🐥 YellowDuck.be

🔗 Laravel Doctor: Diagnose your app with one artisan command

2026-09-12T08:00:00Z

Laravel Doctor was announced at Laracon US 2026 in Boston, introducing an artisan doctor command that performs health checks on Laravel applications. This command ensures essential configurations are correct, such as verifying the presence of the .env file, checking the APP_KEY, confirming PHP version compatibility, and making sure required extensions are installed. If issues are found, Doctor can automatically fix them where possible or clearly state what needs attention.

Each diagnostic is grouped into classes handling specific checks—covering environment, Composer dependencies, configuration, database connectivity, and more. The command can be extended by packages that want to add custom diagnostics, making it a versatile tool for maintaining application health. With the ability to provide machine-readable reports, Laravel Doctor is designed not only for developers but also for CI environments and AI coding agents, ensuring robust application maintenance across various setups.

Continue reading on laravel-news.com

#reading-list #development #laravel #tools #best-practice #ai

🔗 ClickHouse adapter Elixir

2026-09-11T17:00:00Z

Building an Ecto adapter for ClickHouse involved overcoming the limits of Postgres when handling aggregate data. The article describes how integrating ClickHouse's columnar storage improves query performance while preserving Ecto's familiar syntax and functions. The author shares insights on the development process, including utilizing a dependency-aware issue tracker called beads and employing a language model for incremental task breakdowns. An important aspect of the project was establishing a native TCP driver to facilitate efficient communication. Key challenges included debugging a complex handshake protocol and implementing a custom compression method. Ultimately, the project produced a functional clickhouse_adapter_ecto, enabling support for ClickHouse features while adapting them to Ecto's structure, proving the value of careful planning and incremental testing in software development.

Continue reading on mfeckie.dev

#reading-list #database #ai #elixir

🔗 Anti-antipatterns in Elixir library guidelines

2026-09-11T13:00:00Z

The Elixir Library Guidelines preach strict rules, but what if they're overlooking practical software engineering needs? This article dives into the nine declared "anti-patterns" from these guidelines, arguing why they aren't just permissible but essential in many scenarios. From the erroneous avoidance of application configuration to the drawbacks of strictly using tuples for control flow, the discussion reveals real-world use cases where breaking these prescribed rules can lead to better software design. The guidelines may be a helpful starting point, but understanding when and why to deviate from them empowers developers to make informed decisions tailored to their project's unique challenges. This piece invites readers to reconsider the rigidity of these guidelines, emphasizing the importance of context-driven development.

Continue reading on rocket-science.ru

#reading-list #development #pattern #best-practice #elixir

🔗 Phoenix version adoption & security

2026-09-11T08:00:00Z

The Phoenix ecosystem sees rapid patch adoption but slow migration between minor versions. Data shows that patch releases within the same minor version gain traction within two weeks, while the transition to a new minor version often takes seven to eight months to surpass a 50% adoption rate. This pattern highlights a connection between the minor series in use and the responsiveness to security releases.

Currently, four minor versions of Phoenix receive official support. Adoption data indicates that teams using older versions experience delays in applying patches due to inertia. This not only elevates the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities but complicates upgrades as dependencies grow. When crucial security patches roll out, older versions lag in responsiveness, posing a significant security risk, especially when vulnerabilities require no authentication, rendering unpatched systems vulnerable to attacks. Staying current with Phoenix and LiveView releases is essential to maintaining application security and operational efficiency.

Continue reading on www.praialabs.com

#reading-list #phoenix #devops

🔗 GenStage demand visualized

2026-09-10T17:00:00Z

Can visualizing demand in GenStage optimize your Elixir applications? Andrea Leopardi demonstrates how to craft informative visualizations that clarify backpressure in stream processing. By employing tools like :observer and custom metrics, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding how demand fluctuates in real-time. Leopardi shares practical examples that help developers grasp how to balance producer and consumer relationships in GenStage for more resilient applications. He advocates for clear metrics and visual aids that can significantly enhance how systems operate, especially as complexity increases with more extensive data streams. Overall, it's a focused look at leveraging Elixir's capabilities to improve application performance through visual insights.

