It doesn't make sense unless zooming out shows some higher level representation of the code.
Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
111–120 of 176 posts
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#112It doesn't make sense unless zooming out shows some higher level representation of the code.
We certainly intend to add semantic zoom levels, but for now I think zooming out is just helpful in navigating the canvas when you have multiple connected components on the canvas at once and need to pan to an area in the canvas.
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#113Earlier quoted context omitted.
For 3D I’d run a clustering algo across the graph and use the Z axis to background “far” clusters. I’m imagining a typical graph might end up looking a bit like this: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/81/07... in which case I’d want to have whatever cluster/file/method/object I’m focused on front and center with some visual cues like low-contrast and z-axis perspective that preserves edges to sho…
Interesting idea and curious - because when I look at that visualization, the first thing it reminds me of is gource.
I had not heard of Gource, and it looks like it’s building its graph based on directory layout rather than code semantics but yep that’s about where I would start!
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#114Earlier quoted context omitted.
I think Cursor is already looking successful. Most VS Code people I know (including myself) have switched over. I love the idea of Haystack (I was a fan of Light Table back in the day) but if I have to pick between a better UI and an assistant who perform most simple code transforms by English language request, saving hour(s) per day, I’m picking the assistant.
Yeah the productivity optimization here makes sense. We intend to add generative AI features unique to the canvas UI as well to ensure our users don't lose productivity. I am curious what features you like about Cursor the most? For me it's the CMD/CTRL+K -- I've had mixed experiences with the chat window and Composer.
Cmd-K and tab complete with or without writing some guiding comments
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#115I'm also building a canvas app these days. Thank you very much for sharing the code. I'm very curious to know your tricks to make the canvas efficient.
for my project, I use virtualization/windowing to only draw what's visible. but mine doesn't draw complex widgets like a code editor.
I will dig the code to find out.
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#116Wow, great work and kudos for making the source available! I'll have to give this a try.
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#117Earlier quoted context omitted.
"In a tenuous state due to the biological factors" is easily the funniest SV euphemism for "can't be used by humans."
Who knows, one day it may be possible (hopefully without any dystopian updates to human biology)!
At this point, that seems dubious - your inner ear is going to go all inner ear on you, no matter what. Unless you get to turn that off, VR is not it.
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#118Earlier quoted context omitted.
A lot of people mentioned Light Table, but I didn't know about it until post-launch! It's interesting that you mention a more 3D view. We were ideating on this, but it's really hard to get right in a way that the user can understand. This is definitely part of our vision for the future though! EDIT: Deleted the bit about my speculation regarding Light Table since it's false.
Light Table was getting lift and traction but didn't make it. There was a ton of conversation on it back in the day on HN, including great presentations by the creator (who had been a PM on Visual Studio as MSFT!). Definitely check it out. There's definitely demand for this tool but it looks like it's hard to get it off the ground. Wishing you the best of luck!
someone should revive it as a GUI debugger. doing so would narrow the scope which should cut down on complexity. let people use their own editors and IDEs for making code changes. the focus should be on inspecting state, seeing live updates, allowing you to smoothly change inputs and immediately see the output, plus the usual debugger features like stepping through the program.
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#119This is really, really cool! On the licensing side, though: > We’ve made the decision to make the editor source-available so that folks can make contributions and so that they can examine the code to make sure they can trust it. This is a very reasonable intent, and it absolutely makes sense to preserve your options to monetize, but Polyform Strict https://polyformproject.org/licenses/strict/1.0.0/ , which you link t…
Hmm I'll take a look at other licenses to see if there's one that expresses our intent in clearer language. The intent is that you should be able to make PRs, examine the source code, but not distribute Haystack for commercial reasons. I believe the license should allow you make PRs and examine code (even in commercial settings), but I'll take a more in-depth look. Thank you for raising this to my attention!
It's probably best that you pay for legal advice from one of the creators of PolyForm. It looks like Kyle has time for consultation clients.
Re: Launch HN: Haystack (YC S24) – Visualize and edit code on an infinite canvas
#120Looks interesting, but the license is a show-stopper for me. I can't expose my employer to that kind of risk. I poured a lot of time and effort into learning Akka and has to throw it all away.