FlowRipple is a visual workflow automation platform designed for building and managing complex workflows without code. It features a drag-and-drop interface for connecting pre-built blocks representing various actions, including integrations with popular apps, webhooks, and custom code execution. FlowRipple aims to simplify automation for both technical and non-technical users, allowing them to automate tasks, connect services, and streamline processes across their work or personal projects. Its visual nature offers a clear overview of the workflow logic and facilitates easier debugging and modification.
The blog post "Why is everyone trying to replace software engineers?" argues that the drive to replace software engineers isn't about eliminating them entirely, but rather about lowering the barrier to entry for creating software. The author contends that while tools like no-code platforms and AI-powered code generation can empower non-programmers and boost developer productivity, they ultimately augment rather than replace engineers. Complex software still requires deep technical understanding, problem-solving skills, and architectural vision that these tools can't replicate. The push for simplification is driven by the ever-increasing demand for software, and while these new tools democratize software creation to some extent, seasoned software engineers remain crucial for building and maintaining sophisticated systems.
Hacker News users discussed the increasing attempts to automate software engineering tasks, largely agreeing with the article's premise. Several commenters highlighted the cyclical nature of such predictions, noting similar hype around CASE tools and 4GLs in the past. Some argued that while coding might be automated to a degree, higher-level design and problem-solving skills will remain crucial for engineers. Others pointed out that the drive to replace engineers often comes from management seeking to reduce costs, but that true replacements are far off. A few commenters suggested that instead of "replacement," the tools will likely augment engineers, making them more productive, similar to how IDEs and linters currently do. The desire for simpler programming interfaces was also mentioned, with some advocating for tools that allow domain experts to directly express their needs without requiring traditional coding.
Workflow86 is an AI-powered platform designed to streamline business operations. It acts as a virtual business analyst, helping users identify areas for improvement and automate tasks. The platform connects to existing data sources, analyzes the information, and then suggests automations or generates code in various languages (like Python, Javascript, and APIs) to implement those improvements. Workflow86 aims to bridge the gap between identifying business needs and executing technical solutions, making automation accessible to a wider range of users, even those without coding expertise.
HN commenters are generally skeptical of Workflow86's claims. Several question the practicality and feasibility of automating complex business analysis tasks with the current state of AI. Some doubt the advertised "no-code" aspect, predicting significant setup and customization would be required for real-world use. Others point out the lack of specific examples or case studies demonstrating the tool's efficacy, dismissing it as vaporware. A few express interest in seeing a more detailed demonstration, but the overall sentiment leans towards cautious disbelief. One commenter also raises concerns about data privacy and security when allowing a tool like this access to sensitive business information.
Summary of Comments ( 35 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43139138
Hacker News users discussed the complexity of visual programming tools like FlowRipple, with some arguing that text-based systems, despite their steeper learning curve, offer greater flexibility and control for complex automations. Concerns were raised about vendor lock-in with proprietary platforms and the potential difficulties of debugging visual workflows. The lack of a free tier and the high pricing for FlowRipple's paid plans were also criticized, with comparisons made to cheaper or open-source alternatives. Some commenters expressed interest in seeing more technical details about the platform's implementation, particularly regarding its handling of complex branching logic and error handling. Others praised the clean UI and the potential usefulness of such a tool for non-programmers, but ultimately felt the current offering was too expensive for individual users or small businesses.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: I Built a Visual Workflow Automation Platform – FlowRipple" generated several comments discussing the platform and related topics.
Several commenters expressed interest in the project and offered positive feedback. One user appreciated the clean UI and found the platform intriguing, especially the ability to create custom components. They inquired about the underlying technology used to build FlowRipple. Another commenter praised the project for focusing on self-hosting and using local storage instead of relying on cloud services, a feature they considered valuable.
The discussion also delved into technical details and comparisons with existing tools. One user compared FlowRipple to n8n, another visual workflow automation tool, highlighting potential benefits of FlowRipple. Another commenter discussed the challenges of building such a platform, acknowledging the complexities involved in creating a robust and user-friendly system. They specifically mentioned the difficulty of handling errors effectively, prompting the creator to explain their approach to error management within FlowRipple.
Some users questioned the choice of certain technologies, particularly the use of React for the front-end and Go for the backend, expressing concerns about potential performance bottlenecks and suggesting alternatives. The creator responded to these concerns, explaining the rationale behind their technology choices and outlining plans for future development and optimization.
Furthermore, a discussion emerged around the business model and potential future development of FlowRipple. One commenter asked about plans for monetization, suggesting a potential market for a self-hosted version, especially among developers. Another user inquired about the intended user base for FlowRipple, suggesting its suitability for technical users familiar with automation tools.
The creator actively participated in the discussion, responding to questions and providing further insights into the platform's features, development process, and future plans. They acknowledged the feedback received and expressed openness to incorporating suggestions from the community. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to FlowRipple, with users expressing interest in its development and offering constructive feedback for improvement.