Tippy Coco is a free and open-source online multiplayer game inspired by Slime Volleyball. Players control a bouncy coconut, attempting to knock a ball over the net and onto the opponent's side. The game features simple 2D graphics, customizable arenas, and support for up to four players locally or online. It's built with web technologies, making it easily accessible in any modern browser without downloads or installations.
LibreLingo is a free and open-source language learning platform positioned as an ethical alternative to Duolingo. It prioritizes user privacy, offering a completely ad-free experience and eschewing gamification in favor of a more traditional learning approach. The platform is currently in beta and supports a growing number of languages, focusing on comprehensive skill development through lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. LibreLingo emphasizes community involvement, encouraging contributions to expand language offerings and improve existing courses. The project aims to be fully transparent and community-driven, distinguishing itself from commercial platforms through its commitment to open-source principles and user freedom.
Hacker News commenters generally expressed enthusiasm for LibreLingo as a FOSS alternative to Duolingo, praising its offline functionality and commitment to user privacy. Several users highlighted the importance of open-source language learning tools and the potential for community contributions to improve the platform. Some questioned the app's current feature set compared to Duolingo, particularly its limited language selection, but acknowledged its early stage of development and expressed hope for future expansion. A few commenters discussed the challenges of maintaining and growing an open-source project, including funding and volunteer recruitment. Others pointed out existing alternatives like Anki and suggested potential integrations. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious optimism, with users eager to see LibreLingo mature and succeed.
A new Common Lisp implementation, named ALisp, is under development and currently supports ASDF (Another System Definition Facility) for system management. The project aims to create a small, embeddable, and efficient Lisp, drawing inspiration from other Lisps like ECL and SBCL while incorporating unique ideas. It's being developed primarily in C and is currently in an early stage, but the Savannah project page provides source code and build instructions for those interested in experimenting with it.
Hacker News users discussed the new Common Lisp implementation, with many expressing interest and excitement. Several commenters praised the project's use of a custom reader and printer, viewing it as a potential performance advantage. Some discussion revolved around portability, particularly to WebAssembly. The project's licensing under LGPL was also a topic of conversation, with users exploring the implications for commercial use. Several users inquired about the motivations and goals behind creating a new Common Lisp implementation, while others compared it to existing implementations like SBCL and ECL. A few comments touched on specific technical aspects, such as the choice of garbage collection strategy and the implementation of the condition system. Some users offered helpful suggestions and expressed a desire to contribute.
The post "You wouldn't steal a font" argues against the common misconception that fonts are free to use as one pleases. It emphasizes that fonts, like other creative works, are intellectual property protected by copyright. Distributing or using a font without a proper license is akin to stealing, and doing so can have serious legal and financial consequences. The post uses the analogy of stealing a car to illustrate the gravity of font theft, highlighting that just because something is easily copied doesn't make it free. It encourages users to respect the work of font designers and purchase licenses for the fonts they use, both for ethical reasons and to avoid potential legal trouble.
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and ethics of font licensing, particularly regarding open-source projects. Some argue that font licenses are often overly complex and restrictive, making it difficult for developers, especially those working on free/open-source software, to comply. Others point out that font creation is skilled labor deserving of compensation, and free use devalues that work. Several commenters suggest that the current licensing landscape discourages the use of diverse fonts in favor of default system fonts or widely available free options. The analogy of stealing a car versus stealing a font is debated, with some arguing the comparison is flawed due to the reproducible nature of digital assets. The recurring theme is a desire for a more streamlined and accessible font licensing model, potentially involving something similar to Creative Commons licenses. A few comments mention specific license types like SIL Open Font License (OFL) as potentially good models.
SignalBloom launched a free tool that analyzes SEC filings like 10-Ks and 10-Qs, extracting key information and presenting it in easily digestible reports. These reports cover various aspects of a company's financials, including revenue, expenses, risks, and key performance indicators. The tool aims to democratize access to complex financial data, making it easier for investors, researchers, and the public to understand the performance and potential of publicly traded companies.
Hacker News users discussed the potential usefulness of the SEC filing analysis tool, with some expressing excitement about its capabilities for individual investors. Several commenters questioned the long-term viability of a free model, suggesting potential monetization strategies like premium features or data licensing. Others focused on the technical aspects, inquiring about the specific models used for analysis and the handling of complex filings. The accuracy and depth of the analysis were also points of discussion, with users asking about false positives/negatives and the tool's ability to uncover subtle insights. Some users debated the tool's value compared to existing financial analysis platforms. Finally, there was discussion of the potential legal and ethical implications of using AI to interpret legal documents.
The PuTTY iconography uses a stylized computer terminal displaying a kawaii face, representing the software's friendly nature despite its powerful functionality. The different icons distinguish PuTTY's various tools through color and added imagery. For instance, PSCP (secure copy) features a document with a downward arrow, while PSFTP (secure file transfer protocol) shows a pair of opposing arrows, symbolizing bi-directional transfer. The colors roughly correspond to the traffic light system, with green for connection tools (PuTTY, Plink), amber for file transfer tools (PSCP, PSFTP), and red for key generation (PuTTYgen). The overall design prioritizes simplicity and memorability over strict adherence to real-world terminal appearances or symbolic representation.
Hacker News users discuss Simon Tatham's blog post explaining the iconography of PuTTY's various tools. Several commenters express appreciation for Tatham's clear and detailed explanations, finding the rationale behind the choices both interesting and amusing. Some discuss alternative iconography they've encountered or imagined, while others praise Tatham's software and development style more generally, citing his focus on simplicity and functionality. A few users share anecdotes of misinterpreting the icons in the past, highlighting the effectiveness of Tatham's explanations in clarifying their meaning. The overall sentiment reflects admiration for Tatham's meticulous approach to software design, even down to the smallest details like icon choices.
The 2008 blog post argues that Windows wasn't truly "free" for businesses, despite the common perception. While the OS itself came bundled with PCs, the associated costs of management, maintenance, software licensing (especially for Microsoft Office and server products), antivirus, and dealing with malware significantly outweighed the initial cost of the OS. The author contends that these hidden expenses made Windows a more expensive option compared to perceived free alternatives like Linux, particularly for smaller businesses. Ultimately, the "free" Windows license subsidized other revenue streams for Microsoft, making it a profitable, albeit deceptive, business model.
Hacker News users discussed the complexities of Microsoft's "free" Windows licensing model for businesses. Several pointed out that while the OS itself might not have a direct upfront cost, it's bundled with hardware purchases, making it an indirect expense. Others highlighted the ongoing costs associated with Windows, such as Software Assurance for updates and support, along with the costs of managing Active Directory and other related infrastructure. The general consensus was that "free" is a misleading term, and the true cost of Windows for businesses is substantial when considering the total cost of ownership. Some commenters also discussed the historical context of the article (from 2008) and how Microsoft's licensing and business models have evolved since then.
LWN.net's "The early days of Linux (2023)" revisits Linux's origins through the lens of newly rediscovered email archives from 1992. These emails reveal the collaborative, yet sometimes contentious, environment surrounding the project's infancy. They highlight Linus Torvalds's central role, the rapid evolution of the kernel, and early discussions about licensing, portability, and features. The article underscores how open collaboration, despite its challenges, fueled Linux's early growth and laid the groundwork for its future success. The rediscovered archive offers valuable historical insight into the project's formative period and provides a more complete understanding of its development.
HN commenters discuss Linus Torvalds' early approach to Linux development, contrasting it with the more structured, corporate-driven development of today. Several highlight his initial dismissal of formal specifications, preferring a "code first, ask questions later" method guided by user feedback and rapid iteration. This organic approach, some argue, fostered innovation and rapid growth in Linux's early stages, while others note its limitations as the project matured. The discussion also touches on Torvalds' personality, described as both brilliant and abrasive, and how his strong opinions shaped the project's direction. A few comments express nostalgia for the simpler times of early open-source development, contrasting it with the complexities of modern software engineering.
Ren'Py is a free and open-source engine designed for creating visual novels, a genre of interactive storytelling that blends text, images, and sound. It simplifies development with a Python-based scripting language, allowing creators to easily manage dialogue, branching narratives, and character interactions. Ren'Py supports a wide range of features including animated sprites, movie playback, and various transition effects, making it accessible to both novice and experienced developers. It’s cross-platform, meaning games created with Ren'Py can be deployed on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and web browsers, reaching a broad audience. The engine prioritizes ease of use and provides comprehensive documentation and a supportive community, enabling creators to focus on crafting compelling stories.
Hacker News users discuss Ren'Py's ease of use, especially for non-programmers, enabling them to create visual novels with minimal coding. Several commenters praise its accessibility and the large community supporting it. Some note its limitations, especially regarding more complex game mechanics beyond the visual novel genre, though acknowledge its suitability for its intended purpose. The scripting language is described as simple yet powerful enough for narrative-focused games. A few users mention its popularity for adult visual novels, though also highlight its use in more mainstream and non-adult projects. The engine's cross-platform compatibility and active development are also seen as positive aspects.
Eric Raymond's "The Cathedral and the Bazaar" contrasts two different software development models. The "Cathedral" model, exemplified by traditional proprietary software, is characterized by closed development, with releases occurring infrequently and source code kept private. The "Bazaar" model, inspired by the development of Linux, emphasizes open source, with frequent releases, public access to source code, and a large number of developers contributing. Raymond argues that the Bazaar model, by leveraging the collective intelligence of a diverse group of developers, leads to faster development, higher quality software, and better responsiveness to user needs. He highlights 19 lessons learned from his experience managing the Fetchmail project, demonstrating how decentralized, open development can be surprisingly effective.
HN commenters largely discuss the essay's historical impact and continued relevance. Some highlight how its insights, though seemingly obvious now, were revolutionary at the time, changing the landscape of software development and popularizing open-source methodologies. Others debate the nuances of the "cathedral" versus "bazaar" model, pointing out examples where the lines blur or where a hybrid approach is more effective. Several commenters reflect on their personal experiences with open source, echoing the essay's observations about the power of peer review and decentralized development. A few critique the essay for oversimplifying complex development processes or for being less applicable in certain domains. Finally, some commenters suggest related readings and resources for further exploration of the topic.
Open source maintainers are increasingly burdened by escalating demands and dwindling resources. The "2025 State of Open Source" report reveals maintainers face growing user bases expecting faster response times and more features, while simultaneously struggling with burnout, lack of funding, and insufficient institutional support. This pressure is forcing many maintainers to consider stepping back or abandoning their projects altogether, posing a significant threat to the sustainability of the open source ecosystem. The report highlights the need for better funding models, improved communication tools, and greater recognition of the crucial role maintainers play in powering much of the modern internet.
HN commenters generally agree with the article's premise that open-source maintainers are underappreciated and overworked. Several share personal anecdotes of burnout and the difficulty of balancing maintenance with other commitments. Some suggest potential solutions, including better funding models, improved tooling for managing contributions, and fostering more empathetic communities. The most compelling comments highlight the inherent conflict between the "free" nature of open source and the very real costs associated with maintaining it – time, effort, and emotional labor. One commenter poignantly describes the feeling of being "on call" indefinitely, responsible for a project used by thousands without adequate support or compensation. Another suggests that the problem lies in a disconnect between users who treat open-source software as a product and maintainers who often view it as a passion project, leading to mismatched expectations and resentment.
DeaDBeeF is a modular music player for Linux, *BSD, Android, macOS, and other UNIX-like systems. It prioritizes audio quality and offers a wide array of features including support for numerous lossless and lossy audio formats, gapless playback, ReplayGain, customizable playlists, and a powerful plugin architecture enabling extensibility. Its focus is on lightweight performance and a simple, efficient user interface, making it a robust and customizable audio player for serious music listeners.
Hacker News users discuss DeaDBeeF's minimalist nature, praising its speed and efficiency, particularly on older hardware. Several commenters appreciate its customizability and plugin ecosystem, contrasting it favorably with bloated music players. Some lament the lack of a polished macOS version and the somewhat dated UI, but overall the sentiment is positive, with users highlighting its reliability and focus on core music playback functionality. A few share their long-term usage of the player, reinforcing its reputation as a stable and dependable choice for audiophiles and power users seeking a lightweight alternative. Some mention specific features like playlist management and format support as particularly strong points.
This 2010 essay argues that running a nonfree program on your server, even for personal use, compromises your freedom and contributes to a broader system of user subjugation. While seemingly a private act, hosting proprietary software empowers the software's developer to control your computing, potentially through surveillance, restrictions on usage, or even remote bricking. This reinforces the developer's power over all users, making it harder for free software alternatives to gain traction. By choosing free software, you reclaim control over your server and contribute to a freer digital world for everyone.
HN users largely agree with the article's premise that "personal" devices like "smart" TVs, phones, and even "networked" appliances primarily serve their manufacturers, not the user. Commenters point out the data collection practices of these devices, noting how they send usage data, location information, and even recordings back to corporations. Some users discuss the difficulty of mitigating this data leakage, mentioning custom firmware, self-hosting, and network segregation. Others lament the lack of consumer awareness and the acceptance of these practices as the norm. A few comments highlight the irony of "smart" devices often being less functional and convenient due to their dependence on external servers and frequent updates. The idea of truly owning one's devices versus merely licensing them is also debated. Overall, the thread reflects a shared concern about the erosion of privacy and user control in the age of connected devices.
FOSDEM 2025 offered a comprehensive live streaming schedule covering a wide range of open source topics. Streams were available for each track, allowing virtual attendees to watch presentations and Q&A sessions in real time. Recordings of the talks were also made available shortly after each session concluded, providing on-demand access to the entire conference content. The schedule webpage linked directly to the individual streams and included a searchable program grid, making it easy to find and follow specific talks or explore different tracks.