Continue reading on out.reddit.com

#reading-list #development #tools #elixir

🔗 GitHub Actions is having one of the worst days in its history

2026-09-10T13:00:00Z

GitHub Actions experienced a major outage on August 6, 2026, that lasted over seven hours, making it the second-longest outage in the service's history. The incident significantly impacted the ability to execute workflows, with GitHub processing only about 15% of webhook triggers at its peak. Many jobs failed to execute, and although there was an improvement later on, the overall performance remained poor. The outage contrasted sharply with GitHub's rapid growth in service demand, as reflected in past metrics that showed an increase from 500 million minutes a week in 2023 to over 2.1 billion minutes this spring. While GitHub has not yet disclosed the exact cause of this latest outage, it highlights the challenges that come with scaling services to meet increasing user demand.

The final tally for this incident marked 7 hours and 26 minutes of total downtime, just shy of the record for the longest major outage set in May 2021. While there may be no immediate lessons learned, the community was left collectively waiting for updates as the situation unfolded.

Continue reading on kernel.pryanic.com

#reading-list #devops #github #announcement

🔗 The DISTINCT in your COUNT

2026-09-10T08:00:00Z

The query SELECT count(DISTINCT user_id) FROM events; might seem efficient, but it can lead to performance pitfalls. The keyword DISTINCT disables parallel query execution in PostgreSQL, forcing the database to process all data serially. This occurs because the aggregate COUNT(DISTINCT ...) requires a unique count, which cannot use parallel processing effectively due to the need for a specific order. Without parallel execution, queries on large tables become inefficient, often resulting in costly disk usage and longer processing times. The article offers a solution: rewriting the query to use a GROUP BY clause instead. This approach allows for parallel processing, significantly improving query execution time with larger datasets while still achieving the desired unique count result. This insight is crucial for developers optimizing analytics queries for better performance.

Continue reading on boringsql.com

#reading-list #development #database #best-practice #postgresql #sql

🔗 What are code reviews even for?

2026-09-09T17:00:00Z

AI didn’t break code review; it highlighted existing issues. Brian Houck discusses how the surge of AI in code production has outpaced human review. At Meta, lines of code per diff increased by 106%, with diffs up 51% due to AI, while the timeliness of reviews has declined. Developers idealize spending only 7% of their time reviewing code, indicating we must rethink the purpose of code review itself. It's traditionally about more than just defect detection; it's a space for knowledge transfer and architectural understanding. Rethinking habits around code reviews before AI can be effective is crucial. Using AI wisely can enhance the process, but organizations risk eroded collective understanding by automating too much. Effective code review is about preserving knowledge and fostering collaboration, not just speeding up the process.

Continue reading on newsletter.getdx.com

#reading-list #development #best-practice #ai

🔗 Your COUNT(DISTINCT) is too slow: Approximations and sampling in PostgreSQL

2026-09-09T13:00:00Z

Can you afford to wait for precise distinct counts in Postgres? Elizabeth Garrett Christensen reveals that exact counts can be prohibitively slow, especially with large datasets. She outlines various strategies for approximating unique counts using features like the built-in TABLESAMPLE for random sampling, the HyperLogLog (HLL) for efficient distinct counting, and introduces Apache DataSketches for more complex scenarios. The article offers practical examples, including how to set up a sample page_views table with 10 million rows, and examines the benchmarks of different methods to highlight performance differences. You'll learn how accurate data analysis can still be quick and accessible without sacrificing too much precision.

Continue reading on www.snowflake.com

#reading-list #database #best-practice #postgresql

🔗 Hybrid search patterns with PostgreSQL and pgvector

2026-09-09T08:00:00Z

Most production vector queries aren't just about finding similar documents; they often involve specific criteria. The article explains hybrid search patterns, combining similarity ranking with scalar filters in PostgreSQL by utilizing pgvector and hybrid Nearest Neighbor searches. The author showcases how to effectively integrate WHERE clauses into vector queries, which can often lead to trade-offs between recall and performance. Techniques such as iterative index scans are discussed to refine these searches. The article thoroughly analyzes various querying strategies, including oversampling and caching responses to improve query efficiency. It offers practical insights on building indexes and optimizing performance for complex applications that require both speed and accuracy, making it an essential read for database administrators and developers working with vector data in PostgreSQL.

