Drew DeVault’s blog features sharp commentary on open source, software engineering, programming languages, ethics in tech, and the social impact of technology.
354 articles from this blog
A developer details the first steps of porting the Helios microkernel from x86_64 to aarch64, focusing on the bootloader development.
Examines the debate over private tech platforms' rights to censor content versus arguments for treating them as public utilities.
Author's schedule and talks at FOSDEM 2023, covering the Helios microkernel, Hare programming language, and SourceHut platform.
A developer announces a return to blogging with a renewed focus on software's societal impact and engineering principles, moving away from shallow critiques.
A software developer announces a hiatus from blogging, reflecting on diminishing returns and industry frustrations.
Explores code generation in Hare v2 using strings::template for IPC interface implementation, building on a previous tool.
An exploration of the Plan 9 operating system, its innovative design principles, and its influence on modern computing.
A technical walkthrough of implementing a userspace serial driver for the Helios operating system using the Hare programming language.
A technical guide explaining how to implement TOTP-based two-factor authentication, including code examples in Python and Hare.
A developer's October 2022 status update detailing progress on the Helios kernel, including scheduler improvements, userspace API redesign, and threading features.
An appreciation of ffmpeg, the versatile multimedia Swiss army knife, highlighting its capabilities and a practical example of live game streaming.
An analysis arguing against including Rust in the Linux kernel, focusing on the unique constraints of kernelspace development.
Explores implementing multi-threading in the Hare programming language for the Helios micro-kernel, covering kernel and userspace design.
The article argues that the term 'open source' has a specific, community-driven meaning that prevents commercial monopolization of software.
Developer updates on Hare language cross-compiling, TLS support, a new Linux power management tool, and Helios OS refactoring while recovering from COVID-19.
Explores using the Hare programming language for kernel development, focusing on low-level memory management and boot information structures.
An appreciation of QEMU's power, versatility, and reliability for virtualization, cross-architecture development, and kernel testing.
A case study on building powerctl, a Linux power management tool in the Hare programming language, focusing on setuid and group permissions.
A detailed review of installing and using postmarketOS on a Xiaomi Poco F1, covering setup challenges and daily usability.
A critique of PINE64's shift away from community-driven development towards a Manjaro-focused model, harming its open-source ethos.
