Issue 017 - Computers are Just Tools

In that place (Western Sichuan), stacking stones represents wishing for blessings.

This weekly publication is open source, recording what is seen and heard each week, mainly focusing on front-end development, AI, independent development, open-source tools, etc. Published every Saturday/weekend, submissions are welcome, and we look forward to your follow/subscribe~

>> Topics to Discuss

Computers are Just Tools

Recently, with the awarding of the 2024 Nobel Prize, it has sparked a lot of discussion online, as the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to the father of artificial intelligence, Geoffrey Hinton, highlighting that a prize in the field of physics was given in relation to artificial intelligence in the computer field; in addition, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was also awarded for contributions to AI.

Now, computers are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, and many people from other fields have some knowledge of computer-related technologies, such as Python and front-end skills. With the development of AI, individuals from other fields can quickly reach a relatively high level of competence in using computer technology. For instance, the now-popular Cursor and Bolt editors helped a non-technical person rapidly develop a website in just two hours.

Conversely, if we are professionals in the computer field yet only understand computer-related concepts, our competitive edge will diminish. This era seems to increasingly require talent that crosses fields, such as computer science + physics, computer science + psychology, etc. It is similar to how we should understand business while working in a company; only by grasping another domain can we truly leverage the role of computing within that field.

This is also why many independent developers continue developing the same three applications (to-do lists, budgeting tools, note-taking apps) — because many individuals have limited understanding of other domains and only focus on development-related tools, such as creating a tool site or an information aggregation platform. They find it challenging to identify the needs of other areas, which naturally leads to a lack of innovative development.

Due to the National Day holiday, this is a two-week compilation, covering some long-term information.

>> Must Read

2024 Self-Deployment Survey Report

Longtime users should already know that this publication has recommended many self-deployable applications. The author is also quite interested in self-deployment. This is a survey report on self-deployment applications for 2024, and here are a few insights:

• 97.7% of respondents are self-hosting


• The top three motivations for self-hosting services: learning, privacy, cost


• High usage rate of Docker Compose

Nobel Prize in Physics Awarded to AI Innovators

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry also awarded to AI contributors

More

• Video-zero established


• Tauri 2.0 officially released


• Lucia expected to stop maintenance


• ESLint now supports MD and JSON


• The Disappearance of Internet Domains

>> Useful Tools

Generate Beautiful QR Codes Using JavaScript!

With 16 beautiful presets, and you can also adjust to create your custom presets~

The repository author has also written an article to explain the principles behind this library: https://kylezhe.ng/posts/crafting_qr_codes

Free, High-Quality Front-End Architecture Fundamentals Course

The curriculum is as follows:

I. Basics

1. What is software architecture?


2. What is front-end architecture?


3. Role of the front-end architect

II. Understanding

1. Architecture driving factors


2. Quality attributes


3. Documenting architectural requirements


4. Visualizing front-end architecture using C4 model

III. Design

1. Design transformations


2. Making technical decisions


3. Decomposing user interfaces into modules and components


4. Risk brainstorming and prototyping

IV. Implementation

1. Turning architecture into code


2. Defining project structure


3. Adapting to changing requirements


4. Documenting architectural decisions

Open-Source Audio/Video Player Theme

An open-source audio/video player theme suitable for any web player and framework.

Demo: https://player.style/

Well-Organized Remote Work List

This has already received 32K+ stars on GitHub

SVG List Website

Static Website Showcase

More

• Random Girlfriend Webpage


• Public APIs with 310k stars on GitHub


• Open-Source Self-Deployable Real-Time Collaboration Sticky Notes


• Material-Style Themed Browser Tabs


• Simplex Chat


• Markdown Editor


• Docx

>> Interesting Finds

Life is Full of Math - Normal Distribution

Better to Apply than to Submit Resumes

>> Worth Reading

How to Manage Dangerous Actions in User Interfaces

This is quite detailed and worth reading for people in front-end, design, etc.!

Node VS Bun

A comparison of the performance of Bun and Node, focusing on their performance as server-side JavaScript runtimes, especially considering Bun’s many features.

7 Simple Tips to Improve Daily Focus

1. Have a low-dopamine morning


2. Meditate


3. Write it down


4. Exercise


5. Reduce social media


6. Take Vitamin B and C supplements


7. Avoid sugar, alcohol, and caffeine

(Though a bit clichéd, reading it again can make the points more memorable.)

More

• LLM Cross-Referencing to Improve Accuracy


• Building: Past, Present, Future


• Including People in Personal Websites


• QUERY Request Method in HTTP


• RAG


• Worse is Better


• The Nature of Time


• Practices of Reliable Software Design