Stories with Tag Chat

• Show HN: WhatsApp MCP Server

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  Posted: 2025-03-31 09:32:54

  Verbose tl;dr

  lharries has created and shared a minimal, command-line based WhatsApp server implementation written in Go. This server, dubbed "whatsapp-mcp," implements the WhatsApp Multi-Device Capability (MCP) protocol, allowing users to connect and interact with WhatsApp from their own custom client applications or potentially integrate it with other systems. The project is described as experimental and aims to provide a foundation for others to build upon or explore the inner workings of WhatsApp's multi-device architecture.

  This GitHub repository, titled "WhatsApp MCP Server," introduces a project focused on creating a server implementation compatible with the WhatsApp Multi-Device Capability (MCP) protocol. The goal is to allow users to connect multiple devices, like tablets and desktops, to a single WhatsApp account concurrently, mirroring the functionality officially provided by WhatsApp. Instead of relying on WhatsApp's official infrastructure, this project aims to provide an independent, self-hosted alternative. It's built using Go and leverages the existing open-source WhatsApp Web reverse-engineered libraries, specifically "go-whatsapp." The server acts as a central hub, handling communication between the connected client devices and the primary WhatsApp account linked to the user's phone. This server manages the complexities of synchronizing messages, status updates, and other data across all connected devices, effectively mimicking the official WhatsApp multi-device experience. While the project demonstrates functionality, the README emphasizes that it is still a work in progress and may not be fully feature-complete or stable. It explicitly states its intent for educational purposes and exploration of the WhatsApp protocol, not necessarily for production use or as a replacement for the official WhatsApp multi-device feature. The project provides instructions on how to set up and run the server, along with details about the technical implementation and dependencies.

  • WhatsApp
  • MCP
  • Server
  • HN
  • HackerNews
  • Show HN
  • GitHub
  • Open Source
  • Messaging
  • Protocol
  • Reverse Engineering
  • API
  • Chat
  • instant messaging

  Summary of Comments ( 101 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43532967

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussed the potential security and privacy implications of running a custom WhatsApp server. Some expressed concerns about the complexity and potential vulnerabilities introduced by deviating from the official WhatsApp infrastructure, particularly regarding end-to-end encryption. Others questioned the practicality and legality of using such a server. Several commenters were curious about the project's motivations and specific use cases, wondering if it was intended for legitimate purposes like testing or research, or for more dubious activities like bypassing WhatsApp's limitations or accessing user data. The lack of clarity on the project's goals and the potential risks involved led to a generally cautious reception.

  The Hacker News post "Show HN: WhatsApp MCP Server" linking to a Github repository for a WhatsApp MCP server implementation generated several comments discussing various aspects of the project and related topics.

  A significant number of comments focused on the complexities and challenges associated with implementing the WhatsApp protocol, with some expressing skepticism about the project's completeness and ability to handle the nuances of the real-world WhatsApp infrastructure. Several users questioned the robustness of the implementation, especially concerning encryption and security considerations, given the sensitive nature of WhatsApp communications. There were inquiries about how the project handled end-to-end encryption and whether it truly replicated the official WhatsApp server behavior, or if it was simply a proof-of-concept or a partial implementation.

  Some commenters discussed the potential legal and ethical implications of running a custom WhatsApp server, highlighting the terms of service violations that could arise from such activities. Concerns were also raised regarding the possibility of the project being misused for spamming or other malicious purposes.

  A few comments delved into the technical details of the project, discussing the choice of Erlang for the implementation and comparing it to other potential language choices. There was also discussion around the feasibility of scaling such a server to handle a large number of users and messages.

  Some users expressed interest in using the project for personal messaging or creating private WhatsApp networks, while others saw potential applications in research and security analysis. However, these comments were often coupled with acknowledgements of the potential risks and challenges involved.

  A particularly compelling thread of discussion centered around the reverse-engineering efforts required to understand the WhatsApp protocol, with several commenters expressing admiration for the work involved in such a project. This led to a broader discussion on the complexities of closed protocols and the challenges faced by developers trying to interoperate with them.

  Overall, the comments reflected a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and concern regarding the project. While some were intrigued by the technical aspects and potential applications, others highlighted the significant challenges and ethical considerations associated with implementing a custom WhatsApp server. Notably absent were comments from the original poster addressing the numerous questions and concerns raised by the community.

