Napkin Math Tool is a web-based calculator designed for quick, back-of-the-envelope estimations and explorations. It emphasizes natural language input, allowing users to type expressions like "2 apples + 3 oranges" or "10% of 1 million." It handles unit conversions, uncertainties (e.g., "10±1"), and supports variables for building more complex calculations. The tool aims to be a versatile scratchpad for thinking through quantitative problems, offering a more flexible and expressive alternative to traditional calculators.
"An Infinitely Large Napkin" introduces a novel approach to digital note-taking using a zoomable, infinite canvas. It proposes a system built upon a quadtree data structure, allowing for efficient storage and rendering of diverse content like text, images, and handwritten notes at any scale. The document outlines the technical details of this approach, including data representation, zooming and panning functionalities, and potential features like collaborative editing and LaTeX integration. It envisions a powerful tool for brainstorming, diagramming, and knowledge management, unconstrained by the limitations of traditional paper or fixed-size digital documents.
Hacker News users discuss the "infinite napkin" concept with a mix of amusement and skepticism. Some appreciate its novelty and the potential for collaborative brainstorming, while others question its practicality and the limitations imposed by the fixed grid size. Several commenters mention existing tools like Miro and Mural as superior alternatives, offering more flexibility and features. The discussion also touches on the technical aspects of implementing such a system, with some pondering the challenges of efficient rendering and storage for an infinitely expanding canvas. A few express interest in the underlying algorithm and the possibility of exploring different geometries beyond the presented grid. Overall, the reception is polite but lukewarm, acknowledging the theoretical appeal of the infinite napkin while remaining unconvinced of its real-world usefulness.
Summary of Comments ( 7 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43389455
Hacker News users generally praised the Napkin Math Tool for its simplicity and ease of use, finding it a handy alternative to a full spreadsheet program for quick calculations. Several commenters appreciated the clean interface and the focus on keyboard navigation. Some suggested improvements, such as the ability to copy calculated results, a dark mode, and support for variables and functions. One user pointed out the potential benefit for teaching basic math principles, while another highlighted its usefulness for estimating cloud computing costs. There was also a discussion comparing it to other similar tools like Tydlig and Soulver.
The Hacker News post for "Napkin Math Tool" has generated a moderate amount of discussion with several insightful comments. Many users praise the simplicity and utility of the tool, finding it a helpful resource for quick calculations and visualizations.
One commenter highlights the tool's effectiveness for "Fermi estimations," approximations used to quickly determine the order of magnitude of a value. They appreciate the ability to easily chain calculations and visualize the results. Another commenter echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the benefit of the tool's clear and concise output, making it easy to understand the logic behind the calculations. They also appreciate the focus on order-of-magnitude estimations, as opposed to precise calculations, aligning with the spirit of napkin math.
Several users delve into the technical aspects of the tool. One points out the use of Math.js as the underlying calculation engine, praising its robustness and wide range of functions. Another discusses the potential for extending the tool's functionality, suggesting features like unit conversion and support for more complex mathematical operations. They even provide specific examples of how such features could be implemented, sparking a small thread of technical discussion.
Some commenters discuss alternative tools and approaches. One mentions using a spreadsheet for similar purposes, highlighting the flexibility of spreadsheets for complex calculations. Another suggests incorporating the tool's functionality into a command-line interface, enabling faster and more streamlined workflows.
A few commenters express concerns about the limitations of the tool. One points out the lack of support for variables, making it difficult to reuse calculations or perform iterative operations. Another raises the issue of precision, emphasizing that the tool is not suitable for calculations requiring high accuracy.
Overall, the comments on Hacker News generally express a positive view of the Napkin Math Tool, appreciating its simplicity and utility for quick estimations. The discussion also touches upon potential improvements and alternative approaches, reflecting the community's interest in refining and expanding the tool's capabilities.