Continue reading on www.crunchydata.com

#reading-list #database #best-practice #postgresql

🔗 Image dominant color and HEIC support in Laravel 13.24

2026-09-08T17:00:00Z

Laravel 13.24 brings major improvements to its image API, including dominant color detection and support for HEIC files. With the new dominantColor() method, developers can now easily retrieve the average color of an image, making it ideal for UI enhancements while loading images. This version also introduces the modelKeys() method to Eloquent queries, streamlining primary key retrieval, along with a new array_keys validation rule that reports unexpected keys directly. Importantly, it adds support for AVIF and HEIC image formats as both input and output, enhancing compatibility for images straight from devices like iPhones. Other fixes include performance improvements for wildcard validations on large arrays, among various other enhancements to the Laravel framework. This update reflects Laravel's ongoing commitment to improving developer experience and application performance.

Continue reading on laravel-news.com

#reading-list #development #laravel #eloquent

🔗 Limited output is a feature.

2026-09-08T13:00:00Z

As startups increasingly leverage LLM agents for software tasks, a critical question arises: are they losing sight of meaningful product development? Johanna Larsson argues that many are racing to optimize for "AI-enablement" rather than focusing on user value. She highlights successful companies like Linear, which thrived by prioritizing core user experiences over excessive features. Instead of getting caught up in continuous output and feature requests, Larsson encourages a return to thoughtful product creation. Businesses should spend more time contemplating what truly matters—cutting out unnecessary complexity to reveal the essence of their products. This slower, more intentional approach not only enhances user satisfaction but also fosters innovation, advocating for fewer features that deliver greater value.

Continue reading on jola.dev

#reading-list #development #best-practice #ai

🔗 What's new in PHP 8.6

2026-09-08T08:00:00Z

PHP 8.6, set to release on November 19, 2026, introduces several important features including partial function application (PFA) and a new polling API. PFA lets developers create references to closures with some parameters pre-defined, streamlining code when combined with the pipe operator. The new polling API improves the handling of asynchronous processes, although it doesn't bring built-in async capabilities.

Another significant change is the allowance of default values for readonly properties, following the introduction of property hooks in PHP 8.4, and the addition of new functions and classes for enhanced functionality such as Duration and clamp(). Moreover, the security for session defaults is tightened with stricter ini settings, improving overall security for applications. These updates reflect an aim for better usability and performance in PHP development.

Continue reading on stitcher.io

#reading-list #development #php #best-practice

🔗 Native apps should be avoided whenever possible

2026-09-07T13:00:00Z

What if your smartphone is tracking you more than you think? A detailed article warns against using native apps, revealing their penchant for collecting vast amounts of data, often without users' knowledge. It highlights the case of the recently launched White House app, which claimed zero data collection but was found to be tracking location continuously. The author emphasizes that native apps often inherit permissions from embedded third-party software, posing significant privacy risks. In contrast, websites restrict this level of access, making them a safer choice for most services. With governments and companies frequently buying users' location data, the article advocates for minimizing app usage, reminding readers that many everyday tasks can be handled through web browsers instead. This shift could help protect personal data from prying eyes in an age when surveillance and data commodification are rampant.

Continue reading on nooneshappy.com

#reading-list #best-practice #android

🔗 IBM i (OS/400) the database operating system

2026-09-07T08:00:00Z

What if there’s an operating system that challenges traditional views on how systems should be designed? Kamil Pytliński’s article dives into IBM i, an often-overlooked platform that marries its integrated relational database, Db2 for i, directly with its OS. This unique configuration treats all data as objects, leading to enhanced security and unprecedented performance in online transaction processing since its inception in 1988. With features such as Single Level Storage and the TIMI layer ensuring backward compatibility, IBM i stands as a testament to innovative design, offering capabilities still unmatched today, though access remains limited to high-end IBM hardware. The article showcases how this elite system continues to perform where others struggle, challenging the perception of legacy systems.

