/kbin devlog

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.

Ah, and I would have forgotten.                 
that should work too.

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/privacy@lemmy.ml/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/test1006@karab.in/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

Today, with the assistance of @piotrsikora, we've updated kbin.social. I also implemented a few fixes that should improve the site's performance. I'm still waiting for a few metrics, and then I'll try to enable the API (Piotr will probably want to strangle me when he finds out I want to do it over the weekend ;-))

I've also updated the translations, and Szymon has implemented the translation of post dates (Esperanto) thanks to the contribution from @jorgesumle to the timeago.js library.
https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/1269
https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/issues/1012

In a nutshell, another productive day. I'm getting back to work, and I wish you all a good evening.

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

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

It's been two weeks since I started writing the devlog and the return to coding. I'm okay with the results. I've managed to establish the routines that were much needed. Finally, I could start organizing the code, which will undoubtedly yield results in the future. Sometimes, you need to take a step back to gain the right pace and avoid hitting a wall. Tomorrow morning, there might be a technical break, along with Piotr, we'll attempt to update kbin.social - there's a significant change in the database, and temporarily, we'll need to halt other services. Subsequent updates will be carried out promptly, so if you encounter any new issues with the site, please mention me.

Szymon has been working on adding support for Nodeinfo 2.1
https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/commit/ff3fe24467ce372eec1e9113b1a4e08348cb69db

@shazbot introduced KES 3.0.0, showcasing new features and stability improvements
https://kbin.social/m/enhancement/t/630864/KES-3-0-0-New-features-and-stability-improvements

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

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

Today, I started preparations for a more extensive code refactoring. The changes won't be immediately visible, but they will significantly impact the future development of the project. This includes improving the functioning of federation, with a particular focus on collaborative remote content moderation. This will likely take me several days. In the meantime, along with Piotr, we will update the instance to the latest version of the project. This should have some impact on the speed of the site, and this is just the beginning...

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 working on optimization and eliminating weak points in the platform. The work on the "support us" page has turned into a refactoring of the mechanism of static pages, which will be usable in the future ;) I have also launched a new project website by @cody, which has been waiting for its turn for a long time. It's fantastic, and I will soon upload it to the test environment online. Additionally, I've been working on a new item in the cross-post thread menu. This week, kbin.social will receive another update; currently, I am testing all these things. Thanks to the help of @Pons_Aelius, we have gotten rid of many unnecessary, lingering magazines.

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

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

Today, additional performance improvements for components are in progress, which I aim to implement before enabling the API to ensure Piotr has a bit of a more peaceful sleep ;-). In the coming days, there will be quite a few of these adjustments, and I will pause updates to instances for a few days to thoroughly test the changes. However, once they make it to production, the increase in page loading speed should be noticeable. Adam has returned to his pull request, which enhances the process of launching own instance, and has begun working on a new CI. It's an impressive piece of work he has done.
https://codeberg.org/Kbin/kbin-core/pulls/132

I have also started working on the "Support Us" page, where I would like to express at least a bit of gratitude to the people who support the project and have contributed to where we are today. It is thanks to you that it can continue to evolve. I'm trying to do this in a way that administrators of other instances can also leverage it for themselves.

Today's short devlog, I'm preparing to enable the API on kbin.social - I want to improve a few performance-related elements before that. I'm also launching test environments, which takes a considerable amount of time. From visible changes, I moved the turbo mode to the sidebar, making it accessible even when logged in. This time, I'll hold off on the update for a few days. Szymon has already found and fixed the first errors related to this mode.

Today I got rid of a lot of dead code, Szymon upgraded doctrine/annotations, which will be a prelude to a larger refactor soon. Additionally, I restored the experimental platform navigation mode. Threads, posts, and comments will have improved score counting, which will be useful not only in spam protection but also improve their sorting. Furthermore, there are additional fixes that emerged during testing.

@daredevil and @PugJesus are helping me remove unnecessary magazines. They're doing it so efficiently that they motivated me to improve the management of requests, so as not to waste so much time on it :D Thanks for your time, your help is invaluable!

There may be a short interruption in the instance's operation today because we will now be keeping up with changes. Have a great day!

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

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

Today, I started working on a provisional spam protection that should at least partially relieve admins of other instances. Work on this will continue, and the tools will be improved over time. Additionally, a few optimizations have been implemented to speed up the platform's performance, along with corrections for administrative tools.

Today, we managed to update the main instance. Everything should slowly return to normal. Now it's time for things that will be less visible but no less important. Currently, the priority will be interactions with other instances - limiting spam, improving communication in the fediverse (including moderation) in order not to add extra work for other admins. Following that, the release will come along with credits for specific features developed by contributors.

After that, I'll return to my roadmap. I've mentioned many times that kbin was a prototype - I focused more on the experience rather than technical solutions. It will be a time for code refactoring, query optimization, eliminating weak points, which will also help optimize the project's maintenance costs, ensuring its long-term development

Following that, there will be a lot of new features and integrations, about which I will write soon.