Creating My First Game Prototype in a Browser: The Journey So Far

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User developing a browser-based 3D game prototype, inspired by Bruno Simon, using Three.js, shaders, and physics engines. Initial idea sparked from a desire to create an interactive environment for exploration, leading to the incorporation of terrain, animated models, and physics definitions. Key features include directional controls, camera movement, grass addition, and plans for gameplay elements like lore and collectibles. The project is ongoing and users can try the current version.

https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/02/10/creating-my-first-game-prototype-in-a-browser-the-journey-so-far/

7 Crucial PostgreSQL Best Practices

TLDR: Follow PostgreSQL best practices for optimal performance, security, and maintainability:

  1. Database Design: Use consistent naming conventions and schema design.
  2. Performance Optimization: Implement proper indexing and write efficient queries.
  3. Security: Enforce access control and strong password policies.
  4. Backup and Recovery: Maintain comprehensive backup strategies and regularly test recovery procedures.
  5. Maintenance and Monitoring: Schedule routine maintenance and monitor key metrics.
  6. Development Practices: Use version control and organize database code effectively.
  7. High Availability: Set up replication and load balancing.

Regularly review and adapt practices for database robustness and reliability.

https://speakdatascience.com/postgresql-best-practices/

Scaling With PostgreSQL Without Boiling the Ocean

TLDR: Scale PostgreSQL effectively via internal solutions, addressing issues like lock contention, advisory locks, foreign keys, index bloat, TOAST, and multi-tenancy. Optimize performance with strategies such as short transactions, counter caching, and partitioning. Use schema designs favoring append-only patterns and implement zero-downtime upgrades. Focus on monitoring and appropriate indexing to maintain efficiency as the system grows.

https://www.shayon.dev/post/2025/40/scaling-with-postgresql-without-boiling-the-ocean/

Do-nothing Scripting: the Key to Gradual Automation

Do-nothing scripting automates tedious manual tasks incrementally by creating scripts that guide users through each step without executing them. This approach helps maintain focus and facilitates future automation by encasing each procedure step in a function, reducing the complexity of manual processes over time while not initially saving effort.

https://blog.danslimmon.com/2019/07/15/do-nothing-scripting-the-key-to-gradual-automation/

HTML Whitespace Is Broken

HTML whitespace is complex and often leads to unintended design issues due to ambiguity in how spaces are treated. Inline elements preserve spaces differently than block elements, and CSS can further complicate whitespace behavior. Issues arise in tools like automated formatting, content management systems, and minification, which can inadvertently alter how whitespace is rendered. The confusion stems from the need to balance developer intent with rendered output. Though 

 tags retain whitespace, they can be awkward to use, and CSS properties like white-space provide some control over behavior but don’t fully resolve the challenge. The intricacies of HTML whitespace lead to persistent problems for developers and require careful management of both content and styling.


https://blog.dwac.dev/posts/html-whitespace/

We Are Destroying Software

Destroying software: ignoring complexity, using complex builds, bloated dependencies, discouraging learning (reinventing wheels), neglecting API compatibility, unnecessary rewrites, chasing trends, underestimating existing libraries, preferring standards over tailored solutions, dismissing code comments, viewing coding as mere engineering, complicating simplicity, prioritizing speed over quality, risking loss of joy in hacking.

https://antirez.com/news/145

Coding the Hard Way? I Tried 9 Best AI Code Generators

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Summary: The article discusses the author's experience with AI code generators, highlighting their ability to simplify and enhance coding tasks by translating plain English into executable code. The author tested nine top AI code generators: ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Gemini, Pieces for Developers, Crowdbotics Platform, Tune AI, Gemini Code Assist, Sourcegraph Cody, and Amazon CodeWhisperer, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in terms of accuracy, usability, and integration. Despite frustrations with error handling and outdated syntax, these tools significantly reduce manual coding effort and optimize workflow for both experienced developers and novices.

https://learn.g2.com/best-ai-code-generators

Personal Software

Personal computers in the 90s lacked truly personalized software, offering one-size-fits-all solutions. AI is now enabling anyone to create custom, single-use applications tailored to their needs, eliminating previous barriers for non-developers. This shift is akin to cooking at home—users can build exactly what they want without unnecessary features. As software creation becomes easier, more people will engage in building apps, leading to greater innovation and higher standards for quality software. Personal software creation fosters understanding and appreciation, making it an exciting era for individualized tech solutions.

https://leerob.com/n/personal-software

GitHub Copilot Previews Agent Mode as Market for Agentic AI Coding Tools Accelerates

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GitHub launches Copilot agent mode, enhancing AI-driven coding. It enables auto error correction and task handling. Project Padawan, a fully autonomous agent, is in preview. GitHub's advancements in agentic AI aim to keep pace with competitors like Replit and Bolt in the evolving development landscape.

https://venturebeat.com/ai/github-copilot-previews-agent-mode-as-market-for-agentic-ai-coding-tools-accelerates/

How to Use GitHub’s AI Coding Assistant for Free

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GitHub Copilot now offers a free plan for its AI coding assistant. Users can set it up in VS Code and experiment with its capabilities, including error detection and code writing, despite some limitations on performance. To start using it, ensure you have VS Code and a GitHub account, follow the simple setup steps, and adjust privacy settings if desired. The free plan allows for 50 queries per month, providing an opportunity to assess its usefulness in coding tasks.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-use-githubs-ai-coding-assistant-for-free-and-why-its-worth-a-try/

DeepSeek Coding Has the Capability to Transfer Users’ Data Directly to the Chinese Government

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DeepSeek, a popular AI app, may secretly send user data to the Chinese government, raising national security concerns. Experts found hidden code that links user information to Chinese servers, potentially allowing direct access by the state. U.S. officials, including cybersecurity experts and congressional representatives, warn about the risks, urging immediate bans on government devices. DeepSeek's terms imply compliance with Chinese law, further alarming privacy advocates.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/deepseek-coding-capability-transfer-users-data-directly-chinese/story?id=118465451

Software Development Topics I’ve Changed My Mind on After 10 Years in the Industry

After 10 years in software development, I've changed my views on several topics:

  • Simplicity requires effort.
  • Managing complexity lacks pride.
  • Typed languages benefit diverse teams.
  • Java's stability is valuable.
  • REPLs are for exploration, not design.
  • Code should follow thorough planning.
  • Frontend development is overly complex.
  • Elegance isn't a useful measure.
  • Effective management is crucial.
  • DynamoDB is good for specific workloads.
  • Object-oriented programming has its place.

New insights include the importance of communication, allowing junior developers to learn through mistakes, and the futility of ORMs. I still believe in the relevance of monoliths over microservices and caution against unnecessary scaling.

Looking forward to reevaluating these in another five years.

https://chriskiehl.com/article/thoughts-after-10-years

Chat Is a Bad UI Pattern for Development tools—Daniel De Laney

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Chat is ineffective for development tools; precision is needed in programming. AI was expected to streamline this, allowing plain English for coding, but current AI tools fail to deliver usable software. Programming requires clarity and organization, not conversation. Effective tools will prioritize structured documentation over chat, leading to better software development. The first company to recognize this will lead the next wave in AI development tools.

https://danieldelaney.net/chat/

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