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  1. Blogger

    ZHS Autosuggestion

    Tutorials · Blogger · 01/15/25 06:21 PM

    By: Joshua Njiru
    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:21:02 +0000



    Mastering zsh-autosuggestions: A Comprehensive Guide
    By: Joshua Njiru
    Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
    Working in the terminal can become significantly more efficient with the right tools. One such powerful plugin is zsh-autosuggestions, designed for the Z shell (zsh). This guide covers everything you need to know to harness the full potential of this productivity-enhancing tool.
    What Is zsh-autosuggestions?
    zsh-autosuggestions is a plugin for zsh that offers command suggestions as you type. These suggestions are based on your command history and completions, appearing in light gray text. You can accept them with the right arrow key or other configured keybindings, streamlining command-line navigation and reducing typing errors.
    Key Benefits
    The plugin provides several advantages, making it a favorite among developers and system administrators:
    Minimizes typing errors by suggesting previously used commands.
    Speeds up command-line navigation with fewer keystrokes.
    Simplifies recall of complex commands you've used before.
    Provides instant feedback as you type.
    Integrates seamlessly with other zsh plugins and frameworks.
    Installation Guide
    You can install zsh-autosuggestions through various methods based on your setup.
    Using Oh My Zsh
    If you are using Oh My Zsh, follow these steps:
    Clone the repository into your Oh My Zsh plugins directory:
    git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ${ZSH_CUSTOM:-~/.oh-my-zsh/custom}/plugins/zsh-autosuggestions
    Add the plugin to your .zshrc file:
    plugins=(... zsh-autosuggestions)
    Apply the changes by restarting your terminal or running:
    source ~/.zshrc
    Manual Installation
    For a manual installation:
    Clone the repository:
    git clone https://github.com/zsh-users/zsh-autosuggestions ~/.zsh/zsh-autosuggestions
    Add the following line to your .zshrc file:
    source ~/.zsh/zsh-autosuggestions/zsh-autosuggestions.zsh
    Apply the changes:
    source ~/.zshrc Configuration Options
    zsh-autosuggestions is highly customizable. Here are some essential options:
    Changing Suggestion Strategy
    You can control how suggestions are generated:
    ZSH_AUTOSUGGEST_STRATEGY=(history completion) Customizing Appearance
    Modify the suggestion color to match your preferences:
    ZSH_AUTOSUGGEST_HIGHLIGHT_STYLE='fg=8' Modifying Key Bindings
    Set custom keys for accepting suggestions:
    bindkey '^[[' autosuggest-accept # Alt + Enter Tips for Maximum Productivity
    Use partial suggestions: Start typing a command and watch suggestions appear.
    Combine with fuzzy finding: Install fzf for advanced command-line search.
    Customize strategies: Adjust suggestion settings to suit your workflow.
    Master shortcuts: Learn keybindings to quickly accept suggestions.
    Troubleshooting Common Issues
    Slow Performance
    Clean up your command history.
    Adjust the suggestion strategy.
    Update to the latest version of the plugin.
    Suggestions Not Appearing
    Ensure the plugin is sourced correctly in your .zshrc.
    Verify terminal color support.
    Check for conflicts with other plugins.
    Advanced Features
    Custom Suggestion Strategies
    You can create your own suggestion logic:
    ZSH_AUTOSUGGEST_STRATEGY=custom_strategy function custom_strategy() { # Custom suggestion logic here } Integration with Other Tools
    zsh-autosuggestions pairs well with:
    fzf (fuzzy finder)
    zsh-syntax-highlighting
    zsh-completions
    zsh-autosuggestions is a powerful addition to your terminal workflow. By taking the time to configure and explore its features, you can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency.
    Related Articles from Unixmen:
    Linux Shell Scripting Part 2: Message Displaying, User Variables, and Environment Variables
    Linux Shell Scripting Part 1: Starting with Linux Shell Scripting
    Bash String Comparison: Comparing Strings in Shell Scripts
    The post "ZSH Autosuggestions" appeared first on Unixmen.
    This rewrite streamlines the structure, removes redundant formatting issues, and presents the content in a clear, professional manner.
  2. Blogger

    SSH Max Limits and Optimization

    Tutorials · Blogger · 01/15/25 05:38 PM

    By: Joshua Njiru
    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:38:03 +0000



    SSH (Secure Shell) is a powerful tool for remote administration and secure data transfer. However, it’s crucial to understand and configure its limits effectively to ensure optimal performance and security. This article will help you understand and configure SSH max limits for optimal performance and security.
    Connection Limits
    Connection limits in SSH, primarily controlled by settings like
    MaxStartups
    and
    MaxSessions
    , are crucial security measures.
    MaxStartups
    restricts the number of unauthenticated connection attempts, mitigating brute-force attacks.
    MaxSessions
    limits the number of active sessions per connection, preventing resource exhaustion and potential DoS attacks. These limits, along with other security measures like key-based authentication and firewall rules, contribute to a robust and secure SSH environment.
    SSH Max Sessions
    Default: 10
    Location:
    /etc/ssh/sshd_config
    Controls maximum number of simultaneous SSH sessions per connection
    MaxSessions <span class="token">10</span>
    SSH Max Startups
    Format:
    start:rate:full
    Default: 10:30:100
    Controls unauthenticated connection attempts
    MaxStartups <span class="token">10</span>:30:100
    <span class="token"># Allows 10 unauthenticated connections</span>
    <span class="token"># 30% probability of dropping connections when limit reached</span>
    <span class="token"># Full blocking at 100 connections</span>
    Client Alive Interval
    Default: 0 (disabled)
    Maximum: System dependent
    Checks client connectivity every X seconds
    ClientAliveInterval <span class="token">300</span>
    Client Alive Count Max
    Default: 3
    Maximum connection check attempts before disconnecting
    ClientAliveCountMax <span class="token">3</span>
    Authentication Limits
    Authentication limits in SSH primarily focus on restricting the number of failed login attempts. This helps prevent brute-force attacks where attackers systematically try various combinations of usernames and passwords to gain unauthorized access. By setting limits on the number of authentication attempts allowed per connection, you can significantly increase the difficulty for attackers to successfully compromise your system.
    MaxAuthTries
    Default: 6
    Maximum authentication attempts before disconnecting
    MaxAuthTries <span class="token">6</span>
    LoginGraceTime
    Default: 120 seconds
    Time allowed for successful authentication
    LoginGraceTime <span class="token">120</span>
    System Resource Limits
    System-wide Limits
    Edit
    /etc/security/limits.conf
    :
    * soft nofile <span class="token">65535</span>
    * hard nofile <span class="token">65535</span>
    Process Limits
     
    <span class="token"># Check current limits</span>
    <span class="token">ulimit</span> -n
    # Set new limit
    ulimit -n 65535
    Bandwidth Limits
    Bandwidth limits in SSH, while not directly configurable within the SSH protocol itself, are an important consideration for overall system performance. Excessive SSH traffic can consume significant network resources, potentially impacting other applications and services.
    Individual User Limits
    <span class="token"># In sshd_config</span>
    Match User username
    RateLimit 5M
    Global Rate Limiting
    Using iptables:
    iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport <span class="token">22</span> -m state --state NEW -m limit --limit <span class="token">10</span>/minute -j ACCEPT
    Performance Optimization
    Compression Settings
    <span class="token"># In sshd_config</span>
    Compression delayed
    Cipher Selection
    <span class="token"># Faster ciphers first</span>
    Ciphers chacha20-poly1305@openssh.com,aes256-gcm@openssh.com,aes128-gcm@openssh.com
    Keep Alive Settings
    Client-side (
    ~/.ssh/config
    ):
    Host *
    ServerAliveInterval <span class="token">60</span>
    ServerAliveCountMax <span class="token">3</span>
    File Transfer Limits
    SFTP Limits
    In
    sshd_config
    :
    Subsystem <span class="token">sftp</span> /usr/lib/openssh/sftp-server -l INFO -f LOCAL6
    Match Group sftpusers
    ChrootDirectory /sftp/%u
    ForceCommand internal-sftp
    AllowTcpForwarding no
    SCP Limits
    <span class="token"># Limit SCP bandwidth</span>
    <span class="token">scp</span> -l <span class="token">1000</span> <span class="token"># Limits bandwidth to 1000 Kbit/s</span>
    Security Maximums
    SSH security maximums encompass various settings designed to thwart malicious attacks.
    Key Size Limits
    RSA: 16384 bits (practical max)
    ECDSA: 521 bits
    Ed25519: 256 bits (fixed)
    Authentication Timeout
    <span class="token"># In sshd_config</span>
    AuthenticationMethods publickey,keyboard-interactive
    MaxAuthTries <span class="token">3</span>
    LoginGraceTime <span class="token">60</span>
    Monitoring and Logging
    Logging Levels
    <span class="token"># In sshd_config</span>
    LogLevel VERBOSE
    SyslogFacility AUTH
    Connection Monitoring
    <span class="token"># Active connections</span>
    <span class="token">who</span> <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">grep</span> pts
    <span class="token"># SSH processes</span>
    <span class="token">ps</span> aux <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">grep</span> <span class="token">ssh</span>
    <span class="token"># Connection attempts</span>
    <span class="token">tail</span> -f /var/log/auth.log
    Troubleshooting
    Check Current Limits
     
    <span class="token"># System limits</span>
    sysctl -a <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">grep</span> max
    # SSH daemon limits
    sshd -T | grep max
     
     
    # Process limits
    cat /proc/sys/fs/file-max
    Common Issues and Solutions
    Too Many Open Files
    <span class="token"># Check current open files</span>
    <span class="token">lsof</span> <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">grep</span> sshd <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">wc</span> -l
    <span class="token"># Increase system limit</span>
    <span class="token">echo</span> <span class="token">"fs.file-max = 100000"</span> <span class="token">&gt;&gt;</span> /etc/sysctl.conf
    sysctl -p
    Connection Drops
    <span class="token"># Add to sshd_config</span>
    TCPKeepAlive <span class="token">yes</span>
    ClientAliveInterval <span class="token">60</span>
    ClientAliveCountMax <span class="token">3</span>
    Best Practices
    Regular Monitoring
    <span class="token"># Create monitoring script</span>
    <span class="token">#!/bin/bash</span>
    <span class="token">echo</span> <span class="token">"Active SSH connections: </span><span class="token">$(</span><span class="token">netstat</span><span class="token"> -tnpa </span><span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">grep</span> <span class="token">'ESTABLISHED.*sshd'</span> <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">wc</span><span class="token"> -l</span><span class="token">)</span><span class="token">"</span>
    <span class="token">echo</span> <span class="token">"Failed attempts: </span><span class="token">$(</span><span class="token">grep</span> <span class="token">"Failed password"</span><span class="token"> /var/log/auth.log </span><span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">wc</span><span class="token"> -l</span><span class="token">)</span><span class="token">"</span>
    Automated Cleanup
    <span class="token"># Add to crontab</span>
    <span class="token">0</span> * * * * <span class="token">pkill</span> -o sshd
    Remember to always backup configuration files before making changes and test in a non-production environment first.
     
    Similar Articles from Unixmen



    The post SSH Max Limits and Optimization appeared first on Unixmen.
  3. Blogger
    By: Joshua Njiru
    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:18:37 +0000

    What are VirtualBox Guest Additions?
    VirtualBox Guest Additions is a software package that enhances the functionality of virtual machines running in Oracle VM VirtualBox. It consists of device drivers and system applications that optimize the guest operating system for better performance and usability.
    Benefits of Installing Guest Additions
    Installing Guest Additions provides several key benefits:
    Enhanced Display Integration Automatic screen resolution adjustment Support for higher display resolutions Seamless window integration Improved Performance Hardware-accelerated graphics Mouse pointer integration Shared clipboard functionality Additional Features Shared folders between host and guest Seamless windows mode Time synchronization Better audio support Prerequisites for Installation
    Before installing Guest Additions, ensure you have:
    VirtualBox installed and updated to the latest version A running virtual machine Administrative privileges in the guest OS Sufficient disk space (approximately 200MB) Development tools or build essentials (for Linux guests) Installing Guest Additions on Windows
    Start your Windows virtual machine From the VirtualBox menu, select “Devices” → “Insert Guest Additions CD image” When AutoRun appears, click “Run VBoxWindowsAdditions.exe” Follow the installation wizard: Accept the default options Allow the installation of drivers when prompted Restart the virtual machine when finished Installing Guest Additions on Linux
    Install required packages: <span class="token"># For Ubuntu/Debian</span> <span class="token">sudo</span> <span class="token">apt-get</span> update
    <span class="token">sudo</span> <span class="token">apt-get</span> <span class="token">install</span> build-essential dkms linux-headers-<span class="token">$(</span><span class="token">uname</span><span class="token"> -r</span><span class="token">)</span> <span class="token"># For Fedora/RHEL</span> <span class="token">sudo</span> dnf <span class="token">install</span> gcc kernel-devel kernel-headers dkms <span class="token">make</span> <span class="token">bzip2</span> Insert Guest Additions CD: Click “Devices” → “Insert Guest Additions CD image” Mount and install: <span class="token">sudo</span> <span class="token">mount</span> /dev/cdrom /mnt
    <span class="token">cd</span> /mnt
    <span class="token">sudo</span> ./VBoxLinuxAdditions.run Restart the virtual machine Installing Guest Additions on macOS
    Start your macOS virtual machine Select “Devices” → “Insert Guest Additions CD image” Mount the Guest Additions ISO if not automatically mounted Double-click the VBoxDarwinAdditions.pkg Follow the installation wizard Restart the virtual machine Common Features and How to Use Them
    Shared Folders
    Power off the virtual machine In VirtualBox Manager: Select your VM Click “Settings” → “Shared Folders” Add a new shared folder Drag and Drop
    In VM Settings: Go to “General” → “Advanced” Set “Drag’n’Drop” to Bidirectional Clipboard Sharing
    In VM Settings: Go to “General” → “Advanced” Set “Shared Clipboard” to Bidirectional Seamless Mode
    Press Host Key (usually Right Ctrl) + L Or select “View” → “Seamless Mode.” Troubleshooting Installation Issues
    What are Some of the Common Problems And Solutions?
    Installation Fails Verify system requirements Update VirtualBox to the latest version Install required development tools Screen Resolution Issues Restart the virtual machine Reinstall Guest Additions Check display adapter settings Shared Folders Not Working Add user to vboxsf group (Linux): <span class="token">sudo</span> <span class="token">usermod</span> -aG vboxsf <span class="token">$(</span><span class="token">whoami</span><span class="token">)</span> Verify mount points and permissions Building Kernel Modules Fails Install correct kernel headers Update the system Check system logs for specific errors Updating Guest Additions
    Check Current Version bash <span class="token"># On Linux</span>
    modinfo vboxguest <span class="token">|</span> <span class="token">grep</span> ^version <span class="token"># On Windows</span>
    Check Programs and Features Update Process Download latest VirtualBox version Update Guest Additions through “Devices” menu Reinstall following the same process as initial installation Best Practices
    Before Installation Take a snapshot of your VM Back up important data Update the guest OS After Installation Test all required features Configure shared folders and clipboard as needed Document any custom settings Maintenance Keep Guest Additions version matched with VirtualBox Regularly update both VirtualBox and Guest Additions Monitor system performance More Articles from Unixmen



    The post How to Add Guests in VirtualBox appeared first on Unixmen.
  4. Blogger
    by: Lee Meyer
    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:03:25 +0000

