September's Notable Open Source Releases
September 2020 brings a fresh batch of releases from the open source community, ranging from terminal tools to game development libraries. Here's a look at some of the most significant updates.
Rich 5.0
The Python library for rich text in the terminal has reached version 5.0, bringing several improvements to its markup handling. Syntax now renders correctly for strings and tags, color number parsing has been improved, and there's new support for double brackets. Rich works on Linux, OSX, and Windows, with emoji and true color support on the new Windows Terminal. The library requires Python 3.6.1 or later.
htop 3.0
The cross-platform interactive process viewer has hit version 3.0 with some welcome additions. Linux users get pressure stall information, and there are new ZFS ARC stats available. The release also includes improved CI, new display options, and various bug fixes. A full changelog is available for those wanting to dig into every detail.
Gitleaks 6.0
Gitleaks, the SAST tool for detecting hardcoded secrets such as passwords, API keys, and tokens in Git repositories, has been updated to version 6.0. The update brings Oasis SARIF support and allows developers to use regular expressions in a global secret list. This is particularly useful for teams managing many credentials across their codebase, especially given increased attention to cybersecurity practices.
Aerial 2.0
Mac users with wanderlust can now enjoy version 2.0 of Aerial, the screensaver based on Apple TV's aerial footage. This update adds videos from third party contributors who donated to the project, providing more visual variety for those watching their screensavers while staying home.
TypeScript 4.0
TypeScript has reached version 4.0 with a substantial set of new features, alongside a freshly redesigned website. The release includes numerous changes to language elements and performance improvements. A full rundown of everything new in 4.0 is available on the TypeScript blog, which also covers the project's journey to this major version milestone.
OctoPrint 1.4.2
OctoPrint 1.4.2 is the stable release of the web-based control interface for consumer 3D printers. The platform provides remote management including live webcam monitoring and detailed print job information. This stable version ships with bug fixes and security dependency updates. While not a major version release, it's the current stable line that most users are on.
Autocannon 6.0
Autocannon, the HTTP/1.1 benchmarking tool written in Node.js, has moved to version 6.0. HTTP pipelining and HTTPS remain supported. Key additions include a corrected coordinated omission feature and the ability to benchmark multiple URLs across multiple nodes. The Histogram and form-data components have also received updates.
Kontra.js 7.0
Kontra.js, the micro JavaScript gaming library originally created for the annual JS13K games competition, has shipped version 7.0. The timing is intentional—the release came two days before the 2020 competition started, giving participants time to get familiar with the changes. New in this version are TypeScript support, sprite component enhancements, additional components, and even smaller file sizes. Full details are in the release notes.
Umbra 1.0
Umbra, a custom HTML5 framework for lightweight browser games, has reached version 1.0. The framework is designed to work well in the JS13K games competition context and can be integrated alongside other game engines.
Eye-Blink Controlled Chrome Dino
This month's staff pick takes a playful approach to AI. A developer has built a controller that lets you play the Chrome Dino game using eye blinks—no keyboard required. It's a Python-based project that repurposes the browser's offline game into a hands-free experience.
