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Free and Open Source Software
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NumNum - text editor that understands calculations
It also understands several representations of numbers, including hexadecimal, binary and scientific notation. Functions are available for common mathematical operations, while aggregation facilities let you calculate values such as sums and averages.
NumNum behaves like a proper text editor rather than simply an expression field. It includes syntax highlighting, autocomplete, undo and redo, text selection, line wrapping and configurable fonts. Calculations can be separated into named sessions, and sessions are automatically saved so work can be restored after restarting the application.
The result is particularly appealing for calculations where keeping the surrounding working visible is useful.
This is free and open source software.
Walldo - lightweight graphical wallpaper changer
Linux support covers a broad collection of desktop environments. GNOME, KDE Plasma, Xfce, Cinnamon, LXDE, LXQt, MATE and Deepin can be handled directly without additional wallpaper utilities. Standalone X11 window managers use feh as a fallback, while Wayland compositors can use swaybg.
JPEG and PNG images are supported. The emphasis is on conventional static desktop wallpaper rather than animated or video backgrounds.
This is free and open source software.
Zuban - fast Python type checker and language server
The software offers two checking modes. Its default mode follows an approach similar to Pyright, while a separate mode provides extensive compatibility with Mypy, including its configuration files, command-line options and diagnostic messages. This makes it particularly interesting for developers who want faster type checking without completely changing their existing workflows.
Zuban also implements the Language Server Protocol, offering code completion, navigation and other features for supported editors. Its incremental analysis is designed to provide responsive feedback during development, particularly when working with larger Python projects.
This is free and open source software.
Linux Will Never Succeed on the Desktop Until It Stops Expecting Users to Be Experts
Most people do not want a relationship with their computer. They do not want to learn the ins and outs of their printer stack on a wet Tuesday evening. They want to write a letter, sort out a few photographs, watch a film, send an email, and get on with the rest of their day. Quite right too. Nobody proudly announces that their washing machine only works properly if they can interpret diagnostic codes and edit a configuration file. Yet when a Linux newcomer runs into trouble, someone will almost always pop up with three terminal commands and the faint air of “there you go, job done”. As if that settles the matter.
And the funny thing is that Linux can be wonderfully straightforward. In many cases, installing software from a graphical software centre is easier than rummaging around the web for Windows installers and then clicking through half a dozen prompts. Software updates can be handled centrally, without hunting down individual installers, and modern desktops already offer most of the things ordinary users need. KDE Plasma and GNOME have both put years into refining the experience. GNOME’s own design principles, for instance, explicitly aim to reduce user effort and avoid demanding specialist knowledge.
GoCard - file-based spaced repetition system
Scheduling is handled by an enhanced implementation of the SM-2 algorithm. Reviews use a five-point scale ranging from complete failure through to easy recall, and the resulting intervals are written back into the card metadata. GoCard also provides statistics for overall and per-deck progress together with a review forecast, giving a clearer picture of current workload and upcoming study requirements.
The storage model keeps the learning data close to the material itself rather than hiding everything inside a proprietary collection. A configurable deck directory can be supplied from the command line, and the application can be installed as a native Go program. The combination of Markdown, local files and a focused TUI makes it a good fit for users who already organise notes in plain text.
This is free and open source software.
LiquidHaskell - refinement type checker for Haskell
The software can operate as a GHC plugin. This means verification can be incorporated into the compilation workflow instead of requiring a completely separate language or toolchain. Specifications are normally placed alongside the Haskell code they describe.
LiquidHaskell is more than a conventional source-code linter. Its emphasis is proving properties about programs rather than checking formatting or stylistic conventions. Nevertheless, it occupies a useful place in a Haskell static-analysis toolkit because it can highlight invalid assumptions and unsafe program states before the code is run.
It uses Z3 for SMT solving and is suitable for developers interested in stronger static guarantees than Haskell’s standard type system provides.
This is free and open source software.
gf - lightweight graphical front-end for GDB
The debugger also exposes information such as registers, local variables and the call stack. Watch expressions allow values of interest to remain visible during a debugging session, reducing the need to repeatedly enter commands.
One of gf’s attractions is its relatively small implementation. It does not attempt to become a complete integrated development environment. Instead it concentrates on presenting GDB functionality through a focused graphical interface.
This is free and open source software.
GateSentry - filtering proxy and DNS server
Policies can block categories and domains, maintain allowlists, enforce safe search, and apply scheduled rules to particular devices or proxy users. DNS filtering works at domain level, while proxying enables more granular URL and content filtering.
Linux also supports transparent proxying. With HTTPS inspection enabled and its CA certificate installed on clients, GateSentry can apply rules to URL paths, keywords and response content types.
This is free and open source software.