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
Introducing rc, a new Unix shell inspired by Plan 9 rc, designed to fix quoting issues and improve on POSIX shells with better list and string handling.
An analysis of the Free Software Foundation's declining influence, ineffective messaging, and failure to adapt to the modern open source landscape.
A guide to writing device drivers for the Helios microkernel using the Mercury driver environment, focusing on capability-based security.
A developer argues for minimal, strategic code commenting, using examples to show how clear naming and structure can often replace verbose comments.
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.
