extensibility Archives

Winsage

September 14, 2025

I moved away from Windows 11, but I didn’t go to Linux

The author has shifted their computing preference from Linux to macOS, now favoring macOS for daily work on a desktop, specifically the M4 Mac Mini. They find macOS to be less intrusive than Windows, with fewer notifications and prompts disrupting their workflow. macOS supports essential applications like Microsoft 365, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom, which are not available on Linux. The author appreciates the customization options in macOS, including personalized app icons and themes. A standout application for them is Raycast, a powerful launcher that enhances productivity. While they acknowledge some minor flaws in macOS, they have found solutions through third-party applications. The author maintains a positive view of Linux but currently prefers macOS over Windows.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Minecraft Snapshot 25w35a

This week's update introduces a new Minecraft Server Management Protocol that allows real-time queries of player activity, adjustments to game rules, and updates to server settings. Several server properties have been transitioned into game rules, enabling modifications while the server is operational. Players can now use player icons in chat, and the copper golem has received enhancements along with various bug fixes. New features include support for the Halychian language. Changes to recipes now require Hanging Signs to be crafted exclusively with Iron Chains. The server list requires manual entry for new server names, and enhanced text input functionality allows text selection via mouse dragging. UI components will change the mouse cursor shape for better interaction, with a hand-shaped cursor for clickable text labels. Minor tweaks include adjustments to the hitbox of Copper Golems, which is now 0.98 blocks in height, and improvements to their functionality. The Data Pack version has been updated to 85.0, and the Resource Pack version is now at 67.0. Server properties have been streamlined, removing several in favor of game rules, including allow-nether, spawn-monsters, enable-command-block, and pvp. New server properties have been introduced to control the new protocol, including management-server-enabled, management-server-port, management-server-host, and status-heartbeat-interval. The new Minecraft Server Management Protocol is designed for dedicated servers, supporting querying and updating server state, notifying users of state changes, and complying with JSON-RPC 2.0 specifications. New game rules include pvp, allowEnteringNetherUsingPortals, spawnMonsters, and enableCommandBlocks. The text rendering component has been enhanced to support non-character objects within text, with new formats for object types. The chain has been renamed to iron_chain in both Data and Resource Packs. A comprehensive list of bugs has been fixed to enhance gameplay stability and performance. Snapshots are available for Minecraft: Java Edition, and users are advised to back up their worlds before installation.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

Python Dev Survey: PostgreSQL, AI Agents, Rust Drive Trends

- PostgreSQL is the preferred database for Python projects, with 45% of surveyed developers choosing it, up from 38% the previous year. - MySQL usage has declined to 30% among developers. - Over 80% of developers regularly use AI coding tools like GitHub Copilot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. - 65% of AI tool users report productivity gains of at least 20%. - Concerns exist regarding over-reliance on AI tools, particularly in generating nuanced logic. - Rust's usage for Python package development has surged by 22% year-over-year. - Rust is favored for its memory safety and performance in creating secure extensions. - 86.7% of Stack Overflow users expressed a desire to continue using Rust. - Projections suggest AI agents could manage up to 40% of routine coding tasks by 2026. - Rust's integration is expected to reduce bugs in critical Python packages by 30%.

Tech Optimizer

August 25, 2025

What Is PostgreSQL? (Definition, Benefits, Alternatives)

PostgreSQL is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS) known for its robust capabilities and support for advanced SQL features. It accommodates a wide range of data types, including integers, monetary values, arrays, JSON, and geospatial data. PostgreSQL efficiently manages data using tables, where rows represent records and columns define attributes, with schemas governing their structure and relationships. It adheres to ACID principles for reliable transaction management and includes advanced features like stored procedures, triggers, user-defined functions, and replication capabilities. PostgreSQL is suitable for large-scale deployments, offering functionalities such as parallel query execution, replication, and clustering. It integrates with various data tools and programming languages, making it compatible with diverse applications. PostgreSQL is often compared to MySQL, excelling in handling complex queries and advanced data types, while MySQL offers a simpler setup. PostgreSQL serves as a mature alternative to proprietary systems like Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server and is primarily used for storing and managing structured data, supporting complex queries and transactions. It is designed to efficiently manage large datasets and numerous users, allowing for both vertical and horizontal scaling.

Tech Optimizer

August 20, 2025

App modernization: Open, scalable platforms fuel AI

App modernization is now essential for enterprises to remain competitive, moving away from traditional systems to open cloud-native architectures, with Postgres becoming a key element of modern data strategies. Experts from AMD, EnterpriseDB, Supermicro, and Lightbits Labs discussed the importance of open standards, particularly Postgres and Kubernetes, in adapting to AI-driven transformations. High-performance block storage is crucial for low latency and high throughput in Postgres workloads, with Lightbits Labs demonstrating significant transaction capabilities. This integrated stack can lead to energy savings and improved data center efficiency. Kubernetes is also vital for enhancing application portability and scalability, with IT vendors focusing on seamless integration and lifecycle support. The demand for optimized hardware for AI applications is increasing, as enterprises seek comprehensive infrastructure solutions for deployment across various environments.

