Charlie Marsh on Engineering

python-build-standalone has exploded in popularity, with over 70M downloads all-time. But what is a "standalone" Python build? It wasn't obvious to me at first! Initially, I didn't understand what problem was being solved or why it mattered...

718 likes16 repliesPosted Dec 3, 2024

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Viral score

Based on absolute engagement — the platform doesn’t expose follower counts here, so large accounts score higher.

From likes, comments.

Why it worked

Opens with a short, self-contained line that is easy to take in at a glance.
Uses concrete numbers instead of vague claims, which makes it credible and quotable.
Follows a clear Hook → Turn → Landing shape, so the reader always knows where they are.
Written from experience rather than as advice, which is harder to argue with.
Short enough to read in full without expanding, which removes a step before the point lands.
Short sentences keep the pace up, so the reader never has to re-read a line.

The mechanics

Hook: Plain observation
Structure: Hook → Turn → Landing
Style: Conversational paragraphs at a steady pace.
Tone: personal, energetic, concrete
Mechanisms: Specificity
Written for: Engineers and technical teams

Analysis by ViralLoop — not written by the original author.

Topics

Engineering

Post by Charlie Marsh on X