Bilingual

constrained languages are easier to optimize
a day ago
- Raw pointer languages (C, C++, unsafe Rust) are hard to optimize due to alias analysis and memory management.
- Constrained languages (Haskell, Futhark, SQL) give compilers more optimization freedom through additional structure like referential transparency or declarative semantics.
- Examples: Haskell stream fusion reduces nested loops to constant space; Futhark outperforms C on GPU tasks; SQL performance improves over decades via query planning.
- Performance hotspots can be addressed by using structured languages for those sections, reserving raw pointers for rare cases.
- Raw pointers are needed for specific optimizations (e.g., NaN boxing, XOR linked lists) but should be opt-in.
- Rust improves on C with unsafe opt-in, iterator fusion, and bounds check removal.
- The goal should be easy interop between languages, enabling use of the best tool for each task via inline DSLs or seamless FFI.
you are in a box
a day ago
- Switching costs cause tools to grow and stagnate; reducing switching costs via interoperability helps escape this trap.
- Interoperability methods include backwards compatibility, standardization, foreign function interfaces (FFI), and inter-process communication (IPC).
- Unix shells enable ad-hoc program composition through pipes, but lack structured data; structured IPC (e.g., PowerShell, nushell) adds types but has limitations.
- RPC provides in-band schema and strong typing but requires significant developer effort to implement.
- Programs are described as 'boxes' that trap data, making interop difficult; the author promises a future post on escaping this box.
European Commission Chooses to Keep EU Users Locked Up Behind Big Tech's Gates
12 days ago
- Users want more control over their social networking experience, including privacy and flexibility.
- Interoperability between platforms could allow users to switch to better privacy options while staying connected with friends on other platforms.
- The European Commission decided not to extend the DMA's interoperability mandate to social networking, citing lack of demand and technical complexity.
- This decision is seen as a missed opportunity to dismantle barriers for users wanting to leave big tech platforms.
- The DMA aims to foster competition by requiring gatekeeper platforms to open their ecosystems, including interoperability for messaging services.
- Existing protocols like ActivityPub show that technical solutions for interoperability are feasible.
- Demand for interoperability may not materialize without regulatory push, as platforms resist opening their ecosystems.
- Big Tech companies are resisting DMA requirements, with examples from Apple and Meta creating obstacles for users and competitors.
- The Commission's wait-and-see approach may strengthen incumbents and delay benefits for users.
- Future legislation like the EU Digital Fairness Act could address unfair practices, but users currently miss out on greater choice.
European Court: Apple Can Not Shirk Off Its Interoperability Requirements
14 days ago
- The European Union's General Court ruled against Apple, affirming its obligations under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), including interoperability requirements.
- The decision is seen as a win for developers, users, and researchers in Europe, promoting more app distribution choices and reducing barriers to studying Apple's OSes.
- Apple argued that interoperability compromises security, but the court and advocates contend that security and interoperability can coexist with proper implementation.
- The court rejected Apple's arguments against its 'gatekeeper' designation, stating that the App Store constitutes a core platform service across devices regardless of OS variations.
- Apple's claim that iMessage should not be classified as a number-independent interpersonal communication service was deemed inadmissible, as it did not affect its DMA obligations.
Introducing Rss.chat
18 days ago
- RSS.chat is presented as a social network built on RSS, envisioned as a network of small communities running on small servers.
- The project uses established technologies like RSS 2.0, OPML, Markdown, SQL, and WebSocket, supporting features like textcasting and rssCloud for instant updates.
- Developed in collaboration with Claude AI, the platform emphasizes interoperability and user choice, with plans to release under an MIT license and provide extensive API documentation.
- The author advocates for a decentralized web approach, where all components are replaceable, and criticizes forced standards like WebSub/Atom for being anti-interop.
- A nightly email newsletter is offered as a non-intrusive alternative for updates, highlighting loyalty and ease of unsubscription.

interoperability

constrained languages are easier to optimize

you are in a box

European Commission Chooses to Keep EU Users Locked Up Behind Big Tech's Gates

European Court: Apple Can Not Shirk Off Its Interoperability Requirements

Introducing Rss.chat