Continue reading on osadmins.com

#reading-list #database #best-practice #sysadmin

🔗 The schema doctor is in

2026-09-06T17:00:00Z

A migration adding a user_id column can pass all reviews, but later lead to slow queries. This is a problem the new truss:doctor feature of Truss 1.5 addresses. Designed to identify schema issues before deployment, it flags problems like tables missing primary keys, foreign keys without supporting indexes, and redundant indexes.

Running php artisan truss:doctor in your terminal checks for these issues deterministically, which is safe for CI pipelines. The results can also be viewed graphically in the dashboard, offering real-time feedback on database structure without querying actual data. This phase one release includes 13 distinct rules and plans for future enhancements are already in the pipeline, focusing on suppressions and additional checks. Truss has quickly gained traction in the Laravel community, making it a valuable tool for maintaining database integrity.

Continue reading on albertoarena.it

#reading-list #laravel #database #tools #best-practice #devops

🔗 15 Linux interview questions every sysadmin should know

2026-09-06T13:00:00Z

Most Linux interview lists recycle the same ten questions from a decade ago, and many of the ‘official’ answers are outdated or no longer apply to modern Linux distributions. This updated guide highlights essential knowledge for positions such as Linux System Administrator, DevOps, and Site Reliability Engineer (SRE).

It covers 15 practical questions designed to help candidates showcase their hands-on experience rather than just theoretical knowledge. Interviewers seek to understand real-world problem-solving skills, so the guide emphasizes the importance of explaining concepts clearly and demonstrating with the right Linux commands.

Candidates can expect topics like managing processes, checking boot messages, and automating log rotation. With the Linux landscape continuously evolving, being prepared with the latest tools and techniques is crucial for any sysadmin preparing for interviews.

Continue reading on www.tecmint.com

#reading-list #devops #linux #sysadmin

🔗 With purpose: How to win the transcontinental race

2026-09-06T08:00:00Z

Robin Gemperle set an impressive standard by winning The Transcontinental Race No. 12 in just 10 days, 8 hours, and 55 minutes. Covering 4,694 kilometers from Trondheim, Norway, to Kalamata, Greece, he demonstrated an unparalleled strategy in race preparation. Every decision, from gear selection to routing, was made with the primary goal of victory in mind, showing that even the best need to balance racing hard and resting hard. With precise planning, including ingenious hydration solutions and clever route adjustments, Robin exemplified what it means to race with intent. His methodical approach to rest and efficient setup proved key to maintaining speed throughout the grueling challenge. The article showcases Robin's dedication and clever tactics, which might just inspire the next wave of ultra-racers aiming for success.

Continue reading on www.apidura.com

#reading-list #sports

🔗 Curl says it's fast. Your users disagree.

2026-09-05T13:00:00Z

Does your application feel slow even when Curl shows it's fast? This article dives into the real user experience versus baseline performance metrics. It highlights how relying solely on tools like Curl can mislead developers about actual performance. The article draws attention to user feedback, which often uncovers issues that run deeper than simple response times. It emphasizes the importance of understanding user interactions and suggests that performance metrics should include real-world scenarios instead of just testing tools. Developers are encouraged to look beyond the numbers to measure how users truly experience their applications.

Continue reading on madewithlove.com

#reading-list #best-practice #http

🔗 SQLite vs DuckDB on the same $16 box: every cliff moved 100X

2026-09-05T08:00:00Z

DuckDB outperforms SQLite significantly on a low-cost server, achieving write speeds 4x to 15x faster. In a benchmark that lasted six days, DuckDB managed to serve dashboards at up to 100 times the row count, accommodating a billion metric points within 10.8 GB. Notably, DuckDB's architecture allowed for efficient data handling and query performance, smoothly surpassing SQLite's limits in real-world scenarios. For instance, metrics read cliffs increased from 1 million rows in SQLite to 100 million in DuckDB, all while maintaining or improving latency. Such results imply that for self-hosted applications managing large volumes of data, DuckDB may provide a compelling alternative to SQLite, especially in contexts that demand high throughput and scalability. The article also elaborates on the methodology of the tests conducted.