• Revolt: Open-Source Alternative to Discord

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  Posted: 2025-03-06 08:47:32

  Verbose tl;dr

  Revolt is a free and open-source alternative to Discord, offering a similar feature set with a focus on user privacy and community control. It features text and voice channels, direct messaging, file sharing, rich text editing, and voice chat, all hosted on its own servers. Revolt aims to provide a transparent and extensible platform, allowing users to self-host or contribute to its development. Its client is available on desktop and web, with mobile apps planned for the future. The project prioritizes community involvement and customization, giving users more control over their communication experience.

  Revolt presents itself as a robust, open-source alternative to the popular communication platform, Discord, emphasizing user freedom and control. The project aims to provide a fully-featured chat experience comparable to Discord, but with the added benefits of transparency and community-driven development inherent in open-source software. Revolt boasts a comprehensive set of features, including direct messaging, server creation with customizable roles and permissions, voice and video calling capabilities, file sharing, and rich text formatting. Furthermore, the platform prioritizes user privacy and data security, offering end-to-end encryption options and self-hosting possibilities, empowering users to maintain complete control over their communication data. This self-hosting option allows individuals and communities to operate their own Revolt instances, independent of any centralized authority, further solidifying the principle of decentralization.

  The platform's open-source nature facilitates community contributions, allowing developers and users to contribute code, identify and fix bugs, and propose new features. This collaborative approach fosters a dynamic environment where the platform can continually evolve and adapt to the needs of its users. Revolt also champions customizability, offering a range of themes and plugins to personalize the user interface and extend functionality. This allows users to tailor the platform to their specific preferences and integrate with other services. The project aspires to create a viable and thriving alternative to proprietary communication platforms, providing a community-owned and controlled space for online interaction, collaboration, and community building, all while maintaining a high level of performance and feature parity with established alternatives. By prioritizing open access, community involvement, and user autonomy, Revolt seeks to establish a new paradigm for online communication that prioritizes freedom and control in the hands of the users.

  • Revolt
  • Discord
  • Alternative
  • open-source
  • Chat
  • Messaging
  • Communication
  • instant messaging
  • VoIP
  • group chat
  • Community
  • privacy
  • self-host
  • Federation
  • Matrix
  • XMPP
  • Decentralized

  Summary of Comments ( 264 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43277918

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussed Revolt's potential as a Discord alternative, praising its open-source nature and commitment to user privacy. Several commenters expressed interest in self-hosting, viewing it as a significant advantage. Some questioned Revolt's long-term viability and ability to compete with Discord's network effects and feature set, while others pointed to Matrix as a more established alternative. Concerns were also raised about moderation challenges and potential abuse on a decentralized platform. A few users shared their positive experiences using Revolt, highlighting its performance and clean interface, though acknowledging it's still under development. Overall, the comments reflect cautious optimism about Revolt, with many hoping it succeeds but recognizing the hurdles it faces.

  The Hacker News post titled "Revolt: Open-Source Alternative to Discord" sparked a discussion with a moderate number of comments, primarily focusing on Revolt's potential, its comparison to Discord and Matrix, and the challenges of building a successful open-source community platform.

  Several commenters expressed interest in Revolt as a viable alternative to Discord, praising its open-source nature and potential for greater user control and privacy. Some voiced frustration with Discord's perceived shift towards commercialization and centralization, seeing Revolt as a promising solution. However, many also acknowledged the significant network effect enjoyed by Discord, questioning whether Revolt could realistically compete with such an established player.

  A recurring theme in the discussion was the comparison between Revolt and Matrix. Some commenters argued that Matrix, with its decentralized architecture and existing user base, offered a more robust and mature alternative to Discord. They questioned the need for another similar platform, suggesting that efforts might be better spent contributing to the Matrix ecosystem. Others countered this by pointing to perceived usability issues with Matrix and its steeper learning curve, arguing that Revolt's simpler, more Discord-like interface could attract a wider audience.

  The challenges of building a thriving community were also discussed, with commenters emphasizing the importance of moderation, feature development, and user experience. Some expressed concerns about potential moderation difficulties and the risk of Revolt becoming a haven for undesirable communities if not managed carefully. Others highlighted the need for consistent development and a clear roadmap to build trust and attract users.

  Several technical aspects of Revolt were also touched upon, including its use of technologies like Rust and Postgres, with some commenters praising these choices while others raised questions about scalability and performance.

  Overall, the comments reflected a mixture of cautious optimism and pragmatic skepticism about Revolt's prospects. While acknowledging its potential and the appeal of an open-source alternative to Discord, many commenters recognized the significant hurdles faced by any new platform attempting to compete in this space. The discussion highlighted the importance of community building, user experience, and careful consideration of existing alternatives like Matrix.

