Developer builds Chrome extension to help non-native speakers soften code review tone

·1 views

A developer whose first language is not English realized their blunt code review comments were being perceived as rude, even when no offense was intended. Comparing their own terse remarks to more diplomatically worded feedback from a native-English-speaking colleague highlighted the gap in perceived professionalism. To address this, the developer began using AI tools to rewrite messages, but found the constant tab-switching disruptive to their workflow. They built a Chrome extension called Softly, which rewrites text directly inside any text field using selectable tones suited for PR reviews, team chats, or formal communication. The tool is now available on the Chrome Web Store and, according to the developer, also reduced self-censorship by lowering the effort cost of writing in English.

Read the full story at DEV Community

This is an AI-generated summary. ShortSingh links to the original source for the complete article.

Discussion (0)

GitHub Releases Copilot SDK for Java, Enabling Native AI Integration

GitHub has launched a Copilot SDK tailored specifically for Java developers. The SDK allows enterprise Java developers to integrate GitHub Copilot directly into their applications using idiomatic Java code. It supports modern Java features such as annotations and virtual threads, making AI-driven functionality more accessible within the Java ecosystem. The release is aimed at helping enterprise teams build Copilot-powered workflows natively in Java.

0 comments Read more at GitHub Blog

ProgrammingDEV Community ·

Developer Completes Network Layer for Custom Java GUI Framework

A developer building a GUI framework for Java has completed the network layer as part of the project's second devlog. The layer serves as an abstraction over REST and WebSockets, allowing seamless switching between the two communication protocols during an active session. It treats both connection types as a single logical connection, firing connect and disconnect events only when a user's last remaining link to the server is established or closed. The implementation is designed to be swappable, with a Jetty-based server and a mock version for testing already created. Although it will largely remain internal to the framework, the network layer is built as a standalone module that can be reused in other projects requiring protocol-agnostic user connections.

0 comments Read more at DEV Community

ProgrammingDEV Community ·

Developer warns how layered Google account security can lead to a lockout risk

A software developer shared how two decades of progressively hardening his Google account — adding two-factor authentication, app-based codes, and a KeePass password manager — inadvertently created a dangerous circular dependency. Because all passwords are stored in a KeePass vault synced to Google Drive, and the vault's access relies on the Google account itself, losing the phone could block entry at every level. His phone serves as the primary 2FA device not only for Google but also for his mobile carrier account, meaning a lost device could make reclaiming even his phone number nearly impossible. The situation highlights a growing risk for security-conscious users: stacking authentication layers without a tested recovery plan can make accounts harder for owners to access than for attackers. The developer used the experience as a cautionary reminder to audit recovery options before a crisis, not after.

0 comments Read more at DEV Community

ProgrammingDEV Community ·

How Manual Payment Capture Works in Production: Buffers, Splits, and Hold Limits

Manual payment capture in production involves authorizing an estimated amount and capturing the final amount later, with the gap between the two being a common source of bugs. Developers are advised to authorize a buffered amount above the estimate to absorb minor variances and avoid triggering a second payment step at fulfillment. When store credit and card payments are split, the card portion must meet Stripe's per-currency minimum or the transaction fails, so the split should be rebalanced before the API call is made. On capture day, three outcomes are possible: void if no card charge is needed, partial or full capture if the final amount is within the authorized limit, or a fallback flow if the final total exceeds the buffer. Card authorization holds expire automatically after roughly seven days, making timely capture essential to avoid failed settlements.

0 comments Read more at DEV Community