AppWizard

August 10, 2025

5 file management apps you should use instead of Files by Google

Files by Google is a free and lightweight file management application for Android that helps users manage files, clean up duplicates, and free up storage space. In a recent poll, users reported their preferences for file management apps: Files by Google (15%), Mixplorer (4%), Material Files (12%), Solid Explorer (23%), Cx File Explorer (12%), Fossify File Manager (12%), and another app (8%). Mixplorer is noted for its versatility, integrating various storage solutions and supporting symlinks, with a customizable design and a dropdown breadcrumbs menu. It is available for free via XDA, with a paid version, Mixplorer Silver, on the Play Store. Material Files features an intuitive interface influenced by Material You, adapting to device color themes, but lacks Google Drive browsing capabilities. Solid Explorer offers a polished UI with a two-pane file management system and real-time folder size displays, along with fingerprint security for storage access. Cx File Explorer focuses on managing storage with analysis tools that highlight storage usage and a clean design. Fossify File Manager is a free, open-source option that emphasizes privacy, allowing users to lock files and folders, with a user-friendly interface and customizable themes.

Tech Optimizer

August 9, 2025

PostgreSQL Revolutionizes Durable Execution with Database Workflow Storage

Developers and enterprises are increasingly turning to PostgreSQL for durable execution, which allows workflows to withstand failures without losing state. PostgreSQL's strong transactional guarantees, adherence to ACID principles, and extensibility make it suitable for this purpose. By using Write-Ahead Logging (WAL), PostgreSQL can reliably record every step of a process, facilitating smooth resumption after disruptions. This approach eliminates the need for separate state management layers, simplifying cloud-native environments. PostgreSQL can manage both data persistence and execution logic, allowing for seamless recovery from failures. Recent advancements, such as integrations from Neon and Inngest, enable real-time workflows based on database changes without requiring complex orchestration services. Updates in PostgreSQL 16 and beyond, including improved logical replication and the anticipated asynchronous I/O in PostgreSQL 18, enhance performance for durable tasks. Adoption of PostgreSQL for durable execution is rising among tech giants and startups, with examples like Figma's scalable Postgres database and AWS’s Aurora DSQL service. This trend reflects a movement towards disaggregated architectures, where databases become active participants in application logic. However, challenges remain in balancing speed and durability configurations. Overall, PostgreSQL is evolving as a resilient solution for durable execution in modern applications.

Tech Optimizer

July 16, 2025

ParadeDB Raises Funds, Challenges Elasticsearch with Postgres Integration

Postgres, an open-source database management system, is experiencing a revival due to its compatibility with AI applications and its ability to manage structured data effectively. Despite its strengths, Postgres lacks native high-performance full-text search and analytics capabilities, leading organizations to use separate systems like Elasticsearch, which complicates data management. ParadeDB, an open-source extension developed in 2023, addresses these limitations by enabling sophisticated data search and analytics directly within Postgres, eliminating the need for data transfers. ParadeDB has gained traction, securing its first enterprise customer by early 2024 and recently completing a funding round for platform enhancements. Its integration with Postgres simplifies workflows and reduces operational overhead, making it a compelling alternative to traditional search solutions.

Winsage

June 15, 2025

I’ve used a lot of Windows launchers, but this is the best one by far

Flow Launcher is a desktop productivity tool for Windows 11 that excels in speed, opening instantly with a keyboard shortcut and providing audio cues. It features an extensive library of plugins, allowing users to enhance functionality with ease, including pre-installed plugins for searching bookmarks, managing files, and executing system commands. The plugin store offers a variety of extensions, catering to diverse needs, including tools for OneNote, Spotify, and gaming. Flow Launcher is highly customizable, enabling users to adjust extension functions, search result priorities, and activation shortcuts. It also allows the creation of custom hotkeys for quick access to frequently used tools, such as an enhanced clipboard history.

Tech Optimizer

June 13, 2025

Postgres and the Lakehouse Are Becoming One System — Here’s What Comes Next

Developers are increasingly using Postgres for application needs alongside lakehouse technologies for analytics and data science. Postgres has evolved into a versatile operational database suitable for various applications, while lakehouse technologies enable organizations to manage and analyze large-scale data efficiently. There is a growing synergy between these systems, although they often operate in silos managed by different teams. An emerging architectural paradigm views Postgres and lakehouses as complementary layers within a modular framework to address both operational and analytical requirements. Historically, OLTP systems were used for transactions and OLAP systems for analysis, but this model is shifting. Scenarios such as financial applications requiring real-time risk reports and SaaS applications calculating usage metrics are becoming standard. Effective communication between product-engineering teams managing operational systems and data teams overseeing lakehouse services is essential for enhancing system resilience. A trend called operational medallion architecture incorporates bronze, silver, and gold layers for real-time and user-facing systems. The bronze layer consists of raw data, the silver layer contains cleaned data in Postgres for real-time analytics, and the gold layer features pre-aggregated data for low-latency experiences. Each layer is queryable, allowing for bidirectional data movement between S3 and Postgres. Key developments facilitating the integration of operational databases and lakehouses include the maturation of Iceberg as a flexible table format, the evolution of Postgres with support for various data types and querying capabilities, and a growing demand for composability among developers. The market is moving towards modular, open, and developer-friendly architectures that integrate operational and analytical layers. Future data infrastructure will focus on interconnected components and coherent modern data architecture that serves both operational and non-operational use cases seamlessly.