Ask HN: What are you working on? (May 2025)

Hacker News Discussion ↗

Developer Tools, Languages & Infrastructure

  • Many projects target improving developer experience: new build tools (e.g., a faster JVM build system), typed config languages, version managers, better Go/Python tooling, and a wealth of CLI utilities (APM, HTML validation, CSP parser, test runners, git helpers).
  • Several aim to simplify deployment and infra: lightweight PaaS/Heroku alternatives, single-binary APM, self-hosted Kubernetes replacements, static site/landing-page builders, and self‑hostable email/newsletter infrastructure.
  • Database and data tools are common: Postgres drivers, ClickHouse/Parquet/Iceberg pipelines, ETL for MLS real-estate data, log analysis UIs, SQL workflow engines, and tools for monitoring migrations and query anomalies.

AI, LLMs & Agents

  • Many are building thin, focused AI wrappers: summarizers for web content and email, resume/cover-letter generators, language learning podcasts, translation pipelines, game/content generators, and “AI copilot” interfaces around existing workflows.
  • Others work on deeper infra: MCP servers/clients, agent orchestration layers, prompt compilers, structured-output libraries, context-management tools, and neurosymbolic or safety‑conscious systems for cybersecurity, pentesting, or forecasting.
  • There’s recurring skepticism about “agentic” hype: several posts note agents still need tight validation loops, strong domain constraints, and careful tooling to be genuinely useful.

Education, Knowledge & Productivity

  • Multiple spaced‑repetition and knowledge‑graph projects integrate Obsidian, Anki-like scheduling, and hierarchical concept graphs for math, kanji/Chinese, ESL, and self‑directed study.
  • Other tools support writing and thinking: AI-assisted notebooks, Emacs distributions optimized for LLMs, programming games that teach coding, math explainers for kids, and critical‑thinking courses around LLM “magic.”
  • Personal productivity tools range from texting-based planners, PKM systems, and note/task TUI apps to habit trackers, life‑loggers, and “daily optimist”-style mental health nudgers.

Consumer, Creative & Niche Apps

  • Many small SaaS or apps scratch specific itches: recipe managers, postcard senders, podcast feedback tools, gallery platforms, event planners, newsletter readers, date-spot pickers, birdwatching games, puzzle and word games, and social-photo ranking.
  • There’s strong interest in privacy/self‑hosting: file explorers with local semantic search, self‑hosted NVRs, search engines, IP geolocation, email tools, and open-source analytics.

Hardware, Robotics & “Real World”

  • Hardware efforts include underwater and cinematography drones, counter‑drone systems, repairable e‑bike batteries, MIDI controllers, e‑ink laptops, smart thermostats, and nuclear‑related tooling.
  • Many posts emphasize learning and tinkering: FPGA experiments, amateur radio, robotics, Enceladus climate modeling, and open nuclear‑industry starter kits.

Meta Themes

  • Common threads: building for one’s own needs, shipping small focused tools, long-running side projects, struggles with marketing/user acquisition, and extensive “vibe coding” with LLMs to bootstrap complex systems.