Stories with Tag online tools

• Show HN: While the world builds AI Agents, I'm just building calculators

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  Posted: 2025-02-22 08:27:56

  Verbose tl;dr

  Calcverse is a collection of simple, focused online calculators built by a solo developer as a counterpoint to the current hype around AI agents. The creator emphasizes the value of small, well-executed tools that solve specific problems efficiently. The calculators currently offered on the site cover areas like loan comparisons, unit conversions, and investment calculations, with more planned for the future. The project embraces a minimalist design and aims to provide a practical alternative to overly complex software.

  The creator of Calcverse.live, a website showcasing a diverse collection of online calculators, has humbly presented their project on Hacker News, contrasting their work with the prevailing trend of developing sophisticated AI agents. While acknowledging the current excitement and focus within the tech community on artificial intelligence and autonomous agents, the developer has chosen to dedicate their efforts to a more grounded pursuit: the creation of practical and readily accessible calculation tools. Calcverse.live appears to host a variety of calculators, potentially catering to a wide range of needs, from simple arithmetic to more specialized calculations across diverse fields. The developer implicitly suggests a certain contentment in pursuing this less glamorous, but arguably equally valuable, path of building functional tools for everyday use, even while the broader technological landscape is captivated by the allure of artificial intelligence. The presentation implies a deliberate choice to focus on providing practical utility through these calculators, offering a tangible and immediately usable resource to visitors of the site. In essence, the developer is highlighting the enduring relevance and importance of fundamental calculation tools in a world increasingly dominated by complex algorithms and intelligent systems.

  • Calculators
  • Web Development
  • Show HN
  • Personal Project
  • javascript
  • online tools
  • mathematics
  • Arithmetic
  • UI/UX
  • web application
  • Front-End Development

  Summary of Comments ( 80 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43137248

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users generally praised the calculator's clean UI/UX and appreciated the developer's focus on a simple, well-executed project rather than chasing the AI hype. Several commenters suggested potential improvements or expansions, including adding more unit conversions, financial calculators, and even integrating with existing tools like Excel or Google Sheets. Some pointed out the existing prevalence of specialized online calculators, questioning the project's long-term viability. Others expressed interest in the technical implementation details, particularly the use of Qwik and Partytown. A few jokingly questioned the project's description as "just" calculators, recognizing the complexity and value in building a robust and user-friendly calculation tool.

  The Hacker News post titled "Show HN: While the world builds AI Agents, I'm just building calculators" sparked a small but interesting discussion.

  One commenter expressed appreciation for the simplicity and focus of the project, contrasting it with the current hype surrounding AI agents. They saw value in creating tools that serve a specific purpose well, rather than chasing the latest trend. They also pointed out the potential for calculators to become more complex and powerful, hinting at the possibility of the creator eventually incorporating some of the AI technologies they are currently eschewing.

  Another commenter focused on the business aspect, inquiring about the project's monetization strategy. This led the original poster (OP) to explain they were considering a freemium model with potential add-ons like custom themes and functions. This exchange offered a glimpse into the practical considerations of developing and sustaining a project like this.

  A third comment highlighted the importance of discoverability, suggesting that submitting the calculators to various app stores could significantly increase their reach. This practical advice offered a potential avenue for growth.

  The discussion also touched upon the technical aspects of the project. One user asked about the technology used to build the calculators, to which the OP replied that they were using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This clarified the development stack and offered insight into the project's technical foundation.

  Finally, there's a short exchange regarding the user interface. One commenter pointed out the lack of an equals sign (=) on the percentage calculator and enquired about its functionality, prompting the OP to explain it and also admit the UI confusion. This small detail highlighted the importance of user feedback in identifying and addressing usability issues.

  While the overall number of comments is relatively low, they provide a well-rounded perspective on the project, covering aspects from design and technical implementation to business strategy and discoverability. The comments generally express support for the project's focus on simplicity and utility in a landscape increasingly dominated by complex AI-driven applications.

