Software: Weekly Summary (May 26 - June 01, 2025)

Apple's DepthPro on Maxar's Imagery

So, let's dive into the world of satellite imagery and depth estimation. Mark Litwintschik takes us on a journey with Apple's DepthPro, a model that's all about estimating depth. Imagine trying to figure out how deep a pool is just by looking at a picture. That's kinda what DepthPro does, but with satellite images of Bangkok, Thailand. Mark goes into the nitty-gritty of the hardware and software setup, which might sound like tech jargon to some, but it's like setting up a new gaming console for others. He talks about tiling Maxar's imagery and running scripts to create depth maps. It's like piecing together a giant jigsaw puzzle, but with data. And if you're curious about the heatmaps and what they reveal, Mark's got you covered. He even offers consulting services if you're itching to dive deeper into this tech.

BBEdit 15.5

Now, if you're into text editors, Michael J. Tsai has some news for you. BBEdit 15.5 is out, and it's got this cool feature called 'workspaces'. Think of it like having different rooms in your house for different activities. You can switch between them without losing your place. There's also support for FTPS, which is like having a secure lock on your digital door. Plus, there are writing tools and improvements for Unix scripts. It's like giving your old car a new engine and a fresh coat of paint. And if you're into data, you can preview CSV and TSV files, which is like peeking into a box of chocolates before you decide which one to eat.

Business Logic: Decoding the Business Layer of Software

Akshay Khot is launching a newsletter called Business Logic. It's not just about Ruby on Rails, but also about running a software services business, freelancing, AI, and hiring. It's like a buffet of topics for anyone in the software industry. Akshay also shares book notes, which is like getting a sneak peek into someone else's bookshelf. If you're looking to expand your knowledge or just curious about the business side of software, this might be worth checking out.

Zombie Features

Ever heard of zombie features? Below Water Level talks about these hidden costs in software products. They're like those old toys you find in the attic that you never play with but can't seem to throw away. These features can be a financial and operational burden for businesses. It's a bit like keeping a car you never drive but still have to maintain. If you're in the software business, it's worth thinking about what features are truly necessary and which ones are just taking up space.

What Are People Still Doing on X? & Yet another reason to ditch Adobe

Creativerly has a newsletter that's a bit of a mixed bag. It's like a grab bag of tech updates, new apps, and software. There's also a mention of OpenAI acquiring Jony Ive's AI startup, which is like a big tech company buying a cool new gadget. And if you're tired of Adobe, there's another reason to consider alternatives. It's like finding out your favorite restaurant has a new competitor in town.

RNG, PRNG and Entropy: Why Your Software's "Chaos" is Probably Broken

Pablo dives into the world of randomness in software. It's like trying to predict the weather in a place where it changes every five minutes. He talks about the difference between randomness and arbitrariness, and the risks of deterministic predictability. It's a bit like playing a game where you know the outcome before you start. If you're into cybersecurity or blockchain, this is a topic worth exploring.

Eating From the Trough - thejaymo

Jay Springett shares his plan to immerse himself in AI-generated content and music for a week. It's like going on a digital detox, but in reverse. He also touches on the ickiness of video games and their impact on relationships. It's a bit like discussing the pros and cons of fast food. Jay also shares updates on his personal and professional projects, giving a glimpse into his world.

Security Starts Where Convenience Ends

Julien Danjou raises concerns about the lack of attention to security in French software companies. It's like leaving your front door unlocked because it's more convenient. He emphasizes the need for security measures and accountability, warning of potential breaches and leaks. It's a reminder that convenience shouldn't come at the cost of security.

As a developer, my most important tools are a pen and a notebook

Juha-Matti Santala talks about the importance of a notebook in software development. It's like having a trusty sidekick that helps you solve problems and design code. Writing and sketching are valuable tools for thinking and documenting the thought process. It's a reminder that sometimes the simplest tools are the most effective.

Technical Material That Stood The Test of Time

Gebna shares a list of technical articles and videos that are considered timeless for developers. It's like having a collection of classic movies that never go out of style. Topics include database indexing, atomic design, flexbox, and more. If you're looking to brush up on your skills or learn something new, this list is a great place to start.

And there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the latest discussions in the software world. Each post offers a unique perspective, and there's plenty more to explore if you're curious. Whether you're into depth estimation, text editors, business logic, or security, there's something here for everyone. So, why not dive in and see what catches your interest?