/kbin devlog

crosspost from https://kbin.social/m/kbinMeta/t/1069356/Unofficial-Kbin-Guide-Decommissioned

I just realized that some features like "Collections" are not available in other Kbin instances nor in Mbin when in theory they all use 0.10.1. Is the source outdated?

Hi all. I have decided to shut down the unofficial kbin guide magazine (https://kbin.social/m/unofficial\_kbin\_guide) as well as shut down the unofficial docs page: https://unofficial-kbin-guide.surge.sh/.

I will leave things up until the end of the month, then I will shut them down completely. Thanks!

Hello everyone, I hope your holiday period passed peacefully. The status page is ready, and I'll soon put it online. I've also made some improvements to the new project website, which will be replaced shortly. Today, by the end of the day, two moderators will also appear, more about which will be in a separate post. You can still submit your candidacies to [email protected] - you will receive a short instruction in response. Today, I'm returning to the code of kbin; I need to review and start organizing the repository. It will probably take me a few days to get everything up and running, but as I continue refactoring, I will gradually eliminate errors in the instance. There will probably also be a few smaller updates that I will post on this magazine's microblog.

Until next time.

This month, I managed to wrap up many overdue matters. It seems to me that I responded to the majority of lingering emails, and a few issues turned out to be so important that they took a few extra days. I also dealt with [a certain aspect related to the project, about which I'll be able to share more in a few weeks. Additionally, it was a time I dedicated to education and catching up on certain things. Today, I'm going for a minor procedure at the hospital, and I won't be available for the next 2-4 days. When I return, I'll push all the corrections and fixes I've been working on and present plans for the near future. In the meantime, I'm making sure that the instance operates smoothly.

Last week, I dealt with formalities related to the project and a few personal matters associated with the new year. Unfortunately, there was quite a lot to handle. Today is the last day I'm dealing with this, and I'm returning to the code for the regular devlogs. I'll also take care of current matters on the instance. On Tuesday and Wednesday, there may be short interruptions in the website's operation due to an update.

Lately, I've been dealing with a slight fever associated with the beginning of the year. I'm trying to ensure that everything runs fairly smoothly. Today and tomorrow, I need to focus on planning finances for the upcoming year and handle formalities related to the project. In the following days, I'll implement changes to fix recently reported issues, improve support for older media, and make sure to return to the normal rhythm of the previously scheduled work.

The instance may not be functioning properly for the next few hours. We are working to identify and eliminate the errors. Sorry for that.

related: https://kbin.social/m/kbinMeta/t/728913/Kbin-pages-returning-404-page-not-found

For the past few days, I've patched up a few minor errors that there was never time for. I also took a short break from coding, but I'm still working on planning the federation. I'm trying to spend a bit more time with my family and recharge for the upcoming week.

Quiet tests of the latest changes and patching of outstanding errors are ongoing on the instance. The remaining changes will be implemented by the end of the week. I have also completed all outstanding formalities related to the project and everyday matters. Starting from next week, work will pick up pace. Until then, I would like to observe what is happening.

The weekend tasks are taking longer for me, I found another bug that causes a 500 error, I'm still working on it.. This evening and tomorrow, I will be testing the changes on the kbin.social. If there are any issues, please mention me in the post or contact me directly through the contact form.

Today, a very quick update. I addressed the errors that occurred during voting and the link to the comment in the notification.

All changes from the weekend will be on the instance on Monday at noon.

Today, I took care of several overdue formalities related to the project that were weighing on me. Besides the routine refactoring and work on the ActivityPub module, there are a few things I would like to do this weekend:

• Launch the API on the main instance (yeah... again ;))
• Add Aggregate view, collections, and additional filters to the API
• Ultimately fix the issue of errors during voting
• Correct the link to comments appearing in notifications
• Sort out the recent comments and feedback

Is there anything else that should be added to or replace items on this list? :)

//edit: Ah, there's one more thing I forgot. I would like adding a new post/thread to be done asynchronously to reduce client-side time, but this might extend to next week because even though I have the foundation prepared, I want to thoroughly test it.

I just got back from a over five-hour walk with my dog. I had promised him that for a long time, and both of us really needed it ;-) Now, a quick lunch, and I still have an evening workout ahead of me. Today, I decided to take a break from coding, although I probably won't resist doing something, and at night I'll probably tweak something on the project website or work on something that doesn't require too much thinking. Tomorrow morning, I have to finish a few formalities and get back to work.

Another day has passed for me working on code refactoring and federation development. In the process, I'm also creating better documentation that can be utilized for other apps integrations. I also had a few formalities related to the project to take care of today, and there are more to address tomorrow.

Closer to the weekend, there might be something more concrete that will be visible on the instance.

Today, a really quick update - I continue working on the federation and begin adapting the API to the new codebase, implementing the latest changes and features.

