Summary – Oh TL;DR

Kanata: Cross-platform multi-layer keyboard remapper with advanced customization

Kanata is a versatile cross-platform software keyboard remapper for Linux, macOS, and Windows, offering advanced customization options like multiple layers of key functionality, tap-hold actions, macros, and more. It aims to improve keyboard comfort and user experience by allowing users to create custom key mappings tailored to their needs and workflows. The project, written in […]

3D reconstruction of the capital of the Aztec empire

In 1518, Mexico-Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City, was a thriving capital of an empire with over 5 million people. The city was a hub of farmers, artisans, merchants, soldiers, priests, and aristocrats, making it one of the largest cities in the world. Today, remnants of the old Aztec capital can still be seen. Using historical and […]

Classic Data science pipelines built with LLMs

FlashLearn provides an Examples Directory where users can access code showcasing different functions. By cloning or downloading the FlashLearn repository and setting their API key, users can run scripts like sentiment_classification.py. The console output and JSON results files can be checked for the output. This platform offers a convenient way for developers to test out […]

Baffled by generational garbage collection – wingolog

The author presents a thought-provoking dilemma regarding the effectiveness of generational garbage collection in comparison to whole-heap collectors. While conventional wisdom suggests generational collectors should outperform their counterparts due to reduced tracing and copying work, the author’s benchmarks reveal unexpected results. Surprisingly, generational collectors sometimes exhibit longer collection times, challenging the notion that bump-pointer allocation […]

Don’t “optimize” conditional moves in shaders with mix()+step()

The author addresses a misconception in computer graphics regarding the use of conditionals in GPUs. They provide code examples to demonstrate the issue and explain how some believe that replacing conditional branches with arithmetic operations can optimize the code, which is incorrect. They clarify that using ternary operators or if statements in GPU code does […]

In the trenches: on being an Engineering Manager

The author shares personal reflections on their experience working as an EM, emphasizing the importance of understanding the human element in addition to technical aspects. They discuss the challenges of managing talented specialist engineers, team-building, and making smart technology choices. The post includes case studies on language stack selection, adopting technology like TimecaleDB and Redpanda, […]

Cities can cost effectively start their own utilities

Most PG&E ratepayers are unaware of how much higher the rates they pay are compared to what it actually costs PG&E to generate and transmit electricity. Shockingly, the average PG&E electricity charge is 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, while other utility companies like Silicon Valley Power and Sacramento charge 17 cents per kilowatt-hour. It’s possible for […]

First glimpse inside burnt scroll after 2k years

Researchers have digitally “unwrapped” a badly burned scroll from Herculaneum using X-ray imaging and AI. The scroll, charred by Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, had been impossible to physically open. The team is confident in deciphering the full text, which is believed to be a work of philosophy. Unveiling ancient scrolls provides a connection to the […]

FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement

FlashSpace is a virtual workspace manager for macOS that is designed to replace native macOS Spaces with a focus on speed and efficiency. Users can define virtual workspaces, assign apps to specific workspaces, and switch between them using hotkeys. The app also supports multiple displays, quick access to apps, and integrates with tools like SketchyBar. […]

Writing a simple windows driver in Rust

The Rust language ecosystem is expanding rapidly with its unique features of memory and concurrency safety at compile time, powerful build system, and a growing number of packages (crates). While the author primarily uses C++ for low-level system and kernel programming, Rust’s system programming capabilities compete with C/C++. The process of converting C types to […]