Top 10 Hacker News Articles: December 2, 2025

Stay up-to-date with the most discussed topics in tech and beyond! This article dives into the top 10 articles trending on Hacker News on December 2, 2025. From groundbreaking language models to insightful discussions on cybersecurity and the ever-evolving tech landscape, there's something here for every tech enthusiast. Let's explore the topics that captured the attention of the Hacker News community.

1. DeepSeek-v3.2: Pushing the Frontier of Open Large Language Models

At the top of the list is a fascinating paper on DeepSeek-v3.2, a cutting-edge open large language model. This article, with an impressive 528 points and 245 comments, delves into the capabilities and potential of this new model. Large language models are rapidly transforming the landscape of artificial intelligence, enabling machines to understand and generate human language with increasing accuracy. The buzz around DeepSeek-v3.2 suggests that it represents a significant leap forward in the field. Its open nature is particularly noteworthy, fostering collaboration and innovation within the AI community. The paper likely explores the model's architecture, training methodologies, and performance benchmarks, offering valuable insights for researchers, developers, and anyone interested in the future of AI. Discussions surrounding this article likely revolve around the model's potential applications, ethical considerations, and its impact on various industries. As AI continues to permeate our lives, understanding the advancements and implications of models like DeepSeek-v3.2 becomes increasingly crucial. This article serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to stay informed about the forefront of AI research and development. The high engagement on Hacker News indicates a strong interest in open-source AI and the potential for collaborative innovation in this space. Exploring the comments section could reveal further insights and perspectives on the capabilities and limitations of DeepSeek-v3.2, as well as its potential societal impact.

2. Why xor eax, eax?

Coming in at second place with 482 points and 181 comments is an intriguing question about a common assembly instruction: xor eax, eax. This seemingly simple instruction, which sets the eax register to zero, sparks a deeper discussion about low-level programming optimization and computer architecture. For those unfamiliar with assembly language, this might seem like an esoteric topic. However, understanding the nuances of assembly can provide valuable insights into how software interacts with hardware at the most fundamental level. The question likely arises from the fact that there are other ways to achieve the same result, such as moving the value zero into the register. The discussion probably centers around why xor eax, eax is often preferred in certain contexts. The answer likely involves considerations such as instruction size, execution speed, and potential pipeline stalls in the CPU. Experienced programmers and computer scientists often engage in these kinds of micro-optimizations to squeeze the maximum performance out of their code. This article highlights the importance of understanding the underlying hardware when writing efficient software. The comments section likely contains a wealth of knowledge and experience from seasoned developers, offering explanations, examples, and alternative perspectives on this classic assembly optimization technique. For anyone interested in low-level programming, computer architecture, or performance optimization, this article and its accompanying discussion are a valuable resource.

3. India Orders Smartphone Makers to Preload State-Owned Cyber Safety App

The third most popular article, with 424 points and 226 comments, reports on India's directive for smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-owned cyber safety app. This news raises significant questions about privacy, security, and government control in the digital age. The article likely details the specifics of the order, including the rationale behind it and the potential implications for both consumers and smartphone manufacturers. Preloading apps onto devices has become a common practice, but it often raises concerns about bloatware and the user's ability to control the software installed on their own devices. In this case, the fact that the app is state-owned adds another layer of complexity, potentially raising concerns about government surveillance and data collection. The discussions surrounding this article likely revolve around the balance between national security and individual privacy, as well as the potential for such mandates to set a precedent for other countries. The comments section may also explore the effectiveness of such apps in ensuring cyber safety, and whether there are less intrusive ways to achieve the same goals. This article highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in the modern world, and the complex challenges involved in balancing security concerns with individual freedoms. It serves as a reminder that technology policy decisions can have far-reaching consequences, and that public discourse is essential to ensure that these decisions are made in a transparent and accountable manner.

4. How to Attend Meetings – Internal Guidelines from the New York Times

With 280 points and 120 comments, the fourth most popular article presents internal guidelines from The New York Times on how to attend meetings effectively. This seemingly mundane topic resonates with many, highlighting the universal struggle to make meetings productive and valuable. The guidelines likely cover a range of best practices, such as setting clear agendas, inviting the right people, staying on topic, and assigning action items. Effective meetings are crucial for collaboration, decision-making, and overall organizational efficiency. However, poorly run meetings can be a significant drain on time and resources. The New York Times' guidelines offer a glimpse into how a successful organization approaches this challenge. The discussions surrounding this article likely involve sharing personal experiences with good and bad meetings, as well as offering alternative strategies and tools for improving meeting effectiveness. The comments section may also explore the cultural aspects of meetings, and how different organizations approach them differently. This article serves as a reminder that even seemingly small improvements in communication and collaboration can have a significant impact on overall productivity and morale. For anyone looking to make their meetings more efficient and engaging, this article and its accompanying discussion provide valuable insights and practical tips.

