by jsendak | Feb 27, 2025 | DS Articles
We are excited to invite you to the Appsilon Tiny Shiny Hackathon, a four-hour online challenge where developers can showcase their creativity and technical skills by building applications that combine Shiny and AI.
ShinyConf 2025 is coming—are you ready? Join us for an exciting event filled with insights, innovation, and the latest in Shiny!
Whether you are a seasoned developer or just starting with Shiny, this is a great opportunity to push your limits, learn from others, and gain recognition in the Shiny community.
Why Join?
This hackathon is not just about coding. It is about innovation, collaboration, and learning. Here is what you can look forward to:
- Exclusive prizes for top submissions.
- A feature at ShinyConf 2025, putting your work in front of the global Shiny community.
- A one-on-one mentoring session with Appsilon’s Head of Technology, Marcin Dubel.
If you are passionate about building with Shiny and want to experiment with AI, this is your chance to put your skills to the test.
What to Expect
Taking place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, this hackathon runs for just four hours. You will receive access to a GitHub repository with the challenge description at the start, and from there, it is all about designing, developing, and submitting a working Shiny application.
You can participate solo or team up with a partner. Whether you choose R or Python, the goal is the same. Create an impressive Shiny app that meets the challenge criteria. AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Cursor, and Shiny Assistant are not just allowed. They are encouraged.
How to Participate
- Register for the event.
- Make sure you have an active GitHub account.
- (Optional) Join the opening call to get important details.
- Once the hackathon begins, access the GitHub repository with the challenge.
- Fork the repository and start coding.
- Submit your pull request before the deadline with your completed app.
How We Will Evaluate Your Work
Submissions will be reviewed by the Hackathon Committee, made up of Appsilon experts. They will be looking at:
- How well your app meets the challenge objectives.
- Any additional features you build.
- UI design and user experience.
- Code clarity and maintainability.
Prizes and Recognition
Winning is not just about prizes. It is about getting your work in front of the right people. Here is what is at stake:
- Top winners will get a one-on-one mentoring session with Appsilon’s Head of Technology.
- Select participants will be invited to an exclusive roundtable discussion on AI in Shiny development.
- Top three winners will receive a yearly pro-level subscription to an AI tool of their choice.
- Top ten winners will each get a 25 dollar Amazon Gift Card.
Why You Should Join
This hackathon is a chance to learn, build, and connect. It is about testing ideas, getting feedback, and seeing what is possible when you blend Shiny with AI. Whether you are in it for the challenge, the networking, or the fun, this is an opportunity to grow as a developer while being part of something exciting.
Ready to build something amazing? Sign up today and prepare for an intense, rewarding, and inspiring experience.
The post appeared first on appsilon.com/blog/.
Continue reading: Sign Up for Appsilon’s Tiny Shiny Hackathon: Build, Compete, and Win!
Key Analysis and Implications of Appsilon’s Tiny Shiny Hackathon
The Appsilon Tiny Shiny Hackathon is a four-hour online challenge targeting developers across different skill levels. Developers are encouraged to showcase their creativity and technical abilities by building applications that combine the use of Shiny, a web application framework for R programming, and AI. This event is about coding, but also promotes innovation, collaboration, and learning.
Long-term implications
The hackathon by Appsilon not only provides the participants with an opportunity to improve their coding skills and explore new areas in AI and Shiny, but also allows them to gain recognition in the global Shiny community. By featuring the work of top submissions at ShinyConf 2025, Appsilon allows these developers to gain exposure to collaborations or job opportunities.
With AI forming an important element of these applications, this event seems to be in line with the growing trend of integrating AI in various operations. Participants will also get an opportunity to be familiar with AI tools extensively.
Possible future developments
Appsilon’s Tiny Shiny Hackathon seems to be highlighting the role of AI in developing Shiny applications. While it already suggests the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Cursor, and Shiny Assistant, the company might integrate more sophisticated AI tools in the future. Additionally, the selection of a winner based on criteria like code clarity and maintainability could signal the company’s focus on sustainable coding practices.
Actionable advice:
For Developers:
- Keep Improving Your Skills: Continuous learning is crucial in development. Always try to learn more about Shiny and AI. Practice coding and experiment with new projects in preparation for events like this.
- Follow Sustainable Coding Practices: As the selection criteria include attributes like code clarity and maintainability, it’s important to follow best coding practices.
For Appsilon:
- Offer More Learning Resources: To increase the number of participants in the hackathon, consider providing them with more learning resources on Shiny and AI. This will aid those without a prior background in both areas.
- Expand Tools Used for Hackathons: While the hackathon already promotes AI tools, consider introducing more state-of-the-art tools in the future.
