Top 10 Hacker News posts, summarized
HN discussion
(297 points, 93 comments)
This article explores a powerful SQLite pattern for indexing JSON data efficiently. It highlights that SQLite supports JSON functions and operators, allowing developers to store JSON documents in a single column and then create virtual generated columns that extract specific JSON values. By indexing these generated columns, queries on JSON data can achieve full B-tree index speed.
The key advantage of this approach is its flexibility. Developers can add new generated columns and indexes as querying needs evolve, without requiring data migration or schema rewrites. This combines the benefits of schemaless data with the performance and structure of relational databases.
Several HN commenters discussed the similarity of this technique to existing features in other databases. "Lex-2008" pointed out the possibility of using "Index On Expression" in SQLite, suggesting it achieves a similar outcome to generated columns, though with potential subtle differences in how path changes are handled. Others, like "mring33621" and "baq," noted comparable features in databases like Vertica and Snowflake, respectively. "jelder" mentioned using a similar approach in PostgreSQL for foreign key constraints on JSON data, deeming it "slightly cursed but it worked perfectly."
A common sentiment was the appreciation for this "neat trick" and its potential to simplify working with JSON in SQLite. "jb_rad" expressed strong enthusiasm, calling it an "elegant out of the box solution" that alleviates fears of common JSON indexing problems. However, "Seattle3503" pointed out the lack of benchmarks to verify the claimed "full speed" equivalence. Concerns were also raised about indexing JSON arrays ("AlexErrant") and a general preference for data normalization over heavy JSON usage ("ellisv").
HN discussion
(192 points, 92 comments)
macOS 26.2 introduces a significant enhancement for AI development by enabling Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) over Thunderbolt. This capability allows for the creation of fast AI clusters by connecting multiple Macs. The underlying technology likely utilizes Apple's MLX framework and unified memory architecture to facilitate distributed computation, enabling the handling of larger AI models than a single machine could manage.
This feature positions Apple's hardware, particularly Mac Studio with M-series Ultra chips, as a viable and potentially cost-effective option for building AI clusters. The ability to daisy-chain Macs via Thunderbolt offers a pathway to aggregate substantial amounts of unified memory, approaching terabytes, for demanding AI workloads, presenting an alternative to traditional high-cost GPU clusters.
The discussion highlights a mix of enthusiasm for the new AI clustering capabilities and concerns about Apple's ecosystem maturity for such applications. Users are excited by the potential to run large models (e.g., 1 trillion parameters) by linking multiple Macs, citing examples of successful implementations of large models on clustered Macs using MLX. There's a recognition that this offers a high-capacity, relatively lower-cost alternative to expensive NVIDIA GPU clusters, especially for inference.
However, several practical limitations for data center or professional deployment are raised. These include the lack of rackmount-friendly hardware, cumbersome power button placement on Mac Studio, concerns about Thunderbolt's physical stability as a long-term interconnect, and the perceived inefficiency of macOS remote management compared to Linux for headless server environments. Some commenters also expressed a desire for improved HDR support and questioned the gaming applicability of this AI-focused feature.
HN discussion
(161 points, 95 comments)
A security researcher, Ben Zimmermann, discovered a Home Depot employee's private GitHub access token exposed online for approximately a year. This token granted access to hundreds of private source code repositories, internal systems like order fulfillment and inventory management, and development pipelines. Zimmermann attempted to notify Home Depot privately for weeks but received no response. The exposure was only fixed after TechCrunch contacted the company, and the token was revoked shortly thereafter. Home Depot's response to TechCrunch was an acknowledgment of the email but no further comment on the duration of the exposure or whether it was exploited.
The primary point of discussion revolves around Home Depot's concerning lack of response and communication regarding the exposed token. Commenters expressed astonishment at the company's failure to engage with the researcher and their apparent lack of a proper security vulnerability reporting mechanism. Several users speculated that Home Depot's silence, especially after media involvement, likely involved legal teams advising them to admit no fault. There was also a sentiment that, given the observed issues with Home Depot's website, this security lapse was not entirely surprising. Some commenters suggested that platforms like GitHub should implement automated scanning for exposed tokens to proactively protect their customers.
HN discussion
(169 points, 81 comments)
Google has released its new "next generation brand typeface," Google Sans Flex, as open-source software under the SIL Open Font License. This variable font, developed by typographer David Berlow, is a multi-axis rebuild of the proprietary Google Sans, offering flexibility in weight, width, optical size, slant, and terminal rounding. While developers on Android and the web can leverage these variable axes for expressive design, Linux desktop environments currently have limited support for such advanced variable font features, meaning only the regular version is typically rendered.
Despite this limitation, Google Sans Flex is presented as a competent and stylish system UI font for Linux, particularly on HiDPI displays. The article provides instructions for downloading and installing the font on Linux systems and suggests using GNOME Tweaks to set it as the UI font on Ubuntu, though it notes that only the regular weight will be used by default.
