Docs is a free and open-source alternative to proprietary note-taking and knowledge management applications like Notion and Outline. Built with PHP and Symfony, it offers features such as a WYSIWYG editor, Markdown support, hierarchical page organization, real-time collaboration, and fine-grained access control. It aims to provide a robust, self-hostable platform for individuals and teams to create, organize, and share documents securely. Docs prioritizes simplicity and performance while maintaining a clean and intuitive user interface.
The post details the process of reverse engineering the Bambu Lab printer's communication protocol used by the Bambu Handy and Bambu Studio software. Through network analysis and packet inspection, the author documented the message structures, including those for camera feeds, printer commands, and real-time status updates. This allowed for the creation of a proof-of-concept Python script capable of basic printer control, demonstrating the feasibility of developing independent software to interact with Bambu Lab printers. The documentation provided includes message format specifications, network endpoints, and example Python code snippets.
Hacker News commenters discuss the reverse engineering of the Bambu Handywork Connect print server software, mostly focusing on the legality and ethics of the endeavor. Some express concern over the potential for misuse and the chilling effect such actions could have on open communication between companies and their customer base. Others argue that reverse engineering is a legitimate activity, particularly for interoperability or when vendors are unresponsive to feature requests. A few commenters mention the common practice of similar reverse engineering efforts, pointing out that many devices rely on undocumented protocols. The discussion also touches on the technical aspects of the reverse engineering process, with some noting the use of Wireshark and Frida. Several users express interest in using the findings to integrate Bambu printers with other software, highlighting a desire for greater control and flexibility.
Summary of Comments ( 40 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43378239
Hacker News users generally expressed interest in Docs as a self-hosted alternative to Notion, praising its open-source nature and potential for customization. Several commenters discussed the importance of data ownership and control, highlighting Docs as a solution to vendor lock-in. Some voiced concerns about features, performance, and the overall maturity of the project compared to established solutions like Notion, while others shared their excitement to try it and contribute. The lack of a mobile app was mentioned as a current drawback. There was also discussion around different database backends and the project's use of Tauri for cross-platform compatibility. A few commenters pointed out similar existing projects, offering alternatives or suggesting potential collaborations.
The Hacker News post "Docs – Open source alternative to Notion or Outline" linking to a GitHub repository for a project called "Docs" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments.
Many users expressed enthusiasm for open-source alternatives to proprietary note-taking and knowledge management software like Notion, Outline, and others. Several commenters appreciated the initiative and the potential of the project, especially given the desire for data portability and control that open-source solutions offer. Some specifically mentioned wanting to avoid vendor lock-in.
A recurring theme in the comments revolved around the importance of features and functionality. Some users inquired about specific features like block referencing and backlinking, which are crucial aspects of networked note-taking applications like Roam Research and Obsidian. The ability to import and export data in various formats was also a significant point of discussion, with users emphasizing the need for interoperability with other tools.
Several commenters discussed the technical aspects of the project, including the choice of technologies used and the architecture of the application. There were questions about the database backend, offline capabilities, and the potential for self-hosting. The use of Rust and Wasm was praised by some for its performance and portability.
A few commenters drew comparisons to other existing open-source note-taking applications, mentioning alternatives like Logseq, Athens Research, and Trilium Notes. These comparisons often focused on the features and functionalities offered by each platform and how "Docs" might differentiate itself.
Concerns were also raised regarding the long-term sustainability and development of the project. Some users questioned whether the project would be actively maintained and developed over time, expressing a common concern with open-source projects.
The discussion also touched upon the challenges of building a robust and feature-rich note-taking application. One commenter pointed out the complexity of replicating the functionality of commercial products like Notion, which have dedicated teams and resources. Another commenter emphasized the importance of focusing on a specific niche or set of features rather than trying to be everything to everyone.
Overall, the comments reflect a strong interest in open-source alternatives in the note-taking space. While there's excitement around the potential of "Docs," there's also a pragmatic awareness of the challenges involved in building a successful and sustainable project in this competitive landscape. Users clearly highlighted the importance of specific features, interoperability, and long-term maintainability as key factors for the project's success.