Conclusion
The Appsilon Tiny Shiny Hackathon is a great initiative to foster creativity, learning and collaboration among developers. Given the event’s objective of combining Shiny with AI, it stands as a testament to the growing importance of integrating AI in our daily operations and future projects.
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by jsendak | Feb 27, 2025 | DS Articles
Build, test, and deploy a complete application in minutes — just by chatting with OpenHands.
OpenHands Revolutionizes App Development
Recent developments in the world of technology have brought about a unique, innovative way to build, test, and deploy applications in a matter of minutes. A swell in the tide of technological advancements, OpenHands, lets users create complete applications simply by engaging in conversation.
Long-Term Implications and Future Developments
The future prospects of OpenHands and similar technologies are grand. As we move even deeper into the digital era, such swift and straightforward application development could catalyze further technological advancements and reshape traditional app creation practice.
OpenHands enables rapid app development, which means SMEs and non-technical users can also venture into app development without the need for extensive coding knowledge. This democratization of technology is likely to lead to a surge in new apps, ultimately fostering a more innovative and diversified market.
Actionable Insights and Advice
- Opportunity for SMEs: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should capitalize on this opportunity to develop and tailor their own applications, improving business operations and customer engagement.
- Skills Development: Interested individuals and organizations should focus on learning and developing soft skills, such as problem-solving and design thinking, rather than hard coding skills, as OpenHands minimizes the need for in-depth programming expertise.
- Prepare for Rapid Changes: Businesses and developers need to adjust to the accelerated pace of application development and market competition.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, OpenHands offers a novel way to create applications that could upend traditional app development practice. By lowering barriers to entry, it allows more people and businesses to participate in the app market, essentially catalyzing further innovation and diversity. Businesses and individuals alike should leverage this chance to differentiate themselves in an increasingly digitized world.
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by jsendak | Feb 27, 2025 | DS Articles
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for small businesses seeking to grow and thrive. One of the most effective ways to boost online visibility is through a competitive link strategy. Link building, when done right, not only drives organic traffic but also improves search engine rankings, establishing the business as… Read More »Crafting an effective link-building strategy for small business success
Potential Long-Term Implications and Future Developments of Link-Building Strategies for Small Businesses
In the constantly evolving digital landscape, some critical implications and future developments have significant bearings on the small businesses. These are grounded in search engine optimization (SEO) and specifically, strategic link building.
Increased Online Visibility and Enhanced Reputation
First and foremost, the implementation of an effective link-building strategy provides long-term benefits by catapulting the online visibility of a small business. This not only drives organic traffic to a business’ platform but also boosts its visibility on web searches. Consequently, this effectively establishes and solidifies a business’ digital presence, enhancing its reputation among potential customers and competitors alike.
Improvement of Search Engine Rankings
In addition, strategic link building makes a significant contribution to improving the business’ search engine rankings. By providing high-quality inbound links, small businesses can anticipate increased search engine results page (SERP) rankings. Long-term, this implies enhanced organic visibility, creating more opportunities for customer engagement, conversion, and brand loyalty.
Advice for Future Strategy
Based on the potential long-term implications and future developments of link-building, the following actionable advice is addressed to small businesses:
- Develop a strong link-building strategy: To maximize online visibility and improve SERP rankings, it’s crucial for small businesses to craft an effective link-building strategy that extends beyond just generating numerous links.
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Quality should precede quantity in link-building endeavors. Google’s algorithm tends to favor webpages with high-quality inbound links. Therefore, more focus should be placed on earning these types of links.
- Utilize Reputable Sources: It’s important that the links employed in your link-building strategy are derived from reputable sources. These sources enhance your credibility in the eyes of the search engines, thus increasing your SERP rankings.
- Stay Informed: As we already mentioned, the digital landscape is ever-evolving. Thus, small businesses should stay up-to-date with the changes in SEO and link-building trends. This will grant them leverage over their competitors.
Crafting an effective link-building strategy is a long-term investment that requires commitment, time, and strategic forethought. When done right, it drives significant traffic, increases SERP rankings, and cement the online presence of a small business. However, continued success in link-building requires understanding and adapting to the continuous evolutions within the digital landscape.
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by jsendak | Feb 27, 2025 | Namecheap
A Closer Look at WHMCS’s Latest Pricing Strategy for 2025
In the dynamic landscape of web hosting and automated billing solutions, WHMCS stands as a cornerstone for many businesses, particularly for its integration with a variety of hosting packages like those offered by Namecheap. However, the recent announcement of a price update from WHMCS reverberated through the industry, signaling change and instigating a wave of responses from both providers and users. As we embark on this narrative, it’s imperative to peel back the layers of this decision, comprehend its implications, and strategize for what lies ahead. By the end of this article, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the nuances of WHMCS’s new pricing model for 2025, particularly how it meshes with Namecheap’s offerings.