    My previous article warned that horizontal motion on Tinder has irreversible consequences. I’ll save venting on that topic for a different blog, but at first glance, swipe-based navigation seems like it could be a job for Web-Slinger.css, your friendly neighborhood experimental pure CSS Wow.js replacement for one-way scroll-triggered animations. I haven’t managed to fit that description into a theme song yet, but I’m working on it.
    In the meantime, can Web-Slinger.css swing a pure CSS Tinder-style swiping interaction to indicate liking or disliking an element? More importantly, will this experiment give me an excuse to use an image of Spider Pig, in response to popular demand in the bustling comments section of my previous article? Behold the Spider Pig swiper, which I propose as a replacement for captchas because every human with a pulse loves Spider Pig. With that unbiased statement in mind, swipe left or right below (only Chrome and Edge for now) to reveal a counter showing how many people share your stance on Spider Pig.
    CodePen Embed Fallback Broaden your horizons
    The crackpot who invented Web-Slinger.css seems not to have considered horizontal scrolling, but we can patch that maniac’s monstrous creation like so:
    [class^="scroll-trigger-"] { view-timeline-axis: x; } This overrides the default behavior for marker elements with class names using the Web-Slinger convention of scroll-trigger-n, which activates one-way, scroll-triggered animations. By setting the timeline axis to x, the scroll triggers only run when they are revealed by scrolling horizontally rather than vertically (which is the default). Otherwise, the triggers would run straightaway because although they are out of view due to the container’s width, they will all be above the fold vertically when we implement our swiper.
    My steps in laying the foundation for the above demo were to fork this awesome JavaScript demo of Tinder-style swiping by Nikolay Talanov, strip out the JavaScript and all the cards except for one, then import Web-Slinger.css and introduce the horizontal patch explained above. Next, I changed the card’s container to position: fixed, and introduced three scroll-snapping boxes side-by-side, each the height and width of the viewport. I set the middle slide to scroll-align: center so that the user starts in the middle of the page and has the option to scroll backwards or forwards.
    Sidenote: When unconventionally using scroll-driven animations like this, a good mindset is that the scrollable element needn’t be responsible for conventionally scrolling anything visible on the page. This approach is reminiscent of how the first thing you do when using checkbox hacks is hide the checkbox and make the label look like something else. We leverage the CSS-driven behaviors of a scrollable element, but we don’t need the default UI behavior.
    I put a div marked with scroll-trigger-1 on the third slide and used it to activate a rejection animation on the card like this:
    <div class="demo__card on-scroll-trigger-1 reject"> <!-- HTML for the card --> </div> <main> <div class="slide"> </div> <div id="middle" class="slide"> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="scroll-trigger-1"></div> </div> </main> It worked the way I expected! I knew this would be easy! (Narrator: it isn’t, you’ll see why next.)
    <div class="on-scroll-trigger-2 accept"> <div class="demo__card on-scroll-trigger-2 reject"> <!-- HTML for the card --> </div> </div> <main> <div class="slide"> <div class="scroll-trigger-2"></div> </div> <div id="middle" class="slide"> </div> <div class="slide"> <div class="scroll-trigger-1"></div> </div> </main> After adding this, Spider Pig is automatically ”liked” when the page loads. That would be appropriate for a card that shows a person like myself who everybody automatically likes — after all, a middle-aged guy who spends his days and nights hacking CSS is quite a catch. By contrast, it is possible Spider Pig isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, let’s understand why the swipe right implementation would behave differently than the swipe left implementation when we thought we applied the same principles to both implementations.
    Take a step back
    This bug drove home to me what view-timeline does and doesn’t do. The lunatic creator of Web-Slinger.css relied on tech that wasn’t made for animations which run only when the user scrolls backwards.
    This visualizer shows that no matter what options you choose for animation-range, the subject wants to complete its animation after it has crossed the viewport in the scrolling direction — which is exactly what we do not want to happen in this particular case.
    Fortunately, our friendly neighborhood Bramus from the Chrome Developer Team has a cool demo showing how to detect scroll direction in CSS. Using the clever --scroll-direction CSS custom property Bramus made, we can ensure Spider Pig animates at the right time rather than on load. The trick is to control the appearance of .scroll-trigger-2 using a style query like this:
    :root { animation: adjust-slide-index 3s steps(3, end), adjust-pos 1s; animation-timeline: scroll(root x); } @property --slide-index { syntax: "<number>"; inherits: true; initial-value: 0; } @keyframes adjust-slide-index { to { --slide-index: 3; } } .scroll-trigger-2 { display: none; } @container style(--scroll-direction: -1) and style(--slide-index: 0) { .scroll-trigger-2 { display: block; } } That style query means that the marker with the .scroll-trigger-2 class will not be rendered until we are on the previous slide and reach it by scrolling backward. Notice that we also introduced another variable named --slide-index, which is controlled by a three-second scroll-driven animation with three steps. It counts the slide we are on, and it is used because we want the user to swipe decisively to activate the dislike animation. We don’t want just any slight breeze to trigger a dislike.
    When the swipe has been concluded, one more like (I’m superhuman)
    As mentioned at the outset, measuring how many CSS-Tricks readers dislike Spider Pig versus how many have a soul is important. To capture this crucial stat, I’m using a third-party counter image as a background for the card underneath the Spider Pig card. It is third-party, but hopefully, it will always work because the website looks like it has survived since the dawn of the internet. I shouldn’t complain because the price is right. I chose the least 1990s-looking counter and used it like this:
    @container style(--scroll-trigger-1: 1) { .result { background-image: url('https://counter6.optistats.ovh/private/freecounterstat.php?c=qbgw71kxx1stgsf5shmwrb2aflk5wecz'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; background-position: center; } .counter-description::after { content: 'who like spider pig'; } .scroll-trigger-2 { display: none; } } @container style(--scroll-trigger-2: 1) { .result { background-image: url('https://counter6.optistats.ovh/private/freecounterstat.php?c=abtwsn99snah6wq42nhnsmbp6pxbrwtj'); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; background-position: center; } .counter-description::after { content: 'who dislike spider pig'; } .scroll-trigger-1 { display: none; } } Scrolls of wisdom: Lessons learned
    This hack turned out more complex than I expected, mostly because of the complexity of using scroll-triggered animations that only run when you meet an element by scrolling backward which goes against assumptions made by the current API. That’s a good thing to know and understand. Still, it’s amazing how much power is hidden in the current spec. We can style things based on extremely specific scrolling behaviors if we believe in ourselves. The current API had to be hacked to unlock that power, but I wish we could do something like:
    [class^="scroll-trigger-"] { view-timeline-axis: x; view-timeline-direction: backwards; /* <-- this is speculative. do not use! */ } With an API like that allowing the swipe-right scroll trigger to behave the way I originally imagined, the Spider Pig swiper would not require hacking.
    I dream of wider browser support for scroll-driven animations. But I hope to see the spec evolve to give us more flexibility to encourage designers to build nonlinear storytelling into the experiences they create. If not, once animation timelines land in more browsers, it might be time to make Web-Slinger.css more complete and production-ready, to make the more advanced scrolling use cases accessible to the average CSS user.
    Web-Slinger.css: Across the Swiper-Verse originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.
  5. Blogger
    by: Abhishek Prakash
    Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:28:50 +0530

    This is the first newsletter of the year 2025. I hope expanding your Linux knowledge is one of your New Year's resolution, too. I am looking to learn and use Ansible in homelab setup. What's yours?
    The focus of Linux Handbook in 2025 will be on self-hosting. You'll see more tutorials and articles on open source software you can self host on your cloud server or your home lab.
    Of course, we'll continue to create new content on Kubernetes, Terraform, Ansible and other DevOps tools.
    Here are the other highlights of this edition of LHB Linux Digest:
    Extraterm terminal File descriptors Self hosting mailing list manager And more tools, tips and memes for you This edition of LHB Linux Digest newsletter is supported by PikaPods. ❇️Self-hosting without hassle
    PikaPods allows you to quickly deploy your favorite open source software. All future updates are handled automatically by PikaPods while you enjoy using the software. I use it to self host Umami analytics.
    Oh! You get $5 free credit, so try it out and see if you could rely on PikaPods.
    PikaPods - Instant Open Source App HostingRun the finest Open Source web apps from $1/month, fully managed, no tracking, no ads, full privacy. Self-hosting was never this convenient.Instant Open Source App Hosting  
     
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  6. Blogger
    by: Abhishek Prakash



    The holidays are over and so do the Tuxmas Days. 12 days of 12 new features, changes and announcements.
    As mentioned on Tuxmas Day 11, It's FOSS Lifetime membership now also gets you lifetime Reader-level membership of Linux Handbook, our other portal focused on sysadmin, DevOps and self-hosting.
    If you are one of the 73 people (so far) who opted for the Lifetime plan, you'll get a separate email on Linux Handbook's membership. Meanwhile, please download the 'Linux for DevOps' book for free as part of your Plus membership.
    Please note that this combined benefit of free lifetime Linux Handbook Reader level membership (usually costs $18 per year) is only available till 11th January. Thereafter, it will cost $99 and won't include Linux Handbook's membership. Get the additional advantage before the time runs out.
    Get It's FOSS Lifetime Membership
    💬 Let's see what else you get in this edition
    SteamOS rolling out
    Kdenlive working on a new AI-powered feature.
    Nobara being the first one to introduce a release in 2025.
    And other Linux news, videos and, of course, memes!
    📰 Linux and Open Source News
    Nobara 41 is the first Linux distro release of 2025.
    2025 has hardly started and we have some bad news already as Absolute Linux is discontinued.
    Kdenlive is working on adding an AI-powered background removal tool.
    If rumors are to be believed, a 16 GB variant of the Raspberry Pi 5 could be coming very soon.
    Soon, you'll be able to install SteamOS on other handheld gaming devices.
    Did you know there is a dedicated Linux distribution for wiping disks?
    ShredOS is a Linux Distro Built to Wipe Your Data
    A Linux distro built to help you destroy data. Sounds pretty cool!
    It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra

    🧠 What We’re Thinking About
    Sourav switched to Proton VPN after going through many other VPN services, here's what he thinks of it:
    I Switched to Proton VPN and Here’s What I Honestly Think About It
    Proton VPN is an impressive solution. Here’s my experience with it.
    It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra

    🧮 Linux Tips, Tutorials and More
    Learn how to install and use Neovim on various distros.
    Updating your Python packages is crucial, and it's effortless with pip.
    Optimize your workflow by auto-starting AppImages on your Linux workstation.
    And an analogy to explain why there are so many Linux distributions.
    What is Linux? Why There are 100’s of Linux OS?
    Cannot figure out what is Linux and why there are so many of Linux? This analogy explains things in a simpler manner.
    It's FOSSAbhishek Prakash

    👷 Maker's and AI Corner
    Did you know you could run LLMs locally on a Raspberry Pi?
    How to Run LLMs Locally on Raspberry Pi Using Ollama AI
    Got a Raspberry Pi? How about using it ton run some LLMs using Ollama for your own private AI?
    It's FOSSAbhishek Kumar

    📹 Videos we are watching
    Do you really need a media server software?
    Subscribe to our YouTube channe
    ✨ Apps of the Week
    Mullvad Browser is a very solid privacy-focused alternative to the likes of Google Chrome.
    Mullvad Browser: A Super Privacy-Focused Browser Based on Firefox
    Mullvad is Firefox, but enhanced for privacy, pretty interesting take as a cross-platform private browser app.
    It's FOSS NewsSourav Rudra

    If you are looking for a change in file management on Android, then you could go for Fossify File Manager.
    🧩 Quiz Time
    Have some fun finding the logos of distros and open source projects.
    Spot All The Logos: Image Puzzle
    Let’s see if you can spot the hidden items in the image!
    It's FOSSAnkush Das

    💡 Quick Handy Tip
    If you are a Xfce user with a multi-monitor setup, then you can span the Xfce panel across monitors. First, right-click on the panel you want to span and then go to Panel → Panel Preferences. Here, in the Display tab, set Output as Automatic and enable the “Span monitors” checkbox.

    🤣 Meme of the Week
    The pain is real. 😥

    🗓️ Tech Trivia
    Hitachi announced the first 1 MB memory chip on January 6, 1984. At the time, this was a revolutionary leap in storage technology. Today, we carry more memory in our pockets than entire systems from that era!
    🧑‍🤝‍🧑 FOSSverse Corner
    Pro FOSSer Neville shares his experience with Chimera Linux on virt-manager. This is a detailed write-up, so be prepared for a lengthy read.
    Chimera Linux in virt-manager with Plasma | Wayland | APK | Clang/LLVM | musl | dinit | BSD core tools
    Chimera Linux in virt-manager with Plasma and Wayland Want to try something really different? Chimera Linux have just released new images as of 4/12/24. Chimera is a new distro build from scratch using Linux kernel 6.12 core tools from FreeBSD apk package system from Alpine Clang/LLVM toolchain Musl C library Gnome and Plasma desktops with Wayland &/or X11 multiple architectures - Intel/AMD, ARM AArch64, POWER, and RISC-V the dinit init system A real mix. One could debate whether it is L…
    It's FOSS Communitynevj

    ❤️ With love
    Share it with your Linux-using friends and encourage them to subscribe (hint: it's here).
    Share the articles in Linux Subreddits and community forums.
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    Opt for It's FOSS Plus membership and support us 🙏
    Keep on enjoying Linux in 2025 🐧
  7. Blogger

    How to Install Steam on Ubuntu 24.04

    Tutorials · Blogger · 04/16/24 03:43 PM

    Even on Linux, you can enjoy gaming and interact with fellow gamers via Steam. As a Linux gamer, Steam is a handy game distribution platform that allows you to install different games, including purchased ones. Moreover, with Steam, you can connect with other games and play multiplayer titles.Steam is a cross-platform game distribution platform that offers games the option of purchasing and installing games on any device through a Steam account. This post gives different options for installing Steam on Ubuntu 24.04.
    Different Methods of Installing Steam on Ubuntu 24.04
    No matter the Ubuntu version that you use, there are three easy ways of installing Steam. For our guide, we are working on Ubuntu 24.04, and we’ve detailed the steps to follow for each method. Take a look!
    Method 1: Install Steam via Ubuntu Repository
    On your Ubuntu, Steam can be installed through the multiverse repository by following the steps below.
    Step 1: Add the Multiverse Repository
    The multiverse repository isn’t added on Ubuntu by default but executing the following command will add it.
    $ sudo add-apt-multiverse

    Step 2: Refresh the Package Index
    After adding the new repository, we must refresh the package index before we can install Steam.
    $ sudo apt update

    Step 3: Install Steam
    Lastly, install Steam from the repository by running the APT command below.
    $ sudo apt install steam

    Method 2: Install Steam as a Snap
    Steam is available as a snap package and you can install it by accessing the Ubuntu 24.04 App Center or by installing via command-line.
    To install it via GUI, use the below steps.
    Step 1: Search for Steam on App Center
    On your Ubuntu, open the App Center and search for “Steam” in the search box. Different results will open and the first one is what we want to install.

    Step 2: Install Steam
    On the search results page, click on Steam to open a window showing a summary of its information. Locate the green Install button and click on it.

    You will get prompted to enter your password before the installation can begin.

    Once you do so, a window showing the progress bar of the installation process will appear. Once the process completes, you will have Steam installed and ready for use on your Ubuntu 24.04.
    Alternatively, if you prefer using the command-line option to install Steam from App Center, you can do so using the snap command. Specify the package when running your command as shown below.
    $ sudo snap install steam

    On the output, the download and installation progress will be shown and once it completes, Steam will be available from your applications. You can open it and set it up for your gaming.
    Method 3: Download and Install the Steam Package
    Steam releases a .deb package for Linux and by downloading it, you can use it to install Steam. Unlike the previous methods, this method requires downloading the Steam package from its website using command line utilities such as wget or curl.
    Step 1: Install wget
    To download the Steam .deb package, we will use wget. You can skip this step if you already have it installed. Otherwise, execute the below command.
    $ sudo apt install wget

    Step 2: Download the Steam Package
    With wget installed, run the following command to download the Steam .deb package.
    $ wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steam.deb

    Step 3: Install Steam
    To install the .deb package, we will use the dpkg command below.
    $ sudo dpkg -i steam.deb

    Once Steam completes installing, verify that you can access it by searching for it on your Ubuntu 24.04.

