Stories with Tag diagramming

• Using a graphics tablet as a programming tool (2018)

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  Posted: 2025-03-15 02:20:07

  Verbose tl;dr

  A graphics tablet can be a surprisingly effective tool for programming, offering a more ergonomic and intuitive way to interact with code. The author details their setup using a Wacom Intuos Pro and describes the benefits they've experienced, such as reduced wrist strain and improved workflow. By mapping tablet buttons to common keyboard shortcuts and utilizing the pen for precise cursor control, scrolling, and even drawing diagrams directly within code comments, the author finds that a graphics tablet becomes an integral part of their development process, ultimately increasing productivity and comfort.

  Jean-David Moisan's 2018 blog post, "Using a graphics tablet as a programming tool," explores the author's personal journey and rationale for integrating a graphics tablet into his programming workflow. He begins by outlining the initial skepticism he held towards the practicality of such a setup, stemming from the perceived awkwardness and inefficiency compared to the familiar keyboard and mouse combination. However, driven by a desire to alleviate wrist pain associated with prolonged mouse usage and inspired by positive experiences recounted by others, he decided to experiment with a Wacom Intuos Pro tablet.

  Moisan meticulously details the various software configurations and adjustments he undertook to optimize the tablet for programming tasks. This involved customizing button mappings for common keyboard shortcuts, experimenting with different pressure sensitivity settings for scrolling and zooming, and tailoring the active area of the tablet to match his preferred ergonomic posture. He highlights the use of specific software like the open-source xsetwacom utility for Linux, allowing granular control over the tablet's behavior. He also emphasizes the importance of finding the right stylus nib that offered a comfortable balance between friction and glide for extended coding sessions.

  The author then delves into the specific advantages he discovered through this transition. He notes a significant reduction in wrist strain, attributing this to the more natural hand and arm movements enabled by the pen input. Furthermore, he describes an improvement in focus and concentration, suggesting that the act of physically drawing shapes for commands, such as selecting text or navigating code, provides a more engaging and less repetitive interaction. He also mentions the unexpected benefit of rediscovering the joy of sketching and diagramming directly within his development environment, facilitating brainstorming and problem-solving.

  While acknowledging that using a graphics tablet for programming might not be a universally beneficial solution, Moisan stresses the importance of exploring alternative input methods, especially for individuals experiencing discomfort or seeking ways to enhance their workflow. He concludes by encouraging readers to consider their own needs and experiment with different configurations to discover a personalized setup that optimizes both comfort and productivity. He offers his own detailed configuration as a starting point for those interested in embarking on a similar exploration. The overall tone of the post is one of personal reflection and enthusiastic advocacy for a less conventional approach to interacting with the digital realm of software development.

  • graphics tablet
  • programming
  • productivity
  • input devices
  • human-computer interaction
  • HCI
  • digital art
  • drawing
  • note taking
  • diagramming
  • Visualization
  • 2018
  • Software Development
  • coding

  Summary of Comments ( 22 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43369354

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users discussed the practicality and potential benefits of using a graphics tablet for programming. Some found the idea intriguing, particularly for visual tasks like diagramming or sketching out UI elements, and for reducing wrist strain associated with constant keyboard and mouse use. Others expressed skepticism, questioning the efficiency gains compared to a keyboard and mouse for text-based coding, and citing the potential awkwardness of switching between tablet and keyboard frequently. A few commenters shared their personal experiences, with varying degrees of success. While some abandoned the approach, others found it useful for specific niche applications like working with graphical programming languages or mathematical notation. Several suggested that pen-based computing might be better suited for this workflow than a traditional graphics tablet. The lack of widespread adoption suggests significant usability hurdles remain.

  The Hacker News post titled "Using a graphics tablet as a programming tool (2018)" has generated several comments discussing the author's experience and others' perspectives on using graphics tablets for programming.

  Several commenters share their own experiences with using tablets for coding, with varying degrees of success. Some found it beneficial for reducing wrist strain and improving ergonomics, while others struggled with the precision required for coding and ultimately abandoned the practice. One commenter details their specific setup and workflow, highlighting the use of a large tablet and customized shortcuts for improved efficiency.

  A recurring theme in the comments is the challenge of achieving precise cursor control with a stylus, particularly for tasks like selecting small text or navigating complex code structures. Commenters discuss the learning curve associated with using a tablet for coding and the importance of finding the right configuration and software to optimize the experience. Some suggest specific tablet models and drivers known for their accuracy and responsiveness.

  The discussion also explores alternative input devices and their potential benefits for programmers. One commenter mentions using a trackball and praises its ergonomic advantages and precision. Others discuss the merits of vertical mice and other ergonomic peripherals designed to minimize strain during prolonged coding sessions.

  Some commenters express skepticism about the practicality of using a tablet for programming, citing the need for frequent keyboard shortcuts and the potential for workflow disruptions. They question whether the ergonomic benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks in terms of speed and efficiency.

