The blog post "Nice Things with SVG" explores creating visually appealing and interactive elements using SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics). It showcases techniques for crafting generative art, animations, and data visualizations directly within the browser. The author demonstrates how to manipulate SVG properties with JavaScript to create dynamic effects, like animated spirographs and reactive blobs, highlighting the flexibility and power of SVG for web design and creative coding. The post emphasizes the accessibility and ease of use of SVG, encouraging readers to experiment and explore its potential for creating engaging visual experiences.
To write blog posts that developers will actually read, focus on providing clear, concise, and practical information. Prioritize code examples, concrete solutions, and a logical flow that mirrors the developer's problem-solving process. Avoid unnecessary jargon, flowery language, and long introductions. Instead, get straight to the point, explain the "why" behind the "how," and use visuals like diagrams and screenshots to illustrate complex concepts. Finally, ensure your code is functional, well-formatted, and easily testable by readers. This approach respects the developer's time and provides immediate value, making your blog post a useful resource they'll appreciate and share.
HN commenters generally praised the article for its practical advice on writing for a technical audience. Several highlighted the importance of clarity, conciseness, and providing concrete examples, echoing the article's points. Some suggested additional tips, like linking to relevant resources and using clear diagrams. One commenter appreciated the focus on empathy for the reader and understanding their context. A few debated the value of analogies, with some finding them helpful while others considered them distracting or potentially misleading. The emphasis on respecting the reader's time and intelligence was a recurring theme throughout the comments.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43666439
Hacker News users generally praised the author's SVG artwork, describing it as "beautiful," "stunning," and "inspiring." Several commenters appreciated the interactive elements and smooth animations, particularly the flowing lines and responsive design. Some discussed technical aspects, including the use of GreenSock (GSAP) for animation and the potential performance implications of SVG filters. A few users expressed interest in learning more about the author's process and tools. One commenter pointed out the accessibility challenges sometimes associated with complex SVGs and encouraged the author to consider those aspects in future work. There was also a short discussion about the merits of SVG versus Canvas for this type of art, with some advocating for Canvas's potential performance advantages for more complex scenes.
The Hacker News post "Nice Things with SVG" (linking to https://fuma-nama.vercel.app/blog/svg-art) has generated a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on the technical aspects of SVG creation and manipulation, as well as sharing personal experiences and alternative tools.
Several commenters appreciate the author's approach to SVG art, highlighting the elegance and simplicity of using vanilla SVG and JavaScript. They commend the avoidance of unnecessary libraries and frameworks, emphasizing the educational value of understanding the underlying technologies. One commenter specifically praises the "back to basics" approach, finding it refreshing compared to the often-complex workflows involving external dependencies.
A recurring theme in the discussion revolves around the tooling used for SVG creation and editing. Some users share their preferred tools, including Inkscape, Illustrator, and various code editors with SVG plugins. The conversation explores the pros and cons of each, with some advocating for the precision and control offered by vector graphics editors, while others champion the flexibility and programmatic manipulation enabled by code-based approaches. One commenter details their experience using a specific editor for initial design and then refining it with code, highlighting the benefits of a hybrid workflow.
The discussion also touches upon specific SVG techniques and features, such as the use of
<path>elements and the benefits of programmatic animation. One user questions the perceived complexity of<path>data and suggests alternative methods for simpler shapes. Another comment thread delves into the possibilities of dynamic SVG manipulation using JavaScript, showcasing examples of interactive elements and animations.A few commenters express interest in exploring the intersection of SVG and other web technologies, such as CSS and WebGL. They discuss the potential for combining SVG's vector graphics capabilities with the styling power of CSS or the 3D rendering capabilities of WebGL to create more complex and visually appealing web experiences.
While there isn't a single overwhelmingly compelling comment, the collection of comments provides a valuable perspective on the diverse approaches and opinions within the web development community regarding SVG art and its underlying technologies. The discussion reveals a shared appreciation for clean, efficient code and a desire to explore the creative potential of SVG.