Drew DeVault’s blog features sharp commentary on open source, software engineering, programming languages, ethics in tech, and the social impact of technology.
372 articles from this blog
A developer explains why Flask was the ideal Python framework for building sr.ht's modular mini-services, citing its simplicity and flexibility.
A developer explains the benefits of using older, well-supported hardware for software development and empathizing with users on limited systems.
A developer announces they are transitioning to full-time work on their free and open-source software projects, funded by community donations and subscriptions.
An overview of the backup and redundancy strategies used for the sr.ht software forge, focusing on PostgreSQL, ZFS, and data integrity.
A reflection on open source philosophy, encouraging users to take ownership and contribute fixes or features to free software projects.
Explores the design and implementation of a POSIX shell, focusing on its parser, AST generation, and task-based execution model.
A developer details the process of porting Alpine Linux to the RISC-V architecture using the HiFive Unleashed board, including cross-compiler setup and musl libc patches.
A guide for open source maintainers on how to responsibly abandon a project, comparing the 'fork it' and 'hand-off' approaches.
Public alpha launch of sr.ht, a fully open-source, modular, and lightweight software forge alternative to GitHub and GitLab.
Critique of the Commons Clause, arguing it creates nonfree software while dishonestly using open source terminology.
Explains virtual memory, MMU, page tables, and how processes use memory mapping and swap space.
Sway 1.0-beta.1, a major release of the i3-compatible Wayland compositor, is now available with significant stability and feature improvements.
A developer explains how Go 1.11's module system solved their biggest frustration (GOPATH), leading them to appreciate Go's simplicity, concurrency, and stability.
Argues against signing Contributor License Agreements (CLAs) in open-source projects, claiming they undermine contributor rights and project freedom.
A developer recounts attending XDC 2018 with the wlroots team, sharing insights on graphics drivers, testing, and community interactions.
A guide to getting started with the QEMU virtualization tool, covering basic setup and command-line options for running a Linux VM.
A critique of modern web bloat and a case for conservative web development principles like minimal JavaScript and optimized assets.
A technical guide on setting up a self-hosted video livestream using ffmpeg, DASH, and nginx, bypassing services like Twitch.
The article argues that the Commons Clause threatens open source by turning projects proprietary, and discusses better funding models for maintainers.
A critical analysis of Signal's security model, focusing on its reliance on Google Play Services and resistance to F-Droid distribution.