  Overall, the comments present a diverse range of perspectives on the topic, reflecting both the potential advantages and challenges of using a graphics tablet as a programming tool. While some find it a valuable addition to their workflow, others remain unconvinced of its practicality. The discussion highlights the importance of individual preferences and the need to experiment with different input devices to find the optimal setup for ergonomic comfort and coding efficiency.

• Tldraw Computer

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  Posted: 2024-12-20 07:42:36

  Verbose tl;dr

  Tldraw Computer is a collaborative, web-based, vector drawing tool built with a focus on speed and simplicity. It offers a familiar interface with features like freehand drawing, shape creation, text insertion, and various styling options. Designed for rapid prototyping, brainstorming, and diagramming, it boasts an intuitive user experience that prioritizes quick creation and easy sharing. The application is open-source and available online, allowing for seamless collaboration and accessibility across devices.

  The blog post, titled "Tldraw Computer," announces a significant evolution of the Tldraw project, transitioning from a solely web-based collaborative whiteboard application into a platform-agnostic, local-first, and open-source software offering. This new iteration, dubbed "Tldraw Computer," emphasizes offline functionality and user ownership of data, contrasting with the cloud-based nature of the original Tldraw. The post elaborates on the technical underpinnings of this shift, explaining the adoption of a SQLite database for local data storage and synchronization, enabling users to work offline seamlessly. It details how changes are tracked and merged efficiently, preserving collaboration features even without constant internet connectivity.

  The post further underscores the philosophical motivation behind this transformation, highlighting the increasing importance of digital autonomy and data privacy in the current technological landscape. By providing users with complete control over their data, stored directly on their devices, Tldraw Computer aims to empower users and alleviate concerns surrounding data security and vendor lock-in. The open-source nature of the project is also emphasized, encouraging community contributions and fostering transparency in the development process. The post portrays this transition as a response to evolving user needs and a commitment to building a more sustainable and user-centric digital tool. It implicitly suggests that this local-first approach will enhance the overall user experience by enabling faster performance and greater reliability, independent of network conditions. Finally, the post encourages user exploration and feedback, positioning Tldraw Computer not just as a software release, but as an ongoing project embracing community involvement in its continued development and refinement.

  • tldraw
  • computer
  • drawing
  • illustration
  • vector graphics
  • design
  • web application
  • online drawing tool
  • digital art
  • creative tools
  • graphics software
  • diagramming
  • whiteboarding
  • web-based drawing
  • vector drawing
  • online whiteboard
  • javascript
  • Open Source
  • collaborative drawing
  • visual thinking
  • sketching
  • web graphics
  • browser-based drawing
  • drawing app
  • vector editor

  Summary of Comments ( 120 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42469074

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss Tldraw's approach to building a collaborative digital whiteboard. Several commenters praise the elegance and simplicity of the code, highlighting the smart use of ClojureScript and Reagent, especially the efficient handling of undo/redo functionality. Some express interest in the choice of AWS Amplify over self-hosting, with questions about cost and scalability. The custom SVG rendering approach and the performance optimizations are also noted as impressive. A few commenters mention potential improvements, like adding features for specific use cases (e.g., mind mapping) or addressing minor UI/UX quirks. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with many commending the project's clean design and technical execution.

  The Hacker News post for "Tldraw Computer" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42469074) has a moderate number of comments, generating a discussion around the project's technical implementation, potential use cases, and comparisons to similar tools.

  Several commenters delve into the technical aspects. One user questions the decision to use React for rendering, expressing concern about performance, particularly with a large number of SVG elements. They suggest exploring alternative rendering strategies or libraries like Preact for optimization. Another commenter discusses the challenges of implementing collaborative editing features, especially regarding real-time synchronization and conflict resolution. They highlight the complexity involved in handling concurrent modifications from multiple users. Another technical discussion revolves around the choice of using SVG for the drawings, with some users acknowledging its benefits for scalability and vector graphics manipulation, while others mention potential performance bottlenecks and alternatives like canvas rendering.

  The potential applications of Tldraw Computer also spark conversation. Some users envision its use in educational settings for collaborative brainstorming and diagramming. Others suggest applications in software design and prototyping, highlighting the ability to quickly sketch and share ideas visually. The open-source nature of the project is praised, allowing for community contributions and customization.

  Comparisons to existing tools like Excalidraw and Figma are frequent. Commenters discuss the similarities and differences, with some arguing that Tldraw Computer offers a more intuitive and playful drawing experience, while others prefer the more mature feature set and integrations of established tools. The offline capability of Tldraw Computer is also mentioned as a differentiating factor, enabling use in situations without internet connectivity.

  Several users express interest in exploring the project further, either by contributing to the codebase or by incorporating it into their own workflows. The overall sentiment towards Tldraw Computer is positive, with many commenters impressed by its capabilities and potential. However, some also acknowledge the project's relative immaturity and the need for further development and refinement. The discussion also touches on licensing and potential monetization strategies for open-source projects.