Category Archives: Linux

[$] A “frozen” dictionary for Python

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Dictionaries are ubiquitous in Python code; they are the data structure of
choice for a wide variety of tasks. But dictionaries are mutable, which
makes them problematic for sharing data in concurrent code. Python has
added various concurrency features to the language over the last decade or
so—async, free threading without the global interpreter lock
(GIL), and independent subinterpreters—but users must work out their own
solution for an immutable dictionary that can be safely shared by
concurrent code. There are existing modules that could be used, but a recent proposal, PEP 814 (“Add frozendict
built-in type”), looks to bring the feature to the language itself.

cmocka 2.0 released

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Andreas Schneider has announced
version 2.0 of the cmocka
unit-testing framework for C:

This release represents a major modernization effort, bringing
cmocka firmly into the “modern” C99 era while maintaining the
simplicity and ease of use that users have come to expect.

One of the most significant changes in cmocka 2.0 is the migration
to C99 standard integer types. The LargestIntegralType typedef has
been replaced with intmax_t and uintmax_t from
stdint.h, providing better type safety and portability across
different platforms. Additionally, we’ve adopted the bool type where
appropriate, making the code more expressive and self-documenting.

Using intmax_t and uintmax_t also allows to print
better error messages. So you can now find
e.g. assert_int_equal and assert_uint_equal.

cmocka 2.0 introduces a comprehensive set of type-specific
assertion macros, including `assert_uint_equal()`,
`assert_float_equal()`, and enhanced pointer assertions. The mocking
system has also been significantly improved with type-specific macros
like `will_return_int()` and `will_return_float()`. The same for
parameter checking etc.

LWN covered the
project early in its development in 2013. See the full list of new
features, enhancements, and bug fixes in cmocka 2.0 in the changelog.

MetaComputing Launches 45-TOPS Arm Linux-Ready PC Powered by CIX CP8180

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Switzerland-based MetaComputing has announced a new ARM-based AI PC designed for the Framework Laptop 13 ecosystem. Developed with CIX Technology, the device introduces an ARM mainboard option for Framework systems and represents one of the first consumer-facing deployments of the CIX CP8180 processor. The platform is built around the CP8180 SoC manufactured on a 6 […]

Becoming a Security Engineer: Linux-Focused Roadmap for Offensive and Defensive Paths

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Linux has become the backbone of modern IT infrastructure, powering the majority of web servers, cloud platforms, and even the most popular security tools used by professionals worldwide. For cybersecurity professionals, strong Linux skills are no longer optional-they’re essential. Whether your goal is to break into systems as an ethical hacker or defend and secure them against malicious actors, a solid foundation in Linux will be at the core of your career. The cybersecurity field offers two distinct but complementary paths for Linux-focused professionals: offensive security (Red Team) and defensive security (Blue Team). Each path requires deep technical expertise, but they approach security challenges from opposite perspectives. Understanding both paths-their overlapping fundamentals, unique specializations, and career trajectories-is crucial for anyone looking to build a successful career as a Linux Security Engineer.

Cro provides commentary on LWN’s Zig asynchronicity article

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Loris Cro has published

a detailed YouTube video talking about the terminology used to discuss asynchronicity, concurrency, and parallelism in our recent article about Zig’s new Io interface. Our article is not completely clear because it uses the term “asynchronous I/O” to refer to what should really be called “non-blocking I/O“, and sometimes confuses asynchronicity for concurrency, among other errors of terminology, he says. Readers interested in precise details about Zig’s approach and some of the motivation behind the design may find Cro’s video interesting.