The author discusses the importance of regularly analyzing and optimizing the build process in compiled languages to combat 'compiler creep,' which refers to the gradual increase in compile times as projects grow. The author share...
A small language model for sentence rewriting is being developed to enhance user experience in customer service by converting passive voice to active voice.
The proposal aims to enhance the Harper grammar checker by allowing users to customize language rules through 'Weirpacks' tailored to specific fields and a marketplace for sharing them.
5.7Building the Weir Language
2025-12-11 • programming grammar style guide harper weir
Weir is a new programming language aimed at allowing users to define and enforce customizable linguistic rules for grammar checking.
Deep reading is a rare but essential skill for software engineers, enhancing understanding and problem-solving capabilities in their professional work.
5.6Do Not Write with an LLM
2026-03-02 • productivity writing technology creativity ai
Relying on AI for writing undermines the cognitive process of thinking and creativity, and tools should enhance, not replace, personal expression.
The post highlights the need for open-source maintainers to understand their codebase deeply to effectively review and improve AI-generated code, avoiding the pitfalls of 'slop'.
5.6LaTeX Support Is Coming to Harper
2026-02-18 • programming editing stem latex harper
Harper will soon support LaTeX, addressing a significant user demand and tapping into a largely underserved market of STEM professionals and students.
The post critiques harmful software traits and advocates for creating fast, reliable applications that enhance user agency and meaningful engagement.
Harper aims to enhance its writing tool by integrating an active voice feature to compete with Grammarly, leveraging language models for effective implementation.
The author explores the effectiveness of LLMs in generating rules for the Weir programming language, showcasing their ability to handle complex language tasks efficiently.
The blog post discusses Harper's transition from a strictly local-first approach to incorporating a centralized service while maintaining user privacy. It highlights the need for a centralized service to address user feedback more...
The blog post discusses complaints regarding the performance of the Harper Chrome extension, particularly its slow rendering of highlights on web pages. The author identifies that the issue stems from the extension's reliance on t...
Updates on the Weir programming language include keyword changes, module deprecation, and plans for future enhancements.
The author reflects on user feedback regarding the software Harper, noting a reduction in bugs but an emergence of visual design issues. Acknowledging the importance of aesthetics, the author commits to improving Harper's design b...
The post discusses the nuanced view of collaboration in the context of open source projects, arguing that while excessive collaboration can be counterproductive, a balanced approach is essential for motivation and project success....
The author discusses the importance of creating a working demo for greenfield projects, sharing personal experiences from high school and the development of a language model. The post emphasizes how demos not only prove concepts b...
5.1Imagine a Weir Studio
2026-01-16 • programming grammar spell checking weir harper.js
Weir Studio aims to empower users to create customizable grammar and spell-checking rules without programming knowledge, enhancing the functionality of tools like Harper.js.
The blog post announces the release of Harper's 1.0.0 version, highlighting the significance of this milestone and the community's contributions. The author explains the reasons for the delay in reaching this version, emphasizing ...
The author, a maintainer of the Harper project, shares strategies for managing the overwhelming flow of issues and pull requests in open source projects. Key points include setting clear policies for prioritizing issues, addressin...
The author argues that the primary challenge in software engineering is managing complexity rather than writing code or documentation. They express concern over the increasing tech debt in their project, Harper, and highlight the ...
The author discusses the unexpected challenges faced when using AI programming tools like OpenAI's Codex, particularly their inability to ask questions and iterate on their understanding before coding. The author shares an experim...
New open-source projects are emerging that utilize Harper, potentially influenced by its recent 1.0 release, emphasizing the need for realistic development practices.
The author emphasizes the importance of writing in their life, describing it as a mental workout that enhances self-understanding. They discuss their optimized writing environment as a software engineer, focusing on tools like Neo...