• Marsha P Johnson: A Chrome extension to highlight trans erasure

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  Posted: 2025-02-14 19:16:59

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Marsha P. Johnson Chrome extension combats trans erasure by highlighting instances where "deadnaming" occurs on webpages. It identifies and visually emphasizes when a transgender person's pre-transition name is used instead of their chosen name, aiming to raise awareness and promote respectful language. The extension utilizes a user-maintained database of names and allows for community contributions to ensure its accuracy and comprehensiveness. This tool serves as a simple yet powerful reminder of the importance of using correct names and pronouns, honoring trans identities, and fostering a more inclusive online environment.

  This GitHub repository introduces "Marsha P. Johnson," a Chrome browser extension meticulously crafted to combat the pervasive issue of trans erasure. The extension operates by intelligently identifying instances where the names of cisgender individuals are erroneously attributed to accomplishments, innovations, or historical events that are rightfully attributed to transgender individuals. Upon detecting such an instance of misattribution, the extension intervenes by dynamically highlighting the incorrect name within the webpage's text. Furthermore, it appends a discreet yet informative tooltip containing the name of the actual transgender individual to whom the credit properly belongs. This corrective action serves not only to rectify the historical inaccuracy but also to educate users about the contributions of transgender individuals, thereby raising awareness and counteracting the systemic erasure of their achievements.

  The extension is named in honor of Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent Black transgender activist who played a pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising, a seminal event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. By bearing her name, the extension pays homage to her legacy and underscores its commitment to combating trans marginalization. The repository provides comprehensive documentation, including installation instructions, usage guidelines, and the underlying codebase, all of which are open-source and available for community contribution and enhancement. The project aims to be a dynamic and evolving tool, actively seeking feedback and improvements to further refine its ability to identify and correct instances of trans erasure across the web. The ultimate goal is to promote a more accurate and inclusive representation of history and acknowledge the significant contributions of transgender individuals in various fields.

  • Marsha P. Johnson
  • transgender
  • trans rights
  • trans visibility
  • lgbtq+
  • LGBTQ history
  • chrome extension
  • browser extension
  • web accessibility
  • activism
  • social justice
  • representation
  • erasure
  • History
  • internet activism
  • online tools

  Summary of Comments ( 2 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43051964

  Verbose tl;dr

  Several Hacker News commenters express skepticism about the value and implementation of the Marsha P. Johnson Chrome extension. Some question the effectiveness of simply highlighting names, suggesting it doesn't meaningfully address trans erasure and may even be counterproductive by trivializing the issue. Others criticize the technical execution, pointing to potential performance issues, privacy concerns around data collection, and the potential for misidentification or misgendering due to the complexities of language. There are also concerns about the extension promoting a specific political viewpoint and the potential for misuse or abuse. A few commenters offer alternative suggestions for combating trans erasure, such as donating to relevant organizations or engaging in more direct activism.

  The Hacker News post discussing the "Marsha P. Johnson: A Chrome extension to highlight trans erasure" extension has generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a mix of support, skepticism, and critique.

  Several commenters express concerns about the extension's potential for overreach and the possibility of false positives. They question how accurately the extension can identify instances of trans erasure, especially given the nuances of language and context. The potential for misidentifying and flagging well-intentioned content is a recurring theme. Some also raise the issue of potential for abuse, with concerns about the extension being used to harass or silence individuals.

  There is a discussion around the definition of "trans erasure" itself and how broadly the extension interprets the term. Some commenters suggest the current definition might be too expansive, leading to the flagging of content that doesn't actually constitute erasure. Others argue for a more precise definition within the extension's functionality.

  The technical implementation of the extension is also a point of discussion. Commenters inquire about the specific methods used to identify and flag content, expressing interest in the algorithms and datasets employed. There's a general desire for transparency regarding the extension's inner workings.

  Some commenters voice support for the extension's aims, acknowledging the problem of trans erasure and appreciating the effort to raise awareness. They see the extension as a potentially valuable tool for education and advocacy.

  A few commenters offer alternative approaches to addressing trans erasure, suggesting that focusing on education and positive reinforcement might be more effective than simply flagging content. They propose the creation of resources that provide information and promote understanding of trans issues.

  Overall, the comments reflect a complex and nuanced discussion about the challenges of addressing trans erasure, the potential pitfalls of automated content moderation, and the need for careful consideration of both technical implementation and ethical implications. While some commenters express enthusiasm for the extension's potential, others raise valid concerns about its accuracy, scope, and potential for misuse.