I wonder if you can pick your favorite language/framework and write a daemon that serves as the "backend". Then, write a UI in whatever you like, and send calls to the backend to modify state. It's the same concept as MVC, but implemented in different processes
Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
131–140 of 219 posts
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#132I found fun again in two easy steps: (1) Unlearn the "large team workflow mindset" and embrace the "single developer mindset" again. You don't need a plan, a Kanban board or a bug database, just an idea in your head. Get rid of "big languages" which are good for team work, but just a hinderance when working alone. In my case this meant: dropping C++ and embracing C (today that would be: Zig). Focus on getting shit do…
> (1) Unlearn the "large team workflow mindset"
That's how Darth started.
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#133I'm sensing that engineering compromises are what you'd call work, not fun? You may be asking for elegant cross platform tooling that may not exist because of the compromises it would require to hit a common denominator. I would pick my favorite platform and make something uncompromising using its strengths.
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#134This thread has a lot of language suggestions, but I think you need a fun problem to solve. Pick a toy app and work on it. Learn embedded programming with an Arduino. Write an iPhone app to track when you feed the dog. Make a karaoke app for Android. If you pick a project you'll enjoy, the language won't matter. Use whatever is best for the platform. The fun doesn't come with the language, it comes with seeing your p…
Big +1 on this. If you're OK with a broader definition of "programming" and have a bit of money to throw around, I've found tinkering with https://www.home-assistant.io/ to be very satisfying. I got more sense of accomplishment from scripting "text me when I leave the house if I forgot to set the alarm, and turn on the front porch lights when I arrive back if it's after sunset" than I did from months of corporate wor…
Deploying Home Assistant is largely how I taught myself Docker, Kubernetes etc. Its much easier to learn solving a "real" example.
You can learn a ton just trying to do a production grade home assistant deployment - move on to SSL termination at the load balancer with letsencrypt, try different deployment strategies for upgrading the server with zero down time, write custom extensions... etc etc.
I've now got a small Pi cluster running k8s to deliver a bunch of services at home, and its all really easy to maintain. I've absolutely used the skills and knowledge gained in my day job too, which is nice. Home Assistant is great to learn a lot of production web app stuff, all you need to get started is as little as the PC you already own, or something like a Pi to host it. As it can solve problems in your actual life, it's rewarding enough to be interesting I've found.
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#135Employ a risk containment strategy, “how can I get the next micro-piece to MVP in the least time/energy/resources/money.” I enjoy that challenge, it gets a lot of my what I call “head crap” out of the way, and reveals new ways to approach problems. I call that fun. Constructively I’ll say it appears you may have some “head crap” in play. I say that because your stated goals of the perfect app, with fun, and simplicity are totally at odds. Risk containment, you might choose to flesh out your idea as it is. If it flies and starts making cash, then tackle more platforms. Rewrite from the ground up in a different language/framework if necessary AFTER getting traction and money. Because making the money is the real fun.
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#136Earlier quoted context omitted.
Big +1 on this. If you're OK with a broader definition of "programming" and have a bit of money to throw around, I've found tinkering with https://www.home-assistant.io/ to be very satisfying. I got more sense of accomplishment from scripting "text me when I leave the house if I forgot to set the alarm, and turn on the front porch lights when I arrive back if it's after sunset" than I did from months of corporate wor…
Deploying Home Assistant is largely how I taught myself Docker, Kubernetes etc. Its much easier to learn solving a "real" example. You can learn a ton just trying to do a production grade home assistant deployment - move on to SSL termination at the load balancer with letsencrypt, try different deployment strategies for upgrading the server with zero down time, write custom extensions... etc etc. I've now got a small…
I knew this guy that automated his home with Prolog. It was quite a cool project. I 100% agree with picking a project to learn.
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#137You're over thinking minor stuff
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#138Nim is a fun language to program and also meets some of your requirements. It can compile to JS and has some libraries to interop with html. Admittedly it’s a bit limited on those packages but they exist.
HTML template: https://github.com/juancarlospaco/nim-html-dsl
SDL on emscripten: https://jipok.github.io/Nim-SDL2-and-Emscripten/
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#139In programming, the sky is literally limitless. But you have to find it within yourself to find what's "fun".
No one could possibly suggest "fun" to you.
Re: Ask HN: I just want to have fun programming again
#140If frontend stuff is fatiguing just use Bootstrap. You barely have to touch CSS with it (beyond using its classes on elements) and it is extremely polished and capable. Sure the stock output is a little corporate and bland but who cares, just get stuff done with it and worry about making it look unique later. edit: Material design is another good frontend option that lets you stop worrying about fiddling with design…
I stopped using bootstrap for my side projects once I learned how to use grid/flex. Breaking free of the front-end frameworks feels like flying when you are working on solo projects. MDN is the only web reference you need if you go completely vanilla. For team/professional work, I'd still stick with something like bootstrap.
This validates me. MDN is the bible.