Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#1

Post by _benj » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:22 PM UTC

Hi HNers!

I’m curious about what practices you do when coding for fun?

For example, I’d use a different desk/space from the one I do my daily work, or work from a coffee shop, or from the sofa with a laptop. I’d also use different tools and languages.

But sometimes I find that even though I want to learn X or play with project Y being on a desk in front of a computer still feels like work.

Do you guys have some practices to make hobby coding fun?

Thx

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#2

Post by raxxorraxor » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:46 PM UTC

For me it is painting and 3d-modeling. It rarely ends up in finished software, but I like to include some works in little and primitive games. Do something with it.

I often use browsers + javascript because you very quickly get a result. I have some pipelines to convert data formats ready though.

I am not a talented painter, but with some training everyone can put out decent images.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#3

Post by pamoroso » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:46 PM UTC

For me it's easy as programming is only a hobby, not my day job.

Instead of using different tools and setup, try picking different projects or domains you love. For example, if you're a web developer by trade you may write compilers, games, or text editors for fun.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#4

Post by luma » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:52 PM UTC

Playing with embedded devices (microcontrollers etc) has become my favorite coding-related hobby. The barriers to entry are hilariously low, the parts and tools are cheap and the code and documentation and tutorials are all free. At the end of the day, what you are left with is a physical thing that you can touch and which Does What You Told It To Do.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#5

Post by aynyc » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:55 PM UTC

I do side projects for myself such as web scraper, etc.. I enjoy hobby coding because I don't do:

1. sprints 2. minimum documentations 3. no test cases 4. only one git branch 5. run on barebone VM

I don't want agile + code review + PRs + git merges + container. I want the least amount of friction between me finishing typing code to running that in prod.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#6

Post by t-3 » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:57 PM UTC

If something feels like work, don't do it. If you want to do it anyway, do it with a level of detail and attention that you wouldn't be allowed on the clock. Write your code on paper, write assembler, make radical choices and do stupid things just because. Play with microcontrollers and build something physically real. Roll your own crypto and design your own networking protocols. Restrict the length of your functions, don't use the standard library, don't use anything but the standard library. Etc.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#7

Post by bil7 » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:58 PM UTC

usually i make silly little games like tetris, 2048, cgol, or attempt simple leetcode challenges, or build userscripts to automate web tediums. To me it feels like solving a sudoku (fun) rather than studying for a math exam (boring). But the real secret sauce to fun programming is to build your own ideas. You might think of an old game you've played, and wonder, can I build that? Yes you can.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#8

Post by revskill » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 1:59 PM UTC

Try to make a CRUD app with API and SPA. Then it's both fun and it's also for real world apps you'll build.

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#9

Post by atemerev » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 2:00 PM UTC

Common Lisp is fun!

Re: Ask HN: Hobby coding that doesn’t feel like work

#10

Post by naadje » Tue, Nov 29, 2022, 2:03 PM UTC

I'm in the process of making a digital version of a known dice/board game. Idea is to create a main unit that controls the game state with 5 or more handheld controllers.

Think quiz/reaction time/mario party type minigames

Doing pcb design, soldering, network communication and state management between microcontrollers, 3d-modeling and printing, (to protect the bare pcbs), etc. is new to me. Also creating expansions or twists on existing games keeps my mind going and does not feel like work.