• Microsoft is reportedly killing Skype after 14 years of neglect

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  Posted: 2025-02-28 05:31:49

  Verbose tl;dr

  Reports suggest Microsoft is planning to shut down Skype for Business Server in 2025, although the consumer Skype app will seemingly remain. After acquiring Skype in 2011, Microsoft gradually shifted focus to its Teams platform, integrating many of Skype's features and positioning Teams as the preferred communication tool for both business and personal use. This has led to a perceived neglect of Skype, with limited updates and dwindling user engagement, ultimately paving the way for its eventual demise in the enterprise space.

  Rumors are circulating, originating from a post on the often-reliable Microsoft insider site, Windows Central, that Microsoft is preparing to sunset its once-ubiquitous communication platform, Skype. After 14 years under Microsoft's stewardship, the application, which pioneered video calling for the masses and enjoyed a period of near-universal adoption, is purportedly facing its final chapter. The article paints a picture of prolonged neglect by Microsoft, suggesting that the company's focus shifted away from Skype following its acquisition and the subsequent rise of its own workplace collaboration platform, Microsoft Teams. This alleged neglect manifested in a lack of significant feature updates and improvements, leading to a perceived stagnation of the platform while competitors, such as Zoom and the aforementioned Teams, innovated and captured market share. The article implies that Microsoft has essentially cannibalized Skype by promoting Teams as its preferred communication solution, leaving Skype to languish without the resources and attention necessary to compete effectively in the modern landscape of online communication. While no official statement from Microsoft has corroborated these claims, the article points to the absence of substantial Skype updates as circumstantial evidence, suggesting a gradual phase-out is underway. Should these rumors prove true, it would mark the end of an era for a platform that once revolutionized how people connect globally, showcasing the cyclical nature of the tech industry where even pioneering services can eventually become obsolete in the face of evolving user needs and corporate strategies. The article posits that Skype, despite its historical significance, may soon join the ranks of other once-popular software relegated to the annals of technological history.

  • Microsoft
  • Skype
  • VoIP
  • Communication
  • Software
  • Technology
  • Discontinuation
  • Product Lifecycle
  • Business
  • Teams
  • Messaging
  • Video Conferencing
  • Chat

  Summary of Comments ( 249 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43202052

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users generally agree that Skype's decline is attributable to Microsoft's mismanagement. Several commenters point to missed opportunities, like failing to capitalize on mobile messaging and neglecting the platform's UI/UX, leading to a clunky and less desirable experience compared to competitors. Some users reminisced about Skype's early dominance in video calling, while others criticized the integration of Lync/SfB, arguing it made Skype more complex and less appealing for personal use. The forced migration of Skype users to Teams is also a common complaint, with many expressing frustration over the loss of features and a perceived degradation in call quality. A few commenters suggest the downfall began with the eBay acquisition and subsequent sale to Microsoft, highlighting a series of poor decisions that ultimately led to Skype's demise. There's a sense of disappointment in what Skype could have been, coupled with resignation to its inevitable fate.

  The Hacker News post titled "Microsoft is reportedly killing Skype after 14 years of neglect" has generated a number of comments discussing the news. Many commenters reflect on Skype's history and decline.

  Several users reminisce about Skype's early days, when it was a revolutionary tool for free international calls and video conferencing. They highlight how it disrupted the telecommunications industry, offering a significantly cheaper alternative to traditional phone calls. The quality, despite occasional issues, was considered groundbreaking at the time.

  A recurring theme in the comments is the perceived mismanagement of Skype after its acquisition by Microsoft. Commenters argue that Microsoft neglected Skype in favor of its own communication platforms like Teams. They point to features that were removed or never implemented, and a general sense that the platform stagnated. Some suggest that Microsoft intentionally let Skype languish to push users towards Teams.

  The transition to Teams is also a significant topic of discussion. Some users express frustration with being forced to switch to a platform they find less user-friendly or suitable for their needs. Others argue that Teams is a superior product, offering more features and better integration with other Microsoft services. A few comments mention the perceived complexity of Teams and the difficulty of transitioning for less tech-savvy users.

  Several commenters discuss the security implications of using Skype, with some suggesting that the platform has become less secure over time. There are also comments about the increasing prevalence of spam and bots on Skype.

  Some users express sadness at the news of Skype's potential demise, viewing it as the end of an era. Others are more pragmatic, accepting that technology evolves and that Skype has simply been superseded by newer, better alternatives.

  A few comments offer alternative perspectives, suggesting that Skype still has a niche user base and serves specific purposes well. For example, some users point to its continued use in certain industries or regions.

