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 Despite frustrations with error handling and outdated syntax, these tools significantly reduce manual coding effort and optimize workflow for both experienced developers and novices.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/

Bill Gates on Coding, Math and Generative AI

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Bill Gates emphasizes the importance of coding and math skills even in an AI-driven world, arguing they are essential for understanding AI's workings. In an Axios interview, he compares learning math to coding, asserting that foundational knowledge helps comprehend AI's strengths and weaknesses. Gates critiques the notion of banning AI in education, advocating for its integration alongside traditional assessment methods. He also reveals a personal note in his new book, recognizing traits of autism spectrum disorder, hoping to inspire similar children.

https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/bill-gates-coding-matters-generative-ai

Beej’s Guide to Git

Beej's Guide to Git is a comprehensive resource by Brian “Beej Jorgensen” Hall, detailing Git and GitHub usage, workflows, commands, and collaboration techniques. The guide includes setup instructions, file management, branching, merging, and advanced topics like rebasing and stashing. It also covers remote repositories, configuration, and tools for conflict resolution. Versions up to February 2025 are included, emphasizing practical application and collaboration in software development.

https://beej.us/guide/bggit/html/split/

Developer Philosophy

Developer Philosophy @ Things Of Interest

  • Ground-up rewrites are risky; avoid situations leading to them.
  • Aim for 90% completion in 50% of the time; polish and testing take longer than expected.
  • Automate adherence to best practices rather than relying solely on manual enforcement.
  • Prioritize handling edge cases and unexpected data.
  • Write code that is simpler and easily testable with clear interfaces.
  • Code should be obviously correct and handle potential failures gracefully.

https://qntm.org/devphilo

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