Ask HN: What are you working on? (November 2026)
This month's "Ask HN" thread bursts with the Hacker News community's latest personal projects, revealing a vibrant landscape of innovation. AI, LLMs, and coding agents are central, both as powerful tools enabling rapid development and as challenges to traditional coding. From bespoke CRMs to self-built web browsers and AI-powered learning platforms, these projects highlight a strong drive for digital autonomy and creative problem-solving.
The Lowdown
The November 2026 edition of "Ask HN: What are you working on?" showcases a sprawling collection of personal and passion projects from the Hacker News community. This recurring thread is a fascinating barometer of current developer interests, emerging technologies, and individual ingenuity. This installment, in particular, is heavily influenced by the pervasive presence of AI, with many projects either leveraging AI tools or directly responding to its impact.
Key themes and projects emerging from the discussion include:
- AI-Driven Development: A significant portion of projects integrate AI, ranging from coding agents for generating and reviewing code (e.g., architecture diagrams, test suites) to specialized LLM applications for tasks like transcribing old German cursive or creating AI-powered tutors.
- Niche Tools & Personal Solutions: Many developers are building highly specific tools to "scratch their own itch." Examples include a CRM for a father's carpet cleaning business, a dedicated NBA scores website, a custom screenshot tool, and various specialized finance, language learning, or hobby-related applications.
- Self-Hosting & Digital Sovereignty: A strong desire for control over data and infrastructure is evident, with projects focusing on migrating applications from cloud to self-hosted servers, building open-source alternatives to proprietary software, and developing local-first applications that prioritize privacy and offline functionality.
- Hardware & Low-Level Innovation: Several ambitious hardware projects stand out, such as reverse-engineering a Samsung phone's stack, building a Linux-running motherboard for a Nokia 1100, and creating new compilers or operating system components from scratch.
- Creative & Gaming Ventures: The thread also features a diverse array of creative projects, including games (MMORPGs, retro remakes, puzzle games, VR experiences), animation tools, and innovative art and music applications.
Overall, the thread paints a picture of a community deeply engaged in hands-on creation, often driven by personal needs or a desire to understand technology at a fundamental level. While AI is a powerful accelerator for many, there's also a clear emphasis on human oversight, customization, and a critical approach to its deployment.
The Gossip
The AI Acceleration & Alleviation
AI, particularly LLMs and coding agents, is the undeniable MVP of this thread, acting as both muse and menace. Many developers are harnessing AI for rapid code generation, data analysis, and task automation, enabling "vibe coding" and pushing projects forward. Conversely, there's a counter-movement: users are building tools to combat AI-generated "slop," create AI-resistant programming languages, or ensure human oversight, grappling with token costs and the challenge of maintaining originality in an AI-saturated world.
Ingenious Iterations: Solving Personal Pain Points
A core tenet of the Hacker News ethos shines through: building what you need. Many projects are born from personal frustration with existing tools being too expensive, bloated, or simply inadequate. From a custom CRM for a family business to a bespoke NBA stats site with a novel data architecture, and even a replacement for a screenshot tool, these projects demonstrate how targeted solutions for individual problems can often evolve into broader, valuable products.
Digital Autonomy and Open Waters
A pervasive theme is the quest for digital freedom and control. Developers are actively pursuing open-source alternatives and self-hosting solutions to circumvent vendor lock-in, data privacy concerns, and restrictive commercial offerings. This ranges from building a web browser entirely from scratch without libraries or AI, to reverse-engineering phone operating systems for complete control, and creating personal cloud storage or data management systems. The community champions transparency and the ability to truly own one's digital life.
Niche Innovations & Curious Creations
Beyond the mainstream, the thread highlights a fascinating array of projects catering to highly specialized interests and pushing the boundaries of technology. This includes intricate hardware projects like developing a Linux motherboard for a Nokia 1100, creating advanced digital art tools, reverse-engineering old game engines, or even building a tool to monitor power grid frequency for space weather correlations. These projects showcase the community's diverse passions and its capacity for deep, specialized technical exploration.