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The Zero-Width Space-Place

Nothing to​​ see here.

Zero‑Width Space

Click the translucent pill (blue dot marks it) or the big Copy button.

What’s Zero-Width Space?

The zero‑width space (U+200B) is a Unicode glyph that renders nothing and occupies zero width. In the right hands, this “invisible ink” changes how software treats text.

Example

Below are seven tricks I actually use, each with a quick demo.

  1. Anchor an Alphabetical List
    Prefix one or more ZWS characters to push an item ahead of "A".
​Newsletter  ← with ZWS
Apple
Zucchini
  1. Break Auto‑Linking
    Drop a ZWS into a URL or email to foil scrapers while leaving it human‑readable.
hello​@starikov.co
https://starikov​.co
  1. Duplicate C++ Identifiers
    ZWS is a valid identifier char in many compilers.
int total = 1;     // normal
int tota​l = 2;     // looks the same, compiles fine
std::cout << total + tota​l; // prints 3
  1. Python Indentation Gremlins
    Slip a ZWS into leading spaces; code looks aligned but crashes.
def hello():
    print("ok")   # four spaces
​    print("boom") # four + ZWS → IndentationError
  1. Hide Easter‑Egg Text
    Insert a binary watermark every 100 chars; humans never see it, diff tools do.

  2. Zero‑Length Social Forms
    Some platforms allow a username, bios, and other forms that is literally just ZWS. Pure minimalism.

  3. Control word‑wrapping
    Add ZWS inside a super‑long URL to let browsers break the line without inserting a visible hyphen.

<span style="word-break:break-all">
    https://example.com/superlong​paththatneverends
</span>

RSS: RSS Starter Set 📰

My recommended RSS feeds—thoughtfully curated over a decade of reading.

The skeleton is automatically generated by this script. Import the following OPML into any reader to pull everything at once.


Apple🍎

  • Apple | DeveloperRSS
    Official notes on software releases, tooling updates and policy changes inside Apple’s developer ecosystem.

  • Apple | NewsroomRSS
    Corporate statements covering product launches, financial results and wider initiatives.

  • Daring FireballRSS
    Commentary and link aggregation focused on Apple and the technology industry.

  • MacStoriesRSS
    In‑depth reviews, workflows and analysis for advanced iOS and macOS users.

  • Marco.orgRSS
    Occasional essays on software development, podcasting and independent publishing.

  • Six ColorsRSS
    Reporting and analysis on Apple’s hardware, software and services, aimed at enthusiasts and professionals.

  • The Sweet SetupRSS
    Recommendations and workflows that enhance productivity across Apple platforms.


Companies🏢

  • Android DevelopersRSS
    Technical updates and best practices for building, testing and distributing Android applications.

  • Apple | ML ResearchRSS
    Peer‑review‑style summaries of Apple’s research in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

  • AWS Machine Learning BlogRSS
    Case studies, tutorials and announcements on applying AI services within Amazon’s cloud.

  • ChromiumRSS
    Progress reports from the open‑source browser project that underpins Chrome and Edge.

  • Facebook | EngineeringRSS
    Technical deep dives into infrastructure, data systems and product engineering at Meta.

  • GarminRSS
    Product news and usage guidance for navigation, fitness and outdoor devices.

  • GitHub | EngineeringRSS
    Insights into scaling and securing the world’s largest code‑hosting platform.

  • Instagram | EngineeringRSS
    Engineering narratives on delivering social‑media features to a global audience.

  • LinkedIn | EngineeringRSS
    Articles on large‑scale data processing, relevance ranking and platform reliability.

  • MetaRSS
    Corporate news spanning product releases, policy positions and financial updates.

  • Meta | ResearchRSS
    Academic‑style papers exploring computer vision, natural‑language processing and related fields.

  • Microsoft ResearchRSS
    Peer‑reviewed research and technology transfers from Microsoft’s global labs.

  • Netflix TechBlogRSS
    Engineering case studies on content delivery, cloud reliability and data analysis.

  • NVIDIARSS
    Updates on graphics, high‑performance computing and AI initiatives.

  • OpenAIRSS
    Announcements and research summaries related to language models and AI safety.

  • OpenAI NewsRSS
    Headline feed distilling OpenAI’s key product and policy updates.

  • SignalRSS
    Technical and policy discussions on end‑to‑end encryption and secure messaging.

  • Stack OverflowRSS
    Reflections on software‑developer culture, community trends and platform improvements.

  • TensorFlowRSS
    Release notes, tutorials and ecosystem news for Google’s deep‑learning framework.

  • WolframRSS
    Essays on computational science, applied mathematics and software innovation.


Computer Science🐛

  • AI ImpactsRSS
    Research exploring the economic and societal consequences of advanced AI systems.

  • AI WeirdnessRSS
    Experiments illustrating both the creativity and the limitations of neural‑network models.

  • And now it’s all thisRSS
    Practical scripting advice and observations on engineering workflows.

  • Andrej KarpathyRSS
    Essays on deep learning, vision models and large‑scale training techniques.

  • arg minRSS
    Technical commentary on optimisation, machine learning and data science.

  • Berkeley | AIRSS
    Accessible summaries of recent artificial‑intelligence research from UC Berkeley.

  • ByteByteGoRSS
    Illustrated guides to system design, scalable architecture and distributed computing.

  • C++ StoriesRSS
    Modern‑C++ features, guidelines and best practices.

  • CodeProject Latest ArticlesRSS
    Community‑authored tutorials covering a broad spectrum of software topics.

  • Coding HorrorRSS
    Essays on software craftsmanship, usability and developer culture.

  • Columbia | Statistical ModelingRSS
    Discussions on Bayesian statistics, social‑science methods and data communication.

  • Eric JangRSS
    Research notes on robotics, reinforcement learning and applied AI.

  • fast.aiRSS
    Practical deep‑learning instruction aimed at software developers.

  • Hacker NewsRSS
    Daily aggregation of technology news, startup announcements and research papers.

  • IEEE SpectrumRSS
    Engineering‑centric reporting on emerging technologies and industry trends.

  • It Runs Doom!RSS
    Showcases unconventional devices capable of running the classic video game Doom.

  • James StanleyRSS
    Personal projects and commentary on security, electronics and software.

  • Joel on SoftwareRSS
    Classic essays on software management, product design and programming practice.

  • John D. CookRSS
    Short, accessible reflections linking mathematics, statistics and software development.

  • Journal of Artificial Intelligence ResearchRSS
    Peer‑reviewed papers presenting state‑of‑the‑art advances across all branches of AI.

  • Julia EvansRSS
    Illustrated tutorials demystifying Linux, networking and debugging techniques for practitioners.

  • KeetRSS
    Research notes on knowledge representation, ontologies and semantic web technologies.

  • Krebs on SecurityRSS
    Investigative reporting on cyber‑crime, data breaches and digital‑fraud trends.

  • learnbyexampleRSS
    Concise command‑line and text‑processing guides for developers honing Unix skills.

  • Lenny's NewsletterRSS
    Product‑management insights distilled from industry data and operator interviews.

  • linusakesson.netRSS
    Technical explorations of low‑level electronics, music synthesis and retro computing.

  • Luke SalamoneRSS
    Essays on graphics programming, game‑engine design and related tooling.

  • Machine Intelligence Research InstituteRSS
    Analyses of AI alignment challenges and strategies to mitigate long‑term risks.

  • ML MasteryRSS
    Hands‑on machine‑learning tutorials emphasising clear code and practical results.

  • Newest Python PEPsRSS
    Live feed of proposals shaping the future syntax and semantics of Python.

  • sidebitsRSS
    Brief technical notes on performance optimisation, systems programming and Rust.

  • Simon Willison's WeblogRSS
    Frequent posts on open data, web tooling and practical large‑language‑model experiments.

  • Simplify C++!RSS
    Guidelines for writing clearer, safer and more maintainable modern‑C++ code.

  • SlashdotRSS
    User‑moderated headlines covering technology policy, hardware and open‑source news.

  • Swift.orgRSS
    Release notes and evolution proposals for Apple’s open‑source programming language.

  • The GradientRSS
    Editorial essays unpacking recent machine‑learning research for a broad technical audience.

  • The Old New ThingRSS
    Historical and technical commentary on Windows APIs and system design.

  • The Pragmatic EngineerRSS
    Operational advice on scaling software organisations and engineering careers.

  • The RegisterRSS
    Independent technology journalism tracking industry moves, hardware and cybersecurity.

  • UnixmenRSS
    How‑to articles and reviews focused on Linux administration and open‑source tools.

  • VimGolfRSS
    Micro‑challenges showcasing efficient command sequences in the Vim editor.


Cooking🧑‍🍳

  • 101 CookbooksRSS
    Seasonal, whole‑food recipes emphasising natural ingredients and vegetarian cuisine.

  • David LebovitzRSS
    Recipes and culinary observations from a pastry chef living in Paris.

  • DrinkhackerRSS
    Spirits reviews, cocktail recipes and industry news for enthusiasts.

  • Love and LemonsRSS
    Plant‑forward dishes presented with bright photography and concise instructions.

  • Pinch of YumRSS
    Accessible comfort‑food recipes paired with blogging and photography tips.

  • Serious EatsRSS
    Evidence‑based cooking guides, equipment reviews and culinary science.

  • smitten kitchenRSS
    Home‑kitchen recipes designed for reliable results and minimal fuss.

  • TarteletteRSS
    Pastry and dessert recipes illustrated with professional‑quality photography.


Culture🦠

  • The Substack PostRSS
    Platform news and commentary on the evolving newsletter ecosystem.

  • XXLRSS
    Coverage of hip‑hop music, culture and industry developments.


Gaming👾

  • Nintendo LifeRSS
    News, reviews and community coverage centred on Nintendo hardware and software.

  • Nintendo UKRSS
    Official announcements, release dates and promotional updates for UK audiences.

  • PlayStationRSS
    Product news, developer interviews and firmware updates from Sony Interactive.

  • Pure NintendoRSS
    Independent reporting and opinion on Nintendo gaming and related culture.


Google

  • Google | DeepMindRSS
    Research highlights and applications from Alphabet’s advanced‑AI division.

  • Google | DevelopersRSS
    API changes, tooling updates and developer‑centric announcements across Google platforms.

  • Google | SecurityRSS
    Security advisories, vulnerability research and best‑practice guidance from Google.

  • Google | TestingRSS
    Methodologies and frameworks for building reliable, well‑tested software at scale.

  • Google | WorkspaceRSS
    Release notes detailing new features and refinements in Google’s productivity suite.

  • The KeywordRSS
    Company‑wide announcements spanning consumer, enterprise and research initiatives.


Health⚕️


Interest(ing)⌚️💼

  • Atlas ObscuraRSS
    Reports on unusual places, histories and cultural phenomena worldwide.

  • BOOOOOOOM!RSS
    Contemporary art, illustration and photography features with international scope.

  • Europe By RailRSS
    Practical guidance and commentary on rail travel across the European continent.

  • Field NotesRSS
    Dispatches on paper goods, analogue tools and design‑focused manufacturing.

  • I Love TypographyRSS
    Articles exploring type design, font history and typographic trends.

  • Naturally EllaRSS
    Vegetarian recipes highlighting seasonal produce and whole foods.

  • Rands in ReposeRSS
    Essays on engineering leadership, organisational culture and personal productivity.

  • Wait But WhyRSS
    Long‑form explorations of technology, psychology and existential questions.

  • zen habitsRSS
    Minimalist practices aimed at simplifying work, health and daily routines.


News🗞️


Nice🫶


ST̶EM🧬🧑‍🏫💊

  • Big Data, Plainly SpokenRSS
    Statistical commentary translating complex data into everyday insights.

  • Construction PhysicsRSS
    Analytical essays on the economics and engineering of the built environment.

  • FlowingDataRSS
    Data‑visualisation projects and tutorials illustrating societal trends.

  • Girls' AngleRSS
    Mathematics outreach content aimed at encouraging young women in STEM.

  • In the DarkRSS
    Commentary from an astrophysicist on cosmology, academia and science policy.

  • Infinity Plus OneRSS
    Expositions on advanced mathematics, including category theory and algebra.

  • InframethodologyRSS
    Reflections on scholarly writing practices and research methodology.

  • Luca MarxRSS
    Interdisciplinary essays bridging physics, technology and philosophy.

  • M‑PhiRSS
    Academic posts on mathematical logic, philosophy of mathematics and related topics.

  • Math ∩ ProgrammingRSS
    In‑depth articles connecting theoretical mathematics with practical algorithms.

  • NASARSS
    Agency news covering missions, scientific discoveries and aerospace policy.

  • Quanta MagazineRSS
    Explanatory journalism on fundamental research in physics, mathematics and biology.

  • Sabine Hossenfelder: BackreactionRSS
    Critical analyses of theoretical‑physics claims and broader science communication.

  • What If?RSS
    Scientific answers to hypothetical questions, presented with rigorous humour.

  • xkcdRSS
    Webcomic offering concise observations on science, technology and relationships.

  • Your Local EpidemiologistRSS
    Public‑health analysis interpreting epidemiological data for a general readership.


San Francisco🌉

  • CalMattersRSS
    Non‑profit journalism examining California policy, politics and social issues.

  • Eater SFRSS
    Restaurant openings, closures and dining trends in the Bay Area.

  • Mountain View PostRSS
    Local news and community updates from the heart of Silicon Valley.

  • SF FuncheapRSS
    Listings of free and low‑cost events across San Francisco.

  • SF WeeklyRSS
    Alternative weekly covering local politics, culture and entertainment.

  • SFGATERSS
    Regional news, culture and lifestyle reporting for the broader Bay Area.

  • SFistRSS
    City‑focused news briefs spanning transit, weather and civic affairs.

  • The SF StandardRSS
    Data‑driven journalism addressing urban change and local governance.


Tech📲

  • Have I Been PwnedRSS
    Alerts on newly disclosed data breaches and compromised account details.

  • Internal Tech EmailsRSS
    Curated internal memos offering insight into strategy debates at major tech firms.

  • No Mercy / No MaliceRSS
    Market analysis and commentary on technology, media and economics.

  • Official Android BlogRSS
    Product releases, operating‑system updates and ecosystem developments for Android.

  • PlatformerRSS
    Independent reporting on social‑media governance and content‑moderation policy.

  • Product HuntRSS
    Daily digest of new software tools, hardware gadgets and startup launches.

  • SandofskyRSS
    Insights on mobile photography, software design and indie development.

  • Source Code in TV and FilmsRSS
    Screenshots highlighting real or spoofed code snippets in visual media.

  • SpotifyRSS
    Company announcements on audio streaming, podcasting and platform expansion.

  • StratecheryRSS
    Strategic analysis of technology business models and competitive dynamics.

  • The Waving CatRSS
    Commentary on the societal impact of connected devices and digital policy.


Україна🇺🇦