Hacker News
1AGENTS.md – Open format for guiding coding agents
- AGENTS.md is a standardized file format that provides instructions and context for AI coding agents working on software projects. It serves as a complement to README files by offering specific guidance on build steps, tests, and conventions, creating a dedicated space for agent-focused documentation.
Separation vs integration
Debate over whether AGENTS.md content should be separate from README.md or integrated. Some argue for separation due to different audiences/needs, while others see it as redundant documentation. Several mention CONTRIBUTING.md as existing solution.Directory structure approach
Discussion of organizing agent instructions in directories vs single files. Some prefer hierarchical structure with index.md for better organization and context management, while others favor single file for simplicity.Documentation motivation
Observation that AI agents are inadvertently motivating developers to write better documentation, since they know agents will actually read and follow it, unlike humans who often skip reading docs.
2Copilot broke audit logs, but Microsoft won't tell customers
- Microsoft's M365 Copilot had a vulnerability allowing users to access files without leaving traces in audit logs, raising security and compliance concerns. Though Microsoft fixed the issue, they chose not to notify customers about the problem, potentially impacting organizations relying on audit logs for security and legal compliance.
Access control and security
Discussion of fundamental security challenges with AI chatbots accessing confidential documents, focusing on problems with access rights management, vector databases, and preventing data leaks across permission boundariesMicrosoft's handling
Criticism of Microsoft's approach to security incidents, their decision not to issue a CVE, lack of transparency in notification, and broader concerns about their prioritization of AI features over securityTechnical audit logging
Debate about how Copilot's audit logging should work technically, whether at kernel level or application level, and challenges with properly tracking access through vector search and RAG systems
3Show HN: I was curious about spherical helix, ended up making this visualization
- A creator shares their exploration of arranging objects along a spherical helix path, documenting their learning journey about parametric equations through an interactive visualization on their website visualrambling.space.
Navigation and parameterization
Discussion of how to achieve constant speed movement along the spiral path, including arc length parameterization, Euclidean parameterization, and motion profiling techniques for smooth animation.Mathematical accuracy
Debate about whether the shown spiral is a true rhumb line/loxodrome, with detailed mathematical proofs and discussion of spherical geometry concepts used in historical navigation.Interactive presentation
Feedback on the interactive elements, including navigation controls, visual effects, and suggestions for improving the educational presentation for different audience levels.
4How to Draw a Space Invader
- This article explains how the author created a Space Invader Generator for a coding challenge, detailing the process from initial sketches to final implementation. The generator creates unique space invaders by drawing vector shapes for the body and limbs, then converting them to pixels with added eyes and colors.
Website design & experience
Multiple users praise the article's mobile-friendly design, clean layout and innovative scrolling feature that "picks up" the canvas. The presentation is described as lovely, pleasant and one of the best mobile experiences.Space invader generators
Discussion of different implementations of space invader generators, including one inspired by Jared Tarbell. Users share how they achieved good results through eyes, symmetry and color palettes.Non-AI approach appreciation
Users express appreciation for creating the generator without using AI, noting that AI would remove the "magic of creation process" and that solving problems through coding is more rewarding.
5Ask HN: Why does the US Visa application website do a port-scan of my network?
- A user discovered that a government website attempted to scan their private network ports, detected by a Firefox extension. They questioned if this is common behavior and noted that uBlock Origin has a feature to prevent such LAN intrusions, though it wasn't enabled by default.
Visa application scams
Discussion of widespread visa application scams, poor government website UX, and unofficial "helper" services that charge extra fees. Users share frustrations with timeouts, crashes and unreliable systems.Browser port scanning
Debate about websites scanning users' local networks and ports through browsers, potential security risks, and protection methods like uBlock Origin's "Block Outsider Intrusion into LAN" feature.F5 bot detection
Analysis of F5's anti-bot protection system used on visa websites, including its localhost connection attempts and obfuscated scripts, with discussion of whether this serves security or tracking purposes.
6D2 (text to diagram tool) now supports ASCII renders
- D2's latest release (0.7.1) introduces ASCII output capability, allowing diagrams to be rendered in text format. While primarily useful for code documentation and preview windows in editors like Vim, the ASCII renderer supports both Unicode and standard ASCII characters. Though currently in alpha with some limitations like no styling and shape restrictions, it offers a simple way to create text-based diagrams.
