Hacker News
1Hurl: Run and test HTTP requests with plain text
- Hurl is a command line tool for running and testing HTTP requests using a simple text format. It allows chaining requests, capturing values, and evaluating responses through queries on headers and body content. The tool supports multiple protocols including REST, SOAP, and GraphQL APIs, making it versatile for both fetching data and testing HTTP sessions. Powered by libcurl, Hurl provides a lightweight solution that's easy to integrate into CI/CD pipelines.
Testing perspective
Hurl enforces client-side testing perspective by separating interface from implementation, allowing language-agnostic API testing and serving as documentation. Particularly useful for service migrations and contract testing.Editor integration
Discussion of similar HTTP testing tools in various editors (VS Code, IntelliJ, Neovim) and their different syntaxes for request chaining. Desire expressed for standardization across tools.Configuration format
Maintainers initially used JSON/YAML but developed custom format for simplicity. Users note some documentation gaps and learning curve with blocks, but generally find tool valuable despite format challenges.
2Show HN: I wrote a new BitTorrent tracker in Elixir
- A developer shares their journey of creating a BitTorrent tracker using Elixir to enhance their programming skills. Despite modern alternatives like DHT and PEX, they believe trackers remain relevant and aim to continue developing their project with additional features.
OTP design approach
Discussion around whether the code should be more OTP-focused vs current ETS-heavy implementation. Some argue for more OTP patterns while others defend ETS use for performance. Includes explanation of what OTP means.Performance and architecture
Discussion of technical implementation choices, particularly around using in-memory ETS tables vs Redis, concurrent processing capabilities, and scaling considerations on multi-core systems.Learning impact
Developers sharing how learning Elixir changed their coding approach, highlighting benefits like state isolation, pattern matching, and clean code structure. Several express interest in using Elixir professionally.
3Phoenix.new – Remote AI Runtime for Phoenix
- Chris McCord introduces Phoenix.new, a browser-based coding agent designed for Elixir and Phoenix framework development. This AI-powered tool provides a virtual environment for building applications, features real-time collaboration, and can autonomously handle development tasks from coding to deployment, with built-in browser testing capabilities.
Remote containerized agent architecture
Discussion of how Phoenix.new runs AI agents in isolated containers separate from the application, allowing safe autonomous operation while maintaining control through Phoenix channels and integration with fly.io infrastructurePhoenix and LLM capabilities
Debate about LLMs' ability to work with Elixir/Phoenix code, with varying opinions on effectiveness. Some argue tools like Claude handle it well, while others see limitations compared to mainstream languagesPlatform features and pricing
Questions about Phoenix.new's scope, branding, pricing ($20/month), deployment requirements, and how it compares to other tools. Discussion of global cluster architecture and IDE capabilities
4Guess I'm a rationalist now
- A computer scientist attends LessOnline, a rationalist blogging conference in Berkeley, where he finally embraces his identity as a Rationalist after years of hesitation. Through engaging conversations and observations, he reflects on the community's evolution, its predictions about AI, and its growth from a seemingly cult-like group to a thriving intellectual movement.
Rationalism criticism
Community criticized for arrogance, overconfidence in logical reasoning, and lack of humility. Members seen as dismissive of empirical evidence and real-world complexity, especially regarding AI risks.Effective altruism overlap
Discussion of strong overlap between rationalist and EA communities, with similar tendencies to get trapped in theoretical exercises while ignoring practical realities and initial conditions.Cult-like characteristics
Community exhibits cult markers: charismatic leadership, communal living, specialized jargon, doomsday predictions, and appeal to socially vulnerable people, particularly young adults on spectrum.
5Compiling LLMs into a MegaKernel: A path to low-latency inference
- A compiler was developed that transforms large language model (LLM) inference into a single megakernel, which performs all computation and communication in one GPU launch. This approach significantly reduces inference latency by 1.2-6.7x and allows developers to compile LLMs into high-performance megakernels using minimal Python code.
GPU kernel optimization
Discussion of how MPK's megakernel approach improves upon traditional CUDA programming, with detailed technical comparisons to other projects like Stanford's MegaKernel and exploration of fine-grained task parallelism benefitsHardware implementation
Debate about potential future directions for implementing LLMs directly in hardware (ASIC/FPGA), discussing tradeoffs between flexibility and efficiency, and comparing CPU vs GPU architecturesPerformance benchmarks
Users sharing reproduction of MPK's performance results, confirming significant latency improvements over existing solutions like Triton + FlashInfer, with specific metrics and implementation details
6End of 10: Upgrade your old Windows 10 computer to Linux
- As Windows 10 support ends in 2025, consider upgrading your post-2010 computer to Linux instead of buying new hardware. Linux offers free operating systems, enhanced privacy, environmental benefits, community support, and better user control. Local repair cafes and professionals can help with the transition.