5. Cartographers Have Been Hiding Illustrations Inside Switzerland’s Maps (2020)

At number five, with 245 points and 49 comments, is a fascinating article about hidden illustrations in Swiss maps. This article, originally published in 2020, continues to captivate readers with its whimsical exploration of cartographic artistry. The article likely showcases examples of these hidden illustrations, revealing the creativity and attention to detail of the Swiss cartographers. Maps are not just functional tools for navigation; they can also be works of art. The hidden illustrations add a layer of intrigue and playfulness to the maps, inviting viewers to look more closely and appreciate the craftsmanship involved. The discussions surrounding this article likely revolve around the history of cartography, the role of art in maps, and the joy of discovering hidden details. The comments section may also feature personal anecdotes about finding these illustrations, or sharing similar examples from other maps. This article serves as a reminder that even in the digital age, there is still beauty and artistry to be found in traditional crafts. For anyone interested in maps, art, or Swiss culture, this article offers a delightful and unexpected glimpse into a hidden world.

6. Google Unkills JPEG XL?

Securing the sixth spot with 242 points and 194 comments, this article dives into the intriguing possibility of Google reviving JPEG XL. The article likely explores the reasons behind Google's initial decision to drop support for JPEG XL and the factors that may be leading to a reconsideration. JPEG XL is a next-generation image format designed to offer superior compression and image quality compared to older formats like JPEG. Its potential benefits have generated significant interest within the tech community, but its adoption has been hampered by lack of widespread support. Google's initial decision to remove support for JPEG XL in Chrome was a major setback for the format. However, the article suggests that there may be renewed interest within Google in revisiting this decision. The discussions surrounding this article likely involve the technical merits of JPEG XL, the competitive landscape of image formats, and the factors that influence Google's technology choices. The comments section may also feature debates about the importance of open standards and the role of major tech companies in shaping the future of the web. This article highlights the ongoing evolution of image compression technology and the challenges involved in gaining widespread adoption for new formats.

7. Self-Hosting a Matrix Server for 5 Years

Number seven on the list, with 239 points and 113 comments, is a compelling account of self-hosting a Matrix server for five years. This article offers a practical perspective on the challenges and rewards of running your own communication infrastructure. Matrix is an open-source protocol for decentralized communication, offering a privacy-focused alternative to centralized platforms like Slack and Discord. Self-hosting a Matrix server gives users complete control over their data and communication channels. However, it also requires technical expertise and a commitment to maintaining the server infrastructure. The article likely details the author's experiences with setting up, configuring, and maintaining their Matrix server, as well as the benefits they have derived from it. The discussions surrounding this article likely involve the pros and cons of self-hosting, the technical requirements of running a Matrix server, and the broader movement towards decentralized communication. The comments section may also feature tips and tricks from other self-hosting enthusiasts, as well as discussions about alternative decentralized platforms. This article serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in taking control of their communication infrastructure and exploring the possibilities of decentralized technology.

8. Ghostty Compiled to WASM with xterm.js API Compatibility

Eighth on the list, with 226 points and 73 comments, is an exciting development: Ghostty compiled to WASM with xterm.js API compatibility. This article likely discusses the technical details and implications of this port, making Ghostty, a modern, fast terminal emulator, accessible in web browsers. WASM (WebAssembly) is a binary instruction format that enables high-performance applications to run in web browsers. xterm.js is a popular terminal emulator library written in JavaScript. By compiling Ghostty to WASM and ensuring compatibility with the xterm.js API, developers can now embed a full-featured terminal emulator directly into their web applications. This opens up a wide range of possibilities, such as creating online development environments, interactive tutorials, and remote access tools. The discussions surrounding this article likely involve the technical challenges of porting native applications to WASM, the performance benefits of using WASM, and the potential applications of this technology. The comments section may also feature discussions about alternative terminal emulators and the future of web-based applications. This article highlights the growing power and versatility of web technologies, and the potential for WASM to revolutionize the way we use the web.

9. Ask HN: Who Is Hiring? (December 2025)

The ninth most popular article, with 211 points and a whopping 294 comments, is the recurring **