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Decoding Metric Movements: Pinterest Engineering's Approach to Root Cause Analysis In today's data-driven world, understanding the nuances of metric movements can profoundly influence business strategies and operational efficiency. For engineers and data scientists tackling dynamic digital landscapes, the evolving nature of key performance indicators (KPIs) presents an intriguing challenge. Pinterest Engineering offers a deep dive into methods for deciphering these metrics, shining a light on the tools and methodologies that help pinpoint the why behind the numbers. The Challenge of Metric Movements Imagine spotting an unexpected surge or decline in your digital metrics—be it user engagement, latency, or conversion rates. Understanding this movement is crucial, yet identifying the root cause is often akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. The reasons behind these fluctuations could range from software updates, spikes in user traffic, bugs in the pipeline, or external ...

Mastering Code Refactoring with GitHub Copilot: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, efficiency, maintainability, and scalability are not just goals—they’re necessities. Codebases can quickly become unwieldy, making code refactoring an essential practice for developers. With GitHub Copilot, a powerful AI coding assistant, refactoring becomes not only seamless but also a more enjoyable process. This guide will walk you through utilizing GitHub Copilot for effective code refactoring, from the basics to real-world applications. What is Code Refactoring? Refactoring is akin to digital spring cleaning—tidying up your code to make it more efficient, readable, and maintainable, all without altering its external behavior. This involves: Simplifying complex conditionals Extracting repeated logic Enhancing variable and function names Breaking down monolithic functions into modular pieces Refactoring is more than just beautification...

Navigating the Latest Percona Security Advisory: What You Need to Know Now In an era dominated by digital transformation, the security of database management systems is paramount. Recent developments from Percona, a noted name in open-source database software, underscore the urgency of vigilance in this domain. On February 11, 2025, Matt Kane of Percona announced a critical security vulnerability affecting the Percona Monitoring and Management (PMM) software, specifically the Open Virtual Appliance (OVA) installations from version 2.38 and above. This revelation demands immediate attention from users to ensure database integrity and security. Understanding CVE-2025-26701: The Vulnerability Explored The newly identified vulnerability, flagged as CVE-2025-26701, highlights significant security lapses in the PMM OVA deployments. The core of this threat lies in the default service account credentials during OVA provisioning. Such configurations potentially allow unauthorized SSH access ...

Get Ready for Google I/O 2025: Unveiling the Future of Technology The anticipation is palpable as Google I/O 2025 is set to return with a two-day virtual extravaganza on May 20-21. This annual developer conference promises to be a monumental showcase of Google's vision for the future, with a spotlight on cutting-edge developments in Android, AI, web, cloud, and much more. Tech enthusiasts, developers, and industry experts, mark your calendars and prepare to be immersed in an ecosystem that's shaping tomorrow's digital landscape. Unlocking Innovation with AI and Android At the core of this year's event is a deep dive into the transformative power of AI models. Discover how the latest advances can revolutionize app development and streamline complex workflows. Android developers will be thrilled as sessions reveal new tools and features aimed at simplifying development processes and enhancing user experiences. Whether you're building apps or innovating web solution...

The Future of API Design: Embracing Chaos and Automation In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, APIs have become the backbone of digital interactions, fueling everything from social media integrations to complex enterprise systems. Recently, the Stack Overflow blog featured an insightful discussion with Sagar Batchu, CEO and co-founder of Speakeasy, an API tooling company revolutionizing the way we think about APIs. Embracing the Chaos As we find ourselves in 2025, Batchu predicts a short-term period of "more chaos" in API design. This disruption is not only inevitable but also essential for innovation. The rapid integration of AI into API frameworks creates a fertile ground for new and improved solutions. Developers are navigating a landscape where traditional design principles collide with groundbreaking technologies, challenging them to think outside the box. AI Integration: The Double-Edged Sword Batchu emphasizes that while AI introduces unprecedented effi...

Bridging Security and Speed: How Modern Automation is Shaping Software Development In the world of software development, the age-old mantra of "fast, cheap, good: pick two" has long dictated the tradeoffs that organizations face. Particularly in the realm of software security, this dilemma resonates strongly. However, as I recently discussed with Moti Gindi, Chief Product Officer at Apiiro, the landscape is shifting. Today's tech-savvy organizations are finding ways to integrate and automate security processes without sacrificing speed or quality, debunking the myth that development velocity must be compromised. Security vs. Speed: The Traditional Tradeoff Traditionally, the pursuit of increased development velocity often meant cutting corners on security. Time-consuming processes, such as threat modeling and security reviews, slowed innovation, creating a perceived trade-off. Yet, as Gindi explains, this compromise is no longer necessary. The advent of security-by-desi...