    With that, you now have Steam installed on Ubuntu.
    Conclusion
    Steam is handy tool for any gamer and its cross-platform nature means you can install it on Ubuntu 24.04. we’ve given three installation methods you can use depending on your preference. Once you’ve installed Steam, configure it and create your account to start utilizing it. Happy gaming!
  8. Blogger
    by: Geoff Graham
    Tue, 14 Jan 2025 14:49:10 +0000

    (This is a sponsored post.)
    It’s probably no surprise to you that CSS-Tricks is (proudly) hosted on Cloudways. DigitalOcean bought us back in 2021 then turned right around around and did the same with Cloudways shortly after. It was just a matter of time before we’d come together this way. And here we are!
    We were previously hosted on Flywheel which was a fairly boutique WordPress hosting provider until WP Engine purchased it years back. And, to be very honest and up-front, Flywheel served us extremely well. There reached a point when it became pretty clear that CSS-Tricks was simply too big for Flywheel to scale along. That might’ve led us to try out WP Engine in the absence of Cloudways… but it’s probably good that never came to fruition considering recent events.
    Anyway, moving hosts always means at least a smidge of contest-switching. Different server names with different configurations with different user accounts with different controls.
    We’re a pretty low-maintenance operation around here, so being on a fully managed host is a benefit because I see very little of the day-to-day nuance that happens on our server. The Cloudways team took care of all the heavy lifting of migrating us and making sure we were set up with everything we needed, from SFTP accounts and database access to a staging environment and deployment points.
    Our development flow used to go something like this:
    Fire up Local (Flywheel’s local development app) Futz around with local development Push to main Let a CI/CD pipeline publish the changes I know, ridiculously simple. But it was also riddled with errors because we didn’t always want to publish changes on push. There was a real human margin of error in there, especially when handling WordPress updates. We could have (and should have) had some sort of staging environment rather than blindly trusting what was working locally. But again, we’re kinduva a ragtag team despite the big corporate backing.
    The flow now looks like this:
    Fire up Local (we still use it!) Futz around with local development Push to main Publish to staging Publish to production This is something we could have set up in Flywheel but was trivial with Cloudways. I gave up some automation for quality assurance’s sake. Switching environments in Cloudways is a single click and I like a little manual friction to feel like I have some control in the process. That might not scale well for large teams on an enterprise project, but that’s not really what Cloudways is all about — that’s why we have DigitalOcean!
    See that baseline-status-widget branch in the dropdown? That’s a little feature I’m playing with (and will post about later). I like that GitHub is integrated directly into the Cloudways UI so I can experiment with it in whatever environment I want, even before merging it with either the staging or master branches. It makes testing a whole lot easier and way less error-prone than triggering auto-deployments in every which way.
    Here’s another nicety: I get a good snapshot of the differences between my environments through Cloudways monitoring. For example, I was attempting to update our copy of the Gravity Forms plugin just this morning. It worked locally but triggered a fatal in staging. I went in and tried to sniff out what was up with the staging environment, so I headed to the Vulnerability Scanner and saw that staging was running an older version of WordPress compared to what was running locally and in production. (We don’t version control WordPress core, so that was an easy miss.)
    I hypothesized that the newer version of Gravity Forms had a conflict with the older version of WordPress, and this made it ridiculously easy to test my assertion. Turns out that was correct and I was confident that pushing to production was safe and sound — which it was.
    That little incident inspired me to share a little about what I’ve liked about Cloudways so far. You’ll notice that we don’t push our products too hard around here. Anytime you experience something delightful — whatever it is — is a good time to blog about it and this was clearly one of those times.
    I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Cloudways is ideal for any size or type of WordPress site. It’s one of the few hosts that will let you BOYO cloud, so to speak, where you can hold your work on a cloud server (like a DigitalOcean droplet, for instance) and let Cloudways manage the hosting, giving you all the freedom to scale when needed on top of the benefits of having a managed host. So, if you need a fully managed, autoscaling hosting solution for WordPress like we do here at CSS-Tricks, Cloudways has you covered.
    A Few Ways That Cloudways Makes Running This Site a Little Easier originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.
  9. Blogger
    by: Abhishek Kumar



    When ArmSoM kindly offered to send me their upcoming RK3588 AI Module 7 (AIM7), along with the AIM-IO carrier board, I was thrilled.
    Having worked with AI hardware like Nvidia’s Jetson Nano and Raspberry Pi boards, I’m always curious about devices that promise powerful AI capabilities without requiring a large physical setup or heavy power draw.
    The RK3588 AI Module 7 (AIM7), powered by the Rockchip RK3588, seemed to hit that sweet spot, a compact module with robust processing power, efficient energy use, and versatile connectivity options for a range of projects.
    What intrigued me most was its potential to handle AI tasks like object detection and image processing while also supporting multimedia applications, all while being small enough to integrate into custom enclosures or embedded systems where space is a premium.
    Here’s my hands-on experience with this exciting piece of hardware.
    📋
    RK3588 AI Module 7 is an upcoming product in the crowdfunding pre-launch phase. My experience is with a product in early stages and the product will improve with the feedback provided by me and other reviewers.
    ArmSoM RK3588 AI Module 7 AIM7 specifications

    The RK3588 AI Module 7 is a compact yet powerful board built around the Rockchip RK3588 SoC, an octa-core processor with a quad-core Cortex-A76 and a quad-core Cortex-A55, clocked up to 2.4 GHz.
    Complementing this powerhouse is the ARM Mali-G610 MP4 GPU with a 6 TOPS NPU, making it an excellent choice for AI workloads and multimedia applications.
    Its small size and versatile connectivity options make it suitable for embedded applications and development projects.
    The unit I received came with 8 GB of LPDDR4x RAM and 32 GB of eMMC storage.
    Feature
    ArmSoM RK3588(Rockchip)
    CPU Cores
    Quad-core ARM Cortex-A76 + Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55
    GPU Cores
    ARM Mali-G610 MP4
    Memory
    8 GB/32 GB LPDDR4x, 2112 MHz
    Storage
    microSD card, 32GB eMMC 5.1 flash storage
    Video Encoding
    8K@30 fps H.265 / H.264
    Video Decoding
    8K@60 fps H.265/VP9/AVS2, 8K@30 H.264 AVC/MVC
    USB Ports
    1x USB 3.0, 3x USB 2.0
    Ethernet
    1x 10/100/1000 BASE-T
    CSI Interfaces
    12 channels (4x2) MIPI CSI-2 D-PHY1.1 (18 Gbps)
    I/O
    3 UARTs, 2 SPIs, 2 I2S, 4 I2Cs, multiple GPIOs
    PCIe
    1x 1/2/4 lane PCIe 3.0 & 1x 1 lane PCIe 2.0
    HDMI Output
    1x HDMI 2.1 / 1x eDP 1.4
    DP Interface
    1x DP 1.4a
    eDP/DP Interface
    1x eDP 1.4 / 1x HDMI 2.1 out
    DSI Interface
    1x DSI (1x2) 2 sync
    OS Support
    Debian, Ubuntu, Armbian
    AIM-IO Carrier Board Specifications

    The AIM-IO carrier board is designed to complement the RK3588 AI Module 7. It offers a rich set of features, including multiple USB ports, display outputs, and expansion options, making it an ideal platform for development and prototyping.
    Feature
    Specification
    USB Ports
    4x USB 3.0 Type-A
    Display
    1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI-out
    Networking
    Gigabit Ethernet
    GPIO
    40-pin expansion header
    Power Connectors
    DC Barrel jack for 5V input, PoE support
    Expansion
    M.2 (E-key, PCIe/USB/SDIO/UART), microSD
    MIPI DSI
    1x 4 lanes MIPI DSI up to 4K@60 fps
    MIPI CSI0/1
    2x 2 lanes MIPI CSI, Max 2.5Gbps per lane
    MIPI CSI2/3
    1x 4 lanes MIPI CSI, Max 2.5Gbps per lane
    Firmware
    Flashing and device mode via USB Type-C
    Dimensions
    100 x 80 x 29 mm
    Unboxing and first impressions
    The RK3588 AI Module 7 arrived in a compact, well-packaged generic box alongside the AIM-IO board, which is essential for getting the module up and running.
    At first glance, the AIM7 itself is tiny, measuring just 69.6 x 45 mm—almost identical in size to the Jetson Nano’s core module.

    I added the heatsink on my own
    The carrier board, too, shares the same dimensions as the Jetson Nano Developer Kit’s carrier board, making it an easy swap for those already familiar with Nvidia’s ecosystem.

    The build quality of both the module and the carrier board is solid. The AIM-IO board’s layout is clean, with clearly labeled ports and connectors.

    It features four USB 3.0 ports, HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, a 40-pin GPIO header and an M.2 slot for expansion, a welcome addition for developers looking to push the hardware’s limits.

    Setting it up
    Installing the RK3588 AI Module 7 onto the AIM-IO board was straightforward. The edge connector design, similar to the Jetson Nano’s, meant it slotted in effortlessly.
    Powering it up required a standard 5V barrel jack.
    I know these Rockchip SBCs get real hot, so I got a generic passive heat sink. Active cooling options were way too expensive.

    Since I was hoping to use this device for home automation projects, I also got myself a DIY-built case.

    Don’t judge me, I’m moving out, so I haven’t even peeled the protective plastic off of acrylic yet (to protect from scratches)!
    OS installation
    📋
    ArmSoM devices come with a Debian installed on eMMC but in Chinese. I decided to install a distro of my choice by replacing the default OS.
    Now, let’s talk about the OS installation. Spoiled by the ease of the Raspberry Pi Imager, I found myself on a steep learning curve while working with RKDevTool.

    Burning an image for the Rockchip device required me to watch several videos and read multiple pieces of documentation. After much trial and error, I managed to flash the provided Ubuntu image successfully.

    I’ve written a dedicated guide to help you install an OS on Rockchip devices using RKDevTool.
    One hiccup worth mentioning: I couldn’t test the SD card support as it didn’t work for me at all. This was disappointing, but the onboard eMMC storage provided a reliable fallback.
    Performance testing
    To gauge the RK3588 AI Module 7’s capabilities, I ran a series of benchmarks and real-world tests. Here’s how it fared:
    📋
    For general testing, I opted for the Armbian image, which worked well, though I couldn’t test the AI capabilities of the NPU on it. To explore those, I later switched to the Ubuntu image.
    Geekbench Scores
    Here you can see the single-core and multi-core performance of RK3588, which is quite impressive. I mean, the results speaks for themselves. The Cortex-A76 cores are a significant upgrade.

    You can see the full single-core performance of RK3588:

    Multi-core performance:

    The RK3588’s multi-core performance blew the Raspberry Pi and even Jetson Nano out of the water, with scores nearly double in most tests.

    Source: ArmSoM
    AI Workloads
    The RK3588 AI Module 7’s 6 TOPS NPU is designed to handle AI inference efficiently. It supports RKNN-LLM, a toolkit that enables deploying lightweight language models on Rockchip hardware.

    I tested the TinyLLAMA model with 1.1 billion parameters, and the performance was amazing, achieving 16 tokens per second.
    Output result:
    root@armsom-aim7-io:/# ./llm_demo tinyLlama.rkllm rkllm init start rkllm-runtime version: 1.0.1, rknpu driver version: 0.9.6, platform: RK3588 rkllm init success **********************可输入以下问题对应序号获取回答/或自定义输入******************** [0] what is a hypervisor? ************************************************************************* user: 0 what is a hypervisor? robot: A hypervisor is software, firmware, or hardware that creates and runs virtual machines (VMs).There are two types: Type 1 (bare-metal, runs directly on hardware) and Type 2 (hosted, runs on top of an OS). tokens 50 time 3.12 Token/s : 16.01While I couldn’t test all the other supported models, here’s a list of models and their performance, courtesy of Radxa:TinyLLAMA 1.1B – 15.03 tokens/sQwen 1.8B – 14.18 tokens/sPhi3 3.8B – 6.46 tokens/sChatGLM3 – 3.67 tokens/s
    The RKNN-LLM toolkit supports deploying lightweight language models on Rockchip hardware, and the NPU’s efficiency makes it a compelling option for AI workloads.
    The performance varies depending on the model size and parameters, with larger models naturally running slower. The NPU also consumes less power than the GPU, freeing it up for other tasks.
    Image & video processing
    I couldn’t process live video and images as I didn’t have a compatible camera module. I own an RPi camera module but lacked the compatible ribbon cable to connect it to the AIM-IO board.

    Despite this, I tested the image processing capabilities using the YOLOv8 model for Object detection on the demo images provided with it.
    Took me a lot of time to understand how to use it (will cover that in separate article, hopefully) but thanks to Radxa's well-structured documentation, which provided a step-by-step guide.

    The results were impressive, showcasing the board’s ability to handle complex image recognition tasks efficiently.
    What Could It Be Used For?
    The RK3588 AI Module 7 (AIM7) offers a wide range of potential applications, making it a versatile tool for developers and hobbyists alike. Here are some possible use cases:
    Home Automation: AIM7’s low power consumption and robust processing capabilities make it ideal for smart home setups. From controlling IoT devices to running edge AI for home security systems, the AIM7 can handle it all.
    AI-Powered Applications: With its 6 TOPS NPU, the AIM7 excels in tasks like object detection, natural language processing, and image recognition. It’s a great choice for deploying lightweight AI models at the edge.
    Media Centers: The ability to decode and encode 8K video makes it a powerful option for creating custom media centers or streaming setups.
    Robotics: AIM7’s compact size and versatile connectivity options make it suitable for robotics projects that require real-time processing and AI inference.
    Educational Projects: For students and educators, the AIM7 provides a hands-on platform to learn about embedded systems, AI, and computer vision.
    Industrial Automation: Its robust hardware and software support make it a reliable choice for industrial applications like predictive maintenance and process automation.
    DIY Projects: Whether you’re building a smart mirror, an AI-powered camera, or a custom NAS, the AIM7 offers the flexibility and power to bring your ideas to life.
    If you are not interested in all of the above, you can always use it as your secondary desktop, at the end it is essentially a single board computer. 😉
    Final thoughts
    After spending some time with the RK3588 AI Module 7, I can confidently say that it’s an impressive piece of hardware. I installed Ubuntu on it, and the desktop experience was surprisingly smooth.
    The onboard eMMC storage really made the experience smooth, it made app launches fast and responsive, offering a noticeable speed boost compared to traditional SD card setups.
    Watching YouTube at 1080p was smooth, something that’s still a bit of a challenge for Raspberry Pi in the same resolution. The playback was consistent, without any stuttering, which is a big win for media-heavy applications.
    The RKNN-LLM toolkit enabled me to deploy lightweight models, and the NPU’s power efficiency freed up the GPU for other tasks, which is perfect for edge AI applications.
    My only gripe is the lack of extensive documentation from ArmSoM. While it’s available, it often doesn’t cover everything, and I found myself relying on Radxa and Mixtile forums to work around issues. ArmSoM told me that documentation will be improved after the crowdfunding launch.
    You can follow the crowdfunding campaign and other developments on the dedicate page.
    RK3588 AI Module7
    A low-power AI module compatible with the Nvidia Jetson Nano ecosystem
    Crowd Supply

    I’m looking forward to exploring more of its potential in my home automation projects, especially as I integrate AI for smarter, more efficient systems.
  10. Blogger
    By: Janus Atienza
    Thu, 09 Jan 2025 17:34:55 +0000



    QR codes have revolutionized how we share information, offering a fast and efficient way to connect physical and digital worlds. In the Linux ecosystem, the adaptability of QR codes aligns seamlessly with the open-source philosophy, enabling developers, administrators, and users to integrate QR code functionality into various workflows. Leveraging a qr code generator free can simplify this process, making it accessible even for those new to the technology.
    From system administration to enhancing user interfaces, using QR codes in Linux environments is both practical and innovative.
    QR Codes on Linux: Where and How They Are Used
    QR codes serve diverse purposes in Linux systems, providing solutions that enhance functionality and user experience. For instance, Linux administrators can generate QR codes to link to system logs or troubleshooting guides, offering easy access during remote sessions. In secure file sharing, QR codes can embed links to files, enabling safe resource sharing without exposing the system to vulnerabilities.
    Additionally, Linux’s prevalence in IoT device management is complemented by QR codes, which simplify pairing and configuring devices. Teachers and learners attach QR codes to scripts, tutorials, or resources in education, ensuring quick access to valuable materials. These examples demonstrate how QR codes integrate seamlessly into Linux workflows to improve efficiency and usability.
    How to Generate QR Codes on Linux
    Linux users have several methods to create QR codes, from terminal-based commands to online tools like me-qr.com, which offer user-friendly interfaces. Here’s a list of ways to generate QR codes within Linux environments:
    Automate QR code generation with cron jobs for time-sensitive data.
    Encode secure access tokens or one-time passwords in QR codes.
    Store Linux commands in QR codes for quick scanning and execution.
    Use QR codes for encrypted messages using tools.
    Create QR codes linking to installation scripts or system resources.
    In Linux environments, QR codes are not limited to traditional uses. For instance, remote server management becomes more secure with QR codes containing SSH keys or login credentials, allowing encrypted device connections. Similarly, QR codes can be used in disaster recovery processes to store encryption keys or recovery instructions.
    For Linux-based applications, developers embed QR codes into app interfaces to direct users to support pages or additional features, decluttering the UI. Additionally, collaborative workflows benefit from QR codes directly linking to Git repositories, enabling seamless project sharing among teams. These creative applications illustrate the versatility of QR codes in enhancing functionality and security within Linux systems.
    The Open-Source Potential of QR Codes on Linux
    As Linux continues to power diverse applications, from servers to IoT devices, QR codes add a layer of simplicity and connectivity. Whether you’re looking to generate QR code free for file sharing or embed codes into an application, Linux users have a wealth of options at their fingertips.
    Platforms like me-qr.com provide an intuitive and accessible way to create QR codes, while command-line tools offer flexibility for advanced users. With their ability to streamline workflows and enhance user experiences, QR codes are an indispensable asset in the Linux ecosystem.
    Let the power of open-source meet the versatility of QR codes, and watch your Linux environment transform into a hub of connectivity and innovation.
    The post QR Codes and Linux: Bridging Open-Source Technology with Seamless Connectivity appeared first on Unixmen.
  11. Blogger
    by: Neeraj Mishra
    Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:38:00 +0000