Today marks the 40th day of the devlog, and the new federation module is expanding on the whiteboard. In Poland, the flu season is in full swing, and due to reasons beyond our control, we had to slightly postpone the launch of the API on kbin.social. Fortunately, @jwr1 reminded me that I had previously launched it on another instance – which was exactly what I was supposed to do today :p So, something is happening regarding mobile applications here and here.

Moreover, today I improved the account deletion process, some requests were stuck in queues a few moments ago – now everything is fine. In the coming days, I also plan to create an additional form for repeating deletion from all known remote instances, as sometimes, due to unavailability or limits, not everything gets deleted. I already have an idea of how to do it.

Today, I will probably be offline until the end of the day as I am setting up a new internet connection in a new location. So far, I've been struggling with a mobile one.

Today, I am continuing work on the new ActivityPub module. I am also adapting the test environment that I will use during further development. Work on launching the API on the instance will continue tomorrow.

Today, we successfully addressed most of the recent issues on the instance. As the database continues to grow, proactive measures are essential to address and improve any weak points. The aggregate view introduced additional benefits, such as filters on the tag page and the search page, making implementation seamless through these mechanics.

As mentioned earlier, there might be some instability over the weekend as we collaborate with @piotrsikora to deploy the API on kbin.social. A big thank you for his time amidst the busy pre-holiday/new year period.

Additionally, I made improvements to the reputation page, where users can now filter activities for specific days. While it's not perfect yet, continuous enhancements are underway for a better user experience.

Today, I addressed issues related to voting in the code. However, I'm currently facing infrastructure problems. Still, I'm doing everything I can to have all the changes deployed to the instance by the weekend. The federation stopped working for an hour today, but all actions were successfully restored from the queues. Over the weekend, the instance might operate a bit less stably than usual, but I'm actively working on it.

Unfortunately, due to all of this, I may be a bit less available than usual. I hope everything will stabilize by Monday. Thanks for your patience.

Todays quick update, as I want to fix the errors on the website as soon as possible, as mentioned more broadly here:

https://kbin.social/m/kbinMeta/t/686443/Some-turbulence-on-the-instance

Today, I made some updates to the user profile. I've introduced the capability to sort and filter content. Additionally, I've implemented a new feature allowing content filtering based on a specified date range, which is now operational across all views. While there isn't a dedicated button in the interface yet.

I have also fixed the reputation points calculation, which serves as part of the anti-spam filter I am concurrently developing. The reputation table in the user profile has been updated as well. It's not finished yet, but you can see improvement.

Later tonight, I will push another set of bug fixes. Additionally, I plan to launch an API on a secondary instance to avoid disrupting work on applications.

I will update the instance over the weekend.

Today, after the morning code cleanup, I took care of a few formalities that I need to handle before the end of the year. Tomorrow, I'll have to dedicate some more time to it. In addition to the daily dose of refactoring, I'll probably take a break from coding and focus on planning AP module on the board for tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. I could use a short break.

In the meantime, I want to add filters to abandoned magazines and collections.

Later today, a quick coffee, and I'll check what's going on in the instance. I still have to respond to a few comments and fix some current bugs.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today a quick update - I'm continuing the refactoring and preparing new AP module. Mostly technical stuff. Tomorrow I'll be a bit less available as I need to take care of a few real-life matters related to the end of the year.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I continue with code refactoring, getting closer to finishing the most tedious part. I've also improved tools to prevent spam on the instance, which will take effect in a few days, addressing the issue of overloading other instances that have been reported. After today's wave of spam, I've also started working on notification reports for magazines owners, which nicely aligns with the current code changes.

I've encountered an error a few times during upvoting, and it seems to occur when attempting to block users as well. I've made initial attempts to address the issue, but finding the bug might take some time. If the instance returns this error, please mention me in a post on kbinMeta along with the post URL and the time the error occurred. Together, we'll identify and eliminate this bug much faster :)

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I continue preparations for refactoring. Szymon updated the environment and added a spoiler tag in the markdown editor. Additionally, there were several fixes and improvements related to collections and the People page.

https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/1325 https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/1327

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I added a box of related/random collections - I must admit that the ones you created are fantastic. Collection names can be repeated since they are user-assigned. I added the option to mark a collection as official - those with the highest number of followers in a given topic and with a specific name can be marked and receive an additional URL, e.g., kbin.social/c/kbin. I also need to address some privacy matters related to collections and handle the magazines ownership issues I just heard about.

Over the last 30 days, I managed to regularly describe progress in this devlog. I won't list all the changes I've made because it would take another hour. I am most pleased with those I didn't plan but were born thanks to your suggestions. The most important, in my opinion:

• Improved account and magazine deletion
• Role of global moderators
• Crosspost function
• Transfer of abandoned magazines
• Request for magazine moderator
• Update kbin.social
• Anti-spam protections
• Numerous performance improvements
• API preparation - it's almost public
• Sub-channel filters
• Preparation for deep code refactoring, new codebase
• Preparation for a new ActivityPub module from scratch
• Aggregate view
• Collections of magazines
• Do you have any favorites that have significantly improved your instance experience?

