Show HN: Open-Source, Free, Fast, and Simple Web Store for Your Side Projects
jikkujose.inHi HN,
Over the past year, I've been reflecting on why I haven't shipped any of the ideas I've been jotting down.
While lack of time is a significant factor, I realized that certain frictions make the process less enjoyable.
After listing them out, I found that setting up a database for projects was my top annoyance. So, I decided to tackle it first[0].
A few months ago, I created an early first version of WebArray.
Initially, I planned to add more features and packages for other languages before releasing it. But time constraints held me back.
Yesterday, my friends convinced me to release the early version for feedback and then build the rest. So, without further ado:
WebArray[1] is a remote array designed to simplify databases for small projects.
Its goal is to eliminate the need for any database setup!
This lightweight web store offers granular access control, enabling you to add, append, and replace data with ease.
It's ideal for prototyping ideas and testing with a few thousand users.
The JavaScript library for WebArray is open source[2], and I'm currently improving the back-end service before open-sourcing it.
There's also a Ruby gem available[3]!
I envision WebArray being primarily used by front-end developers to quickly provide remote state to their static apps or offer simple storage for user data.
You can try it in under a minute on CodePen[4].
No emails or sign-ups are necessary! WebArray only requires a unique seed to store your data.
WebArray's versatility makes it suitable for various applications, including polls, surveys, feedback collectors, leader-boards, and status pages, among others.
One of my fun projects, Parayu[5], already utilizes WebArray for user data.
Give WebArray a try for your next side project and experience the simplicity and shit faasst.
[0]: https://jikkujose.in/2023/07/15/webarray.html
[1]: https://webarray.dev
[2]: https://github.com/jikkujose/webarray
[3]: https://rubygems.org/gems/webarray