Unraveling High-Speed Image Processing: Insights from Verkada's Cutting-Edge Vector Database In the fast-evolving world of image and video processing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for companies leveraging this technology. Enter Verkada, a cloud-based video security company making waves by integrating a custom-built vector database capable of processing a staggering 25,000 images per second. The Brain Behind the Speed On a recent Stack Overflow podcast, engineering marvels Ben and Ryan engaged in a deep dive with Babak Behzad, Verkada's senior engineering manager. Together, they unraveled the intricate details of this technological feat. But what exactly fuels this rapid processing speed? Is it human ingenuity or sheer computational power? The answer, as it turns out, is a harmonious blend of both. On-Device vs. Off-Device Processing The conversation also touched on a pivotal choice facing companies in the realm of image recognition: to process data on-device or of...

Revolutionizing Application Security: GitHub's Cutting-Edge Integration with Endor Labs In today’s fast-paced digital environment, developers face the overwhelming challenge of managing countless security alerts—from tackling common vulnerabilities to staying vigilant against high-profile supply chain attacks. Recent data highlights a staggering 500% surge in new CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) over the past decade, further complicating the workload for development teams who must navigate both direct and indirect dependencies within their projects. Decoding the Threat Landscape While high-profile security breaches—like the notorious XZ Utils backdoor—often dominate headlines, a more pervasive threat lurks beneath the surface: unpatched vulnerabilities in obscure open-source dependencies. These quiet vulnerabilities can silently jeopardize even the most robust systems, highlighting the urgent need for effective vulnerability management tools. Introducing GitHub and E...

Unlocking Data Security: Encrypting PostgreSQL Data at Rest on Kubernetes As data privacy regulations become increasingly stringent and cyber threats grow more sophisticated, businesses need robust solutions to secure their data. In this post, we'll dive into how the upcoming release of the Percona Operator for PostgreSQL, supporting PostgreSQL 17, offers a powerful tool for enhancing your data security—introducing seamless Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) for Kubernetes-deployed databases. The Future of Data Security with pg_tde Percona's latest upgrade to its PostgreSQL Operator introduces pg_tde, a game-changer for data encryption at the table level. This functionality, pre-installed in Percona’s official PostgreSQL 17 images, translates to intuitive and effective data protection. Unlike other solutions, pg_tde is an open-source project, offering the transparency and flexibility that many organizations need. Why pg_tde Matters: Transparent Encryption : Users can acces...

Revolutionizing Python Development in Visual Studio Code: February 2025 Update It’s an exciting time for Python developers as Microsoft rolls out the February 2025 release of the Python, Pylance, and Jupyter extensions for Visual Studio Code. This release focuses on simplification and enhanced functionality, aimed at streamlining workflows and expanding possibilities for developers. No-Config Debugging: Simplicity at its Best Gone are the days of struggling with complex debug configurations. Microsoft introduces a groundbreaking no-config debugging feature, allowing developers to initiate the Python Debugger without pre-configured settings in the launch.json . By simply prefixing your run command with debugpy , you dive straight into debugging. This update is a direct response to community feedback, making the debugging process more accessible and user-friendly. To ensure smooth operation, users are advised to modify their User settings.json . Enhanced Test Management An ongoing t...

Discover the Power of Spring Framework - Your Comprehensive Guide In the ever-evolving landscape of software development, choosing the right framework can be pivotal to the success of an application. Enter the Spring Framework: a powerful, versatile, and popular choice among developers worldwide. If you've been contemplating diving into Spring or are seeking to expand your existing Spring skills, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the myriad aspects that make Spring an exceptional choice for modern application development. Why Spring? Spring provides a comprehensive programming and configuration model for modern Java-based enterprise applications - on any kind of deployment platform. Its core appeal lies in its ability to simplify Java development, making it easier to build robust applications and microservices. Here’s a quick overview of its salient features: Microservices : Spring empowers the development of scalable and flexible microservices, a crucial capabili...

Exploring the Future of Image Generation with Google's Imagen 3 and the Gemini API In an era where technology blurs the lines between reality and digital creation, Google's Imagen 3 arrives as a pioneering force in the realm of image generation. This state-of-the-art model, now integrated into the Gemini API, heralds a new chapter for developers and creators alike. Imagen 3: Beyond the Aesthetic Horizon Imagen 3 is not just an image generation tool; it's a revolution in digital artistry. Capable of producing visually stunning, artifact-free images across diverse styles—from hyperrealistic depictions to impressionistic landscapes, and even abstract compositions and anime characters—Imagen 3 showcases its versatility and finesse. Its ability to faithfully translate text prompts into high-quality visuals sets a new benchmark in the field. This capability makes it a valuable asset for developers looking to innovate and create within the digital sphere. Accessible Yet Secure...

GitHub Copilot: The Agent Awakens In a world where developers constantly seek efficiency and innovation, GitHub is taking a giant leap forward with its next evolution of Copilot. Initially launched in 2021, GitHub Copilot has become an indispensable AI-powered assistant, designed not to replace developers but to empower them. With the latest updates, GitHub is pushing boundaries by introducing 'Agent Mode,' the general availability of 'Copilot Edits,' and offering a sneak peek at Project Padawan—an emerging force in software engineering. Agent Mode: The Future of Intelligent Coding Agent Mode is a game changer, designed to enhance developer productivity. This beta feature enables Copilot to autonomously iterate, detect, and fix its own code errors. Think of it as an AI colleague that suggests terminal commands and even executes them for you, making the workflow seamless. By recognizing additional tasks essential for completing your prompt, Agent Mode ensures every pr...