The discussion around Google Sans Flex on Hacker News highlights appreciation for Google's move towards open-sourcing its branding typeface, with some commenters noting its similarity to Apple's SF font and its potential for expressive design through variable axes. Several users praised the "flex" aspect of the font, enabling creative use of CSS properties like `font-stretch`.
A significant point of contention raised by multiple commenters is the font's poor distinction between lowercase 'l' and uppercase 'I'. This is seen as a major drawback for use in contexts like passwords or tokens, with users sharing examples of other fonts that handle this distinction better. There were also broader discussions about the importance of font legibility, the resurgence of serifs, and skepticism about the actual impact of new fonts on user experience, with some suggesting users generally prefer familiar fonts.
HN discussion
(157 points, 38 comments)
The article introduces the CM0, a new and exceptionally small Raspberry Pi Compute Module based on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W's architecture. Notably, it features eMMC storage and WiFi but lacks standard ports like HDMI, Ethernet, or USB, making it unsuitable for direct use and instead designed for seamless integration into other products. Its key feature is castellated edges, allowing it to be soldered directly onto a main PCB for easier manufacturing.
The CM0 is primarily available in China through EDAtec's CM0NANO development board. The author highlights the CM0's limited performance, particularly its slow eMMC and insufficient RAM (512MB) for demanding tasks like web browsing. The article explains that the CM0's limited global availability, especially outside China, is due to competition for scarce LPDDR2 memory with the popular Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, as the RP3A0 chip integrates RAM directly.
The discussion acknowledges the author's consistent quality of content and expresses interest in similar in-depth reporting from others. A user notes the castellated holes make the CM0 resemble a stamp and questions the shift from the traditional board-to-board connectors of other Compute Modules. There's curiosity about the reasons behind the CM0 being China-only, with one commenter suggesting it's essentially an embedded Raspberry Pi Zero 2. Interest is also expressed in using the CM0 for portable screen devices, though concerns are raised about battery optimization and the desire for an open, affordable touchscreen solution beyond smartphones. One user points to an AliExpress listing as a potential way to acquire the CM0.
HN discussion
(102 points, 81 comments)
A recent mathematical proof, inspired by string theory, claims to have solved a long-standing problem in algebraic geometry concerning the classification of polynomial equations and their geometric solutions (manifolds). The proof uses techniques entirely new to algebraic geometers, leading to excitement mixed with skepticism within the field. For decades, mathematicians have struggled to classify certain complex polynomial solutions, and this new approach offers a potential breakthrough.
The proof tackles the parameterizability of specific types of manifolds, particularly "four-folds" (four-dimensional manifolds arising from degree-3 polynomials with five variables). Drawing on Maxim Kontsevich's decades-long work on homological mirror symmetry, which connects geometric objects with dual "mirror" objects via string theory concepts, the researchers found a way to break down complex geometric structures (Hodge structures) into smaller "atoms." By analyzing these atoms, they were able to demonstrate that four-folds are not parameterizable, meaning their solutions possess a rich and complicated structure. While the proof is considered brilliant and a potential victory for bridging mathematics and physics, its unfamiliar methods necessitate extensive study and verification by the wider mathematical community.
Commenters expressed a mix of admiration for the mathematical achievement and frustration with the inherent complexity and prerequisites for understanding the proof. Several remarked on the steep learning curve, humorously suggesting that one would need to undertake extensive graduate-level study to grasp the concepts. The role of string theory in generating novel mathematical tools was noted, with one commenter highlighting its efficacy in producing interesting math, even if its direct contributions to physics are debated. There was also a practical suggestion for publishing machine-readable proofs to enhance verifiability, given the initial difficulty in understanding the new results.
HN discussion
(133 points, 49 comments)
The project "Rats Play DOOM" details the creation of a custom-built virtual reality setup designed to allow rats to play the classic video game DOOM. The system comprises a motion-tracked treadmill ball, a panoramic headset with a Full HD AMOLED screen, an input trigger for in-game actions, and an automated liquid reward system. Both hardware and software components are open-sourced, including 3D-printable designs, circuit diagrams, firmware, and control software, with the aim of enabling replication and further development. The project progressed from a simpler v1 rig to a more advanced, modular v2.
While the rats were successfully habituated to the VR setup, full behavioral training and validation were not completed before the subjects aged out. The hardware is modular and designed for safety and immersion, with features like targeted air puffs and precise reward delivery. The software is Python-based and runs in a closed-loop system, coordinating motion capture, locomotion control, trigger input, reward delivery, and DOOM integration via the ViZDoom environment.
The Hacker News discussion shows widespread appreciation for the ingenuity and meticulous design of the rat VR setup, with many commenters expressing admiration for the custom hardware and the open-sourcing of the project. There's a notable desire for visual evidence, with multiple users requesting videos of the rats actually playing the game, lamenting the lack of gameplay footage and the promising-but-broken links. Some also humorously questioned the project's inclusion in the "running DOOM on X" category, given the experimental stage.