Understanding WHMCS’s Role in the Hosting Ecosystem
Before diving into the ramifications of the pricing overhaul, it’s essential to contextualize WHMCS within the web hosting ecosystem. As a leading web hosting management and billing software, WHMCS facilitates seamless user experiences and automates many aspects of online business operations. Its comprehensive suite of tools supports everything from customer onboarding to invoice management, making it an invaluable asset for hosts and resellers alike.
Dissecting the Price Revision: Impact on Namecheap Users
The recent update to WHMCS’s pricing structure in 2025 has significant connotations for various stakeholders within the hosting community, especially for those leveraging Namecheap’s infrastructure. Customers relying on Namecheap’s integration with WHMCS will find themselves at an inflection point—needing to reassess their current configurations and financial commitments in the face of these adjustments.
Strategic Adaptations for Businesses
With change comes the need for strategy. Businesses utilizing WHMCS with Namecheap hosting solutions must recalibrate to stay cost-effective while maintaining service quality. In this segment, we’ll explore the potential pathways businesses can take to emerge resilient in the face of pricing changes.
Conclusion: What This Means Moving Forward
As WHMCS carves a new path with its updated pricing model, companies and individuals alike must pivot accordingly. The broader implications for the web hosting industry, user loyalty, and competitive landscapes cannot be overstated. Our final thoughts will aim to synthesize these factors, offering a digestible preview of the future as dictated by this pivotal update.
Note: All insights and strategies discussed in this article are based on the most recent information available at the time of writing and are subject to evolve with the industry’s incessant progression.
WHMCS recently updated its prices for 2025. As a result, some WHMCS licenses for Namecheap hosting packages will have price increases moving forward.
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by jsendak | Feb 27, 2025 | AI
arXiv:2502.18836v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: This benchmark suite provides a comprehensive evaluation framework for assessing both individual LLMs and multi-agent systems in real-world planning scenarios. The suite encompasses eleven designed problems that progress from basic to highly complex, incorporating key aspects such as multi-agent coordination, inter-agent dependencies, and dynamic environmental disruptions. Each problem can be scaled along three dimensions: the number of parallel planning threads, the complexity of inter-dependencies, and the frequency of unexpected disruptions requiring real-time adaptation. The benchmark includes detailed specifications, evaluation metrics, and baseline implementations using contemporary frameworks like LangGraph, enabling rigorous testing of both single-agent and multi-agent planning capabilities. Through standardized evaluation criteria and scalable complexity, this benchmark aims to drive progress in developing more robust and adaptable AI planning systems for real-world applications.
The article “arXiv:2502.18836v1” introduces a benchmark suite that aims to evaluate the performance of both individual LLMs (Language Model Models) and multi-agent systems in real-world planning scenarios. This comprehensive evaluation framework consists of eleven designed problems that range from basic to highly complex, incorporating important aspects such as multi-agent coordination, inter-agent dependencies, and dynamic environmental disruptions. The suite allows for scalability along three dimensions: the number of parallel planning threads, the complexity of inter-dependencies, and the frequency of unexpected disruptions requiring real-time adaptation. It provides detailed specifications, evaluation metrics, and baseline implementations using contemporary frameworks like LangGraph, enabling rigorous testing of single-agent and multi-agent planning capabilities. The ultimate goal of this benchmark is to drive progress in the development of more robust and adaptable AI planning systems for real-world applications, through standardized evaluation criteria and scalable complexity.
Driving Progress in AI Planning Systems: A New Benchmark Suite
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has come a long way, with significant advancements in various domains. However, there is still considerable room for improvement when it comes to real-world planning scenarios. To address this, a new benchmark suite has been developed, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework for assessing both individual LLMs (Language Model Models) and multi-agent systems.
The benchmark suite consists of eleven designed problems that progress from basic to highly complex. These problems incorporate key aspects such as multi-agent coordination, inter-agent dependencies, and dynamic environmental disruptions. Each problem within the suite can be scaled along three dimensions: the number of parallel planning threads, the complexity of inter-dependencies, and the frequency of unexpected disruptions requiring real-time adaptation.
One of the primary objectives of this benchmark suite is to establish standardized evaluation criteria. This will enable researchers and developers to test and compare the capabilities of both single-agent and multi-agent planning systems using a common framework. By defining specific evaluation metrics and providing baseline implementations using contemporary frameworks like LangGraph, this benchmark suite ensures rigorous testing of AI planning capabilities.
Traditionally, AI planning systems have relied on individual LLMs or single-agent approaches. While these can be effective in certain scenarios, they often struggle with complex real-world applications that involve multiple agents and dynamic environments. The benchmark suite aims to address this limitation by encouraging the development of more robust and adaptable AI planning systems.