    This article will guide you to choose the best laptop for coding and programming and some of my top laptop picks for developers and students in India. I have also given the best picks based on prices under 1 Lakh, 70000, 60000, 50000, 40000, etc.
    As a programmer or developer, it becomes really confusing to pick the best laptop from thousands of laptops available in the market. It becomes even more difficult for a person who is just starting programming.
    Below I have shared some key points that will definitely help you to pick the perfect laptop for working on any programming technologies, C, C++, C#, Java, Python, SQL, Android, etc.
    Image Source
    How to Choose the Best Laptop for Programming?
    RAM
    It is the first and most important thing that you should look for. A laptop with 8GB RAM is an ideal choice but 16GB RAM would be the best choice. If your budget is too low then you can go with 4GB RAM also.
    Believe me, it really sucks working on a low-performance machine. Earlier I used to do Android app development on a laptop with 4GB RAM. It was so annoying because everything works really slowly.
    So I would highly recommend you a 16GB RAM laptop if you are an app developer.
    Best Choice: 16GB RAM or High Ideal Choice: 8GB RAM Processor
    Good processor and RAM should be your highest priority when choosing a laptop for programming. As a programmer or developer, we have to do multitasking. When I do programming or development I have to open a few IDEs along with a browser with several tabs opened. For such a purpose, a good processor is required.
    A laptop with an i5 processor is an ideal choice. You can go with i7 processor if you have a good budget and for a low budget, you can go with i3 processor.
    Best Choice: i7 Processor or High Ideal Choice: i5 Processor Note: Now Apple laptops are powered by M1 & M2 Chips. It is also a good choice for programming.
    Graphics Card
    An external graphics card is not necessary until you are not doing game development or some high graphics-related work. But if you are a game developer then you must go with a laptop with an external graphic card.
    Best Choice (Especially For Game Developers): External Graphic Card (4GB or High)
    Ideal and Low Budget Choice (For Other Developers): Integrated Graphic Card
    Storage
    SSD and HDD are two storage types that laptops have. SSD gives faster performance but is costlier than HDD. It’s great if you can afford an SSD storage-type laptop. But if you can’t then go with HDD and later on you can use some external SSD storage or upgrade.
    Battery Life
    If you mostly work at places where the power supply is not available then you must choose a laptop with huge battery life. Otherwise these days almost all laptops come with moderate battery backup.
    You can get custom programmer laptop stickers at www.stickeryou.com.
    Below I have shared some laptops that I believe are good for programmers in India. Even if you don’t like any of them you can consider the above points to pick the best laptop according to your usage.
    Laptops Under 1 Lakh
    Apple MacBook Air with M2 Chip
    The Apple MacBook Air 2022 edition defines innovation, bringing together Apple’s renowned M2 chip with a lightweight design, perfect for programmers who appreciate both power and portability.
    FeaturesDetailsProcessorNext-gen 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU, 24GB unified memoryDisplay13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 500+ nits brightnessMemory & StorageUnified 24GB Memory (not specified storage)GraphicsIntegrated with M2 ChipDesignStrikingly thin, weighs 1.24 kgBatteryUp to 18 hoursCamera & Audio1080p FaceTime HD, three-mic array, four-speaker system with Spatial AudioPorts & ConnectivityMagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt ports, headphone jackCheck Price
    Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5
    Offering the power of Intel’s 12th Gen processors, the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 promises dependable performance in a sleek package, making it a developer’s reliable sidekick.
    FeaturesDetailsProcessor12th Gen Intel Core i7-1255U, 10 Cores, 12 Threads, 12MB CacheDisplay15.6″ FHD, 300 nits brightness, Anti-Glare, IPSMemory & Storage16GB RAM DDR4-3200, 512 GB SSDGraphicsIntegrated Intel Iris XeDesign1.69 cm thin, 1.85 kg weight, Aluminium topBattery8 Hours, 76WhCamera & AudioFHD 1080p, Fixed Focus, Privacy Shutter, Dual Array Microphone, 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers, Dolby AudioPorts & ConnectivityUSB-A, USB-C, HDMI 1.4b, 4-in-1 media readerCheck Price
    HP Pavilion 14
    Fusing HP’s commitment to sustainability with Intel’s 12th Gen might, the HP Pavilion 14 offers an eco-conscious choice without sacrificing performance, making it a top pick for developers.
    FeaturesDetailsProcessorIntel Core i7-1255U (up to 4.7 GHz), 10 cores, 12 threadsDisplay14″ FHD, IPS, micro-edge, BrightView, 250 nitsMemory & Storage16 GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM, 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDGraphicsIntel UHD GraphicsDesignCompact form with backlit keyboardBattery3-cell, 43 Wh Li-ionCamera & AudioHP Wide Vision 720p HD camera, Audio by B&O, Dual SpeakersPorts & ConnectivityUSB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1Check Price
    Laptops Under 70000
    ASUS Vivobook Pro 15
    The ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 offers impressive hardware specifications encapsulated within an ultra-portable design. With the power of AMD’s Ryzen 5 and NVIDIA’s RTX 3060, it promises to be a powerhouse for programmers and multitaskers alike.
    FeatureDetailsProcessorAMD Ryzen 5 5600H (4.2 GHz, 6 cores)RAM16 GB DDR4Storage512 GB SSDGraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (4 GB GDDR6)Display15.6-inch FHD LED (1920 x 1080) with 144Hz refresh rateOperating SystemWindows 11 HomeSpecial FeaturesFingerprint Reader, HD Audio, Backlit Keyboard, Memory Card SlotConnectivityUSB Type C, Micro USB Type A, 3.5mm Audio, Bluetooth 5Battery Life6 HoursCheck Price
    HP Pavilion 14
    HP Pavilion 14 pairs the latest 12th Gen Intel Core i5 with robust memory and storage options. It is engineered for performance and designed with elegance, boasting a slim profile and long-lasting battery.
    FeatureDetailsProcessor10-core 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U with Intel Iris Xᵉ graphicsRAM16 GB DDR4Storage512GB PCle NVMe M.2 SSDDisplay14-inch FHD Micro-edge display (250-nit)Operating SystemWindows 11 (MS Office 2019 pre-loaded)ConnectivityWi-Fi 6 (2×2), Bluetooth 5.2, USB Type-C, 2x USB Type-A, HDMI 2.1Battery LifeFast charging (up to 50% in 30 mins)Additional FeaturesHP Wide Vision 720p HD camera, Audio by B&O, Fingerprint readerCheck Price
    Lenovo ThinkPad E14
    Renowned for its rugged build and reliability, the Lenovo ThinkPad E14 offers a solid combination of performance and durability. Featuring a 12th Gen Intel Core i5, it is perfect for professionals on the go.
    FeatureDetailsProcessor12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235UG4 (up to 4.4 GHz, 10 cores)RAM16GB DDR4 3200 MHz (Upgradable up to 40GB)Storage512GB SSD M.2 (Upgradable up to 2 TB)Display14-inch FHD Anti-glare display (250 Nits)GraphicsIntegrated Intel Iris Xe GraphicsOperating SystemWindows 11 Home SL (MS Office Home & Student 2021 pre-installed)PortsUSB 2.0, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet (RJ-45)Battery LifeUp to 9.4 hours (Rapid Charge up to 80% in 1hr)Check Price
    HP Laptop 15
    HP’s Laptop 15 elevates the user experience with its 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, ensuring a smooth multitasking environment. The spacious 15.6-inch display paired with an efficient battery life ensures productivity throughout the day.
    FeatureDetailsProcessor13th Gen Intel Core i5-1335U, 10-coreRAM16 GB DDR4Storage512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDGraphicsIntegrated Intel Iris Xᵉ graphicsDisplay15.6-inch FHD, 250-nit, Micro-edgeConnectivityWi-Fi 6 (1×1), Bluetooth 5.3, USB Type-C/A, HDMI 1.4bOperating SystemWindows 11 with MS Office 2021BatteryFast Charge (50% in 45 mins)Check Price
    Acer Nitro 5
    The Acer Nitro 5 stands as a gaming powerhouse, fueled by the 12th Gen Intel Core i5. Aided by NVIDIA’s RTX 3050 graphics, the 144 Hz vibrant display promises an immersive experience, making it an excellent choice for developers and gamers alike.
    FeatureDetailsProcessorIntel Core i5 12th GenRAM16 GB DDR4 (upgradable to 32 GB)Display15.6″ Full HD, Acer ComfyView LED-backlit TFT LCD, 144 HzGraphicsNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 4 GB GDDR6Storage512 GB PCIe Gen4 SSDOperating SystemWindows 11 Home 64-bitWeight2.5 KgSpecial FeaturesRGB Backlit Keyboard, Thunderbolt 4PortsUSB 3.2 Gen 2 (with power-off charging), USB 3.2 Gen 2, USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4), USB 3.2 Gen 1Check Price
    ASUS Vivobook 16
    Crafted for modern professionals, the ASUS Vivobook 16 blends a sleek design with robust performance. Its 16-inch FHD+ display and integrated graphics ensure clarity, while the Core i5-1335U processor offers smooth multitasking, making it ideal for coders and content creators.
    FeatureDetailsProcessorIntel Core i5-1335U (1.3 GHz base, up to 4.6 GHz)RAM & Storage16GB 3200MHz (8GB onboard + 8GB SO-DIMM) & 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSDDisplay16.0-inch FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 60Hz, 45% NTSC Anti-glareGraphicsIntegrated Intel Iris XᵉOperating System & SoftwareWindows 11 Home with Pre-Installed Office Home and Student 2021 & 1-Year McAfee Anti-VirusDesignThin (1.99 cm) & Light (1.88 kg), 42WHrs Battery (Up to 6 hours)KeyboardBacklit Chiclet with Num-keyPortsUSB 2.0 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (supporting power delivery), USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, DC-inOther Features720p HD camera (with privacy shutter), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5, US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard, SonicMaster audio with Cortana supportCheck Price
    Dell 14 Metal Body Laptop
    Boasting a sturdy metal body, Dell’s 14-inch laptop strikes a balance between style and function. Powered by the 12th Gen Intel i5-1235U and integrated graphics, this machine promises efficiency and versatility for programmers, complemented by enhanced security features.
    FeatureDetailsProcessorIntel Core i5-1235U 12th Generation (up to 4.40 GHz)RAM & Storage16GB DDR4 3200MHz (2 DIMM Slots, Expandable up to 16GB) & 512GB SSDDisplay14.0″ FHD WVA AG Narrow Border 250 nitsGraphicsIntegrated Onboard GraphicsOperating System & SoftwareWin 11 Home + Office H&S 2021 with 15 Months McAfee antivirus subscriptionKeyboardBacklit + Fingerprint ReaderPortsUSB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (with DisplayPort 1.4), USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, Headset jack, HDMI 1.4, Flip-Down RJ-45 (10/100/1000 Mbps), SD 3.0 card slotFeaturesTÜV Rheinland certified Dell ComfortView, Waves Maxx Audio, Hardware-based TPM 2.0 security chipCheck Price
    Laptops Under 60000
    Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3
    The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3, with its latest 12th Gen Intel i5 processor, ensures optimal performance for programmers. Its slim design and advanced features, such as the Lenovo Aware and Whisper Voice, prioritize user convenience and eye safety. The Xbox GamePass Ultimate subscription further enhances its appeal to gamers and developers alike.
    FeaturesDetailsProcessor12th Gen Intel i5-1235U, 10 Cores, 1.3 / 4.4GHz (P-core)Display15.6″ FHD (1920×1080) TN, 250nits Anti-glareMemory & Storage16GB DDR4-3200 (Max), 512GB SSDGraphicsIntegrated Intel Iris Xe GraphicsOS & SoftwareWindows 11 Home 64, Office Home and Student 2021Design & Weight4 Side Narrow Bezel, 1.99 cm Thin, 1.63 kgBattery LifeUp to 6 Hours, Rapid ChargeAudio & Camera2x 1.5W Stereo Speakers, HD Audio, Dolby Audio, HD 720p with Privacy ShutterPortsUSB-A, USB-C, HDMI, 4-in-1 media readerAdditional Features & WarrantyLenovo Aware, Whisper Voice, Eye Care, 2 Years onsite manufacturer warrantyCheck Price
    HP Laptop 14s
    HP Laptop 14s, a blend of reliability and efficiency, boasts a 12th Gen Intel Core processor and micro-edge display for enhanced visuals. Its long battery life, coupled with HP Fast Charge, is ideal for developers on the go. Integrated with the HP True Vision camera and dual speakers, it’s perfect for seamless conferencing.
    FeaturesDetailsProcessor12-core 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1240P, 16 threads, 12MB L3 cacheDisplay14-inch, FHD, 250-nit, micro-edgeMemory & Storage8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSDGraphicsIntel Iris Xe graphicsConnectivityWi-Fi 5 (2×2), Bluetooth 5.0Battery Life & Charging41Wh, HP Fast ChargeCamera & AudioHP True Vision 720p HD camera, Dual speakersPortsUSB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI 1.4bSoftware & CertificationWin 11, MS Office 2021, EPEAT Silver registered, ENERGY STAR certifiedWarranty & Design1-year on-site standard warranty, Made of recycled plasticsCheck Price
    HONOR MagicBook X14
    HONOR MagicBook X14, encapsulating speed with style, delivers an exceptional experience with its 12th Gen Intel Core processor and lightweight body. A standout feature is its 2-in-1 Fingerprint Power Button, ensuring utmost privacy. The TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification affirms that it’s eye-friendly, suitable for prolonged usage.
    FeaturesDetailsProcessor12th Gen Intel Core i5-12450H, 8 Cores, 2.0 GHz base speed, 4.4 GHz Max SpeedDisplay14” Full HD IPS Anti-GlareMemory & Storage8GB LPDDR4x RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSDGraphicsIntel UHD GraphicsCharging & Battery65W Type-C Fast Charging, 60Wh Battery, Up to 12 hoursSecurity & Webcam2-in-1 Fingerprint Power Button, 720P HD WebcamKeyboardBacklit KeyboardPortsMulti-Purpose Type-C Connector, Supports Charging & Data Transfer, Reverse Charging & DisplayDesign & WeightPremium Aluminium Metal Body, 16.5MM Thickness, 1.4kgOperating SystemPre-Loaded Windows 11 Home 64-bitCheck Price
    Comment below if I have any tips for choosing the best laptop for programming and development. You can also ask your queries related to buying a good coding and programming laptop.
    The post 10 Best Laptops for Coding and Programming in India 2025 appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
  12. Blogger

    RepublicLabs

    · Blogger · 01/13/25 05:36 AM

    by: aiparabellum.com
    Mon, 13 Jan 2025 05:36:03 +0000

    https://republiclabs.ai/gen-ai-tools
    RepublicLabs.ai is a cutting-edge platform designed to revolutionize the way we create visual content. By leveraging advanced AI generative models, this tool allows users to create stunning images and videos effortlessly. Whether you’re looking to generate professional headshots, artistic visuals, or even fantasy animations, RepublicLabs.ai offers a wide range of tools to cater to your creative needs. It empowers individuals, professionals, and businesses to bring their ideas to life without requiring complex technical skills.
    Features of RepublicLabs.ai
    RepublicLabs.ai boasts an extensive suite of features tailored to meet diverse creative demands. Here are some of its standout features:
    AI Face Generator: Create realistic human faces with ease. AI Art Generator: Craft artistic visuals and paintings with AI assistance. Cartoon AI Generator: Turn photos into cartoon-style images. Fantasy AI: Design imaginative and surreal visuals effortlessly. Unrestricted AI Image Generator: Generate any image without limitations. Professional Headshot Generator: Create high-quality headshots for professional use. AI LinkedIn Photo Generator: Perfect LinkedIn profile pictures created by AI. Ecommerce Photography Tool: Generate product images optimized for online stores. Pyramid Flow Video Generator: Produce visually appealing videos with AI technology. Anime Image Generator: Create anime-style images with ease. Text-to-Art Generator: Transform text into stunning artwork. AI Product Advertisement Generator: Create compelling product ads for business needs. Deep AI Image Generator: Produce high-quality, AI-driven images. Minimax AI Video Generator: Generate videos with minimal effort. Uncensored and Unfiltered AI Generators: Produce unrestricted creative content. How RepublicLabs.ai Works
    Creating images and videos with RepublicLabs.ai is simple and user-friendly. Here’s how it works:
    Choose a Tool: Select the desired AI tool from the variety of options available on the platform. Input Your Ideas: Provide a prompt, text, or upload an image to guide the AI in generating content. Customize Outputs: Adjust styles, colors, and other parameters to personalize the results. Preview and Download: Review the generated content and download it for use. The platform is designed with a seamless workflow, ensuring efficiency and quality in every output.
    Benefits of RepublicLabs.ai
    RepublicLabs.ai offers numerous advantages that make it an invaluable tool for creators:
    Ease of Use: No technical expertise required; the platform is beginner-friendly. Versatility: Supports a wide range of creative needs, from professional to personal projects. Time-Saving: Generates high-quality visuals and videos in just a few minutes. Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for expensive photography or design services. Unrestricted Creativity: Enables users to explore limitless possibilities without boundaries. Professional Results: Produces content that meets high-quality standards suitable for business use. Pricing of RepublicLabs.ai
    RepublicLabs.ai offers flexible pricing plans to cater to various user needs. Users can explore free tools like the AI Headshot Generator and other trial options. For advanced features and unrestricted access, premium plans are available. Pricing details can be found on the platform to suit individual and organizational budgets.
    Review of RepublicLabs.ai
    RepublicLabs.ai has garnered positive reviews from users across different industries. Creators appreciate its user-friendly interface, diverse features, and the quality of its outputs. Professionals have highlighted its efficiency in generating marketing materials, while artists commend its ability to bring imaginative concepts to life. The platform is widely regarded as a game-changer in the field of AI-driven content creation.
    Conclusion
    RepublicLabs.ai is a versatile and powerful platform that bridges the gap between creativity and technology. With its vast array of AI tools, it empowers users to transform their ideas into captivating images and videos effortlessly. Whether you’re an artist, a marketer, or someone looking to enhance their personal portfolio, RepublicLabs.ai provides the tools you need to succeed. Explore the endless possibilities and let your creativity shine with this innovative AI-powered platform.
    Visit Website The post RepublicLabs appeared first on AI Parabellum.
  13. Blogger
    by: Bill Dyer



    Before Reddit, before GitHub, and even before the World Wide Web went online, there was Usenet.
    This decentralized network of discussion groups was a main line of communication of the early internet - ideas were exchanged, debates raged, research conducted, and friendships formed.

    For those of us who experienced it, Usenet was more than just a communication tool; it was a community, a center of innovation, and a proving ground for the ideas.
    📋
    It is also culturally and historically significant in that it popularized concepts and terms such as "LOL (first used in a newsgroup in 1990)," FAQ," "flame," "spam," and,"sockpuppet".
    Oldest network that is still in use
    Usenet is one of the oldest computer network communications systems still in widespread use. It went online in 1980, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University.
    1980 is significant in that it was pre-World Wide Web by over a decade. In fact, the "Internet" was basically a network of privately owned ARPANet sites. Usenet was created to be the network for the general public - before the general public even had access to the Internet. I see Usenet as the first social network.
    Over time, Usenet grew to include thousands of discussion groups (called newsgroups) and millions of users. Users read and write posts, called articles, using software called a newsreader.
    In the 1990s, early Web browsers and email programs often had a built-in newsreader. Topics were many; if you could imagine a topic, there was probably a group made for it and, if a group didn't exist, one could be made.
    The culture of Usenet: Learning the ropes
    While I say that Usenet was the first social network, it was never really organized to be one. Each group owner could - and usually did - set their own rules.
    Before participating in discussions, it was common advice to “lurk” for a while - read the group without posting - to learn the rules, norms, and tone of the community. Every Usenet group had its own etiquette, usually unwritten, and failing to follow it could lead to a “flaming.” These public scoldings, were often harsh, but they reinforced the importance of respecting the group’s culture.
    For groups like comp.std.doc and comp.text, lurking was essential to understand the technical depth and specificity of the conversations. Jumping in without preparation wasn’t just risky - it was almost a rite of passage to survive the initial corrections from seasoned members. Yet, once you earned their respect, you became part of a tightly knit network of expertise and camaraderie - you belonged.

    Usenet and the birth of Linux
    One newsgroup, comp.os.minix, became legendary when Linus Torvalds posted about a new project he was working on. In August 1991, Linus announced the creation of Linux, a hobby project of a free operating system.
    Usenet's structure - decentralized, threaded, and open - can be seen as the first demonstration of the values of open-source development. Anyone with a connection and a bit of technical know-how could hop on and join in a conversation. For developers, Usenet quickly became the main tool for keeping up with rapidly evolving programming languages, paradigms, and methodologies.
    It's not a stretch to see how Usenet also became an essential platform for code collaborating, bug tracking, and intellectual exchange - it thrived in this ecosystem.
    The discussions were sometimes messy - flame wars and off-topic posts were common - but they were also authentic. Problems were solved not in isolation but through collective effort. Without Usenet, the early growth of Linux may well have been much slower.
    A personal memory: Helping across continents
    My own experience with Usenet wasn’t just about reading discussions or solving technical problems. It became a bridge to collaboration and friendship. I remember one particular interaction well: a Finnish academic working on her doctoral dissertation on documentation standards posted a query to a group I frequented. By chance, I had the information she needed.
    At the time, I spent a lot of my time in groups like comp.std.doc and comp.text, where discussions about documentation standards and text processing were common. She was working with SGML standards, while I was more focused on HTML. Despite our different areas of expertise, Usenet made it easy for the two of us to connect and share knowledge. She later wrote back to say my input had helped her complete her dissertation.
    This took place in the mid-1990s and that brief collaboration turned into a friendship that lasts to this day. Although we may go long periods without writing, we’ve always kept in touch. It’s evidence to how Usenet didn’t just encourage innovation but also created a lasting friendship across continents.
    The decline and legacy of Usenet
    As the internet evolved, Usenet's use has been fading. The rise of web-based forums, social media, and version-control platforms like GitHub made Usenet feel clunky and outdated, and there are concerns that it is largely being used to send spam and conduct flame wars and binary (no text) exchanges.
    On February 22, 2024, Google stopped Usenet support for these reasons. Users can no longer post or subscribe, or view new content. Historical content, before the cut-off date can be viewed, however.
    This doesn't mean that Usenet is dead; far from it. Giganews, Newsdemon, and Usenet are still running, if you are interested in looking into this. Both require a subscription, but Eternal September provides free access.
    If Usenet's use has been declining, then why look into it? Its archives. The archives hold detailed discussions, insights, questions and answers, and snippets of code - a good deal of which is still relevant to today’s software hurdles.
    Conclusion
    I would guess that, for those of us who were there, Usenet remains a nostalgic memory. It does for me. The quirks of its culture - from FAQs to "RTFM" responses - were part of its charm. It was chaotic, imperfect, and sometimes frustrating, but it was also a place where real work got done and real connections were made.
    Looking back, my time on Usenet was one of the foundational chapters in my journey through technology. Helping a stranger across the globe complete a dissertation might seem like a small thing, but it’s emblematic of what Usenet stood for: collaboration without boundaries. It bears repeating: It was a place where knowledge was freely shared and where the seeds of ideas could grow into something great. And in this case, it helped create a friendship that continues to remind me of Usenet’s unique power to connect people.
    As Linux fans, we owe a lot to Usenet. Without it, Linux might have remained a small hobby project instead of becoming the force of computing that it has become. So, the next time you’re diving into a Linux distro or collaborating on an open-source project, take a moment to appreciate the platform that helped make it all possible.
  14. Blogger
    by: Neeraj Mishra
    Sat, 11 Jan 2025 10:39:00 +0000

    One of the fastest-growing domains in the recent years is data science. For those who don’t know, data science revolves around different subjects that ultimately lead to one goal. Subjects include math, statistics, specialized programming, advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI.
    Working with these subjects, a data scientist uses his expertise to help generate useful insights for guiding an organization with respect to the data they have. Organizing and explaining this data for strategic planning is what a data scientist does and should be skilled at.
    It’s an exciting field, and if you’re an expert or someone who wants to excel as a data scientist, then you must be adept at what you do. When that’s done, make sure to apply for as many postings in reputed organizations as possible since the job’s quite in demand.
    As for the interview process, it can be tough and hectic since you need to demonstrate a good insight into the domain to ensure that you’re an expert. Companies don’t tend to hire people who aren’t insightful or can’t contribute more than they’re already achieving.
    Therefore, let’s get into how you can prepare for a data science interview and excel at getting a job at the company of your liking:
    1. Preparing for Coding Interviews
    One of the hardest phases of any data science interview is the coding phase. Since the position requires skilled expertise in coding, it’s imperative that you prepare yourself for it. Coding interviews consist of various coding challenges comprising data structures, learning algorithms, statistics, and other related subjects.
    In order to prepare for these, you should focus on the foundational concepts for each subject. In addition, you should practice various problems, scaling from easy to professional to emergency levels, so that you can prepare for any real-time situation provided in the interview.
    If you want you can find various online courses that you can view and even enroll in to get a certification. Having a certification with your experience will surely do you good in interviews.
    2. Preparing for Virtual Interviews
    Most companies that are hiring data scientists don’t directly call candidates for physical interviews. They scrutinize available candidates and narrow them down to the optimal ones via virtual interviews.
    This usually involves pre-assessment coding tests as well as a short virtual interview that gives the recruiters a better idea of whether the candidate should appear for a second interview or not. That’s why you should take good measures and prepare for your virtual interviews as well.
    It’s likely that you’ll be interviewed live and will have to complete an online assessment while being live on your cam. For that, ensure that you have a professional workspace, room, and dressing.
    Also, ensure you’re using a stable internet so that you don’t get buffering or any botherations during the time you’re on call. Amongst recommendations, we suggest checking out plans from Xfinity or contacting Xfinity customer services to choose from available reliable options.
    Apart from this, ensure your equipment is working properly including your microphone, camera, keyboard, etc. so that any interruptions won’t undermine your value during the interview.
    3. Brushing Up for Technical Interview
    In addition to the coding interview, you also need to prepare yourself for a technical interview. This usually happens within the coding interview; however, there can be multiple rounds for it. That is why you need to polish your technical knowledge in order to prepare for it. Here are different steps that you can deploy for it:
    Programming Languages
    To begin, you need to go through programming languages including Python, R, SQL, etc. necessary for the purpose. This also includes creating code for different pertaining problems as well as utilizing inventiveness for the given situation.
    Data Structures & Algorithms
    Since the technical round will comprise various algorithms, you’ll need to go through data structures and algorithms too. This will prepare you for any given situation dealing with the algorithms on different difficulty levels.
    Data Manipulation & Analysis
    Data manipulation is quite important when it comes to being a data scientist since it’s everything. From retrieving to analyzing the information to data cleaning and applying statistics, you should be versed in the technicalities of data manipulation.
    Also, you need to be versed in techniques needed for comprehending statistical elements via various techniques such as regression analysis, probabilistic distributions, etc. For that, you’ll need to go through these practices to ensure that you know how real-time problems will be solved.
    4. Familiarizing with Business & Financial Concepts
    You’ll also need to familiarize yourself with the company’s web pages as well as networking sites so that you can adapt your responses accordingly. This will also require you to study in-depth about the job position you’re applying for so that you can orient your answers to what’s required by the company.
    Closing Thoughts
    With these pointers, you should be able to prepare yourself for a data science interview. Ensure to keep these handy while you’re preparing for one, and excel at your next interview.
    The post How to Prepare for Data Scientist Interview in 2025? appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
  15. Blogger
    by: Geoff Graham
    Thu, 09 Jan 2025 16:16:15 +0000

    I wrote a post for Smashing Magazine that was published today about this thing that Chrome and Safari have called “Tight Mode” and how it impacts page performance. I’d never heard the term until DebugBear’s Matt Zeunert mentioned it in a passing conversation, but it’s a not-so-new deal and yet there’s precious little documentation about it anywhere.
    So, Matt shared a couple of resources with me and I used those to put some notes together that wound up becoming the article that was published. In short:
    The implications are huge, as it means resources are not treated equally at face value. And yet the way Chrome and Safari approach it is wildly different, meaning the implications are wildly different depending on which browser is being evaluated. Firefox doesn’t enforce it, so we’re effectively looking at three distinct flavors of how resources are fetched and rendered on the page.
    It’s no wonder web performance is a hard discipline when we have these moving targets. Sure, it’s great that we now have a consistent set of metrics for evaluating, diagnosing, and discussing performance in the form of Core Web Vitals — but those metrics will never be consistent from browser to browser when the way resources are accessed and prioritized varies.
    Tight Mode: Why Browsers Produce Different Performance Results originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.
  16. Blogger
    by: Zainab Sutarwala
    Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:46:00 +0000

    Are you looking for the best free Nodejs hosting platforms? You are at the right place. Node.js is a highly popular JavaScript open-source server environment used by many developers across the world.
    Right from its commencement in 2009, the server has grown in huge popularity and is used by a lot of businesses. The industry and business sectors primarily make use of Node.js.
    At present, Node.js is a most loved and well-known open-source server environment. Besides this, it provides the most convenient structure, which supports JavaScript as well as resolves various obstacles. Furthermore, it has made JavaScript easily understandable for programmers on the devices. In this article, we will check out the best free Nodejs hosting platforms that will prove very helpful.
    By the end, you will have a strong understanding of various options available for the free Node.js hosting solutions accessible for your Node JavaScript projects and can make an informed choice on which service suits your requirements.
    Render
    Render is a new company that offers free static hosting. It offers a wide range of free services that include Node.js & Docker hosting. Its pricing page static site, Redis, PostgreSQL, and services for free. Though there’s a little catch for PostgreSQL it runs only for 90 days free. Render has the smoothest and easiest developer experience as well and deploying the Node app was easy to use.
    It has comprehensive docs that will help you deploy Node.js apps for free and also host various other languages as well as frameworks. There are a few other things that you may deploy on the Render app and they are Go, Python, Docker, and PHP (Laravel). You can host various other Node.js choices on Render such as Bun.js and Deno.
    Features:
    Simple deployment with just one click. Get 1 GB of free storage. Auto Scaling for traffic surges. Constant deployment that will keep applications updated. SSL Certificates for safe communication with the users for free. Try Render
    Vercel
    Earlier known as Zeit, the Vercel app acts as the top layer of AWS Lambda which will make running your applications easy. It’s the serverless platform that will run a range of things with stronger attention on the front end.
    Vercel hosting platform is a popular hosting service with a lot of cutting-edge functions as well as amazing developer experience. Even though Vercel mainly focuses on front-end applications, it has built-in support that will host serverless Node.js features in a free tier. Vercel will be configured for retaining server experience with the help of the Legacy Serverful Behavior.
    Thus, Vercel is the best hosting platform, which is loved by a lot of developers, and hosting Node APIs on this platform will be a great benefit.
    Features:
    Integrate Git hosting solutions like GitLab, GitHub, and BitBucket Vercel provides a generous free plan and does not need a credit card  It supports some popular front-end structures such as Next, React, Vue, and Gatsby Deploy & execute server-less features  Various project themes to bootstrap the new app Vercel analytics will monitor the performance  Try Vercel
    Glitch
    If you are looking for the best and most free Node.js hosting API for some fun projects, Glitch’s free feature plan is a perfect application for you. It is the best for fun prototyping or apps. For some serious projects, you have to check out their Pro program which runs for over $8 monthly (paid on an annual basis).
    Their free plan allows you to create the app anonymously, although you will have to log in through Facebook or GitHub if you want this project to be live (any anonymous applications will expire within 5 days).
    Fastly acquired Glitch in 2022, and started offering their Pro plan as the best way to expand on limits. It was made by Stack Exchange, Stack Overflow, and Trello.
    Features:
    Limitless project uptime Custom domains offered  Additional disk space Friendly UI  Tutorials to get you running Integrate with APIs & other tech Try Glitch
    Cyclic
    Cyclic offers full-stack Node.js services for free. This is the serverless wrapper made on top of AWS. As mentioned on their pricing page it has the self-claimed free tier to deploy one app and can easily be invoked ten thousand times in one month. It has some soft and hard limits stated on its limits page.
    As mentioned on its pricing page it has a self-claimed free tier to deploy one app which can be invoked ten thousand times in one month. It has some soft and hard limits on its page.
    Features:
    1GB runtime memory 10,000 API requests 1GB Object Storage  512MB storage 3 Cron tasks Try Cyclic
    Google Cloud
    Now developers can experience low latency networks & host your apps for your Google products with Google Cloud. With the Google App Engine, developers can focus more on writing down code without worrying about managing its underlying infrastructure. Also, you will pay only for the resources you are going to use.
    This service provides a vast choice of products or services that you can select from. It is simple to start with the App Engine guide. All customers and developers can take benefits of more than 25 free products on its monthly usage limits.
    Besides, Google Cloud service is the best selection for webmasters looking to compare their features as well as select a good web hosting service for their websites. It offers the most intuitive user interface & scalability choices. What’s more, the pricing is competitive and straightforward.
    Features:
    Friendly UI and scalability options More than 25 free products  Affordable, simple to use, and flexible Range of products  Simple to start with user manual Try Google Cloud
    Amazon AWS
    Amazon Web Services or AWS powers the whole internet. It might be a little exaggerating but would be incorrect to not talk about its popularity. The platform integrates many services that make them the top options as the Node.js free hosting app.
    AWS is a cloud-based server that doesn’t offer hosting with the physical server but uses the virtual server. The majority of users prefer cloud hosting since it won’t ask you to pay for any additional resources when buying. Instead, it just charges you for used-up space.
    The company offers a free hosting plan that will give you a very good start. For its paid plans you need to pay for every hour for the service category that will be for one to three years period. Separate costing for storage, computing, migration, database, and transfer, networking and content delivery, media service, developer tools, analytics, and more are present.
    To start with AWS hosting is very simple. All you have to do is just upload the code and allow AWS to provision & deploy everything for you. There’s no cost of using its Elastic Beanstalk service and you are charged for services provided by AWS.
    Features:
    Pay only for used storage space  Simple integration of plugins Monitoring included Load balancing and auto-scaling to scale an application Free plans will expire after a year You need to couple the paid services and free services to launch the fully functional website AWS paid services are costly  Good for web apps & SaSS platforms Try Amazon AWS
    Microsoft Azure
    Microsoft Azure is a robust cloud computing server that makes it simple to host & deploy Node.js apps. It provides an App Service that includes fully managed service for Node.js web hosting applications without any upfront commitment & cancel option.
    Their service provides the most sophisticated vision, language, speech, and AI models, hence you will be able to create your machine-learning system. You can create applications that can detect & classify various concepts and objects
    Many web developers find their service to be highly reliable and powerful, especially for cloud computing. It helps to create various web apps. With Azure you can find some amazing functions that you can start quickly, their AI models have advanced options. The platform offers free core services and you also get a credit of $200 as an incentive for trying out this platform.
    Features:
    Applications can detect and classify objects Fully managed Node.js app hosting  High-class vision, speech, language, and decision-making AI models Cloud computing platform to create online apps  Scale web apps  Sophisticated AI models provide advanced options Try Microsoft Azure
    Netlify
    Netlify is yet another popular platform to deploy web projects and apps. The platform provides a free hosting program that has an integrated system to deploy various projects and software from GitHub and GitLab. You just need the project URL to create features, and you are all set to start.
    Netlify has a friendly user interface with free SSL, it gives you fast CDN access. Besides, Netlify has Serverless support, so you can use their Functions Playground and create the Serverless features and deploy The Gatsby with WordPress API immediately.
    Netlify maintains a very active project GitHub page. Till now, they have published over 240 packages for open-source collaboration. Their web hosting function is created by the developers for developers.
    Features:
    Create history so you may roll back when any issue presents itself. Deploy project is done automatically with Git. private or personal repos. Access to Edge network – distributed CDN globally. Host a wide range of websites. 100GB bandwidth and 6 hours of build time. Try Netlify
    Qovery
    If you do not have any prior experience in managing cloud infrastructure, Qovery is the best choice for you. This platform was made from scratch to help startups improve their operations. At present, Qover is accessible for DigitalOcean, AWS, and Scaleway users.
    To make it clear and use Qovery solutions, you will require an account on those cloud solutions. With AWS free plans and a combination of Qovery – it will create a most powerful combo for use. At least for the small-scale projects, that you are not yet ready to commit to complete.
    If that is not a big trouble, you may take complete benefit of Qovery’s core functions. Build from Git, and deploy in different stages, and utilize Kubernetes to scale while demand exceeds.
    Features:
    Over 1 cluster Unlimited Developers One-click Preview Environment Over 5 Environments Try Qovery
    Conclusion 
    So here you have the complete list of different platforms where you may host the Node.js projects. All the hosts in this guide provide excellent web services & generous free tiers. Besides, they will help you to build a strong website. Finally, it comes down to what type of experience that you want. We hope this blog post on the best free Nodejs hosting platform has helped you find the right hosting service!
    The post 9 Best Free Node.js Hosting 2025 appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
  17. Blogger
    As a tech-enthusiast content creator, I'm always on the lookout for innovative ways to connect with my audience and share my passion for technology and self-sufficiency.
    But as my newsletter grew in popularity, I found myself struggling with the financial burden of relying on external services like Mailgun - a problem many creators face when trying to scale their outreach efforts without sacrificing quality.
    That's when I discovered Listmonk, a free and open-source mailing list manager that not only promises high performance but also gives me complete control over my data.
    In this article, I'll walk you through how I successfully installed and deployed Listmonk locally using Docker, sharing my experiences and lessons learned along the way.
    I used Linode's cloud server to test the scenario. You may try either of Linode or DigitalOcean or your own servers.
    Customer Referral Landing Page - $100Cut Your Cloud Bills in Half Deploy more with Linux virtual machines, global infrastructure, and simple pricing. No surprise bills, no lock-in, and theLinodeGet started on Linode with a $100, 60-day credit for new users.
    DigitalOcean – The developer cloudHelping millions of developers easily build, test, manage, and scale applications of any size – faster than ever before.Explore our productsGet started on DigitalOcean with a $100, 60-day credit for new users.
    Prerequisites
    Before diving into the setup process, make sure you have the following:
    Docker and Docker Compose installed on your server. A custom domain that you want to use for Listmonk. Basic knowledge of shell commands and editing configuration files. If you are absolutely new to Docker, we have a course just for you:
    Learn Docker: Complete Beginner’s CourseLearn Docker, an important skill to have for any DevOps and modern sysadmin. Learn all the essentials of Docker in this series.Linux HandbookAbdullah TarekStep 1: Set up the project directory
    The first thing you need to do is create the directory where you'll store all the necessary files for Listmonk, I like an organized setup (helps in troubleshooting).
    In your terminal, run:
    mkdir listmonk cd listmonk This will set up a dedicated directory for Listmonk’s files.
    Step 2: Create the Docker compose file
    Listmonk has made it incredibly easy to get started with Docker. Their official documentation provides a detailed guide and even a sample docker-compose.yml file to help you get up and running quickly.
    Download the sample file to the current directory:
    curl -LO https://github.com/knadh/listmonk/raw/master/docker-compose.yml Here is the sample docker-compose.yml file, I tweaked some default environment variables:
    💡It's crucial to keep your credentials safe! Store them in a separate .env file, not hardcoded in your docker-compose.yml. I know, I know, I did it for this tutorial... but you're smarter than that, right? 😉For most users, this setup should be sufficient but you can always tweak settings to your own needs.
    then run the container in the background:
    docker compose up -dOnce you've run these commands, you can access Listmonk by navigating to http://localhost:9000 in your browser.
    Setting up SSL
    By default, Listmonk runs over HTTP and doesn’t include built-in SSL support. It is kinda important if you are running any service these days. So the next thing we need to do is to set up SSL support.
    While I personally prefer using Cloudflare Tunnels for SSL and remote access, this tutorial will focus on Caddy for its straightforward integration with Docker.
    Start by creating a folder named caddy in the same directory as your docker-compose.yml file:
    mkdir caddyInside the caddy folder, create a file named Caddyfile with the following content:th the following contents:
    listmonk.example.com { reverse_proxy app:9000 }Replace listmonk.example.com with your actual domain name. This tells Caddy to proxy requests from your domain to the Listmonk service running on port 9000.
    Ensure your domain is correctly configured in DNS. Add an A record pointing to your server's IP address (in my case, the Linode server's IP).
    If you’re using Cloudflare, set the proxy status to DNS only during the initial setup to let Caddy handle SSL certificates.
    Next, add the Caddy service to your docker-compose.yml file. Here’s the configuration to include:
    caddy: image: caddy:latest restart: unless-stopped container_name: caddy ports: - 80:80 - 443:443 volumes: - ./caddy/Caddyfile:/etc/caddy/Caddyfile - ./caddy/caddy_data:/data - ./caddy/caddy_config:/config networks: - listmonkThis configuration sets up Caddy to handle HTTP (port 80) and HTTPS (port 443) traffic, automatically obtain SSL certificates, and reverse proxy requests to the Listmonk container.
    Finally, restart your containers to apply the new settings:
    docker-compose restartOnce the containers are up and running, navigate to your domain (e.g., https://listmonk.example.com) in a browser.
    Caddy will handle the SSL certificate issuance and proxy the traffic to Listmonk seamlessly.
    Step 3: Accessing Listmonk webUI
    Once Listmonk is up and running, it’s time to access the web interface and complete the initial setup.
    Open your browser and navigate to your domain or IP address where Listmonk is hosted. If you’ve configured HTTPS, the URL should look something like this:
    https://listmonk.yourdomain.com
    and you’ll be greeted with the login page. Click Login to proceed.
    Creating the admin user
    On the login screen, you’ll be prompted to create an administrator account. Enter your email address, a username, and a secure password, then click Continue.
    This account will serve as the primary admin for managing Listmonk.
    Configure general settings
    Once logged in, navigate to Settings > Settings in the left sidebar. Under the General tab, customize the following:
    Site Name: Enter a name for your Listmonk instance. Root URL: Replace the default http://localhost:9000 with your domain (e.g., https://listmonk.yourdomain.com). Admin Email: Add an email address for administrative notifications. Click Save to apply these changes.
    Configure SMTP settings
    To send emails, you’ll need to configure SMTP settings:
    Click on the SMTP tab in the settings. Fill in the details:Host: smtp.emailhost.com Port: 465 Auth Protocol: Login Username: Your email address Password: Your email password (or Gmail App password, generated via Google’s security settings) TLS: SSL/TLS Click Save to confirm the settings. Create a new campaign list
    Now, let’s create a list to manage your subscribers:
    Go to All Lists in the left sidebar and click + New. Give your list a name, set it to Public, and choose between Single Opt-In or Double Opt-In. Add a description, then click Save. Your newsletter subscription form will now be available at:
    https://listmonk.yourdomain.com/subscription/form
    With everything set up and running smoothly, it’s time to put Listmonk to work.
    You can easily import your existing subscribers, customize the look and feel of your emails, and even change the logo to match your brand.
    Final thoughts
    And that’s it! You’ve successfully set up Listmonk, configured SMTP, and created your first campaign list. From here, you can start sending newsletters and growing your audience.
    I’m currently testing Listmonk for my own newsletter solution on my website, and while it’s a robust solution, I’m curious to see how it performs in a production environment.
    That said, I’m genuinely impressed by the thought and effort that Kailash Nadh and the contributors have put into this software, it’s a remarkable achievement.
    For any questions or challenges you encounter, the Listmonk GitHub page is an excellent resource and the developers are highly responsive.
    Finally, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your feedback, comments, or suggestions below. I’d love to hear about your experience with Listmonk and how you’re using it for your projects.
    Happy emailing! 📨
    https://linuxhandbook.com/content/images/2025/01/listmon-self-hosting.png
  18. Blogger
    by: Zainab Sutarwala
    Tue, 07 Jan 2025 11:33:00 +0000

    LambdaTest has today emerged as a popular name especially in the field of cross-browser testing, helping businesses and developers to ensure the functionality and compatibility of their web applications over a wide variety of devices and browsers.
    With the quick evolution of web technologies and the diverse landscape of devices and browsers, cross-browsing testing today has become an indispensable feature of web development.
    LambdaTest mainly addresses this challenge by offering a strong and user-friendly platform that enables developers to test their web applications and websites on real browsers and operating systems, allowing them to deliver a smooth user experience to their audience.
    What is LambdaTest?
    The dynamic digital age necessitates high-performance and innovative web tools. In this massive world of website testing and software development, LambdaTest holds a desirable reputation as a cloud-based, cross-browser testing software.
    LambdaTest is one of the most intuitive platforms developed to make web testing simple and trouble-free. It allows you to smoothly test your web application and website compatibility over more than 3000 different web browser environments, offering comprehensive and detailed testing at your fingertips.
    No matter whether it is about debugging problems or tracking the layout, this application covers everything with grace. The software makes it very simple to make your websites responsive, future-proof, and adaptive over a wide range of devices and operating systems.
    Features of LambdaTest
    Given the list of some amazing features that LambdaTest offers, let’s check them out:
    Live Interactive Testing: The live browser testing of LambdaTest allows users to interactively test websites in real-time in various browsers, resolutions, operating systems, and versions. Automated Screenshot Testing: This particular feature helps the users to carry out screenshot testing on a wide range of desktop and mobile browsers concurrently, thus reducing the testing time. Responsive Testing: Check how your website pages look on different devices including tablets, desktops, and mobile and screen resolutions to ensure proper compatibility over the board. Smart Testing Feature: Another amazing feature of LambdaTest is it allows users to locally or privately test hosted pages. Additionally, it offers the newest versions of different developer tools like Chrome DevTools for nuanced testing and bug detection. Integration: The software allows integration with popular project management and communication tools such as Jira, Trello, Slack, Bitbucket, etc. Pricing of LambdaTest
    The costing structure of LambdaTest is designed keeping in mind their range of customers.
    Lite Plan: It begins with the ‘Lite’ package which is totally free but has limited capabilities. It is perfect for individual developers and small startups just starting their testing journey. Live Plan: The ‘Live’ package starts at $15 monthly when billed yearly. The ‘Mobile $ Web Browser Automation’ package begins from $79 monthly and is made for automated browser testing requirements. All-In-One Plan: If you are looking for full functionality and accessibility, there’s an All-In-One package priced at $99 monthly. It enables unlimited real-testing, responsive testing, screenshot testing, and more. All these three plans come with a 14-day free trial so that the potential users will experience firsthand what LambdaTest will do for them before they commit to any particular plan.
    Key Benefits of Using LambdaTest
    The cornerstone of LambdaTest’s value proposition lies in its exclusive set of benefits and these include:
    Rapid Testing: It supports parallel testing that considerably reduces the execution time of the test. Wide-Ranging Browser Support: It covers the widest range of mobile and desktop browsers. Local Testing: This function makes sure safe testing of your locally hosted pages before deploying live. Smart Visual UI Testing: Now users can automatically company and identify visual deviations that offer pixel-perfect layouts. Debugging Tools: This testing platform comes fully loaded with pre-installed developer tools that will make bug detection a breeze. Scalable Cloud Grid: Offers you a scalable selenium grid for much faster automation tests and parallel execution of the test. How Will LambdaTest Help You Test Multiple Browsers?
    Being the cloud-based testing platform, LambdaTest allows you to eliminate the need for virtual machine or device labs. You just have to select the platform and browser and start your testing process.
    From the latest Chrome version to the oldest Internet Explorer version, LambdaTest keeps it well-covered. This ability to stimulate and emulate a broad range of devices, web browsers, and screen resolutions allows you to test over a wide range of browser environments without any need for massive hardware investments.
    Pros and Cons of LambdaTest
    Just like any other tool, LambdaTest isn’t without its benefits and drawbacks
    Pros:
    Broad Spectrum Compatibility – Allows you to test on a wide range of browsers and OS combinations. Collaborative Tool: LambdaTest geographically supports dispersed teams in tracking, sharing, and managing bugs from one place. Constant Support: Provides robust and 24/7 support for troubleshooting or queries. Cons:
    Features appear overwhelming: It may be overwhelming for beginners because of the wealth of features accessible. Sluggish: Some users have reported experiencing slowness during peak hours. Requires Frequent Updating: The latest browser versions sometimes aren’t available instantly on this platform. Conclusion
    In the world of digital presence, ensuring your web apps and websites perform perfectly on each browser and platform is very important. With a lot of amazing features and compatibility, LamdaTest appears to be a powerful tool that is perfect for meeting the demanding cross-browser testing requirements of today.
     LambdaTest is the browser compatibility tool that punches over its weight, delivering strong performance just to ensure your website’s smooth and optimum operation over a wide range of browser environments.
    The post LambdaTest Review 2025 – Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
  19. Blogger
    by: Chris Coyier
    Mon, 06 Jan 2025 20:47:37 +0000