Plans for the near and distant future that I currently want to focus on in the coming months:

• Preparing for the first tagged release
• Setting up the appropriate environment and code contribution rules
• Improving the creation of custom instances
• Further code refactoring and preparing the ActivityPub module - federation of moderation comes first
• Securing funds for the project's continued development and instance infrastructure - my initial plans have aged poorly, and I had unexpected expenses, so at some point, I'll have to return to part-time work. Currently, the project is sustained by my savings and your support (thanks!)
• Developing the mobile app in my free time
• Implementing smaller changes proposed by you in the comments

First and foremost, I want to maintain a work-life balance so that this can be a long and enjoyable journey for all of us. Let me repeat what I wrote in a comment earlier today: I made the decision to take a step back instead of getting caught up in a race, opting to build solid foundations, which is exactly what I'm doing now. In my opinion, this will be better for the project and potential contributors, ensuring that their work will be utilized to the best possible extent. Cheers!

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I wanted to introduce you to Categories - a new feature that is essentially a multi-mags view. A new tab will appear in the user panel where you can create categories (public or private) and then add magazines to them (local or remote). In the magazine listing, there will be another tab that will list public categories created by users (which can be liked - in the future, this will transform into a subscription form). In the category view, all filters and sorting options are applied, and it also collaborates with the Aggregate view.

Additionally, I've patched several annoying bugs - media preview from comments by clicking the icon, improved navigation in the aggregate view, remote magazine listing in the content submission form, and a few others.

These changes will be implemented on the instance tonight. With this note, I conclude the month, and starting tomorrow, I'll be 100% focused on developing the new ActivityPub module and matters related to instance moderation.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I added new user customization options for the homepage, including the ability to set a new view. The Aggregate view is now featured in the main navigation under "All content," making it easier to navigate. Thanks for all the tips and feedback - great job ;)

I also introduced a "Support Us" section in the sidebar, where you can see who is supporting the project and instance. This is a small way for me to express gratitude to those who contribute to the project with services, licenses, free of charge. To ensure the long-term maintenance of the instances, there are thresholds on Patreon after which logotype can be displayed here. Of course, these will be static, non-intrusive image, and users can block the block with an adblocker or just disable it in user options - even non-logged-in users ;)

As I mentioned yesterday, today I need to attend to instance matters, so my availability may be limited. It's best to tag me in posts if there's a need.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, a test version of the aggregate view has been introduced on the instance. It's a mix of threadiverse and microblog formats, applying all filters, blacklists, sub filters, languages etc. After selecting \*, the links to sub, mod, fav change, and navigation works within the aggregate view.

https://kbin.social/\* https://kbin.social/\*/sub https://kbin.social/\*/fav https://kbin.social/\*/m/fediverse

In the coming days, bookmarks and additional time filters with date ranges will be implemented. I also need to familiarize myself with the downvote thread today, as there are more comments there than I expected ;) Tomorrow, I will likely take a break from code to address the current matters of the instance that have accumulated.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, a quick log from the day. Lots of configuring test environments that I'll be working on for the next few months. This also includes testing a new method of creating instances for Docker.

I still have to prepare for refactoring a few more services, and I'll have to think about the first official release (beta?). I've started writing a new implementation of ActivityPub for /kbin from scratch, which will solve most of the current federation issues - this will be my main goal now.

Visible changes won't appear as frequently as they did this month (oh gosh, it's been almost a month since the start of the devlog;), but that doesn't mean they won't happen at all. The recently announced changes happened a bit faster than I expected.

I'll finish the aggregate view for threads and posts and put it on the instance for testing tomorrow. Soon, you can also expect the Bookmarks (saving threads/posts), which will be private, and as a bonus, a personalized feed of new comments for those bookmarks.

Tomorrow, we will probably also be working with Piotr on launching the API publicly.

Now I'm heading back to work. Later, I'll respond to a few ongoing matters and comments. Have a pleasant evening!

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I worked on the user and tag pages to make them operate a bit faster and consume fewer hardware resources. Additionally, I implemented the first iteration of marking new comments in visited threads and posts. This is a test change and will be improved over the next few days. It's progressing a bit faster than I initially anticipated. The remaining time is dedicated to fixing issues related to user account deletion and a new deployment method for /kbin: https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/132

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I began testing a new instance deployment process, which is an absolute must-have before the release. I also initiated preparations for new test environments that I will be using for developing the federation. The first iteration of comment wrapping has been introduced on the instance as well.

