Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

PerpetualBooster is a novel gradient boosting machine (GBM) algorithm that eliminates the need for hyperparameter optimization, offering a more efficient alternative to traditional GBM methods. Users can adjust a budget parameter to enhance the algorithm's predictive capabilities, starting with a small amount and increasing it as needed. Unlike conventional GBM algorithms that require extensive iterations for optimization, PerpetualBooster reaches comparable accuracy in a single run, achieving up to a 100x speed improvement. The algorithm has been

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

The author expresses their frustration with the tax filing process, particularly due to the burden of reporting numerous stock sale transactions from RSUs (Restricted Stock Units). Despite a strong dislike for the work involved, they are meticulous after experiencing an audit due to a previous mishap with filing. The author usually spends about three hours manually entering data from a 1099-B into TurboTax. This year, they decided to streamline the process using AutoHotkey, writing a script to automate the repetitive task of entering

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

The article by JJ Maxwell discusses the complexities of managing user settings in applications, particularly in the context of a more complex app like Double, which is focused on investing. As app features evolve, user settings can become numerous and diverse, encompassing options like themes, notifications, and various financial settings. Proper management of these settings is crucial for app performance, scalability, and maintenance. Maxwell warns against a common mistake known as the "wide table trap," where developers might initially think to simply add more columns to

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

The author shares insights from seven years of interviewing software engineers, emphasizing that the interview process should be a mutual evaluation between candidates and companies. They stress the importance of being respectful of each other's time and criticize take-home exercises as unfair, given the challenges posed by generative coding technologies. Focusing on candidates, the author suggests that the CV is the first chance to make a strong impression. After passing the initial screening, candidates often face standardized technical interviews, especially in larger companies. The author argues against

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

Visual Studio Code will release updated Python, Pylance, and Jupyter extensions in February 2025. Highlights include a no-config debugging feature for the Python Debugger, allowing users to start debugging without managing launch configurations—simply prefix the run command with "debugpy." Users are advised to modify their User settings.json to avoid conflicts with the new feature. Additional enhancements include the ability to cancel ongoing test discovery in the Test Explorer UI and the option to launch a VS Code Native REPL from

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

In this member-only story by Terrance Craddock, he reflects on a moment in his career when he witnessed a senior engineer proudly showcasing an overly complex microservices architecture for a task that could have been executed with a simple Python script. The author, with extensive experience, critiques the modern software development culture, likening it to a "tech-themed cargo cult" where the focus is on the performance of coding rather than the efficiency and functionality of the work itself. He expresses concern that buzzwords like

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

The AI landscape has undergone significant changes over the past year, with an influx of new entrants and a surge in AI-first products. There are growing concerns regarding the defensibility of AI model startups due to the rise of open-source alternatives and competition. While current AI applications are experiencing rapid growth due to their novelty, this may diminish as AI becomes mainstream, leading to questions about effective distribution in a saturated market. The ease of replicating products could also challenge companies in retaining users. Historically, some consumer tech

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

arXivLabs is a platform where collaborators can create and share new features for arXiv. Participants must align with arXiv's core values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. Those interested in contributing ideas for projects that enhance the arXiv community are encouraged to learn more about arXivLabs. Additionally, users can receive operational status notifications via email or Slack.

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

PPP Loan Map is an interactive tool that allows users to explore public data on Paycheck Protection Program loans. Users can search by ZIP code, business type, or business longevity to visualize where the loan money has gone. The platform enables users to click, zoom in, and uncover various insights from the data.

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

Meta is facing backlash after announcing policy changes that include loosening its hate speech regulations, coinciding with anticipated shifts under the incoming Trump administration. Following these changes, there was a noticeable increase in Google searches for deleting Facebook and Instagram. However, cutting ties with Meta is complicated due to its pervasive tracking practices that extend beyond its platforms. The company thrives on surveillance advertising, gathering extensive personal data to sell targeted ads, which is integral to its business model. As a result, avoiding Meta’s platforms doesn’t

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: /r/programming

The author argues against the notion that AI will render software developers obsolete. Instead, it marks a transformation in programming practices rather than an end to the profession. The evolution of programming has seen significant changes over time—from early physical circuit programming and binary code to assembly language and eventually higher-level programming languages like Fortran, C, and Java. These advancements made programming more accessible and user-friendly. Additionally, the rise of interpreted languages, like BASIC, democratized programming for a wider audience beyond just corporate engineers.

