Ask HN: Side Projects with Meaning

#1

Post by jpace121 » Mon, Jun 01, 2026, 11:38 PM UTC

Hi!

I like programming for fun, but most of my projects don’t do anything useful for anyone or make the world a better place even in a small amount.

It would be cool if something I did fit fun did, though. If I could look at something and feel like I helped someone in some way.

The problem is I’m currently not really sure what a project like that would look like…

Dk you have a project like that or have any ideas?

Re: Ask HN: Side Projects with Meaning

#2

Post by tallymark » Tue, Jun 02, 2026, 12:11 AM UTC

I try to work on useful projects but I end up disappointed because nobody uses them. If you’re trying to find a useful project I’d recommend looking for problems you have or someone close to you has, or maybe problems at work that are being pushed aside for more important things. One of my projects is a fragrance comparison type thing, it seemed useful and was fun to make, but idk how useful it is in reality. Another one is a simple dependabot alternative for NuGet packages.

Are any of your projects public? Idk what the rules are for sharing links

Re: Ask HN: Side Projects with Meaning

#3

Post by NuclearPM » Tue, Jun 02, 2026, 1:22 AM UTC

A library for people to share things like lawnmowers, air mattresses, trailers, and wedding decorations.

Re: Ask HN: Side Projects with Meaning

#4

Post by jschveibinz » Tue, Jun 02, 2026, 3:29 AM UTC

I’m thinking about volunteering at a local museum. They get school groups to visit. I may have the opportunity to build a few interactive things for them. Maybe there is something like that near you?

Re: Ask HN: Side Projects with Meaning

#5

Post by mmarian » Wed, Jun 03, 2026, 4:53 AM UTC

Look at a software project that has a ton of paid users. Build a copy of it and offer it free. Guaranteed to get people trying it.

Re: Ask HN: Side Projects with Meaning

#6

Post by gus_massa » Wed, Jun 03, 2026, 1:19 PM UTC

If the project is fun for you, it's good enough. (Assuming it's not harmful for someone else, and you can pay your food and home from the main employment.)

Anyway, some ideas:

* Some project may become a nice blog post. You can post it here and farm some karma. You may share the fun with other people and get unrequested feedback.

* Contribute to an open source project. Pick one you use and like. It's easier to understand what to do. Start with something small, like 1 or 2 days of work, in case the maintainer does not like it.

* There are some local meetups where you can share small technical projects, but I'm not sure if they are good of full of morons.