DrawDB is a free and open-source online database diagram editor with a retro aesthetic. It allows users to visually design database schemas, supporting various database systems like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite. The tool features a simple, intuitive interface for creating tables, defining columns with data types and constraints, and establishing relationships between them. Exported diagrams can be saved as SVG or PNG images. The project is actively maintained and welcomes contributions.
A developer has created Minesweeper Pro, a free, real-time multiplayer version of the classic Minesweeper game. Players can compete against others online in various game modes, including a cooperative mode where they work together to clear a shared board. The game features a clean and modern interface, global leaderboards, and customizable difficulty settings. It's accessible through any web browser without requiring downloads or logins, making it easy to jump into a quick game.
Hacker News users discussed the technical implementation of the multiplayer Minesweeper game, praising the use of Elixir and Phoenix LiveView. Some expressed interest in the difficulty scaling for multiple players and how simultaneous clicks are handled. Several commenters shared their nostalgic fondness for Minesweeper and welcomed the multiplayer twist. One commenter pointed out the lack of a visible player count or indication of others' actions, suggesting improvements to enhance the multiplayer experience. Another requested a "no-guessing" mode, a popular variant of the classic game. Overall, the reception was positive, with users intrigued by the project and offering constructive feedback.
Summary of Comments ( 41 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43627758
Hacker News users generally praised DrawDB's simplicity and retro aesthetic. Several appreciated the clean UI and ease of use, comparing it favorably to more complex, bloated alternatives. Some suggested desired features like dark mode, entity relationship diagrams, and export options beyond PNG. The developer actively engaged with commenters, addressing questions and acknowledging feature requests, indicating a responsiveness appreciated by the community. A few users expressed nostalgia for simpler diagramming tools of the past, while others highlighted the potential for DrawDB in quick prototyping and documentation. There was also discussion around self-hosting options and the underlying technology used.
The Hacker News post for DrawDB, an open-source online database diagram editor, has a moderate number of comments, sparking a discussion around its features, comparisons to other tools, and potential use cases.
Several commenters express appreciation for the retro aesthetic and the simplicity of the tool. One user praises its clean interface and speed, finding it a refreshing alternative to more complex, bloated applications. They highlight the ease with which they can create and share diagrams, emphasizing the value of its straightforward functionality.
The discussion also delves into comparisons with existing tools. Some commenters mention PlantUML, highlighting its textual approach to diagram creation, and debate the merits of each approach. DrawDB's visual interface is seen as more intuitive for some, while PlantUML's text-based system is preferred by others for its version control friendliness and reproducibility. Another commenter brings up Mermaid, another diagramming tool, suggesting it as a potential alternative.
A few users inquire about specific features, like dark mode and the ability to export diagrams in different formats like SVG. The developer responds to some of these inquiries, indicating potential future additions and demonstrating engagement with the community feedback.
The conversation also touches upon the utility of database diagram tools in general. One commenter questions their relevance in modern development workflows, given the prevalence of ORMs and automated schema migrations. Others counter this point, emphasizing the importance of visualization for understanding complex database structures, especially when onboarding new team members or debugging issues.
Finally, some comments focus on the technical implementation of DrawDB, with inquiries about the technology stack used and the possibility of self-hosting the application. The open-source nature of the project is praised, and there's discussion around potential contributions and improvements.