
Hacker News Recap
August 4th, 2024 | Written by a 16 year old, a book on how computers work
Aug 6, 2024
Dive into the fascinating world of tech creativity! Discover why a developer is porting a JavaScript game engine to C. Explore hacks like turning a Kindle into an e-ink monitor. Delve into the thrilling tale of U.S. spies sabotaging Soviet tech during the Cold War. Uncover innovative solutions like a secure online voting system and a new USB Sniffer Lite for packet capture. Plus, learn about reimagining public transport mapping. This episode is a treasure trove of ingenuity and insights!
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Quick takeaways
- The transition of rewriting a JavaScript game engine in C sparked community discussions about balancing customization with innovation in game development.
- A creative project converting Google Calendar into a file system emphasized the educational value found in playful programming endeavors, regardless of practicality.
Deep dives
Whimsical Game Engine Rewrite
A developer reflects on the creative journey of rewriting their JavaScript game engine, Impact, in C, resulting in the new version called Hi_Impact. This 2D action game engine maintains simplicity while incorporating essential features like physics, collision detection, and sprite animations. The nostalgia surrounding this transition sparked discussions in the community regarding the value of customizing existing engines versus starting anew. Users shared experiences and technical challenges faced during game porting to various platforms, emphasizing the evolution of web technologies over time.
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