Today, I managed to implement the points I described in RTR#19, and most of the changes are already visible. The remaining ones will be pushed on Monday. Before the release, I'll try to address three more things from the title, which I started working on earlier and are lingering on local branches. I don't want to make any promises because I didn't plan this before, but after the recent performance improvements, it should be possible in the next two or three weeks. I'll treat it as a break from more serious matters, as I continue preparations for refactoring and refining the moderation theme.

I'm still waiting for Piotr's availability to build the API documentation - it involves nodes, and I prefer not to tackle it myself to avoid accidentally turning off the lights for the weekend ;-). I don't want to rush him too much, as I've already taken advantage of his kindness lately. Besides, the guys from the @ftdl foundation are working on a project to generate subtitles for video materials based on their audio track in the Polish language. This will help address the lack of subtitles for the hearing-impaired or deaf people. Piotr has shared the first results of his work, and it looks promising - fingers crossed (https://zrzutka.pl/u8y7bx)! The foundation also maintains and provides many Fediverse services, including the Polish instance /kbin.

Thanks also for every feedback regarding the instance's operation - there are still a few things I need to fix, and I have them all on the board, but everything will be sorted out soon.

Today, I fixed some visual shortcomings. It is now possible to change images during post editing. The rules of the magazine have been included in the description on Fediverse to avoid misunderstandings with Lemmy users. Some changes are already on the instance, and the rest will be pushed by morning.

At the beginning of next week, I will also unlock Mercure, so you will be able to enable the dynamic feed.

Currently, I need to handle communication on Fediverse, and then I'll return to code refactoring.

<details><summary>Ah, and I would have forgotten. </summary>that should work too. </details>

```

```

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, I added the subscription channel filtering option, allowing users to individually select content from subscribed users, magazines, and domains. This feature will be further improved over time. In addition to the sidebar, this option can also be changed in the user settings, which have also been slightly redesigned. https://kbin.social/m/kbinMeta/p/3188967

I've completed the implementation of spoilers, but this change will be pushed to the instance in a few hours as it requires some additional testing.

Szymon has updated the project libraries to the latest versions.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Do the first release remains ? days.

Today, I fixed the communication with Lemmy instances that partially stopped working two days ago - it was related to content from internal magazines. I slightly changed the priority for tomorrow's update - first, spoiler support and the ability to filter the /sub feed by magazines, users, or domains separately will be implemented.

Now every supporter can leave a trace - an account on kbin.social is not necessary. Quick verification will be based on the email address. https://kbin.social/support-us

On the board, I'm outlining the next improvements in the federation and blocking instances in the Fediverse (blocking domains is something different - it only hides posts with a link to a specific domain, not entire instances).

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Do the first release remains ? days.

Today, I am addressing several ongoing issues that prove troublesome in the daily use of the instance. In the coming days, I will be working on several things slated for the next instance update:

• Implementation of a "Support Us" page, listing individuals supporting the project.
• Fix photo management during post/thread editing.
• Improved handling of +18 content, ensuring proper image concealment.
• Exclusion of blocked people and magazines from the sidebar's related/latest posts/entries.
• Implementation of a spoiler system compatible with Lemmy.
• Resolution of several bugs causing the failure to display certain content (error 500).
• Public release of the API, with everything seemingly operational, remaining tasks involve building assets for documentation, which, with multiple nodes, requires additional configuration. Kudos to @rideranton for a job well done!

In the immediate future, I plan to take a break from coding to focus on global kbin.social moderation and work on the new instance setup from Adam: https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/132

Looking further ahead, I intend to refine the /sub feed by segregating it into observed users, magazines, and both simultaneously, as illustrated here: https://kbin.social/m/[email protected]/t/638986/Why-Bluesky-over-sth-like-Activitypub#entry-comment-3664917

Additionally, I aim to enhance the tag page with additional filtering options: https://kbin.social/m/[email protected]/t/641047/this-is-a-bloody-test-bc-i-don-t-know-what#entry-comment-3666758

The first release is anticipated in ? days.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today marks the eighteenth day since returning to the project. During this time, I've managed to address critical areas that required optimization. This will be noticeable in the page loading speed and overall user experience. It's about halfway through my intended optimization efforts, but for now, I'm satisfied with the results and need to attend to other matters equally important for the instance.

I'm also working on a complete code refactor that will be much easier to maintain, test, and significantly expedite bug fixes and federation development.

I've initiated internal API testing on the instance, and once it's publicly available, I'll create a new thread to share more about it.

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin

Today, additional preparations, there are likely 2-3 days left before I start working on the new features to be included before the upcoming first release, which is approaching rapidly. During the next update, the API will be unlocked.

I also utilized the REUSE tool, which aids in copyright and license management. https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/937

Szymon improved the configuration of PHPUnit. https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/1281

You can track changes in the official repository https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core

or on Github https://github.com/ernestwisniewski/kbin