D2 vs Mermaid comparison
Discussion of D2's advantages over Mermaid, including better syntax, composition support, and freedom in mixing elements. Key differentiator is D2's universal diagram type vs Mermaid's diagram-specific types.Browser-based functionality
Recent addition of WASM support enables client-side rendering without backend servers. Users discuss the importance of offline capabilities and embedding diagrams directly in documentation and presentations.ASCII rendering feature
New ASCII output capability added to D2, with users discussing dark mode compatibility and ELK integration. Viewed as useful bridge between terminal-based workflows and polished diagram outputs.
7Zedless: Zed fork focused on privacy and being local-first
- Zedless is a privacy-focused fork of Zed editor that prioritizes local-first development and user privacy. It aims to eliminate reliance on proprietary cloud services, remove telemetry, and enable users to configure their own network service providers. The project is open-source and welcomes contributions.
Ai features and usefulness
Mixed opinions on AI coding features - some find them unhelpful and prefer manual coding, while others praise AI's assistance with tests, debugging and prototyping. Many prefer core editor features over AI capabilities.Fork necessity
Debate over whether a fork is needed since Zed allows disabling AI/telemetry. Some support fork for privacy/minimalism, others see it as potentially fragmenting ecosystem. Discussion of contributor agreements impact.Local-first principles
Support for removing cloud dependency, telemetry and forced sign-ins. Discussion of sustainable business models for editors without cloud/AI features, and whether subscription payments could support development.
8Pixel 10 Phones
- Google introduces its 10th generation Pixel phones featuring the new Tensor G5 chip and Gemini Nano AI model. The lineup includes Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL with refined designs, recycled materials, improved displays, and enhanced camera capabilities including Pro Res Zoom up to 100x. The phones offer proactive AI features like Magic Cue and are available for preorder starting at $799.
Android vs iOS comparison
Users debate pros/cons of both platforms, with focus on file management, privacy, customization. Android praised for flexibility but criticized for Google dependence; iOS lauded for privacy but criticized for restrictions.Phone size concerns
Many users lament lack of smaller phone options, with particular nostalgia for older Pixel/iPhone models. Despite vocal demand for compact phones, manufacturers continue trend toward larger devices due to market preferences.AI photo features
Discussion of Pixel 10's AI-enhanced zoom capability draws skepticism, with concerns about authenticity of AI-generated details. Users debate ethics of presenting AI-enhanced images as real photographs.
9Custom telescope mount using harmonic drives and ESP32
- A hobbyist describes their journey from basic astrophotography to building a custom telescope mount, combining PCB design and 3D printing skills. After extensive research and learning from existing DIY projects, they created a functional mount using harmonic drives, custom electronics, and open-source software, achieving 1-2 arcsecond precision for deep-sky photography.
PCB design & manufacturing
Discussion of PCB design best practices, including use of decoupling capacitors, reading datasheets, ground planes, and experiences with JLCPCB manufacturing services. Emphasis on learning proper component placement and assembly costs.FreeCAD experience
Users share frustrations with FreeCAD's learning curve and stability issues, while acknowledging its capabilities. Debate between FreeCAD and commercial alternatives like Fusion 360, with focus on trade-offs between free/open-source and paid options.Astronomy software
Exchange about available open-source astronomy software like Stellarium, Kstars, and INDI for telescope control and celestial object tracking. Discussion includes programming interfaces and automation capabilities.
10Croatian freediver held breath for 29 minutes
- Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić set a new Guinness World Record for the longest underwater breath-hold using oxygen, achieving 29 minutes and 3 seconds in a pool in Opatija. This surpassed the previous record by over 4 minutes, accomplished through oxygen pre-breathing and exceptional mental control.
Pure oxygen vs regular air
Discussion of the difference between pure oxygen (29min record) and regular air (11.5min record) breath-holding, including safety considerations, oxygen toxicity risks, and how pressure affects oxygen tolerance.Training and safety
Methods to monitor consciousness, how divers learn their limits, competition protocols, role of coaches/safety personnel, and training techniques like CO2 tolerance building and body awareness.Hollywood underwater filming
Discussion of actors' breath-holding achievements during Avatar 2 filming, including Sigourney Weaver (6.5 mins) and Kate Winslet (7+ mins), plus historical challenges of underwater filming.