#627 – May 25, 2025
using similarity between query and post embeddings
A simple search engine from scratch
14 minutes by Max Bernstein, Chris Gregory
Max shows off a project where he created a search engine for a blog using similarity between query and post embeddings. They implemented both a command-line REPL interface and a web version.
AI-Powered Contract Testing Without the Maintenance Burden
sponsored by Signadot
Description: Traditional contract testing demands constant upkeep as APIs evolve, but SmartTests takes a radically different approach. Our AI automatically compares responses between API versions, identifying meaningful contract violations without explicit assertions or schema definitions. Engineering teams report 80% reduction in test maintenance work while catching critical integration issues faster.
For algorithms, a little memory outweighs a lot of time
19 minutes by Ben Brubaker
How Ryan Williams has proven a major result in complexity theory, showing that any algorithm can be transformed to use far less memory than previously thought. This breakthrough redefines the tradeoff between time and space in computation and leads to a long-sought proof that some problems cannot be solved quickly, offering new insight into the separation between P and PSPACE.
Making video games in 2025
13 minutes by Noel Berry
Noel celebrates 20 years of game development, explaining why he prefers making games without commercial engines like Unity or Unreal. He argues that developing with lightweight, custom tools offers more control, flexibility, and longevity while avoiding the pitfalls of proprietary engines that can make unethical business decisions or break functionality.
Practical advice for engineers in troubled times
5 minutes by Sean Goedecke
The tech industry has experienced a significant shift since 2023, with rising interest rates creating a more challenging environment for software engineers. To survive, engineers should reevaluate their working approach by prioritizing profit-generating projects, preparing for more frequent layoffs, and focusing on deliverable skills rather than cultural contributions.
Beware the complexity merchants
6 minutes by Charles Chen
Charles discusses how accidental complexity in software development hinders team velocity, creates unstable foundations, and diverts engineering talent from business value. He recommends simplicity as the solution: making engineers clean up existing complexity before introducing new elements, favoring tried and boring solutions, demanding documentation, and being skeptical of silver bullets.
And the most popular article from the last issue was: