Always cool to see unexpected applications of information theory, especially outside of probabilistic contexts.
A related toy example that comes to mind is the puzzle where you're given 12 metal balls and told that one of them is either heavier or lighter than the rest. You're then given a balance/scale and instructed to figure out which ball is different and whether it is heavier or lighter using the balance a maximum of three times to weigh different combinations of balls.
Part of the reason this is solvable is because there are 12x2=24 different possibilities (or log2(24) = 4.58 bits) for the ball ID/weight and 27=3x3x3 possible outcomes (or log2(27) = 4.75 bits) for the weighing process (left heavier, right heavier, or equal in each use). Thus, there's a chance the weighing sequence could convey the ball ID/weight. If there were 14 balls, however, then you would require log(28) = 4.81 bits of information to specify the ball ID/weight, so the puzzle would be unsolvable, since there wouldn't be enough information available in the weighing sequence to specify the ball ID/weight.
For a low level view, as how the code actually should look like, I found the JPL C coding guidelines very useful. It had an effect on me on how I wrote C after reading it.
One potential source of disruption here (though I’m sure many folks will likewise feel it is frustrating to be locked into a SaaS model), is we are starting to see several intriguing startups building browser-based CAD software that are serious contenders for “the Figma of Architecture/BIM” crown, with the likes of:
It remains to be seen if they will manage to out-compete the Goliath that is Autodesk or simply get acquired/assimilated, but it is exciting to see some fervent activity in this space.
Better yet if several of them take a “freemium” approach and students/hobbyists/freelancers are able to use a polished, user-friendly packaging of this incredible CAD technology for free (as in beer).
I love free software, open source, and amazing projects like Blender (it is a true anomaly & gem in the OSS world, re: professional-grade end-user applications), but sometimes the profit motive goes a long way towards creating delightful and approachable user experiences that empower people.
(Though I’m likewise rooting for an open source offering in this space to really take off!)
A related toy example that comes to mind is the puzzle where you're given 12 metal balls and told that one of them is either heavier or lighter than the rest. You're then given a balance/scale and instructed to figure out which ball is different and whether it is heavier or lighter using the balance a maximum of three times to weigh different combinations of balls.
Part of the reason this is solvable is because there are 12x2=24 different possibilities (or log2(24) = 4.58 bits) for the ball ID/weight and 27=3x3x3 possible outcomes (or log2(27) = 4.75 bits) for the weighing process (left heavier, right heavier, or equal in each use). Thus, there's a chance the weighing sequence could convey the ball ID/weight. If there were 14 balls, however, then you would require log(28) = 4.81 bits of information to specify the ball ID/weight, so the puzzle would be unsolvable, since there wouldn't be enough information available in the weighing sequence to specify the ball ID/weight.