Peering into the first electronic computer, Linux is 25, three 0-days for the iPhone, and more

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Apple recently released iOS 9.3.5, patching several security vulnerabilities that enabled a series of exploits called Trident, which was being used as part of targeted attacks against human rights activists. These exploits are unique in that they didn't require user confirmation, and could have theoretically been activated by a WAP push message. This piece gives an incredible deep-dive into what the malware was and how it worked.

Linux turned 25 last month, and this piece from Ars Technica takes a look at the jobs Linux has created and reveals that over 80% of kernel development is done by developers who get paid.

If you've ever written a comment that's just "https://TODO", your code might be unmaintainable. A fun read with other antipatterns from Jane Bailey.

The first programmable electronic computer was developed during World War 2 to break the Enigma code. Read an overview of the Colossus exhibit at Bletchley Park in this article from Hackaday.

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Have you been planning to integrate an API into your next piece of software? This piece by Wolf Ruzicka is a must read explaining how to think about the API from the business perspective and how to run an API pilot.

Speaking of APIs, if you want to know what they are before you decide to create one, this piece by Petr Gazarov gives you a great overview of what APIs are that you could also send to your nontechnical peers.

Finally, the always great Christian Maioli Mackeprang brings us a discussion about why providing good estimates related to building software is impossible.

The leaks of the NSA's cache of exploits, iOS flaws, and unmaintainable code... the software we write seems increasingly fragile to casual observers. Do you think that the software we produce is actually less robust than it used to be? How can we increase the quality of our code as more people depend on our code being good? Write a post and include the hashtag #SWE so we can consider it for promotion.

Are you a college student who is passionate about getting the right information in front of the right audience? Would you like to get exposure for your writing in front of millions of people? If so, please consider applying for the LinkedIn campus editor program. Applications are closing soon, so if you're in follow this link for more information and to apply. Speaking as a former hiring manager, showing writing skills is a great way to differentiate yourself as an engineer. Just sayin'.

This news roundup is on sabbatical

The next issue of this roundup will be published on Monday, October 10. To keep up with what's happening in the #SWE world until then, please follow the Software Engineering channel on LinkedIn news.

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