Notes on open source vs free software

Extracting text from a PDF is usually straightforward when it’s in English and doesn’t have embedded fonts. However, once those assumptions are removed, it becomes challenging to use basic python libraries like pdfminer or pdfplumber. Last month, I was tasked with extracting text from a Gujarati-language PDF and importing data fields such as...

Indie bloggers are on the constant lookout for tools that simplify their work while keeping costs low and user experience seamless. One of the most overlooked aspects of running a blog is finding the right comment hosting system. Enter giscus, a modern solution that stands out among its peers for being lightweight, privacy-friendly, and free to...

There is no doubt that over the last few years, Agile methodologies have gained prominence as a means to foster flexibility, innovation, and responsiveness to change. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly effective approach lies a troubling reality: the emotional toll it can take on teams. This article delves into the impact of Agile...

Modern development ecosystems thrive on code reusability, and packaging systems like PyPI for Python and Composer for PHP play a significant role in this narrative. With a simple command, developers can integrate a multitude of libraries, shaving hours off development time and leveraging the work of countless open-source contributors. However,...

In the ever-evolving world of web development, the ability to manage complex data structures efficiently is vital. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) has become a standard for data exchange due to its lightweight format and ease of use. If you’re working with PHP and MySQL, understanding how to store and retrieve JSON data can greatly enhance the...