  Overall, the comments on Hacker News reflect a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and acceptance regarding the reported decline of Skype. Many users feel that Microsoft mishandled the platform, while others recognize the changing landscape of communication technology.

• Augment.vim: AI Chat and completion in Vim and Neovim

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  Posted: 2025-02-19 02:19:46

  Verbose tl;dr

  Augment.vim is a Vim/Neovim plugin that integrates AI-powered chat and code completion directly into the editor. It leverages large language models (LLMs) to provide features like asking questions about code, generating code from natural language descriptions, refactoring, explaining code, and offering context-aware code completion suggestions. The plugin supports multiple LLMs, including OpenAI, Cohere, and local models, allowing users flexibility in choosing their preferred provider. It aims to streamline the coding workflow by making AI assistance readily accessible within the familiar Vim environment.

  Augment.vim is a Vim and Neovim plugin that integrates the power of large language models (LLMs) directly into the editing experience. It leverages these models to provide a variety of functionalities aimed at boosting coding productivity and efficiency, primarily focusing on code generation, refactoring, and explanation. The plugin acts as a bridge between the user's editor and an LLM provider, enabling seamless interaction without leaving the familiar Vim environment.

  A core feature of Augment.vim is its ability to generate code based on user prompts. Developers can describe the desired functionality in natural language, and the plugin will utilize the connected LLM to generate corresponding code snippets that can be directly inserted into the current file. This can range from simple code completions to more complex code structures, effectively automating repetitive coding tasks and speeding up development.

  Beyond code generation, Augment.vim facilitates code refactoring by allowing users to select a block of code and request modifications through natural language instructions. For example, a user can select a function and ask the LLM to "simplify this code" or "add error handling," and the plugin will submit the request to the LLM, receive the modified code, and replace the original selection with the updated version. This streamlines the refactoring process, making it quicker and easier to improve code quality.

  Furthermore, Augment.vim offers a code explanation feature. Users can select a portion of code and request an explanation from the LLM. The plugin will then present the LLM's interpretation of the code's functionality, helping developers understand complex code segments, decipher legacy code, or onboard new team members to a project.

  Augment.vim supports multiple LLM providers, including OpenAI, Cohere, and Hugging Face Hub. This flexibility allows users to choose the provider that best suits their needs and preferences, taking into account factors such as cost, performance, and model capabilities. The plugin is designed to be easily configurable, allowing users to specify their preferred LLM provider and customize various settings to tailor the experience to their workflow. The integration with these providers is handled seamlessly by the plugin, abstracting away the complexities of API interaction and presenting a unified interface within the Vim editor. This makes powerful AI assistance readily accessible to Vim users without requiring extensive setup or configuration.

  • vim
  • Neovim
  • Plugin
  • AI
  • artificial intelligence
  • Chat
  • completion
  • Code Completion
  • coding
  • Text Editor
  • IDE
  • augment.vim
  • augmentcode

  Summary of Comments ( 26 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43097814

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussed Augment.vim's potential usefulness and drawbacks. Some praised its integration with Vim, simplifying access to AI assistance. Others expressed concerns about privacy and the closed-source nature of the plugin, particularly given its reliance on potentially sensitive code. There was also debate about the actual utility, with some arguing that existing language servers and completion tools already provided sufficient functionality. Several commenters suggested open-sourcing the plugin or using an open-source LLM to alleviate privacy concerns and foster community contribution. The reliance on a proprietary API key for OpenAI's models was also a point of contention. Finally, some users mentioned alternative AI-powered coding tools and workflows they found more effective.

  The Hacker News post for Augment.vim has a moderate number of comments discussing various aspects of the plugin and AI assistance in coding.

  Several commenters express excitement about the potential of AI tools like this to improve coding efficiency and workflow. One commenter mentions their particular interest in using this for editing config files, as this is a task they find tedious. Another appreciates the project's commitment to a free and open-source model, contrasting it with closed-source alternatives.

  Some discussion revolves around the specific features and functionalities. A few users inquired about how the plugin handles context and whether it can access and incorporate the current project's codebase for more relevant suggestions. Another commenter raises the important point of privacy and data security, questioning whether code snippets are sent to external servers and expressing concern about potential data leaks. This concern is echoed by others who discuss the importance of self-hosting or local models for sensitive projects.

