"Internet Roadtrip" is an interactive online experience where users collectively navigate a journey across a map of interconnected websites. Each turn presents a choice of several linked sites, and the majority vote determines the next destination. This crowdsourced exploration of the web offers a unique way to discover new and interesting online content, revisiting the early internet's sense of shared discovery and serendipitous browsing. The roadtrip unfolds in real-time, fostering a sense of community as users collectively chart their course through the vast online landscape.
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.
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.
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 ( 32 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43912618
HN users generally enjoyed the Internet Roadtrip concept, praising its creativity and nostalgic feel. Several commenters reminisced about early internet experiences and the sense of community it fostered. Some suggested improvements like adding a "random" button, incorporating older protocols like Gopher, or expanding the selection of sites. A few expressed concern about the potential for manipulation or brigading of the voting system, while others debated the merits of including modern sites versus focusing solely on older content. There was also discussion about the technical implementation, specifically the use of iframes and potential security implications. Several users shared alternative projects with similar aims, showcasing a broader interest in preserving and exploring internet history.
The Hacker News post "Internet Roadtrip: Vote to steer," linking to neal.fun/internet-roadtrip/, has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the technical aspects of the project and its potential pitfalls.
One commenter questions the wisdom of allowing the audience to directly control navigation, expressing concern that the "mob" will invariably steer the experience towards unsavory or illegal content. They anticipate the project quickly devolving into a chaotic mess, illustrating their point with a hypothetical scenario involving a prompt to visit a site like "goatse.cx" (a shock site). This concern is echoed by another user who humorously predicts the inevitable journey to sites like 4chan and other similarly controversial corners of the internet.
Another line of discussion revolves around the technical implementation of the project. One commenter questions how the creator handles the diversity of websites and their differing structures. They wonder how the system determines the "next page" on a website that isn't explicitly paginated, like a blog or a forum. This leads to a discussion about the potential use of website maps, link extraction algorithms, and the challenges posed by dynamic content and infinite scrolling.
A further technical comment delves into the use of iframes and the associated security implications. The commenter notes the potential for clickjacking and XSS vulnerabilities if the project isn't carefully implemented. They suggest that a more secure approach would involve rendering website content server-side and displaying only a sanitized version to the users, thus mitigating the risks associated with directly embedding external content.
Beyond the technical discussion, there are a few comments appreciating the novelty and creativity of the project. One commenter simply expresses enjoyment, calling it "pretty cool." Another lauds the interactive nature of the experience.
In essence, the comments section reveals a mixture of apprehension about the potential for misuse, curiosity about the technical underpinnings, and appreciation for the innovative concept. The most compelling comments are those that delve into the technical challenges and security risks, offering insightful perspectives on how such a project could be implemented responsibly. The concerns about user behavior and content moderation are also significant, as they highlight the inherent difficulties of crowd-sourced navigation on the open internet.