FlashSpace is a free and open-source macOS application designed as a faster, more lightweight alternative to the built-in Spaces feature. It aims to provide smoother and more responsive virtual desktop switching, reducing lag and improving overall performance compared to the native solution. The project is hosted on GitHub and welcomes contributions.
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.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 37 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42984420
Hacker News users generally praised FlashSpace for its speed and open-source nature, seeing it as a welcome alternative to the built-in macOS Spaces feature. Several commenters expressed interest in features like window previews within the Spaces overview and better integration with keyboard shortcuts. Some questioned the app's stability and long-term maintenance given it's a solo project. There was also discussion about existing window management alternatives and their respective strengths and weaknesses compared to FlashSpace, with mentions of yaba, Rectangle, and Amethyst. A few users shared their own experiences with similar personal projects and the challenges of balancing feature requests with maintainability.
The Hacker News post "Show HN: FlashSpace – fast, open-source, macOS Spaces replacement" generated several comments discussing the project, its functionality, and potential improvements.
Several users expressed appreciation for the project, highlighting the speed and smoothness of FlashSpace compared to the built-in macOS Spaces. They found the instant switching between spaces particularly appealing. Some users who had tried other Spaces alternatives in the past noted that FlashSpace felt significantly more responsive and less buggy.
Performance was a key topic of discussion. One user questioned the performance difference compared to other solutions and the developer (wojciechkulik, the project author) responded explaining that FlashSpace leverages Core Graphics APIs for direct screen manipulation, bypassing the potentially slower Quartz Compositor, which might be used by other methods. This explanation was well-received and contributed to the positive perception of the project's technical approach.
The open-source nature of FlashSpace was praised, with several comments expressing interest in contributing or exploring the codebase. The use of Swift and SwiftUI was also seen as a positive aspect.
Some users suggested potential improvements and features. One suggestion involved allowing users to configure the swipe gestures for switching spaces. Another user requested the ability to assign applications to specific spaces. Support for moving windows between spaces using keyboard shortcuts was also mentioned as a desirable feature. The developer actively engaged with these suggestions, acknowledging their value and expressing openness to implementing them in the future.
A discussion arose about the project's name, with a few users finding the "Flash" part potentially misleading, as it might be associated with Adobe Flash. Alternative naming suggestions were offered, although no consensus was reached.
Overall, the comments were largely positive and reflected a strong interest in the project. Users appreciated the performance improvements, open-source nature, and active engagement of the developer. While some suggestions for improvements were made, they generally served to enhance the project rather than criticize its core functionality.