Issue 017 - Computers are Just Tools

In that place (Western Sichuan), stacking stones represents wishing for blessings.

This weekly publication is open source, recording what is seen and heard each week, mainly focusing on front-end development, AI, independent development, open-source tools, etc. Published every Saturday/weekend, submissions are welcome, and we look forward to your follow/subscribe~

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Computers are Just Tools

Recently, with the awarding of the 2024 Nobel Prize, it has sparked a lot of discussion online, as the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to the father of artificial intelligence, Geoffrey Hinton, highlighting that a prize in the field of physics was given in relation to artificial intelligence in the computer field; in addition, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was also awarded for contributions to AI.

Now, computers are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, and many people from other fields have some knowledge of computer-related technologies, such as Python and front-end skills. With the development of AI, individuals from other fields can quickly reach a relatively high level of competence in using computer technology. For instance, the now-popular Cursor and Bolt editors helped a non-technical person rapidly develop a website in just two hours.

Conversely, if we are professionals in the computer field yet only understand computer-related concepts, our competitive edge will diminish. This era seems to increasingly require talent that crosses fields, such as computer science + physics, computer science + psychology, etc. It is similar to how we should understand business while working in a company; only by grasping another domain can we truly leverage the role of computing within that field.

This is also why many independent developers continue developing the same three applications (to-do lists, budgeting tools, note-taking apps) — because many individuals have limited understanding of other domains and only focus on development-related tools, such as creating a tool site or an information aggregation platform. They find it challenging to identify the needs of other areas, which naturally leads to a lack of innovative development.

Due to the National Day holiday, this is a two-week compilation, covering some long-term information.

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2024 Self-Deployment Survey Report

Longtime users should already know that this publication has recommended many self-deployable applications. The author is also quite interested in self-deployment. This is a survey report on self-deployment applications for 2024, and here are a few insights: