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@octocat
octocat / .gitignore
Created February 27, 2014 19:38
Some common .gitignore configurations
# Compiled source #
###################
*.com
*.class
*.dll
*.exe
*.o
*.so
# Packages #
@joepie91
joepie91 / you-dont-need-a-blockchain.md
Last active March 1, 2024 03:36
You Don't Need A Blockchain

You don't need a blockchain.

If you're reading this, you probably suggested to somebody that a particular technical problem could be solved with a blockchain.

Blockchains aren't a desirable thing; they're defined by having trustless consensus, which necessarily has to involve some form of costly signaling to work; that's what prevents attacks like sybil attacks.

In other words: blockchains must be expensive to operate, to work effectively. This makes it a last-resort solution, when you truly have no other options available for solving your problem; in almost every case you want a cheaper and less complex solution than a blockchain.

In particular, if your usecase is commercial, then you do not need or want trustless consensus. This especially includes usecases like supply chain tracking, ticketing, and so on. The whole *p

/*****************
* cellBlockA.js *
*****************
*
* Good morning, Dr. Eval.
*
* It wasn't easy, but I've managed to get your computer down
* to you. This system might be unfamiliar, but the underlying
* code is still JavaScript. Just like we predicted.
*
/********************
* theLongWayOut.js *
********************
*
* Well, it looks like they're on to us. The path isn't as
* clear as I thought it'd be. But no matter - four clever
* characters should be enough to erase all their tricks.
*/
function startLevel(map) {
/************************
* validationEngaged.js *
************************
*
* They're really on to us now! The validateLevel function
* has been activated to enforce constraints on what you can
* do. In this case, you're not allowed to remove any blocks.
*
* They're doing all they can to keep you here. But you
* can still outsmart them.
/*******************
* multiplicity.js *
*******************
*
* Out of one cell and into another. They're not giving you
* very much to work with here, either. Ah, well.
*
* Level filenames can be hints, by the way. Have I
* mentioned that before?
*
/******************
* minesweeper.js *
******************
*
* So much for Asimov's Laws. They're actually trying to kill
* you now. Not to be alarmist, but the floor is littered
* with mines. Rushing for the exit blindly may be unwise.
* I need you alive, after all.
*
* If only there was some way you could track the positions
/****************
* drones101.js *
****************
*
* Do you remember, my dear Professor, a certain introductory
* computational rationality class you taught long ago? Assignment
* #2, behavior functions of autonomous agents? I remember that one
* fondly - but attack drones are so much easier to reason about
* when they're not staring you in the face, I would imagine!
/*************
* colors.js *
*************
*
* You're almost at the exit. You just need to get past this
* color lock.
*
* Changing your environment is no longer enough. You must
* learn to change yourself. I've sent you a little something
* that should help with that.
/*******************
* intoTheWoods.js *
*******************
*
* Ah, you're out of the woods now. Or into the woods, as the
* case may be.
*
* So take a deep breath, relax, and remember what you're here
* for in the first place.
*