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MERGE CONFLICT DIGEST
Monday, September 1, 2025
Tech

Software Development & Engineering đź’»

Structured bindings in C++17, 8 years later (11 minutes read)

C++'s structured bindings have evolved significantly since C++17, offering improved conciseness and readability for complex data structures. The feature is now utilized in various use cases, including map iteration, char handling, and hash computation, while attributes like `maybe_unused` provide additional flexibility to developers.

Replacing a cache service with a database (4 minutes read)

The article explores replacing traditional caches with databases to achieve low-latency pre-computed data access. However, current database limitations, such as scalability and cost, hinder their suitability for certain use cases. The author suggests bridging this gap through techniques like Incremental View Maintenance (IVM) and partial read replicas, but acknowledges significant work remains.

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.

Hardware & Infrastructure đź”§

China to unveil US ship-killing weapons at military parade (6 minutes read)

China is set to unveil advanced military capabilities, including ship-destroying hypersonic missiles, at a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday. The event marks the 80th anniversary of World War II and features tens of thousands of soldiers marching through Tiananmen Square. China aims to counter threats from the US, Russia, and others with these new capabilities.

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.

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 đź”’

What Every Argument About Sideloading Gets Wrong (2 minutes read)

The controversy surrounding sideloading highlights a broader debate about user freedom versus manufacturer control. While some argue for unfettered code execution, the author suggests that Google's restrictions on sideloading are actually about controlling the operating system, not hardware. Alternative OS support and technical support should be the focus instead of criticizing existing restrictions.

Google is Restricting Android’s Freedom – Say Goodbye to Installing APKs? (5 minutes read)

Google's decision to block APK installation on Android starting from version 16 in 2026 has sparked concerns among users. This change could restrict user freedom and innovation, leading to a more centralized control. To defend their right to choose apps, Android users are advised to act now as the change is set for 2026.

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.

Industry & Business đź’Ľ

American nuclear company to sell nuclear technology to India to help it achieve its thorium dream (11 minutes read)

The US has granted an export license to Clean Core Thorium Energy, a significant step towards closer cooperation between the US and India on atomic energy. This move is seen as a major boost for thorium-based nuclear power generation, which could provide cleaner and more sustainable energy globally.

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.

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.

Other 📝

Notes on Managing ADHD (41 minutes read)

This comprehensive guide offers strategies, tools, and techniques to help individuals with ADHD overcome common challenges and achieve their goals. By embracing neuroticism through complex organization, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and using effective tools like Todoist, readers can boost productivity and arrive on time for important events.

Published by Merge Conflict Digest