Standardized Evaluation Criteria
Standardized evaluation criteria are crucial for fair and objective comparisons between different AI planning systems. The benchmark suite includes detailed specifications for each problem, defining the desired outcomes, constraints, and evaluation metrics. By using a common set of criteria, researchers can analyze the performance of their planning systems accurately.
The evaluation metrics consider factors such as the efficiency of planning, the ability to handle inter-agent dependencies, and the adaptability to unexpected disruptions. These metrics provide quantitative measures that can be used to assess and compare the performance of different planning systems.
Baseline Implementations
To facilitate the adoption and usage of the benchmark suite, baseline implementations using contemporary frameworks like LangGraph are provided. These implementations serve as a starting point for researchers and developers, allowing them to focus on improving and optimizing their algorithms rather than spending time on building the infrastructure from scratch.
The baseline implementations are designed to showcase the capabilities of the benchmark suite and demonstrate the potential of AI planning systems in real-world applications. They serve as a reference for developers to understand the expected performance and behavior of their systems.
Scalable Complexity
The benchmark suite’s problems are designed to be scalable along various dimensions, allowing researchers to test their planning systems under different levels of complexity. The number of parallel planning threads can be increased to evaluate the system’s performance under higher workload scenarios. Similarly, the complexity of inter-dependencies and the frequency of unexpected disruptions can be adjusted to assess adaptability and robustness.
This scalability offers a realistic simulation of real-world planning scenarios, where dynamic environments and interactions between agents constantly evolve. By benchmarking planning systems across a range of complexities, researchers can identify strengths and weaknesses in their algorithms and work towards improving them.
Driving Progress in AI Planning Systems
The new benchmark suite aims to drive progress in the development of more robust and adaptable AI planning systems for real-world applications. By providing standardized evaluation criteria, baseline implementations, and scalability, researchers and developers can improve their algorithms effectively.
Through rigorous testing and comparison, promising solutions can emerge, offering better planning capabilities for various industries. The benchmark suite encourages innovation, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas within the AI community, fostering the development of cutting-edge planning systems.
With the new benchmark suite, the possibilities for AI planning systems are expanding, opening doors to more advanced and efficient applications. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of AI, we can look forward to solutions that can address the complexities of real-world planning scenarios with unparalleled precision and adaptability.
The arXiv paper titled “Benchmark Suite for Real-World Planning Scenarios” introduces a comprehensive evaluation framework for assessing both individual LLMs (Logic Language Model) and multi-agent systems in real-world planning scenarios. This benchmark suite is designed to address the challenges faced by AI planning systems in real-world applications, such as multi-agent coordination, inter-agent dependencies, and dynamic environmental disruptions.
The suite consists of eleven carefully designed problems that range from basic to highly complex. These problems are meant to simulate real-world planning scenarios and provide a standardized evaluation platform for AI planning systems. One of the notable features of this benchmark suite is that it allows for scaling along three dimensions: the number of parallel planning threads, the complexity of inter-dependencies, and the frequency of unexpected disruptions requiring real-time adaptation.
To facilitate evaluation and comparison, the benchmark suite includes detailed specifications, evaluation metrics, and baseline implementations using contemporary frameworks like LangGraph. This enables researchers and developers to test and evaluate both single-agent and multi-agent planning capabilities using a common framework.
The ultimate goal of this benchmark suite is to drive progress in the development of more robust and adaptable AI planning systems for real-world applications. By providing standardized evaluation criteria and scalable complexity, researchers can assess the performance of their systems objectively and identify areas for improvement.
Looking ahead, this benchmark suite has the potential to significantly advance the field of AI planning by fostering competition and collaboration among researchers. As more researchers use this benchmark suite to evaluate their systems, it will likely lead to the development of more sophisticated planning algorithms and techniques. Additionally, the scalability of the benchmark suite allows for future expansion and inclusion of even more complex planning scenarios, further pushing the boundaries of AI planning capabilities.
Furthermore, this benchmark suite could also serve as a valuable tool for industry practitioners who are developing AI planning systems for real-world applications. By utilizing the evaluation framework and baseline implementations provided in the benchmark suite, practitioners can assess the performance of their systems against established standards and make informed decisions regarding system improvements.
In conclusion, the introduction of this benchmark suite for real-world planning scenarios is a significant contribution to the field of AI planning. It provides a comprehensive evaluation framework that addresses key challenges faced by planning systems in real-world applications. By driving progress in developing more robust and adaptable AI planning systems, this benchmark suite has the potential to greatly impact various industries and domains that rely on efficient planning and decision-making.
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