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Sunday, August 31, 2025
Tech

Software Development & Engineering 💻

The Sprint Retro Flow that actually improves velocity (5 minutes read)

A tech lead shares a sprint retro flow to boost velocity by giving everyone a voice and turning frustrations into insight. The 30-minute process includes brainstorming, voting, deep diving, and defining action items, with key steps tracked through immediate logging, mid-sprint reminders, and post-retro reporting for lasting impact.

Optimistic or Pessimistic? Understanding Locking in Databases (10 minutes read)

Optimistic and pessimistic locking in databases have distinct approaches to concurrency. Optimistic locking allows concurrent updates by checking version numbers or unique identifiers, while pessimistic locking ensures strict data consistency with exclusive access. Developers must weigh conflict frequency, performance needs, and data integrity constraints when choosing between these strategies.

A type system for RCL (2024) (9 minutes read)

RCL's new type system aims to enhance code readability and prevent bugs through optional type annotations. The author seeks a balance between self-documenting and flexibility, ensuring RCL can still generate valid JSON output without restriction. The goal is to improve code quality while deferring runtime checks when necessary for optimal performance.

Hardware & Infrastructure 🔧

How I Solved S3 Write Contention with a Distributed Lock Server (2 minutes read)

The author overcame S3 write contention by building a distributed lock server, outlining the issue and evaluating various locking strategies before implementing a simple RESTful HTTP API-based solution in Rust. Client libraries for multiple languages were created to integrate with workers, ensuring only one worker can access an S3 bucket simultaneously.

Framework Laptop 16 (50 minutes read)

The Framework Laptop 16 comprehensive guide provides an extensive resource hub for users to enhance their device's capabilities. The guide covers various aspects, including hardware development, community forums, and repair guides, catering to both enthusiasts and professionals. Users can find CAD designs, firmware, and replacement components for their laptop, as well as access the framework store for customization options and tools. Additionally, a newsletter subscription option keeps users informed about new products and promotions. Essential pages, such as terms of service and warranty information, are also available, providing a one-stop solution for users looking to customize or repair their Framework Laptop 16.

US Intel (19 minutes read)

The US tech industry faces significant challenges, including China's growing dominance in AI and technology. According to author Ben Thompson, the US has failed to create a robust domestic tech ecosystem, leading to dependence on Chinese companies like Huawei and BYD. The lack of investment in education and research in STEM fields, as well as the inability of US companies to innovate, is partly to blame. To address these challenges, Thompson proposes investing in education, reducing regulatory barriers, and developing a more competitive domestic tech ecosystem. The US must take action to ensure its continued dominance in the global tech industry.

AI & Machine Learning 🤖

AI collaborator wrote a working C compiler from scratch (Repo)

WyrmCC is a Rust-written C89 compiler with an LLVM backend, offering a quick start guide for building and running tests. It provides code formatting guidance and supports Cargo-based linting and testing. Dual-licensed under Apache 2.0 and MIT licenses, WyrmCC has seen minimal activity, with only one star and zero forks on its GitHub page.

Feeling Cranky About AI and CS Education (8 minutes read)

Valerie Barr, a Margaret Hamilton Distinguished Professor at Bard College, argues that AI's inclusion in CS education should be approached with caution due to concerns over its impact on learning sciences and HCI, industry needs, and ethical considerations. She advocates for a balanced approach emphasizing critical thinking and social responsibility.

Security & Privacy 🔒

Alarm as US far-right extremists eye drones for use in domestic attacks (5 minutes read)

A JavaScript code snippet has been discovered for The Guardian's website, focusing on navigation menus and search functionality. It allows users to toggle menus with a "veggie burger" button and search jobs using a provided link, enhancing interactive features for an engaging user experience, likely aimed at improving site navigation and discovery.

U.S. And Allies Declare Salt Typhoon Hack A National Defense Crisis (7 minutes read)

The FBI has declared a national defense crisis due to the Salt Typhoon cyber campaign's widespread infiltration of global telecommunications networks by Chinese state-backed hackers. The campaign compromised core routers and management planes across 80+ countries, stealing sensitive data and undermining global network integrity, threatening the stability of international communication systems.

Verizon’s ‘software issue’ has disconnected many wireless customers across the US (7 minutes read)

Verizon has introduced an administrative charge that will be added to customers' monthly bills, sparking concerns over fee increases. The company is also adopting Google's Gemini AI technology for improved customer service, including a new chatbot. Verizon now offers a three-year price lock policy for its MyPlan customers until 2028.

Industry & Business 💼

7 Must-Have Engineering Manager Stories That Will Land You the Offer (24 minutes read)

As an engineering manager, having a strong set of stories can make all the difference in landing a job offer. To stand out, focus on sharing raw, authentic experiences that showcase your skills, leadership abilities, and personal growth, highlighting what you've learned from challenges and obstacles.

House Republicans Investigate Wikipedia for Alleged “Anti-Israel” Bias (20 minutes read)

The source code for Truthout's website reveals the layout and functionality of its independent, non-profit news organization. The code includes essential elements like navigation menus, articles, social media links, a donation bar, job openings, and contact information, showcasing the platform's diverse range of topics and interactive features.

Open Source & Community 🌟

“Trump is dead” trends on X: Here’s what we know (6 minutes read)

President Donald Trump was recently spotted at an unspecified event or location, sparking speculation about his activities and whereabouts. Despite limited details, some are speculating based on unconfirmed reports or rumors, while the article itself provides only a brief summary of the news story without in-depth analysis or discussion.

Guido van Rossum revisits Python's life in a new documentary (18 minutes read)

A recent article from New Stack explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and web development, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. The emergence of AI agents raises questions about trustworthiness, while open source AI projects face difficulties in achieving returns on investment (ROI). WebAssembly is discussed as a platform for developing fast, isolated applications, with tools like Wassette bridging the gap between Wasm and MCP. Meanwhile, Fastly reveals that senior developers ship 2.5 times more AI code than junior colleagues, underscoring the need for training and expertise in this rapidly evolving field of DevOps.

Published by Merge Conflict Digest