Hacker News users discussed the technical aspects and potential improvements of FOSDEM's streaming setup. Several commenters praised the readily available streams and archives, highlighting the value for those unable to attend in person. Some expressed a desire for improved video quality, particularly for slides and diagrams, suggesting higher resolutions or dedicated slide cameras. Others discussed the challenges of capturing the atmosphere of in-person attendance and the benefits of local caching or mirroring to improve access. The lack of embedded timestamps or a proper search function within the videos was also noted as a point for potential improvement, making it difficult to navigate to specific talks or topics within the recordings.
SQLook is a free, web-based SQLite database manager designed with a nostalgic Windows 2000 aesthetic. It allows users to create, open, and manage SQLite databases directly in their browser without requiring any server-side components or installations. Key features include importing and exporting data in various formats (CSV, SQL, JSON), executing SQL queries, browsing table data, and creating and modifying database schemas. The intentionally retro interface aims for simplicity and ease of use, focusing on core database management functionalities.
HN users generally found SQLook's retro aesthetic charming and appreciated its simplicity. Several praised its self-contained nature and offline functionality, contrasting it favorably with more complex, web-based SQL tools. Some expressed interest in its potential as a lightweight, portable database manager for tasks like managing personal finances or small datasets. A few commenters suggested improvements like adding keyboard shortcuts and CSV import/export functionality. There was also some discussion of alternative tools and the general appeal of retro interfaces.
Mixxx is free, open-source DJ software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It offers a comprehensive feature set comparable to professional DJ applications, including support for a wide range of DJ controllers, four decks, timecode vinyl control, recording and broadcasting capabilities, effects, looping, cue points, and advanced mixing features like key detection and quantizing. Mixxx aims to empower DJs of all skill levels with professional-grade tools without the cost barrier, fostering a community around open-source DJing.
HN commenters discuss Mixxx's maturity and feature richness, favorably comparing it to proprietary DJ software. Several users praise its stability and professional-grade functionality, highlighting features like key detection, BPM analysis, and effects. Some mention using it successfully for live performances and even prefer it over Traktor and Serato. The open-source nature of the software is also appreciated, with some expressing excitement about contributing or customizing it. A few commenters bring up past experiences with Mixxx, noting improvements over time and expressing renewed interest in trying the latest version. The potential for Linux adoption in the DJ space is also touched upon.
Summary of Comments ( 1 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43886213
Hacker News users discussed Tippy Coco's accessibility and suitability for younger players due to its simple mechanics and web-based platform. Some commenters expressed nostalgia for Slime Volleyball, the game which inspired Tippy Coco, and praised the new game for its faithful recreation of the original's gameplay. Others appreciated the open-source nature of the project, with one user even suggesting improvements to the physics engine. The game's potential as a coding exercise or educational tool was also mentioned. Finally, the developer's decision to avoid incorporating cryptocurrency or blockchain elements, common in many modern web games, was met with approval.
The Hacker News post about Tippy Coco, a free and open-source game inspired by Slime Volleyball, generated a moderate number of comments, mostly positive and focusing on several key themes: nostalgia, the simplicity and fun of the original game, and appreciation for the open-source nature of this project.
Several commenters reminisced about playing Slime Volleyball in their youth, often in computer labs or during downtime at school. They recounted the competitive yet lighthearted nature of the game, highlighting its accessibility and how easy it was to pick up and play. This nostalgia seemed to be a major driver of interest in Tippy Coco.
The simplicity of both the original and Tippy Coco was praised. Commenters enjoyed the minimalist graphics and straightforward gameplay, contrasting it with the complexity of modern games. This simplicity was seen as a positive attribute, contributing to the game's charm and addictive quality. One commenter specifically appreciated the low barrier to entry, suggesting it could be a good introduction to gaming for younger children.
The fact that Tippy Coco is open-source was met with approval. Several comments highlighted the benefits of open-source software, including the ability to examine the code, learn from it, and potentially contribute to the project. This transparency and community involvement were seen as positive aspects of the project.
Beyond these major themes, some commenters discussed the technical aspects of the game, such as the choice of programming language (Rust) and the potential for adding features or modifications. There was also some discussion about the best strategies for playing the game, with users sharing tips and tricks based on their experience with the original Slime Volleyball.
While there wasn't extensive debate or controversy in the comments, there was a clear sense of community and shared appreciation for the game and its open-source nature. The comments paint a picture of a project that resonates with many due to its nostalgic appeal, simple yet engaging gameplay, and the collaborative spirit of open-source development.