Drew DeVault’s blog features sharp commentary on open source, software engineering, programming languages, ethics in tech, and the social impact of technology.
374 articles from this blog
A developer argues that cryptocurrency has caused widespread abuse of free CI services and damaged trust in the software industry.
A signal-boosted article explaining the philosophy and commitment behind Lichess, a free and open-source online chess platform.
Explores the design and implementation of a self-hosting parser for a new systems programming language, detailing the evolution from a yacc-based prototype.
A developer's monthly update focusing on a private programming language project, seeking experienced contributors for cryptography, date/time, and networking tasks.
Explains why the Developer Certificate of Origin (DCO) is a better, more transparent alternative to Contributor License Agreements (CLAs) for open-source projects.
A critique of Signal's centralization and a proposal for a federated, protocol-based chat app with end-to-end encryption.
An analysis of the Go programming language's strengths, praising its simplicity, stability, and suitability for internet-scale software development.
A developer recounts building a complex, multi-bot IRC system with features like parcel tracking, music requests, and a JavaScript execution bot.
A guide exploring the benefits, challenges, and practical steps for open sourcing commercial video games for preservation and legacy.
Announcing a new systems programming language with manual memory management, C ABI compatibility, and a focus on a robust standard library.
A developer's monthly update covering progress on a secret programming language project, a Gemini feed reader, and updates to sourcehut and other tools.
A programmer's furious condemnation of corporate surveillance and adtech, arguing that selling user location data enables real-world violence and murder.
Discusses building a sustainable business model first when creating free and open source software (FOSS) to ensure financial success.
Analysis of spam registrations on Sourcehut, showing Gmail as the largest source and discussing email provider responsibility.
The article argues that successful tech alternatives succeed by simplifying and refining core ideas, not expanding on them, using examples like Alpine Linux, Go, and UTF-8.
A developer's status update on free software projects, including GraphQL API work for todo.sr.ht and a secret project in a new language.
Tips for FOSS projects to improve packaging and build processes for downstream users like Linux distros and corporate packagers.
Analyzes the /r/wallstreetbets deplatforming to argue for open, federated platforms over proprietary ones like Discord, citing user control and aligned incentives.
Explains the core FOSS principle that you cannot monopolize commercial exploitation of open-source software, and how businesses must adapt.
A critique of Elastic's decision to change Elasticsearch's license, arguing it betrays open source principles and its contributor community.
