The blog post "Reinvent the Wheel" argues that reinventing the wheel, specifically in software development, can be a valuable learning experience, especially for beginners. While using existing libraries is often more efficient for production, building things from scratch provides a deeper understanding of fundamental concepts and underlying mechanisms. This hands-on approach can lead to stronger problem-solving skills and the ability to create more customized and potentially innovative solutions in the future, even if the initial creation isn't as polished or efficient. The author emphasizes that this practice should be done intentionally for educational purposes, not in professional settings where established solutions are readily available.
The post explores the differing perspectives on technological advancement, particularly AI. It contrasts the "seers," who grasp the transformative potential of these technologies and anticipate both the immense benefits and existential risks, with those who "cannot even look," either dismissing the technology's significance entirely or focusing narrowly on short-term impacts. The author argues this divide isn't about intelligence but imagination and the ability to extrapolate current trends to envision radical future possibilities. They emphasize the urgency of recognizing the potential for profound societal disruption and the need for proactive strategies to navigate the coming changes, suggesting that the future hinges on whether the "seers" can effectively communicate their vision to the wider society.
Hacker News users discussed the subjectivity of "seeing" and "looking," with several agreeing with the article's premise that some individuals engage more deeply with the world around them. Some commenters connected this idea to mindfulness and the ability to be present. Others attributed the difference to curiosity, experience, and knowledge, suggesting that expertise in a field allows for a deeper level of observation. A few debated the article's tone, finding it overly dramatic or even condescending. Some pushed back against the binary presented, arguing that "seeing" is a spectrum and everyone engages with the world differently. There was also discussion about the role of privilege and access in shaping one's ability to "see."
Summary of Comments ( 195 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44083467
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's premise that reinventing the wheel can be beneficial for learning and deeper understanding, particularly for foundational concepts. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of times they reimplemented existing tools, leading to valuable insights and a greater appreciation for the complexities involved. Some cautioned against always reinventing the wheel, especially in production environments where reliability and efficiency are crucial. The discussion also touched upon the importance of knowing when to reinvent – for educational purposes or when existing solutions don't quite fit the specific needs of a project. A few users pointed out the distinction between reinventing for learning versus reinventing in a professional context, highlighting the need for pragmatism in the latter.
The Hacker News post "Reinvent the Wheel" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44083467) discussing the article at https://endler.dev/2025/reinvent-the-wheel/ generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters offering perspectives on the value of reinventing the wheel.
A prominent thread focused on the educational benefits of rebuilding existing tools. One commenter argued that recreating something, even if a superior solution exists, provides invaluable learning experiences, especially for beginners. They emphasized that understanding the underlying mechanics and design choices is crucial for genuine mastery, even if the end product isn't as polished or efficient. This sentiment was echoed by others who recounted their own formative experiences rebuilding software tools, highlighting how it solidified their understanding and allowed them to appreciate the complexities of seemingly simple utilities. This thread underscored the importance of "reinventing the wheel" as a pedagogical tool.
Another commenter pointed out the distinction between blind reinvention and informed reinvention. They argued that simply recreating something without understanding why the original was designed the way it was offers limited benefit. However, if the reinvention is driven by a desire to explore different approaches, optimize for specific constraints, or address shortcomings of the original, then it can be a productive exercise. This comment highlighted the importance of having clear objectives and a critical approach when choosing to reinvent existing solutions.
Several comments touched upon the practical aspects of software development. One user suggested that reinventing the wheel can be useful when existing solutions are encumbered by licensing issues or when specific customizations are required that are difficult to achieve with off-the-shelf tools. Another comment emphasized the value of understanding the internals of tools, even if you don't rebuild them from scratch. This knowledge can be crucial for debugging, troubleshooting, and making informed decisions about which tools to use.
The discussion also touched upon the potential downsides of reinventing the wheel. One commenter cautioned against spending too much time on reinventing common functionalities when robust and well-maintained solutions already exist. They highlighted the importance of focusing on the core value proposition of a project rather than getting bogged down in recreating basic utilities.
In summary, the comments generally acknowledge the potential benefits of reinventing the wheel, particularly for educational purposes and in specific constrained circumstances. However, they also caution against blindly recreating existing solutions without a clear understanding of the underlying principles and the potential trade-offs involved. The thread underscores the importance of approaching the decision to "reinvent the wheel" with a thoughtful and critical mindset.