TLDR WEB DEV 2024-07-31

GOOGLE'S SECRET TO PAINLESS CODE REVIEWS

Google's internal code review tool Critique is highly rated among software engineers. This article looks at what makes Critique so good and explains how it pairs with Google's process of code review. It covers Google's guidelines for efficient code review, internal statistics on Google code reviews, and how Google uses AI effectively to speed up code reviews. Critique will never be open-sourced, but Google maintains a similar open-source code review tool called Gerrit.

DATA FETCHING IN USEEFFECT VS REMIX LOADER

While using useEffect for data fetching is common, it can lead to several issues, including race conditions, out-of-order responses, and inconsistent UI states. Remix's loader function, which provides built-in request cancellation, race condition prevention, and a smooth user experience, handles data fetching seamlessly. It also allows for custom loading states and provides flexibility and control over the user interface. Remix also has pre-rendering capabilities that deliver pre-rendered HTML with data included.

GARBAGE COLLECTION AND CLOSURES

JavaScript garbage collection doesn't always release memory when a function is no longer callable, especially if the function's scope contains references to global variables, leading to memory leaks.

SCOPE? HMM

In software development, "thoroughness" is a more accurate and productive concept than "scope" when discussing project timelines. Thoroughness encompasses the depth of problem exploration, experimentation, and the longevity of the solution. Rather than pressuring teams to "go faster" by sacrificing quality, it's more effective to have conversations about the desired level of thoroughness and its impact on delivery time.

FUNCTIONAL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES SHOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER AT MUTATION THAN THEY ARE

Functional programming languages should embrace mutation more effectively, as current approaches have significant drawbacks. This author critiques existing options, including allowing unrestricted mutation, limiting mutation to specific regions, and using linearity. A fundamentally new approach that addresses the shortcomings of current methods and integrates well with existing state management solutions is needed.

ON QUICK AND DIRTY CACHES

Quick and dirty caches, while imperfect, can be valuable tools for quickly improving software performance, especially in constrained environments, as long as developers are aware of their limitations and trade-offs.

RENDLEY

Rendley is a video editing SDK that enables JavaScript video editing in the browser. All processing is done client-side.

MASKA

Maska is a lightweight, zero-dependency input mask library that supports multiple frameworks and offers features like custom masks, number formatting, and dynamic input handling.

SSOREADY

SSOReady can be used to add SAML support to your product for free.

CALCULATING THE COST OF A GOOGLE DEEPMIND PAPER

FROM META CTO TO CLIMATE TECH INVESTOR: MIKE SCHROEPFER ON HIS BIG PIVOT

Mike Schroepfer, former CTO of Meta, left his role in 2021 to focus on combating climate change through both philanthropic and for-profit initiatives, including founding Gigascale Capital and launching Carbon to Sea. He wants to use technology to provide scalable solutions, such as enhanced ocean alkalinity, solar geoengineering, and glacier stabilization. Schroepfer aims to build proof-of-concept models to demonstrate viable climate solutions.

WHY DOESN'T ADVICE WORK?

People often ignore good advice, even when it seems obvious and beneficial. This might be for a few reasons, for example, the advice might be incomplete without lived experience, people might not understand the advice, or they might not believe it will work. Additionally, people might only be seeking reassurance or a way to start a conversation, and may only consider advice to be a "guardrail" to prevent catastrophic choices.

OFFICIAL TYPE UNIONS PROPOSAL BY THE C# LANGUAGE DESIGN TEAM

The C# language design team has proposed official type unions in a document detailing how they will be implemented and used.

WHITE HOUSE SAYS NO NEED TO RESTRICT 'OPEN-SOURCE' ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE — AT LEAST FOR NOW

The White House has determined that there is no need to restrict open-source artificial intelligence at this time, citing the potential benefits of open models while acknowledging ongoing concerns about AI safety.

ORCA

A WebAssembly-based stack for cross-platform apps.

PORFFOR

A from-scratch experimental ahead-of-time JS engine.