  A thread emerges discussing the plugin's use of large language models (LLMs) and their potential drawbacks. One commenter points out that LLMs excel at generating code that "looks right" but may not necessarily be correct or efficient, requiring careful review. They draw a parallel to Stack Overflow, where seemingly correct answers can sometimes be misleading. Another commenter suggests the potential for these AI tools to create more "cargo cult" programming, where developers copy and paste code without fully understanding its purpose or implications.

  One user shared their experience using GitHub Copilot and found it most useful for generating repetitive code or boilerplate, freeing them to focus on more complex tasks. Another commenter expresses a preference for more specialized, smaller AI models tailored for specific coding tasks, as opposed to the larger, more general-purpose LLMs. They suggest this approach could lead to more accurate and relevant suggestions. Finally, one comment mentions a similar project called "rubberduck" with distinct functionality, highlighting the growing ecosystem of AI-powered coding tools.

• Discord client that works on Win95*, Win98 and above

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  Posted: 2025-02-03 11:49:49

  Verbose tl;dr

  DM is a lightweight, unofficial Discord client designed to run on older Windows operating systems like Windows 95, 98, ME, and newer versions. Built using the Delphi programming language, it leverages Discord's web API to provide basic chat functionality, including sending and receiving messages, joining and leaving servers, and displaying user lists. While not offering the full feature set of the official Discord client, DM prioritizes minimal resource usage and compatibility with older hardware.

  This GitHub repository, titled "Discord Messenger (dm)," houses a project dedicated to creating a Discord client compatible with older versions of Microsoft Windows, specifically targeting Windows 95, Windows 98, and subsequent releases. The project aims to provide users of these legacy operating systems with access to the Discord communication platform. While Discord's official client has evolved with modern operating system advancements, leaving behind compatibility with earlier Windows versions, this project seeks to bridge that gap. It attempts to recreate the core Discord experience within a framework that can function on the limited resources and older architecture of these systems. The technical details within the repository likely involve utilizing compatible libraries and potentially employing strategies to optimize performance on less powerful hardware. This allows users who maintain these older systems, whether due to preference, necessity, or specific technical constraints, to connect with communities and individuals on Discord. The project represents a significant undertaking, addressing the challenges of software compatibility and ensuring the functionality of a modern platform on aged operating systems.

  • Discord
  • Client
  • Windows
  • Win95
  • Win98
  • Retrocomputing
  • Vintage
  • Legacy
  • Operating System
  • Messaging
  • Chat
  • Community
  • Software
  • Application
  • Open Source
  • GitHub

  Summary of Comments ( 133 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42917268

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the Discord client for older Windows systems, primarily focusing on its novelty and technical ingenuity. Several express admiration for the developer's skill in making Discord, a complex modern application, function on such outdated operating systems. Some question the practical use cases, while others highlight the potential value for preserving access to communities on older hardware or for specific niche applications like retro gaming setups. There's also discussion around the technical challenges involved, including handling dependencies and the limitations of older APIs. Some users express concern about security implications, given the lack of updates for these older OSes. Finally, the unconventional choice of Pascal/Delphi for the project sparks some interest and debate about the suitability of the language.

  The Hacker News post about the Discord client for older Windows systems generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing interest and appreciation for the project.

  Many comments focused on the technical aspects. One user questioned the choice of using Electron for the client, arguing that a native application would offer better performance, particularly on resource-constrained older hardware. They suggested exploring alternatives like using a minimalist GUI framework or even a terminal-based interface for improved efficiency. This sparked a small back-and-forth with other users about the trade-offs between development ease (favoring Electron) and performance.

  Another commenter praised the project for its potential to bring modern communication tools to older systems, highlighting the value in keeping older hardware functional and accessible. They pointed out that many people might still have working older machines and could benefit from having access to Discord.

  Several users expressed curiosity about the project's compatibility with specific older operating systems and hardware configurations. One asked about support for Windows ME, while another inquired about performance on systems with limited RAM. The developer responded to some of these queries, clarifying supported operating systems and offering insights into performance considerations.

  A few commenters shared their personal experiences with older hardware and software. One recounted their fondness for Windows 98 and expressed interest in trying the Discord client on an old machine. Another mentioned using older systems for retro gaming and expressed appreciation for projects that breathe new life into vintage hardware.

  Some comments touched upon the security implications of using a modern application on older operating systems. One user raised concerns about the potential vulnerabilities of older systems and the risks associated with running software that might not be fully compatible with the security features of these platforms.

  Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the project, with many users expressing interest in its potential and appreciating the effort to bring modern software to older hardware. There's also a notable thread of technical discussion regarding the choice of Electron and its performance implications. Finally, some users touched upon the nostalgia and practical value of keeping older systems functional.