Unveiling the Secret Sauce: Promoting Your Open Source Project You've poured your heart into crafting an open-source marvel and, finally, hit that ‘make public’ button on GitHub. Now, you're faced with a new challenge: how to make sure your brainchild doesn’t just sit quietly in the corner of the internet but, instead, resonates widely and gains the recognition it deserves. It’s time to channel your inner marketer and promote your project. Self-Promotion: Your Not-So-Secret Weapon Starting with something as simple as social media can carve a path for your project. Discuss your creation on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, Hacker News, and product showcases such as Product Hunt. Proactively look for discussions where your project is a fit and introduce it as a solution. Embrace the stage with podcasts, YouTube channels, or even tech meetups and conferences. Championing your work might feel uneasy at first, but remember, if it solves a relevant problem, people will want to know....

Title: Gemini 2.0 Unveiled: Expanding Possibilities for Developers and AI Enthusiasts The world of AI is on the brink of yet another significant leap forward with Google's recent announcement expanding the Gemini 2.0 family, now offering even more robust solutions for developers and AI enthusiasts alike. These upgrades, made available through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI, underscore Google’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of artificial intelligence. Introducing the Gemini 2.0 Family Expansion Google has unveiled three distinctive models under the Gemini 2.0 banner, each catering to diverse use cases and requirements: Gemini 2.0 Flash : Now generally available, this model provides enhanced rate limits, unparalleled performance, and straightforward pricing, making it an optimal choice for developers in need of reliability and cost-effectiveness. Gemini 2.0 Flash-Lite : In public preview, this variant is designed for users prioritizin...

Mastering Data Structures and Algorithms: The Key to Tech Success In the ever-evolving world of technology, mastering Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA) is not just beneficial, but essential. As the backbone of modern computer science, these components unleash the full power of efficient data storage, organization, and problem-solving. Whether you're aspiring to ace technical interviews or build scalable applications, a deep understanding of DSA can elevate your tech career to new heights. Key Takeaways Versatile Building Blocks : DSA equips developers with the skills to create scalable and optimized solutions for complex problems. Range of Structures : Understanding both linear (arrays, stacks, linked lists) and non-linear (trees, graphs) data structures is crucial for diverse problem-solving. Algorithmic Techniques : Familiarity with concepts like divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms can provide frameworks for efficient problem-solving. Real-Wor...

Unlocking the Full Potential of GitHub Actions Security with CodeQL In today’s fast-paced software development environment, workflows like those found in GitHub Actions are vital tools for automating complex processes. However, with automation comes the increased risk of security vulnerabilities, which can have far-reaching implications if not properly addressed. Recent advancements in GitHub Actions security, particularly the integration of CodeQL, offer a robust solution to proactively identify and mitigate these threats. The Growing Threat of Insecure Workflows As organizations increasingly rely on GitHub Actions for automation, the number of potential vulnerabilities grows in tandem. Alarmingly, in a recent initiative, over 90 distinct vulnerabilities were identified across 75+ GitHub Actions workflows. The crux of the problem lies in the lack of awareness about how different components of workflows interact and the subsequent security implications. Expanding CodeQL’s Capabilit...

MongoDB 8.0 Performance: Does It Live Up to the Hype? As we continue to witness rapid technological advancements, database ecosystems are not left behind. MongoDB has always been one of the front-runners in this digital sprint. The release of MongoDB 8.0 brought with it a wave of curiosity, questions, and expectations, especially among developers and businesses who rely heavily on its capabilities. But does MongoDB 8.0 live up to the hype? Let's delve into the specifics. A Look Back: MongoDB's Journey Historically, MongoDB, like many databases, experiences performance fluctuations with each major release. The addition of new features, while enhancing functionality, often brings increased complexity, longer code paths, extra locking, and potential concurrency issues. However, MongoDB 8.0 promises a different narrative, boasting architectural optimizations aimed at bolstering performance. Testing the Hype: Percona's Benchmarking Approach At Percona, we've taken a clo...

The Hidden Costs of Counting Rows in MySQL: An In-Depth Exploration In the realm of database management, counting rows in a table seems like a straightforward task. However, when peeling back the layers, especially within MySQL, we find complexities that echo louder than a simple SQL query might suggest. As Przemysław Malkowski of Percona elaborates, understanding what goes on under the hood can reveal unexpected challenges, particularly with instrumentation that many overlook. The Intricacies Behind SELECT COUNT(*) in MySQL In MySQL, executing a SELECT COUNT(*) FROM table_name; involves more than mere counting. The efficiency of this operation hinges on available indexes. As the MySQL documentation outlines, InnoDB, the default storage engine, will traverse the smallest available secondary index to count rows. If no such index is present, the clustered index becomes the fallback. For many database administrators (DBAs), awareness of this process is crucial for performance tuning...