Continue reading on tracewayapp.com

#reading-list #database #devops #testing #sqlite

🔗 Each test should own its setup

2026-09-04T17:00:00Z

A test should explain itself. Shared setup callbacks may minimize repetition, but they can obscure the context needed to understand a test's intent. Self-contained tests, which create their necessary state within the test itself, provide clarity by ensuring that all relevant information is in one place. The article criticizes shared setups for complicating test readability and review processes, as they necessitate accessing multiple locations to understand dependencies. It highlights the advantages of local setups and discusses how AI coding agents have shifted the economics of repetition in writing tests. The author argues that while some help from abstractions is beneficial, each test should ultimately own its context for better clarity and maintainability.

Code example from the article:
setup do
  customer = insert(:customer)
  product = insert(:product, price: 1_000)
  %{customer: customer, product: product}
end

Continue reading on ryanzidago.com

#reading-list #best-practice #elixir #testing

🔗 Migrating 6.5 billion rows from MongoDB

2026-09-04T13:00:00Z

Fathom Analytics successfully migrated 6.5 billion rows of historical data from the Gauges platform’s MongoDB database to ClickHouse, enhancing their analytics capabilities. This undertaking involved a dual challenge: rebuilding an application in Laravel and ensuring that data migration occurred seamlessly while maintaining live service. Jack Ellis shared the thoughtful approach taken to create a migration API, tackle performance bottlenecks, and preserve existing tracking interfaces for customers. The process not only streamlined their infrastructure but also reduced hosting costs significantly, showcasing a remarkable feat in data management and application development. The article is a detailed account of the technical solutions and challenges faced during this massive data migration project.

Continue reading on usefathom.com

#reading-list #laravel #database #devops

🔗 3 take-aways from the 2026 Tour de France

2026-09-04T08:00:00Z

The thrilling conclusion of the 2026 Tour de France brought to light significant trends that could reshape cycling for everyone. The race featured a stunning final stage where Mathieu Van der Poel narrowly edged out Tadej Pogačar, emphasizing the impact of wide tires on performance. With professionals using tires exceeding 30 mm, riders tackled the infamous cobblestones of Montmartre effortlessly, showcasing how advancements in tire technology have transformed racing dynamics. Additionally, while aerodynamic enhancements play a crucial role at elite levels, the key to success lies in the palpable gains in power through rigorous training and nutrition. This article delves into the major findings from this year’s Tour while drawing important lessons for everyday cyclists seeking improved performance on their rides.

Continue reading on www.renehersecycles.com

#reading-list #sports

🔗 PostgreSQL's MVCC is bad. So is everyone else's.

2026-09-03T17:00:00Z

Does PostgreSQL's Multi-Version Concurrency Control (MVCC) deserve the criticism it often receives? In this article, several charges are detailed against PostgreSQL's MVCC design, highlighting issues like write amplification, table bloat from dead tuples, the impact of idle transactions, and the constraints of a 32-bit transaction ID. Uber's negative experiences with PostgreSQL's write amplification showcase how deeply these issues can affect performance, forcing organizations to consider alternatives. The relative costs of MVCC implementation across various databases like Oracle, InnoDB, and MongoDB reveal that while no solution is perfect, PostgreSQL's design carries specific burdens that need attention. As the conversation evolves, database practitioners evaluate not just PostgreSQL, but how other systems fare based on their own unique trade-offs.

Continue reading on boringsql.com

#reading-list #database #best-practice #postgresql

🔗 Commenting now works with two redirects

2026-09-03T13:00:00Z

Underneath a static blog post, readers can submit comments without any JavaScript or databases. The process employs two redirects to manage user comments seamlessly. Initially, a plain HTML form allows users to submit text to Popsicle Boat’s endpoint. After a series of security checks, the comment is posted directly on the blog. This setup not only streamlines the user experience but also includes automatic page rebuilds via a build hook. While the overall user journey centers on instant feedback with a spinner and smooth navigation, security measures are in place to prevent abuses, ensuring comments are genuinely authored by verified users. The article also notes the practicality of the comment nesting structure, enhancing readability without sacrificing design principles. This innovative approach keeps the discussion lively on a mostly static platform, reflecting a thoughtful blend of simplicity and functionality.

Continue reading on jva.lol

#reading-list #frontend #best-practice #html