    Like Miriam Suzanne says:
    I like the idea of controlling my own experience when browsing and using the web. Bump up that default font size, you’re worth it.
    Here’s another version of control. If you publish a truncated RSS feed on your site, but the site itself has more content, I reserve the right to go fetch that content and read it through a custom RSS feed. I feel like that’s essentially the same thing as if I had an elaborate user stylesheet that I applied just to that website that made it look how I wanted it to look. It would be weird to be anti user-stylesheet.
    I probably don’t take enough control over my own experience on sites, really. Sometimes it’s just a time constraint where I don’t have the spoons to do a bunch of customization. But the spoon math changes when it has to do with doing my job better.
    I was thinking about this when someone poked me that an article I published had a wrong link in it. As I was writing it in WordPress, somehow I linked the link to some internal admin screen URL instead of where I was trying to link to. Worse, I bet I’ve made that same mistake 10 times this year. I don’t know what the heck the problem is (some kinda fat finger issue, probably) but the same problem is happening too much.
    What can help? User stylesheets can help! I love it when CSS helps me do my job in weird subtle ways better. I’ve applied this CSS now:
    .editor-visual-editor a[href*="/wp-admin/"]::after { content: " DERP!"; color: red; } That first class is just something to scope down the editor area in WordPress, then I select any links that have “wp-admin” in them, which I almost certainly do not want to be linking to, and show a visual warning. It’s a little silly, but it will literally work to stop this mistake I keep making.
    I find it surprising that only Safari has entirely native support for a linking up your own user CSS, but there are ways to do it via extension or other features in all browsers.
    Welp now that we’re talking about CSS I can’t help but share some of my favorite links in that area now.
    Dave put his finger on an idea I’m wildly jealous of: CSS wants to be a system. Yes! It so does! CSS wants to be a system! Alone, it’s just selectors, key/value pairs, and a smattering of other features. It doesn’t tell you how to do it, it is lumber and hardware saying build me into a tower! And also: do it your way! And the people do. Some people’s personality is: I have made this system, follow me, disciples, and embrace me. Other people’s personality is: I have also made a system, it is mine, my own, my prec… please step back behind the rope.
    Annnnnnd more.
    CSS Surprise Manga Lines from Alvaro are fun and weird and clever. Whirl: “CSS loading animations with minimal effort!” Jhey’s got 108 of them open sourced so far (like, 5 years ago, but I’m just seeing it.) Next-level frosted glass with backdrop-filter. Josh covers ideas (with credit all the way back to Jamie Gray) related to the “blur the stuff behind it” look. Yes, backdrop-filter does the heavy lifting, but there are SO MANY DETAILS to juice it up. Custom Top and Bottom CSS Container Masks from Andrew is a nice technique. I like the idea of a “safe” way to build non-rectangular containers where the content you put inside is actually placed safely.
  20. Blogger
    by: Andy Bell
    Mon, 06 Jan 2025 14:58:46 +0000

    I’ll set out my stall and let you know I am still an AI skeptic. Heck, I still wrap “AI” in quotes a lot of the time I talk about it. I am, however, skeptical of the present, rather than the future. I wouldn’t say I’m positive or even excited about where AI is going, but there’s an inevitability that in development circles, it will be further engrained in our work.
    We joke in the industry that the suggestions that AI gives us are more often than not, terrible, but that will only improve in time. A good basis for that theory is how fast generative AI has improved with image and video generation. Sure, generated images still have that “shrink-wrapped” look about them, and generated images of people have extra… um… limbs, but consider how much generated AI images have improved, even in the last 12 months.
    There’s also the case that VC money is seemingly exclusively being invested in AI, industry-wide. Pair that with a continuously turbulent tech recruitment situation, with endless major layoffs and even a skeptic like myself can see the writing on the wall with how our jobs as developers are going to be affected.
    The biggest risk factor I can foresee is that if your sole responsibility is to write code, your job is almost certainly at risk. I don’t think this is an imminent risk in a lot of cases, but as generative AI improves its code output — just like it has for images and video — it’s only a matter of time before it becomes a redundancy risk for actual human developers.
    Do I think this is right? Absolutely not. Do I think it’s time to panic? Not yet, but I do see a lot of value in evolving your skillset beyond writing code. I especially see the value in improving your soft skills.
    What are soft skills?
    A good way to think of soft skills is that they are life skills. Soft skills include:
    communicating with others, organizing yourself and others, making decisions, and adapting to difficult situations. I believe so much in soft skills that I call them core skills and for the rest of this article, I’ll refer to them as core skills, to underline their importance.
    The path to becoming a truly great developer is down to more than just coding. It comes down to how you approach everything else, like communication, giving and receiving feedback, finding a pragmatic solution, planning — and even thinking like a web developer.
    I’ve been working with CSS for over 15 years at this point and a lot has changed in its capabilities. What hasn’t changed though, is the core skills — often called “soft skills” — that are required to push you to the next level. I’ve spent a large chunk of those 15 years as a consultant, helping organizations — both global corporations and small startups — write better CSS. In almost every single case, an improvement of the organization’s core skills was the overarching difference.
    The main reason for this is a lot of the time, the organizations I worked with coded themselves into a corner. They’d done that because they just plowed through — Jira ticket after Jira ticket — rather than step back and question, “is our approach actually working?” By focusing on their team’s core skills, we were often — and very quickly — able to identify problem areas and come up with pragmatic solutions that were almost never development solutions. These solutions were instead:
    Improving communication and collaboration between design and development teams Reducing design “hand-off” and instead, making the web-based output the source of truth Moving slowly and methodically to move fast Putting a sharp focus on planning and collaboration between developers and designers, way in advance of production work being started Changing the mindset of “plow on” to taking a step back, thoroughly evaluating the problem, and then developing a collaborative and by proxy, much simpler solution Will improving my core skills actually help?
    One thing AI cannot do — and (hopefully) never will be able to do — is be human. Core skills — especially communication skills — are very difficult for AI to recreate well because the way we communicate is uniquely human.
    I’ve been doing this job a long time and something that’s certainly propelled my career is the fact I’ve always been versatile. Having a multifaceted skillset — like in my case, learning CSS and HTML to improve my design work — will only benefit you. It opens up other opportunities for you too, which is especially important with the way the tech industry currently is.
    If you’re wondering how to get started on improving your core skills, I’ve got you. I produced a course called Complete CSS this year but it’s a slight rug-pull because it’s actually a core skills course that uses CSS as a context. You get to learn some iron-clad CSS skills alongside those core skills too, as a bonus. It’s definitely worth checking out if you are interested in developing your core skills, especially so if you receive a training budget from your employer.
    Wrapping up
    The main message I want to get across is developing your core skills is as important — if not more important — than keeping up to date with the latest CSS or JavaScript thing. It might be uncomfortable for you to do that, but trust me, being able to stand yourself out over AI is only going to be a good thing, and improving your core skills is a sure-fire way to do exactly that.
    The Importance of Investing in Soft Skills in the Age of AI originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.
  21. Blogger
    File descriptors are a core concept in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. They provide a way for programs to interact with files, devices, and other input/output (I/O) resources.
    Simply put, a file descriptor is like a "ticket" or "handle" that a program uses to access these resources. Every time a program opens a file or creates an I/O resource (like a socket or pipe), the operating system assigns it a unique number called a file descriptor.
    This number allows the program to read, write, or perform other operations on the resource.
    And as we all know, in Linux, almost everything is treated as a file—whether it's a text file, a keyboard input, or even network communication. File descriptors make it possible to handle all these resources in a consistent and efficient way.
    What Are File Descriptors?
    A file descriptor is a non-negative integer assigned by your operating system whenever a program opens a file or another I/O resource. It acts as an identifier that the program uses to interact with the resource.
    For example:
    When you open a text file, the operating system assigns it a file descriptor (e.g., 3). If you open another file, it gets the next available file descriptor (e.g., 4). These numbers are used internally by the program to perform operations like reading from or writing to the resource.
    This simple mechanism allows programs to interact with different resources without needing to worry about how these resources are implemented underneath.
    For instance, whether you're reading from a keyboard or writing to a network socket, you use file descriptors in the same way!
    The three standard file descriptors
    Every process in Linux starts with three predefined file descriptors: Standard Input (stdin), Standard Output (stdout), and Standard Error (stderr).
    Here's a brief summary of their use:
    Descriptor Integer Value Symbolic Constant Purpose stdin 0 STDIN_FILENO Standard input (keyboard input by default) stdout 1 STDOUT_FILENO Standard output (screen output by default) stderr 2 STDERR_FILENO Standard error (error messages by default) Now, let's address each file descriptor with details.
    1. Standard Input (stdin)- Descriptor: 0
    The purpose of the standard input stream is to receive input data. By default, it reads input from the keyboard unless redirected to another source like a file or pipe. Programs use stdin to accept user input interactively or process data from external sources.
    When you type something into the terminal and press Enter, the data is sent to the program's stdin. This stream can also be redirected to read from files or other programs using shell redirection operators (<).
    One simple example of stdin would be a script that takes input from the user and prints it:
    #!/bin/bash # Prompt the user to enter their name echo -n "Enter your name: " # Read the input from the user read name # Print a greeting message echo "Hello, $name!" Here's what the output looks like:
    But there is another way of using the input stream–redirecting the input itself. You can create a text file and redirect the input stream.
    For example, here I have created a sample text file named input.txt which contains my name Satoshi. Later I redirected the input stream using <:
    As you can see, rather than waiting for my input, it took data from the text file and we somewhat automated this.
    2. Standard Output (stdout)- Descriptor: 1
    The standard output stream is used for displaying normal output generated by programs. By default, it writes output to the terminal screen unless redirected elsewhere.
    In simple terms, programs use stdout to print results or messages. This stream can be redirected to write output to files or other programs using shell operators (> or |).
    Let's take a simple script that prints a greeting message:
    #!/bin/bash # Print a message to standard output echo "This is standard output." Here's the simple output (nothing crazy but a decent example):
    Now, if I want to redirect the output to a file, rather than showing it on the terminal screen, then I can use > as shown here:
    ./stdout.sh > output.txtAnother good example can be the redirecting output of a command to a text file:
    ls > output.txt3. Standard Error (stderr)- Descriptor: 2
    The standard error stream is used for displaying error messages and diagnostics. It is separate from stdout so that errors can be handled independently of normal program output.
    For better understanding, I wrote a script that will trigger the stderr signal as I have used the exit 1 to mimic a faulty execution:
    #!/bin/bash # Print a message to standard output echo "This is standard output." # Print an error message to standard error echo "This is an error message." >&2 # Exit with a non-zero status to indicate an error exit 1 But if you were to execute this script, it would simply print "This is an error message." To understand better, you can redirect the output and error to different files.
    For example, here, I have redirected the error message to stderr.log and the normal output will go into stdout.log:
    ./stderr.sh > stdout.log 2> stderr.logBonus: Types of limits on file descriptors
    Linux kernel puts a limit on the number of file descriptors a process can use. These limits help manage system resources and prevent any single process from using too many. There are different types of limits, each serving a specific purpose.
    Soft Limits: The default maximum number of file descriptors a process can open. Users can temporarily increase this limit up to the hard limit for their session. Hard Limits: The absolute maximum number of file descriptors a process can open. Only the system admin can increase this limit to ensure system stability. Process-Level Limits: Each process has its own set of file descriptor limits, inherited from its parent process, to prevent any single process from overusing resources. System-Level Limits: The total number of file descriptors available across all processes on the system. This ensures fairness and prevents global resource exhaustion. User-Level Limits: Custom limits set for specific users or groups to allocate resources differently based on their needs. Wrapping Up...
    In this explainer, I went through what file descriptors are in Linux and shared some practical examples to explain their function. I tried to cover the types of limits in detail but then I had to drop the "detail" to stick to the main idea of this article.
    But if you want, I can surely write a detailed article on the types of limits on file descriptors. Also, if you have any questions or suggestions, leave us a comment.
    https://linuxhandbook.com/content/images/2025/01/file-descriptor-in-linux.png
  22. Blogger
    I don’t like my prompt, i want to change it. it has my username and host, but the formatting is not what i want. This blog will get you started quickly on doing exactly that. This is my current prompt below:

    To change the prompt you will update .bashrc and set the PS1 environment variable to a new value.
    Here is a cheatsheet of the prompt options:
    You can use these placeholders for customization:
    \u – Username
    \h – Hostname
    \w – Current working directory
    \W – Basename of the current working directory
    \$ – Shows $ for a normal user and # for the root user
    \t – Current time (HH:MM:SS)
    \d – Date (e.g., "Mon Jan 05")
    \! – History number of the command
    \# – Command number I want to change my prompt to say
    Here is my new prompt I am going to use:
    export PS1="linuxhint@mybox \w: " Can you guess what that does? Yes for my article writing this is exactly what i want. Here is the screenshot:

    A lot of people will want the Username, Hostname, for my example i don’t! But you can use \u and \h for that. I used \w to show what directory i am in. You can also show date and time, etc.
    You can also play with setting colors in the prompt with these variables:
    Foreground Colors:
    \e[30m – Black
    \e[31m – Red
    \e[32m – Green
    \e[33m – Yellow
    \e[34m – Blue
    \e[35m – Magenta
    \e[36m – Cyan
    \e[37m – White

    Background Colors:
    \e[40m – Black
    \e[41m – Red
    \e[42m – Green
    \e[43m – Yellow
    \e[44m – Blue
    \e[45m – Magenta
    \e[46m – Cyan
    \e[47m – White
    Reset Color:
    \e[0m – Reset to default Here is my colorful version. The backslashes are primarily needed to ensure proper formatting of the prompt and avoid breaking its functionality.
    export PS1="\[\e[35m\]linuxhint\[\e[0m\]@\[\e[34m\]mybox\[\e[0m\] \[\e[31m\]\w\[\e[0m\]: "
    This uses Magenta, Blue and Red coloring for different parts of the prompt.
    Conclusion
    You can see how to customize your bash prompt with PS1 environment in Ubuntu. Hope this helps you be happy with your environment in linux.
  23. Blogger
    by: Zainab Sutarwala
    Sun, 05 Jan 2025 11:25:00 +0000

