Atuin Desktop: Runbooks That Run

Atuin Desktop combines documentation and terminal functionality, allowing users to create executable runbooks that streamline workflows and reduce reliance on outdated docs. It features embedded terminals, dynamic runbooks, and real-time synchronization, facilitating team collaboration and automating tasks. Early access is available for those looking to simplify command execution and enhance operational efficiency.

https://blog.atuin.sh/atuin-desktop-runbooks-that-run/

How to Write Error Messages That Actually Help Users Rather Than Frustrate Them

Error messages should aid users, not frustrate them. Identify potential errors, communicate clearly and empathetically in a human-like manner, avoid whimsical language, use active voice, provide actionable next steps, and maintain consistency in messaging. This approach fosters user trust and enhances overall experience.

https://piccalil.li/blog/how-to-write-error-messages-that-actually-help-users-rather-than-frustrate-them/

Kate

Kate: Feature-rich text editor for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
Supports multi-file editing, syntax highlighting for 300+ languages, multi-cursor features, and customizable hotkeys.
Includes powerful plugins like an embedded terminal and search/replace tools, optimized for coding with autocompletion and language support.
Recent updates include contributions and enhancements for font rendering and formatting tools.

https://kate-editor.org/

OpenAI Debuts Codex CLI, an Open Source Coding Tool for Terminals

OpenAI launched Codex CLI, an open-source coding tool for terminals to enhance AI integration in programming. It links local code and computing tasks with OpenAI's models, enabling tasks like code writing and editing. While it supports multimodal reasoning and includes future models, it doesn’t offer fully autonomous coding capabilities. OpenAI will distribute $1 million in API grants to encourage its use. However, AI coding tools present risks, such as the potential to introduce security vulnerabilities.

https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/16/openai-debuts-codex-cli-an-open-source-coding-tool-for-terminals/

Regex Isn’t Hard

Regex is perceived as complex, but focusing on a core subset simplifies it. Knowing regex is valuable for efficient problem-solving in programming. Key concepts include character sets, repetition, groups, and specific operators (|, ^, $). Avoid complex shortcuts, preferring straightforward methods. Regex is fairly consistent across languages, making it easier to learn. A basic understanding yields significant utility in text processing.

https://timkellogg.me/blog/2023/07/11/regex

Regex Affordances

Python regex offers powerful text manipulation features without requiring complex matching. The “substitute_variables” function in Coverage.py demonstrates how to expand environment variables in configuration using a straightforward regex. Key regex features include verbose syntax for clarity, named groups for retrieval, and the ability to use functions for matches in replacements—enhancing readability and maintainability in code. Regex can be powerful and manageable when applied correctly.

https://nedbatchelder.com/blog/202504/regex_affordances.html

(All) Databases Are Just Files. Postgres Too

All databases, including PostgreSQL, are fundamentally just files, but interaction with PostgreSQL can feel complex due to its structure. Understanding components like data directories, configuration files, and commands enhances usability and workflow efficiency. Simplifying PostgreSQL setup fosters better debugging and control, avoiding detachment typical of default installations. While manual management is suited for development, grasping PostgreSQL's processes helps cultivate confidence and optimization in data handling, similar to the user-friendly experiences offered by SQLite and DuckDB.

https://tselai.com/all-databases-are-just-files

MAKING SOFTWARE

“Making Software” is a manual by Dan Hollick that explains how everyday software works, covering topics like touch screens, Gaussian blur, bezier curves, rasterization, and more. It aims to enhance curiosity, not to teach software development or design. The book includes diagrams for clarity and is accessible to non-technical readers. It contains chapters on pixels, fonts, 3D, AI, data, networking, compilers, and miscellaneous topics. Currently a digital project, it may include pre-orders for early access.

https://www.makingsoftware.com/

Introducing GPT-4.1 in the API

GPT-4.1 API Launch Summary:
OpenAI introduces GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and GPT-4.1 nano, featuring significant improvements in coding, instruction following, long context comprehension (up to 1 million tokens), and enhanced performance metrics over previous models, particularly in coding and real-world applications. These models are crafted based on developer feedback, reducing costs and latency significantly. Early testers report higher accuracy and efficiency across various tasks, making GPT-4.1 suitable for complex tasks in coding and legal contexts. The models are exclusively available via API, with GPT-4.5 being deprecated as GPT-4.1 offers superior capabilities at lower operational costs.

https://openai.com/index/gpt-4-1/

The Post-Developer Era • Josh W. Comeau

TLDR: Despite concerns about AI replacing developers, skilled humans are still essential in software development. AI tools like LLMs have become popular but often require human guidance, and current job market challenges stem from economic factors and layoffs, not automation. Opportunities remain for aspiring developers, as companies still need human expertise, and trends suggest growth in tech jobs. Use AI as an enhancement tool, not a replacement, and build connections to improve job prospects.

https://www.joshwcomeau.com/blog/the-post-developer-era/

TLS Certificate Lifetimes Will Officially Reduce to 47 Days

TLS certificate lifetimes will officially reduce to 47 days, with gradual reductions leading up to this date. Starting March 15, 2026, the maximum lifetime will be 200 days, decreasing to 100 days in 2027, and finally reaching 47 days by March 15, 2029. This change aims to enhance trust in certificate information and improve revocation reliability. Automation will be essential for managing these shorter lifetimes. Despite concerns about increased costs from more frequent replacements, it is anticipated that automation will mitigate this issue.

https://www.digicert.com/blog/tls-certificate-lifetimes-will-officially-reduce-to-47-days

Evidence

Evidence: Open-source framework for building SQL-based data applications. User-friendly, pre-built queries for fast performance. Integrates easily into existing data stacks, supports version control, and deploys as a static site. Features interactive components and high-quality visualizations. Well-received by users for its impact on data reporting and team engagement.

https://evidence.dev/

Ten Python Datetime Pitfalls, and What Libraries Are (not) Doing About It

Summary: Python's datetime library has several pitfalls, including issues with naïve vs. aware datetimes, DST handling, ambiguities, and equality comparisons. Third-party libraries like Arrow, Pendulum, DateType, and Heliclockter address some of these but not all. A new library has been developed to provide distinct classes for various datetime use cases, improve DST handling, and avoid silent failures caused by non-existent or ambiguous date-times.

https://dev.arie.bovenberg.net/blog/python-datetime-pitfalls/

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