A key point of discussion revolves around the project's limitations, particularly the inability to complete full training due to the rats aging out, which many commenters found to be a pity. Ethical considerations were touched upon, though generally framed as non-harmful. Suggestions for improvement include releasing parametric CAD files instead of just STLs for easier modification, adding cost estimates to the Bill of Materials, and further exploring the concept of animal preferences in video games. The project is broadly seen as a fun, ambitious, and "beautifully impractical" endeavor.
HN discussion
(124 points, 40 comments)
GNU Unifont is a free font project under the GNU Project, aiming to provide glyphs for every printable Unicode code point in the Basic Multilingual Plane (BMP) and increasingly for Supplementary Multilingual Planes (SMP) and specialized registries like CSUR. It is dual-licensed under GPLv2+ with the Font Embedding Exception and SIL OFL 1.1, allowing for commercial use while ensuring derivative works remain under the same licenses. The project relies on contributions, with recent updates focusing on expanding coverage in various Unicode planes, particularly for CJK ideographs and numerous historical/constructed scripts.
The article details the extensive update history of GNU Unifont, highlighting contributions to Planes 0, 1, 2, 3, and 14, including specific character modifications and additions across multiple languages and scripts. It also touches upon the font's limitations, particularly with complex scripts requiring advanced text shaping, and outlines the process for contributing new glyphs. The page also provides download links for various font formats (OpenType, PCF, BDF, PSF, HEX) and installation instructions for different operating systems.
Several commenters express appreciation for GNU Unifont's broad glyph coverage, with some users reporting its utility in specific applications like Solvespace for displaying CJK characters or technical symbols. There's a consensus that the font's strength lies in its extensive, albeit basic, glyph support rather than aesthetic presentation or advanced text rendering for complex scripts.
A recurring point of discussion is the font's visual appearance, with some finding it "terrible" or "blurry" at various sizes, especially when compared to modern fonts. One user noted a potential issue with font fallback mechanisms in applications like Firefox, where Unifont was unexpectedly prioritized. The licensing, particularly its commercial usability and the implications for derivative works, was also mentioned positively, with a commenter clarifying that "commercial software is not necessarily non-free."
HN discussion
(51 points, 82 comments)
The article argues that modern "smart" TVs are often undesirable due to privacy concerns, intrusive advertisements, and complex interfaces. It proposes that "dumb" TVs, or alternatives to their integrated smart features, are a better choice for users seeking simplicity and control over their viewing experience. While truly "dumb" TVs are rare, the guide explores various methods to achieve a similar outcome, ranging from using external devices to modifying existing smart TV setups.
The author's primary recommendation is to purchase an Apple TV box and connect it to any TV, effectively bypassing the smart TV's native software. This approach is favored for its cleaner interface, improved reliability, and a stronger privacy posture compared to many smart TV operating systems. The article suggests that this offers a more intuitive and less ad-laden experience for users and their guests.
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the simple advice of not connecting smart TVs to the internet, or using them solely as displays by connecting them to computers or monitors. This aligns with the article's premise that the "smart" features are the primary source of the issues. Several commenters suggest alternative hardware or software solutions to mitigate the "smart" aspects of TVs, such as using Pi-hole for ad-blocking, open-source media players like Kodi, or custom launchers for Android TV.
There's also a critical perspective on the article's main recommendation of Apple TV, with some users suggesting it merely shifts data collection to Apple. This is countered by the argument that Apple's privacy practices are perceived as better than those of many TV manufacturers. The discussion also touches on the lack of certain ports like DisplayPort on larger TVs and the growing "smart" nature of other devices like cars, drawing parallels to the issues discussed with televisions.
HN discussion
(94 points, 29 comments)
The author explores alternatives for asynchronous DNS resolution after encountering issues with `pthread_cancel` for timeouts. The article reviews several approaches, starting with the common `getaddrinfo` in a separate thread, noting its simplicity but potential for blocking. `glibc`'s `getaddrinfo_a` is mentioned but deemed non-portable and incompatible with event loops. The author then examines `c-ares`, a standalone DNS library, highlighting its threaded and event-driven backends. While `c-ares` offers an event-driven system, it relies heavily on callbacks, which the author finds less desirable due to potential for subtle bugs and tighter coupling.
The article further discusses `wadns` (dns.c), noting its unclear licensing and integration challenges for event loop use. Finally, `asr` is presented as a promising alternative, developed for OpenBSD's `smtpd`. `asr` is praised for its non-threaded approach and its API's resemblance to `read` or `write`, which is designed to push events to the caller and give them control over when to check for results. The author demonstrates a cleaner implementation using `asr` compared to `c-ares`.
The discussion points to previous HN threads that covered similar topics, particularly regarding `pthread_cancel` and async DNS alternatives. Users expressed surprise that battle-tested, event-based DNS implementations are not more prevalent, especially considering languages like Rust and the internal mechanisms of projects like Hickory. Performance bottlenecks and surprising discoveries during testing were inquired about. The existence of implementations in other languages and projects, such as Gevent for Python and Zig, were also shared, demonstrating ongoing interest and efforts in solving asynchronous DNS challenges across different ecosystems.
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