Linux installation process
Discussion centers on barriers to Linux adoption due to complex USB installation process, with calls for simpler Windows-based installers and better dual-boot options. Many mention past tools like Wubi that made this easier.Gaming and anti-cheat
Debate about Linux gaming limitations due to anti-cheat software, with some arguing against kernel-level anti-cheat as malware while others see it as necessary. Steam Deck cited as progress for Linux gaming.Windows 10 end-of-life impact
Concerns about Windows 10's EOL affecting research labs and businesses with hardware that can't run Windows 11. Discussion of options like extended support, LTSC versions, and risks of running unsupported OS.
7I will do anything to end homelessness except build more homes (2018)
- A satirical piece criticizing NIMBY attitudes towards homelessness, where the narrator claims to care about solving homelessness while rejecting any meaningful solutions, especially building more housing, in order to protect their property values and privileged lifestyle.
Mental health and addiction
Debate over whether homelessness primarily stems from mental illness/addiction or if these issues often result from becoming homeless. Housing-first approaches shown to help stabilize people regardless of underlying issues.Housing costs and availability
Discussion of housing shortages, high costs, and barriers to construction in major cities. Evidence shows direct correlation between housing costs and homelessness rates. Some areas building successfully while others restricted.Hidden homelessness
Growing population of employed people living in cars or temporarily with friends despite having jobs. These "invisible homeless" differ from stereotypical street homeless and demonstrate housing affordability crisis.
8Infinite Mac OS X
- Infinite Mac now supports early Mac OS X versions 10.1 and 10.3, though performance is relatively slow, similar to the original hardware of that era. The project includes the addition of indie software from that period through a rebuilt Infinite HD feature, and implements an Aqua interface mode to maintain period authenticity.
PearPC emulator history
Discussion of PearPC Mac emulator and its tragic end when 23-year-old developer Sebastian Biallas died in a train accident, including mention of subsequent code theft under "CherryOS" nameClassic MacOS UI design
Nostalgia and praise for OS X 10.4's Aqua interface design compared to modern MacOS, with many preferring the clearer, more functional classic UI elements over today's minimalist aestheticInfinite Mac project
Web-based emulator bringing classic Mac and NeXT systems to modern browsers, with discussion of its technical implementation and ability to preserve computing history
9Congestion pricing in Manhattan is a predictable success
- A New York City speech therapist initially opposed Manhattan's $9 congestion pricing toll but changed her mind after experiencing significantly reduced travel times. Public opinion has shifted similarly, with more New Yorkers now supporting the toll despite initial widespread opposition.
Traffic impact
Congestion pricing in Manhattan has reduced traffic, improved flow, and eliminated disruptive behaviors like loud cars. The 10% reduction in traffic volume created disproportionate improvements in mobility and street experience.Business effects
Business owners often oppose changes like congestion pricing and removal of parking, predicting catastrophe. However, data shows increased foot traffic and business after implementation, suggesting owners misjudge customer behavior.Social equity
Debate around whether congestion pricing is regressive and excludes lower-income people, or if resistance stems from car-centric cultural attitudes. Discussion of public transit stigma versus actual usage patterns.
10What would a Kubernetes 2.0 look like
- The article discusses the evolution of Kubernetes from its origins as Google's Borg system to becoming a widely-adopted container orchestration platform. It examines what Kubernetes got right, including container scaling, low maintenance, job management, and service discovery, while suggesting improvements like replacing YAML with HCL configuration language.
Complexity vs simplicity
Debate over whether Kubernetes' complexity is necessary or if a simpler "k8s-lite" version with better UX and sane defaults would be more beneficial. Some argue the complexity reflects real-world needs while others want streamlined basics.Configuration formats
Discussion about replacing YAML with alternatives like HCL, protobuf or other formats. Arguments about pros/cons of each format, with focus on type safety, readability and developer experience. No clear consensus on best approach.Maintenance burden
Debate over Kubernetes' maintenance complexity in production. Some argue managed services solve this, others say even managed K8s requires significant operational overhead. Discussion of self-hosted vs cloud provider tradeoffs.