Multipaint is a web-based drawing tool that simulates the color palettes and technical limitations of retro computing platforms like the Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, and Sega Genesis/Mega Drive. It allows users to create images using the restricted color sets and dithering techniques characteristic of these systems, offering a nostalgic and challenging artistic experience. The tool features various drawing instruments, palette selection, and export options for sharing or further use in projects.
Leaflet.pub is a web application designed for creating and sharing interactive, media-rich documents. Users can embed various content types, including maps, charts, 3D models, and videos, directly within their documents. These documents are easily shareable via a public URL and offer a flexible layout that adapts to different screen sizes. The platform aims to be a user-friendly alternative to traditional document creation tools, allowing anyone to build engaging presentations or reports without requiring coding skills.
The Hacker News comments on Leaflet.pub are generally positive and inquisitive. Several users praise the clean UI and ease of use, particularly for quickly creating visually appealing documents. Some express interest in specific features like LaTeX support, collaborative editing, and the ability to export to different formats. Questions arise regarding the underlying technology, licensing, and long-term sustainability of the project. A few users compare Leaflet.pub to similar tools like Notion and HackMD, discussing potential advantages and disadvantages. There's a clear interest in the project's future development and its potential as a versatile document creation tool.
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.
Summary of Comments ( 6 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43699431
Hacker News users generally praised Multipaint for its clever idea and execution, with several expressing nostalgia for the limitations of older hardware palettes. Some discussed the technical challenges and intricacies of working within such constraints, including dithering techniques and color banding. A few commenters suggested potential improvements like adding support for different palettes (e.g., Amiga, EGA) and implementing features found in classic paint programs like Deluxe Paint. Others appreciated the educational aspect of the tool, highlighting its value in understanding the limitations and creative solutions employed in older games and graphics. The overall sentiment is positive, viewing Multipaint as a fun and insightful way to revisit the aesthetics of retro computing.
The Hacker News post titled "Multipaint: Draw pictures with color limitations of 8-bit and 16-bit platforms" sparked a modest discussion with several interesting comments.
One commenter expressed appreciation for the tool's simplicity and ease of use, particularly the straightforward process of selecting palettes. They also highlighted the value of the provided examples, which they found helpful for learning.
Another commenter pointed out the historical significance of the limited color palettes showcased in the tool. They noted how these restrictions forced artists and developers to be creative in their use of color, leading to distinctive visual styles associated with specific platforms like the Amiga, Atari ST, and NES. This comment adds a layer of context and appreciation for the challenges and ingenuity of that era.
A different commenter shared their personal experience using Deluxe Paint on the Amiga 500. They praised the software's capabilities, especially its color cycling feature. This anecdote provided a firsthand account of working within the color constraints of the time, adding a personal touch to the discussion.
Another commenter touched upon the complexities of palette management within the context of limited color displays. They explained how the software's ability to select the "best" colors is a non-trivial problem and praised Multipaint's approach. They further elaborated on the importance of dithering techniques for displaying images with more colors than available on the palette, highlighting the "ordered dither" method used by Deluxe Paint.
One more user fondly recalled using similar tools, specifically mentioning DEGAS Elite for the Atari ST. They shared their memories of creating ANSI art using only 16 colors, further enriching the discussion with personal experiences from the era of limited color displays.
Finally, a commenter mentioned the website's slightly misleading use of "8-bit" and "16-bit" terminology. They clarified that the term "8-bit" usually refers to indexed color mode with 256 colors, while "16-bit" commonly refers to high color mode with thousands of colors. They suggested "4-bit" and "8-bit indexed color" would be more accurate descriptions for the limitations being simulated. This comment provides a valuable technical clarification for the discussion, highlighting potential misunderstandings around the terminology used.