's use of its diaspora for intelligence gathering.

(www.economist.com)

Misc Chinese spies diaspora US counterintelligence

Source Code for the Indie Hit VVVVVV Released!

2025-05-07

Source Code for the Indie Hit VVVVVV Released!

Terry Cavanagh, the creator of the acclaimed 2010 indie game VVVVVV (with music by Magnus Pålsson), has released the source code! The release includes the desktop version's source files. While the game is still commercially available for purchase to support the developer, you are free to compile it for personal use. See LICENSE.md for information on distributing compiled versions. Discussion regarding updates primarily takes place on the unofficial VVVVVV Discord server in the #vvvvvv-code channel.

(github.com)

Game

Cruz's Telecom Director to Lead US Broadband Deployment Program

2025-02-04

Cruz's Telecom Director to Lead US Broadband Deployment Program

US Senator Ted Cruz has been pushing for an overhaul of a $42.45 billion broadband deployment program, and now his telecom policy director, Arielle Roth, has been nominated to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the agency responsible for distributing the funds. Roth's nomination is pending Senate approval. Cruz previously criticized the NTIA's implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, accusing it of 'technology bias' for prioritizing fiber. Roth herself criticized the program for adding extra-legal requirements and a 'woke social agenda,' increasing costs and deterring participation. Her appointment could lead to less emphasis on fiber and more funding for cable, fixed wireless, and satellite services, potentially impacting municipal broadband and fiber networks.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech government

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