The blog post explores the recently released and surprisingly readable Macintosh QuickDraw and MacPaint 1.3 source code. The author dives into the inner workings of the software, highlighting the efficient use of assembly language and clever programming techniques employed to achieve impressive performance on limited hardware. Specific examples discussed include the rectangle drawing algorithm, region handling for complex shapes, and the "FatBits" zoomed editing mode, illustrating how these features were implemented with minimal resources. The post celebrates the code's clarity and elegance, demonstrating how the original Macintosh developers managed to create a powerful and user-friendly application within the constraints of early 1980s technology.
SheepShaver is a free and open-source emulator that allows you to run classic PowerPC Mac OS versions (from 7.5.2 up to 9.0.4) on modern macOS, Windows, and Linux systems. It requires a ROM image from a compatible Mac model to function and offers good performance for many older Mac applications and games. While support for newer macOS versions relies on community patches, SheepShaver remains a viable option for revisiting classic Mac software.
Commenters on Hacker News express nostalgia for classic Mac OS and discuss their experiences using SheepShaver. Some highlight its speed and compatibility, even on low-powered hardware like the Raspberry Pi. Others reminisce about specific games and software that ran well on the emulator. A few users mention the limitations of emulating older systems and suggest alternative emulators like Basilisk II for 68k Macs. Some discuss the legal gray area of ROM acquisition, essential for running SheepShaver. The thread also touches on the challenges of preserving old software and hardware, as well as the ongoing interest in retro computing.
"Mac(OS)talgia" is a visual exploration of Apple's interface design evolution from System 1 to OS X Yosemite. It showcases screenshots of key applications and system elements, highlighting changes in typography, iconography, and overall aesthetic over time. The project acts as a nostalgic retrospective for long-time Mac users, demonstrating how the interface has progressively shifted from simple black and white pixels to the refined, flat design prominent in modern macOS versions. The curated collection emphasizes Apple's consistent pursuit of user-friendly and visually appealing design, tracing the gradual development of their signature digital aesthetic.
Hacker News users generally expressed appreciation for the Mac(OS)talgia project, praising its attention to detail in recreating the look and feel of older Macintosh systems. Some commenters shared personal anecdotes about their experiences with early Macs, evoking a sense of nostalgia for simpler times in computing. A few users pointed out specific inaccuracies or omissions in the recreations, offering corrections or suggestions for improvement. There was also some discussion about the challenges of emulating older software and hardware, and the importance of preserving digital history. A recurring sentiment was that the project effectively captured the "soul" of these classic machines, beyond just their visual appearance.
Macintosh Allegro Common Lisp (MCL) was a popular Lisp development environment for the classic Mac OS. Developed by Franz Inc., it offered a full-featured implementation of Common Lisp, including an integrated development environment (IDE) with a compiler, debugger, and inspector. MCL leveraged the Macintosh interface, offering a graphical user interface and utilizing features like QuickDraw for graphics. It was known for its performance and robust capabilities, making it a favored choice for AI research and development on the Mac platform during the late 80s and 90s. Though no longer actively developed, it represents a significant chapter in the history of Lisp on the Mac.
Hacker News users discuss Macintosh Allegro Common Lisp, with several expressing nostalgia for the environment and its impressive capabilities for the time. One commenter recalls its speed and the powerful IDE, noting its use in AI research. Another highlights its foreign function interface, enabling integration with existing Mac Toolbox code. Some lament the closed-source nature and the eventual decline of MCL, while others suggest exploring modern open-source Lisp options like SBCL or CCL. The high cost of MCL is also mentioned. One user points out the existence of a free version with limitations. The thread overall expresses appreciation for MCL's historical significance in the Lisp and Mac communities.
Summary of Comments ( 16 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43589156
Hacker News commenters on the MacPaint source code release generally expressed fascination with the code's simplicity, small size, and cleverness, especially given the hardware limitations of the time. Several pointed out interesting details like the use of hand-unrolled loops for performance and the efficient drawing algorithms. Some discussed the historical context, marveling at Bill Atkinson's programming skill and the impact of MacPaint on the graphical user interface. A few users shared personal anecdotes about using early Macintosh computers and the excitement surrounding MacPaint's innovative features. There was also some discussion of the licensing and copyright status of the code, and how it compared to modern software development practices.
The Hacker News post "Investigating MacPaint's Source Code" generated a lively discussion with several insightful comments. Many commenters expressed fascination with the historical significance of the code and the ingenuity of the original Macintosh development team.
Several commenters focused on the technical aspects of the code. Some marveled at the efficiency and compactness of the code, particularly given the hardware limitations of the time. Others pointed out interesting programming techniques used, such as the use of assembly language for performance-critical sections and the clever handling of memory management. One commenter highlighted the use of fixed-point arithmetic due to the lack of a floating-point unit on the original Macintosh. Another discussed the implications of the code's reliance on QuickDraw, the Macintosh's graphics library, and how it contributed to the system's overall responsiveness.
A few comments delved into the historical context of MacPaint's development. One commenter recounted their personal experience using MacPaint in its early days, highlighting its revolutionary user interface and the impact it had on the creative landscape. Another discussed Bill Atkinson's role as the primary developer of MacPaint and his other contributions to the early Macintosh. There was also some discussion of the challenges faced by the development team, including the limited hardware resources and the tight deadlines.
Some comments also touched upon the broader implications of making historical source code available. Commenters argued that studying such code can provide valuable insights into the evolution of software development practices and inspire future generations of programmers. They also emphasized the importance of preserving and sharing such historical artifacts for educational and research purposes.
A few commenters shared links to related resources, including the Computer History Museum's exhibit on the Macintosh and other online repositories of historical software. Some also suggested tools and techniques for analyzing and understanding the MacPaint source code.
Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post demonstrated a strong appreciation for the historical significance and technical brilliance of MacPaint's source code. The discussion provided valuable insights into the early days of personal computing and the ingenuity of the pioneers who shaped the industry.