An analysis of distributed systems programming models reveals limitations in current approaches: external-distribution, static-location, and arbitrary-location paradigms. Despite advancements in distributed systems over the last decade, programming models haven't fundamentally improved, leading to ongoing challenges with concurrency, fault tolerance, and versioning.
An exploration of different methods for representing 3D rotations, from Euler angles to quaternions, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The discussion covers historical challenges like gimbal lock in the Apollo missions and demonstrates how quaternions solve discontinuity issues in rotation representation. The text concludes with insights into four-degree-of-freedom gimbal systems and their practical applications.
Memory safety vulnerabilities have been a persistent security challenge costing billions, prompting a call for industry-wide standardization and secure-by-design practices. Recent advancements in memory-safe languages like Rust and hardware technologies offer promising solutions for widespread adoption. Google advocates for establishing a common framework to assess memory safety assurances and drive industry-wide adoption of secure practices.
SpaceX is launching a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a mini data center to the moon as part of Lonestar Data Holdings' mission to establish lunar data storage facilities. The project aims to protect sensitive data from Earth-based hazards and bypass data sovereignty restrictions through space-based storage solutions. The initiative faces challenges like latency and maintenance but offers advantages including natural cooling and potential renewable power operations.
DARPA has issued a special notice for research and development in large bio-mechanical space structures, with responses due March 27, 2025. The contract focuses on basic research in national defense R&D services, specifically targeting physical, engineering, and life sciences applications.
A wiki navigation page provides comprehensive resources for IRIX operating system, including setup guides, software versions, and development tools. Recent update confirms SSL implementation and site functionality improvements as of February 2024.
David E. Weisberg chronicles the 80-year evolution of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) through extensive interviews with industry pioneers and detailed company histories. The comprehensive 650-page document covers CAD's development from its 1950s origins through the early 2000s, offering insights into the technology, companies, and individuals who revolutionized engineering design.
Exult is an open-source project recreating the classic 1990s RPG Ultima VII for modern operating systems while maintaining original plot and graphics. Recent updates include version 1.10.1 with critical bugfixes for Windows and Android platforms, following a major 1.10 release that introduced significant combat improvements and Android port completion.
Vine is an experimental programming language built on interaction nets, offering seamless integration between functional and imperative programming paradigms. The language is currently under active development with examples available for exploration.
A former programmer reflects on the frustrations of modern software development, highlighting challenges like incomplete domain knowledge, complex APIs, and constant technological evolution. The author expresses preference for small, manageable programming projects while suggesting that high-pressure development may be better suited for younger developers.