Calcverse is a collection of simple, focused online calculators built by a solo developer as a counterpoint to the current hype around AI agents. The creator emphasizes the value of small, well-executed tools that solve specific problems efficiently. The calculators currently offered on the site cover areas like loan comparisons, unit conversions, and investment calculations, with more planned for the future. The project embraces a minimalist design and aims to provide a practical alternative to overly complex software.
The post "“A calculator app? Anyone could make that”" explores the deceptive simplicity of seemingly trivial programming tasks like creating a calculator app. While basic arithmetic functionality might appear easy to implement, the author reveals the hidden complexities that arise when considering robust features like operator precedence, handling edge cases (e.g., division by zero, very large numbers), and ensuring correct rounding. Building a truly reliable and user-friendly calculator involves significantly more nuance than initially meets the eye, requiring careful planning and thorough testing to address a wide range of potential inputs and scenarios. The post highlights the importance of respecting the effort involved in even seemingly simple software development projects.
Hacker News users generally agreed that building a seemingly simple calculator app is surprisingly complex, especially when considering edge cases, performance, and a polished user experience. Several commenters highlighted the challenges of handling floating-point precision, localization, and accessibility. Some pointed out the need to consider the target platform and its specific UI/UX conventions. One compelling comment chain discussed the different approaches to parsing and evaluating expressions, with some advocating for recursive descent parsing and others suggesting using a stack-based approach or leveraging existing libraries. The difficulty in making the app truly "great" (performant, accessible, feature-rich, etc.) was a recurring theme, emphasizing that even simple projects can have hidden depths.
Zeminary Arrays offers an experimental web app providing infinitely expanding horizontal and vertical arrays of text editors. Each editor can be used for coding, writing, or note-taking, and supports Markdown rendering. Users can create new arrays, add or delete individual editors within them, and navigate the grid seamlessly. The application aims to provide a flexible and expansive workspace for managing various text-based tasks concurrently.
HN users generally praised the clean UI and unique approach of the infinite horizontal array of text editors. Several commenters questioned the practical use cases, wondering what problems it solves beyond novelty. Some suggested potential applications like managing code snippets, comparing different versions of text, or outlining long documents. A few users experienced minor glitches, like unexpected behavior with the backspace key. There was also discussion about the technical implementation, particularly regarding memory management with large arrays and the potential benefits of using a different data structure. One commenter appreciated the editor's mobile-friendliness. Overall, the reception was positive, with curiosity about its potential applications driving the conversation.
SRCL (Sacred React Components Library) is an open-source React component library designed to create web applications with a terminal-like aesthetic. It provides pre-built components like command prompts, code editors, and file explorers, allowing developers to easily integrate a retro terminal look and feel into their projects. SRCL aims to simplify the process of building terminal-inspired interfaces while offering customization options for colors, fonts, and interactive elements.
HN users generally expressed interest in SRCL, praising its unique aesthetic and potential usefulness for specific applications like monitoring dashboards or CLI visualization tools. Some questioned its broader appeal and practicality for complex web apps, citing potential accessibility issues and limitations in interactivity compared to standard UI elements. Several commenters discussed the technical implementation, suggesting improvements like using a virtual DOM for performance and offering alternative rendering approaches. Others drew comparisons to existing projects like Blessed and React Ink, highlighting SRCL's web-focused approach as a differentiating factor. A few users also expressed concerns about the long-term viability of such a niche project.
Summary of Comments ( 80 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43137248
HN users generally praised the calculator's clean UI/UX and appreciated the developer's focus on a simple, well-executed project rather than chasing the AI hype. Several commenters suggested potential improvements or expansions, including adding more unit conversions, financial calculators, and even integrating with existing tools like Excel or Google Sheets. Some pointed out the existing prevalence of specialized online calculators, questioning the project's long-term viability. Others expressed interest in the technical implementation details, particularly the use of Qwik and Partytown. A few jokingly questioned the project's description as "just" calculators, recognizing the complexity and value in building a robust and user-friendly calculation tool.
The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: While the world builds AI Agents, I'm just building calculators" sparked a small but interesting discussion.
One commenter expressed appreciation for the simplicity and focus of the project, contrasting it with the current hype surrounding AI agents. They saw value in creating tools that serve a specific purpose well, rather than chasing the latest trend. They also pointed out the potential for calculators to become more complex and powerful, hinting at the possibility of the creator eventually incorporating some of the AI technologies they are currently eschewing.
Another commenter focused on the business aspect, inquiring about the project's monetization strategy. This led the original poster (OP) to explain they were considering a freemium model with potential add-ons like custom themes and functions. This exchange offered a glimpse into the practical considerations of developing and sustaining a project like this.
A third comment highlighted the importance of discoverability, suggesting that submitting the calculators to various app stores could significantly increase their reach. This practical advice offered a potential avenue for growth.
The discussion also touched upon the technical aspects of the project. One user asked about the technology used to build the calculators, to which the OP replied that they were using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This clarified the development stack and offered insight into the project's technical foundation.
Finally, there's a short exchange regarding the user interface. One commenter pointed out the lack of an equals sign (=) on the percentage calculator and enquired about its functionality, prompting the OP to explain it and also admit the UI confusion. This small detail highlighted the importance of user feedback in identifying and addressing usability issues.
While the overall number of comments is relatively low, they provide a well-rounded perspective on the project, covering aspects from design and technical implementation to business strategy and discoverability. The comments generally express support for the project's focus on simplicity and utility in a landscape increasingly dominated by complex AI-driven applications.