    In a fast-paced and competitive job marketplace, an interview needs not only good industry knowledge but also a very high level of confidence and adaptability. Luckily, technology provides some of the most innovative solutions that will help the candidates to prepare efficiently for their important day.
    AI-powered interview preparation tools are now revolutionizing the way job hunters approach the interviews, offering personalized feedback, and fostering some necessary skills to excel.
    No matter whether you are aiming for a role in finance, marketing, tech, or any other particular field, these platforms provide tailored practices that mimic real-life scenarios, thus ensuring you are well-prepared and poised for success. Given are the top AI interviewer tools that stand out for their comprehensive features, user-friendly interfaces, and more. These tools are really helpful for job seekers as well as recruiters. Without wasting any time, let’s check them out in detail.
    1. Skillora.ai
    Skillora offers an amazing AI interviewer, providing instant feedback on performances. No matter whether you are looking for a Frontend Developer, Financial Analyst, or Digital Marketing Specialist, Skillora covers a huge range of different job roles, catering to various industries. The platform emphasizes on realistic environments and personalized feedback, aiming to improve your confidence and expertise in handling interviews.
    Features:
    Safe and instant job interview practice Comprehensive training tool Personalized mock interviews Different types of job roles ProsConsSafe and reliableNeeds more customizationScoring system for improvement Complete flexibility 
    2. Final Round
    Final Round AI focuses mainly on end-to-end career support, sharing success stories from individuals who have secured roles in top organizations like Citi Bank, Google, and McKinsey & Company. This tool is perfect for candidates aiming for a career leap, offering in-depth guidance and practice for facing complex interview challenges in different sectors.
    Features:
    Offers an interactive Co-pilot interview Tool caters to various industries Helps individuals to land jobs in big companies Provides cover letter revision ProsConsTailored prep for high profile company interviewsUseful for larger companies than startups or smaller firmsOne-on-one interview prep End-to-end career support 
    3. Interview Warmup by Google
    Interview Warmup is an initiative of Google to help job hunters warm up for the interviews with some key questions and insights. This straightforward and quick practice tool is made to enhance comfort levels during interviews, suitable for anybody looking to brush up on their interviewing skills promptly.
    Features:
    Real-time transcriptions Get interview questions specially curated by experts Detects insights like skills, experience and lessons learned ProsConsAuthenticity is paramountTime limited voice recordingInterface is easy and smoothLess comprehensiveProvides voice and text both feature 
    4. Wizco
    Wizco provides a unique platform for both individuals and organizations to simulate interviews, emphasizing a wide spectrum of roles and industries. The comprehensive database and customization features make it an excellent tool for those searching to prepare for diverse interview scenarios.
    Features:
    Modified range of questions Dual mode of interview Analyze your communication tone Real-time transcripts Adaptive questions ProsConsCustomized questionsMobile app feature not availableVoice and text answering optionsInterview prep has just 5 questionsStays updated with current industry standardsDual focus means less personalized service
    5. Interviewer.ai
    Interviewer.ai aims to prepare candidates using an AI-driven approach, evaluating different aspects like speech clarity, technical knowledge, and soft skills. The tool is made to mirror real interview conditions, offering actionable feedback to refine both your communication skills and technical abilities.
    Features:
    Automate pre-screening process Identity right candidate quickly Collaborate efficiently Easily schedule interviews  ProsConsHigh-quality video interviewsNo phone appExcellent customer supportErrors in transcriptOn-demand video interviews 6. Interview Igniter
    Interview Igniter was made by Vidal Graupera with an aim to help job hunters to excel in job interviews. It simulates realistics interview scenarios, offering both candidates and employers a dynamic platform for practice and assessment.
    Features:
    AI-driven interview simulations A wide range of industry-specifics question Provide detailed feedbacks and tips Coding interview tool, allow practice in various programming languages ProsConsSpecialised for tech professionalsAlienating non-tech job seekersProvide real-world questionsLess comprehensivePersonalised and adaptive learning 
    7. Huru
    Last, but not least, Huru is yet another AI-powered interview app for a job interview and preparation coaching that is possible through personalized interviews, more than 20,000 prepared questions, and instant feedback. With the Huru app, candidate can simulate interviews, review their videos and record answers anywhere and anytime, thus making it the most effective tool for acing interviews and improving communication skills.
    Features:
    More than 20,000 mock interviews Instant AI feedback and answer tips Unlimited job interviews Record the interview and provide tips ProsConsInclusive of all career levelsLack the depth of tech specific preparationIntegrate seamlessly with job boardsAI feedback may not capture nuancesImmediate feedback enhances learning The above-given AI Interview Tools represent the cutting-edge in job preparation technology. By leveraging these platforms, candidates will be able to enhance their interview performance, transforming a traditionally daunting process in a confidently navigated pathway to career advancement.
    The post 7 Best AI Interview Tools 2025 appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
  24. Blogger
    by: Neeraj Mishra
    Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:28:00 +0000

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing software development by enhancing productivity, improving code quality, and automating routine tasks. Developers now have access to various AI-powered tools that assist in coding, debugging, and documentation. This article provides a detailed overview of the best AI programming tools in 2025.
    1. GitHub Copilot
    It is one of the most popular AI-powered coding assistant tools developed by GitHub and OpenAI. It uses OpenAI’s Codex, a language model trained on a vast amount of code from public repositories on GitHub.
    Key Features
    Real-time Code Suggestions: Provides intelligent code completions as you type, suggesting whole lines or blocks of code. Multi-language Support: Supports a wide range of programming languages including Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, Ruby, and Go. Integration with IDEs: Works seamlessly with Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains suite, Neovim, and more. Pros
    Enhanced Productivity: Helps developers write code faster by providing context-aware suggestions. Learning Tool: Useful for beginners to learn coding patterns and best practices. Community Support: Large user base and active community contributing to continuous improvement. Cons
    Privacy Concerns: Since it is trained on public repositories, there may be concerns about code privacy and intellectual property. 2. Amazon CodeWhisperer
    Amazon CodeWhisperer is a machine learning-powered code suggestion tool from Amazon Web Services (AWS). It aims to help programmers write code faster and more securely.
    Key Features
    Contextual Code Recommendations: Offers code suggestions based on the context of your existing code and comments. Security Integration: Integrates with Amazon CodeGuru to scan for security vulnerabilities in your code. Multi-language Support: Supports popular languages including Python, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, and more. Pros
    Security Focus: Provides real-time security recommendations, helping developers write more secure code. AWS Ecosystem Integration: Works well within the AWS environment, making it a great choice for developers using AWS services. Accurate Code Suggestions: Delivers highly relevant code suggestions that adapt to your coding style. Cons
    Limited Free Tier: Advanced features are available only in the paid version. 3. Tabnine
    Tabnine is an AI-powered code completion tool that integrates with popular IDEs. It uses deep learning models to predict and suggest code completions.
    Key Features
    Deep Learning Models: Uses advanced AI models to provide accurate code completions. Privacy and Security: Offers on-premise deployment options, ensuring code privacy and security. IDE Integration: Compatible with VSCode, IntelliJ, Sublime Text, Atom, and more. Pros
    Enhanced Productivity: Significantly speeds up coding by providing relevant code suggestions. Privacy Control: On-premise deployment ensures that sensitive code remains secure. Supports Multiple Languages: Provides support for a wide range of programming languages. Cons
    Resource Intensive: Running deep learning models locally can be resource-intensive. 4. Replit AI
    Replit AI is part of the Replit platform, an online IDE that offers a collaborative coding environment with built-in AI tools for code completion and debugging.
    Key Features
    Collaborative Coding: Allows multiple developers to work on the same codebase simultaneously. AI Code Completion: This feature offers intelligent code completions depending on the context of your code. Multi-language Support: Supports a variety of programming languages including JavaScript, Python, and HTML/CSS. Pros
    Real-time Collaboration: Enhances teamwork by allowing real-time collaboration on code. Educational Tool: Great for learning and teaching coding due to its user-friendly interface and collaborative features. Integrated AI Tools: AI-powered code suggestions and debugging tools improve coding efficiency. Cons
    Limited Offline Use: Being an online platform, it requires an internet connection to access. 5. CodeT5
    CodeT5, developed by Salesforce, is an open-source AI model designed for code understanding and generation tasks. It leverages a transformer-based architecture similar to that of GPT-3.
    Key Features
    Text-to-Code Generation: Converts natural language descriptions into code. Code-to-Code Translation: Translates code from one programming language to another. Code Summarization: Generates summaries of code snippets to explain their functionality. Pros
    Versatile Tool: Useful for various tasks including code generation, translation, and summarization. Open Source: Being open-source, it is freely available for use and customization. Community Support: Active development and support from the open-source community. Cons
    Requires Setup: May require setup and configuration for optimal use. 6. CodeGPT
    CodeGPT is a VSCode extension that provides AI-driven code assistance using various models, including OpenAI’s GPT-3.
    Key Features
    AI Chat Assistance: Allows you to ask coding-related questions and get instant answers. Auto-completion and Error Checking: Provides intelligent code completions and checks for errors. Model Flexibility: Supports multiple AI models from different providers like OpenAI and Microsoft Azure. Pros
    Instant Assistance: Offers real-time assistance, reducing the need to search for solutions online. Enhanced Productivity: Speeds up coding by providing relevant suggestions and error corrections. Flexible Integration: Works with various AI models, giving users flexibility in choosing the best one for their needs. Cons
    Limited to VSCode: Currently only available as a VSCode extension. 7. AskCodi
    AskCodi, powered by OpenAI GPT, offers a suite of tools to assist with coding, documentation, and error correction.
    Key Features
    Code Generation: Generates code snippets based on natural language descriptions. Documentation Assistance: Helps in creating and improving code documentation. Error Correction: Identifies and suggests fixes for coding errors. Pros
    Comprehensive Toolset: Provides a wide range of functionalities beyond just code completion. Improves Code Quality: Assists in writing cleaner and well-documented code. User-friendly: Easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. Cons
    Requires OpenAI API: Relies on access to OpenAI’s API, which may involve costs. 8. ChatGPT
    ChatGPT by OpenAI is a versatile AI chatbot that can assist with various coding tasks, including writing, debugging, and planning.
    Key Features
    Versatile Use Cases: Can be used for coding, debugging, brainstorming, and more. Follow-up Questions: Capable of asking follow-up questions to better understand your queries. Code Review: Can help identify and correct errors in your code. Pros
    Flexible Tool: Useful for a wide range of tasks beyond just coding. Improves Debugging: Helps in identifying and fixing coding errors. Easy Access: Available for free with additional features in the Plus plan. Cons
    Limited Context Retention: May lose track of context in longer conversations. 9. Codeium
    Codeium is an AI-powered code completion and generation tool that focuses on enhancing coding productivity and accuracy.
    Key Features
    AI-driven Code Suggestions: Provides intelligent code completions and suggestions. Multi-language Support: Supports various programming languages, enhancing its versatility. Integration with IDEs: Compatible with popular IDEs like VSCode and JetBrains. Pros
    Enhanced Productivity: Speeds up coding by providing relevant suggestions. Improves Code Quality: Helps in writing cleaner and more efficient code. Easy Integration: Works seamlessly with popular development environments. Cons
    Dependency on AI Models: Performance depends on the quality and training of the underlying AI models. Final Thoughts
    AI-powered tools are transforming the landscape of software development by automating routine tasks, improving code quality, and enhancing productivity. From GitHub Copilot’s real-time code suggestions to Amazon CodeWhisperer’s security-focused recommendations, these tools offer a variety of features to assist developers at every stage of the coding process. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn best practices or an experienced developer aiming to boost productivity, there is an AI tool tailored to your needs.
    The post 9 Best AI Tools for Programming Assistance in 2025 appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.
  25. Blogger
    by: Pulkit Govrani
    Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:55:00 +0000

    Web scraping is the process by which we extract data from the websites. If you are a programmer then you can write complete code to scrape data as per your needs. Different programming languages like Python or JavaScript can be used along with their libraries i.e., selenium and puppeteer to scrape information from the websites. In this article, we have reviewed a great scraping API that lets you perform data collection easily at scale.
    About ScraperAPI
    ScraperAPI is a web scraping tool that has the capability to integrate with the most powerful programming languages like Python, Javascript, Java, Ruby & PHP.  There is a detailed documentation available on the ScraperAPI website for all these languages. ScraperAPI handles CAPTCHA, does automate proxy rotation, allows users to rate limit requests, and provides many more important features.
    ScraperAPI has various other products along with scraping-api like data pipeline, async scraper service, and large-scale data acquisition.
    ScraperAPI promises you to navigate into any website and access the data by bypassing their anti bot systems with its statistical and artificial intelligence models. As a user, you can take a free trial of up to 7 days to test ScraperAPI’s functionality.
    Core Features of ScraperAPI
    IP Geotargetting: The service allows users to target specific geographic locations for their scraping tasks by using millions of proxies from different countries. It can help scraping region specific data and provide accurate results.
    Unlimited Bandwidth: ScraperAPI allows users to scrape websites without worrying about bandwidth limitations, ensuring that large amounts of data can be collected efficiently​
    99.99% Uptime Guarantee: ScraperAPI ensures high availability and reliability of its service with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, making it  a trustworthy tool for critical scraping operations
    Larger Scalability: ScraperAPI can handle anything from small-scale projects to large-scale enterprise scraping needs, with support for millions of requests per month. Users can book a call with ScraperAPI’s team to test for a longer duration in larger projects.
    How to Implement ScraperAPI?
    There are different ways to use ScraperAPI in your program. Multiple methods like API Endpoint, and Proxy Port SDK can be used to integrate ScraperAPI. Let us look at the below example where I have integrated ScraperAPI in JavaScript.
    Implementing ScraperAPI in NodeJs using SDK Method:
    const ScraperAPI = require('scraperapi-sdk'); const apiKey = 'YOUR_SCRAPERAPI_KEY'; // Replace with your ScraperAPI key const scraper = new ScraperAPI(apiKey); async function scrapeWebsiteContent(url) { try { let response = await scraperapiClient.get(url); console.log('Response data:', response); } catch (error) { console.error('Error scraping website:', error); } } let url = 'https://google.com'; // Replace with the URL you want to scrape scrapeWebsiteContent(url);Note: You need to scraperapi-sdk in your project beforehand to run the code written above. It can be simply done by writing “npm install scraperapi-sdk” command in the terminal & it will install the mentioned dependency.
    Code Explanation:
    Import ScraperAPI SDK: The program imports the scraperapi-sdk in its first line.
    Provide ScraperAPI Key: You need to provide your ScraperAPI key (which you receive after registering) by replacing ‘YOUR_SCRAPERAPI_KEY’.
    Initialize ScraperAPI: Initialize the ScraperAPI client with your API key.
    Declare Async Function: An asynchronous function scrapeWebsiteContent is declared, which takes the website URL as an argument.
    Try-Catch Block: A try-catch block is added to handle any potential errors. Inside the try block, a GET request is made using the scraper.get method.
    Log Response Data: The response data is logged to the console if the request is successful.
    Define URL and Call Function: An example website URL is stored in the URL variable, and the scrapeWebsiteContent function is called with this URL.
    The program imports the scraperapi-sdk in its first line and then you need to provide your ScraperAPI key (which you have got after registering).
    Now an async function is declared which takes the website URL as an argument & try catch block is added to debug any related errors. Inside the try block, a get request is made using scraperapiClient method.
    Finally, an example website URL is stored in the URL keyword & the function is called respectively.
    Read detailed documentation here https://www.scraperapi.com/documentation
    Scraper API Pricing
    Pricing CategoriesHobbyStartupBusinessEnterpriseAPI Credits100,000 API Credits1,000,000 API Credits3,000,000 API CreditsCustom API Credits (more than 3,000,000)Concurrent Threads2050100400GeotargettingUS & EUUS & EUAllAllJS RenderingYESYESYESYES99.9% Uptime GuaranteeYESYESYESYESThere are many more features like Smart Proxy Rotation, Automatic Retries, Custom Session Support, Premium Proxies, Custom Header Support, CAPTCHA & Anit-Bot Detection, JSON Auto Parsing & Unlimited bandwidth which are supported in all the plans.
    To view the pricing plans in a detailed manner, visit the official website at https://www.scraperapi.com/pricing/

    Try ScraperAPI for Free
    FAQs
    Are there any free plans? Yes, after signing up every user gets 1000 API credits and you can request to increase it by contacting their support team.
    Can I get a refund? Yes, within 7 days of purchase, there is no question of refund policy.
    Which programming languages does ScraperAPI support? Any programming language that can make HTTP requests can use ScraperAPI. There is official documentation as well for programming languages like Python, JavaScript & Ruby.
    Does ScraperAPI provide support? Yes, they provide 24/7 email support along with documentation. The high tier plans also get priority support for their queries.
    The post ScraperAPI Review 2025 – Scrape Data at Scale Easily appeared first on The Crazy Programmer.

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