Are you curious about those “Show HN” posts that frequently appear on Hacker News? I’ve been fascinated by this corner of the tech community where builders showcase their latest creations and receive immediate feedback. Today, I’ll walk you through what these projects are, why they matter, and highlight some interesting recent examples.
What Exactly Is “Show HN”?
“Show HN” is a specific category on Hacker News (news.ycombinator.com) where developers and creators can showcase projects they’ve built. It’s essentially a virtual show-and-tell for the tech community, allowing makers to put their work in front of a highly engaged audience of engineers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts.
The format is simple: creators post with the prefix “Show HN:” followed by a brief description of their project, which links to the actual creation. Community members can then upvote, comment, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Why “Show HN” Matters
You might wonder why these posts deserve attention. From my perspective, they offer several unique benefits:
- Real-world validation: Creators get immediate, unfiltered feedback from a technically sophisticated audience
- Community discovery: Users find interesting tools and projects they might never encounter elsewhere
- Learning opportunities: The discussions often reveal development approaches and creative problem-solving techniques
- Networking potential: Many collaborations and even acquisitions have originated from Show HN posts
The accessibility is particularly valuable—anyone can post a project, from established developers to complete beginners who are learning to code.
Recent AI-Powered “Show HN” Projects
Let’s explore some fascinating recent examples that highlight how creators are using AI to build innovative projects:
Feudle: A Family Feud + Wordle Hybrid – Show
A perfect example comes from user “papaolivia92,” who created Feudle—a clever blend of Family Feud and Wordle mechanics. What makes this particularly interesting is that the creator isn’t even a developer by trade but a self-described “game show nerd” who wanted to bring their idea to life.
They used ChatGPT to help build the game despite limited coding experience. The concept is clever: players guess the most popular responses to daily survey questions, with today’s answers coming from yesterday’s players. This creates a continuously evolving game experience.
Some key observations about this project:
- AI as an enabler: The creator explicitly mentioned using ChatGPT to overcome their technical limitations
- Community-driven content: Future questions are shaped by player submissions and votes
- Feedback loop: The HN community quickly pointed out issues with popups and keyboard functionality
- Iteration mindset: The creator actively engaged with feedback, acknowledging areas for improvement
I’m particularly struck by how AI tools are democratizing creation. Just a few years ago, building a functional web game like this would have required significant development experience or hiring a developer.
AI-Powered Presentation Tool for Teachers – Show
Another interesting “Show HN” project came from a teacher who built an AI presentation tool. While details were limited in our excerpt, this represents another example of domain experts (in this case, an educator) using AI to solve problems specific to their field.
Teachers often face unique challenges in creating engaging, informative presentations while balancing heavy workloads. An AI tool that streamlines this process could be immensely valuable to the education community.
This project highlights how AI is enabling subject matter experts to create specialized tools for their industries without necessarily having extensive programming backgrounds.
LinkedIn Alternative
One more example mentioned was a “better LinkedIn” alternative. This represents a different approach—taking on established platforms by addressing their perceived weaknesses. LinkedIn has faced criticism for various aspects of its user experience, from excessive notifications to a cluttered interface.
Creating an alternative requires not just technical skills but also deep understanding of professional networking needs and pain points with existing solutions.
Common Themes in “Show HN” Projects
Analyzing these and other “Show HN” posts, I’ve noticed several patterns:
- Solving personal pain points: Many creators build tools to address problems they’ve personally experienced
- Leveraging new technologies: AI, blockchain, and other emerging tech frequently appear
- Improving on existing tools: “Better version of X” is a common theme
- Combining familiar concepts: Mashups like Feudle blend existing ideas in novel ways
- Community engagement: Successful posts actively engage with feedback
What’s particularly interesting is how creators respond to feedback. The Feudle developer, for instance, acknowledged issues with annoying popups and input handling problems pointed out by users. This willingness to accept criticism seems crucial to project improvement.
How AI Is Changing “Show HN” Projects
The integration of AI tools in project development is perhaps the most significant recent trend. Projects like Feudle demonstrate how AI is lowering barriers to entry for aspiring creators who lack traditional coding skills.
Some ways AI is transforming “Show HN” projects:
- Code assistance: Tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot help write and debug code
- Content generation: Many projects leverage AI for generating text, images, or other content
- Personalization: AI enables more tailored user experiences
- Rapid prototyping: Creators can iterate more quickly with AI assistance
- Novel applications: Entirely new use cases emerge from AI capabilities
I’m both excited and occasionally concerned about this trend. While it’s democratizing creation, I sometimes wonder if we’re losing something when the technical barriers are lowered. Are we trading craftsmanship for accessibility? I’m not entirely sure, but the creativity on display is undeniable.
Tips for Creating Your Own “Show HN” Project
If you’re inspired to create and share your own project, here are some suggestions based on successful posts:
- Start with a clear problem: The most compelling projects solve specific, relatable problems
- Embrace AI tools: Use ChatGPT, Cursor, or other AI assistants if you need help with coding
- Build in public: Share your progress and gather feedback throughout development
- Launch early: Don’t wait for perfection—the HN community expects works-in-progress
- Respond to feedback: Engage with commenters and be open to criticism
- Iterate quickly: Use feedback to improve your project rapidly
- Tell your story: Share your journey, including challenges and learning experiences
The key seems to be balancing confidence in your creation with humility and openness to feedback. The Hacker News community responds well to creators who are passionate yet receptive to suggestions.
Whether you’re an experienced developer or just getting started with coding assistance from AI tools, “Show HN” provides a unique platform to showcase your work, receive valuable feedback, and potentially find users or collaborators. The only real prerequisite is having built something interesting—and with today’s tools, that’s more accessible than ever.