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

In this ebook by Nick Morgan, the author introduces readers to writing 6502 assembly language, which powered notable computers such as the BBC Micro, Atari 2600, and Commodore 64 during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite being considered an obsolete language, the author argues that learning 6502 is valuable for understanding assembly language, which operates at the lowest level of abstraction in computing. The 6502 assembly language is portrayed as accessible and written for direct human interaction

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

arXivLabs is a platform for collaborators to create and share new features on the arXiv website. It emphasizes values such as openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy, partnering only with those who share these principles. If you have a project idea that could benefit the arXiv community, you can find more information about arXivLabs. Additionally, users can receive operational status updates via email or Slack.

Published: 2025-02-07 | Origin: Hacker News

The author has been collaborating with AI educators to customize "AI by Hand" exercises and is pleased that these materials are being used globally. Although manual customization has led to some errors, the author appreciates that students pay close attention. They are considering developing a tool for users to create their own customized exercises using Google Sheets to enhance accessibility. The project is still in its early stages, and the author is seeking feedback on this initiative. They invite readers to subscribe for free updates and to support their work.

Published: 2025-02-06 | Origin: Hacker News

The article discusses four main approaches to enhancing large language models (LLMs) with reasoning capabilities, reflecting on the evolving landscape of LLMs in 2024 and expectations for 2025. It highlights the trend toward specialization beyond traditional pre-training and fine-tuning, focusing on applications like retrieval-augmented generation (RAGs) and code assistants. Reasoning models, a key specialization, are designed to address complex tasks involving intermediate steps, such as puzzles and advanced math, though they may

Published: 2025-02-06 | Origin: /r/programming

Azure Data Studio (ADS) will be retired on February 6, 2025, with support continuing until February 28, 2026. This decision is part of a strategy to focus on Visual Studio Code (VS Code) with the MSSQL extension, which offers a modern and streamlined SQL development experience. The transition is motivated by the changing needs of developers and the popularity of VS Code, which provides advanced features, reduces duplication in development efforts, and accelerates the delivery of new features.

Published: 2025-02-06 | Origin: /r/programming

Despair-Driven Development (DDD) is a unique approach to software engineering that leverages feelings of despair, existential malaise, and burnout as catalysts for productivity. Contrary to the traditional view of despair as debilitating, DDD suggests that this emotion can drive action and efficiency, facilitating a pragmatic focus on delivering functional software. The approach acknowledges the inherent suffering in software development but posits that this suffering can be transformed into purposeful momentum. DDD operates on the idea that in bleak circumstances, one can either succumb

Published: 2025-02-06 | Origin: Hacker News

The content describes a small GUI application built with redbean that allows users to explore SQLite databases on a "page-by-page" basis, reflecting how SQLite stores data in disk pages (typically 4KB in size) for efficient reading and writing. This tool provides insights at a lower level than the typical schema view (tables and SQL). The application's executable size is 6.5 MB and runs natively on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, MacOS, and BSD variants, on

Published: 2025-02-06 | Origin: /r/programming

The article discusses the significant impact of interruptions on developers' productivity, specifically highlighting the cost of "quick" Slack messages, which can disrupt a person's focus and result in a loss of 23 minutes of productive work. It emphasizes the often underestimated consequences of context-switching—the mental process of shifting from one task to another, which requires time to refocus and can lead to errors. The piece also compares human context-switching to how operating systems manage multiple processes, pointing out that while computers can handle these

Published: 2025-02-06 | Origin: /r/programming

In a reflective account, Terrance Craddock discusses the detrimental effects of "crunch culture" in the tech industry, drawing from his own experiences since 2003. He recalls a stressful moment where he had to prioritize work over personal commitments, a situation common among developers. Craddock argues that the belief that significant software development requires sacrifice is misleading and contributes to a toxic work environment. Instead of fostering dedication, this culture creates fear among junior developers, who worry about job security if they don't