3 ms·

I’m seeing a lot of responses clarifying that this app is designed for folks who either can’t afford to code from a computer (for various reasons outside of the

I’m seeing a lot of responses clarifying that this app is designed for folks who either can’t afford to code from a computer (for various reasons outside of their control) or want to quickly prototype ideas or make changes to existing projects. To better illustrate my skepticism (and bias), I’d like to invoke an imperfect analogy to writing novels. Imagine a mobile notes app that touts an impressive list of features and ergonomics that allows anyone to write the next novel from anywhere. You no longer need a computer or even an internet connection, just the $100 phone in your pocket and the desire to put words on (digital) paper. It’ll even figure out what you’re writing about and suggest novel plot devices and character arcs to add to your work in progress. This sounds great on the surface, and it will definitely encourage more people to feel comfortable writing more often, which will no doubt lead to more literature being written as a result, much of which will benefit from the creative AI-injected prose. The main issue as I see it (and I realize the analogy to writing novels is imperfect), is that the environment in which you’re writing, navigating, executing, and debugging code contributes greatly to one’s productivity and the quality of the final product. I can see the argument for being more of a playground for toy projects and ideas (much like a note-taking app), but I struggle to see this taking over as the primary tool by which technology companies are built.

haolez 4y ago
The only issue that I see is that it's a proprietary solution that no one knows where it's going to be in the future. I'm not trying to be harsh on Replit. They are just starting, after all, and my point above can be addressed in due time if they feel like doing so.
- Jtsummers 4y ago
  The languages are all bog standard and you can configure the environment for execution via Nix. Not on the mobile (or I've missed it) but via the website you can connect projects to git repos. So none of the data is locked in in any way. In principle, this means you should be able to clone any project and run it on your own machine(s) with little effort if you're aware of how to set up nix and git in the first place.
runevault 4y ago
At least one novel I'm aware of that was traditionally published was written on a phone, I think a Blackberry, mostly during commutes. https://bgr.com/general/the-novel-on-the-f-train-an-interview-with-peter-v-brett/ https://bgr.com/general/the-novel-on-the-f-train-an-intervie...
- gmaster1440 4y ago
  For sure, hence an imperfect analogy, and I have no doubt some cool projects will come out of this replit mobile app too. I just don’t see it becoming the weapon of choice for most production development environments.
  - runevault 4y ago
    Oh yeah I wouldn't want to do anything serious on a phone period, well with the caveat I find it weirdly easier to write rough drafts of poetry on my phone and I have no idea why.
joshxyz 4y ago
never as the primary tool of course, but it's great for starters.

haolez 4y ago

The only issue that I see is that it's a proprietary solution that no one knows where it's going to be in the future. I'm not trying to be harsh on Replit. They are just starting, after all, and my point above can be addressed in due time if they feel like doing so.

Jtsummers 4y ago
The languages are all bog standard and you can configure the environment for execution via Nix. Not on the mobile (or I've missed it) but via the website you can connect projects to git repos. So none of the data is locked in in any way. In principle, this means you should be able to clone any project and run it on your own machine(s) with little effort if you're aware of how to set up nix and git in the first place.

runevault 4y ago

At least one novel I'm aware of that was traditionally published was written on a phone, I think a Blackberry, mostly during commutes. https://bgr.com/general/the-novel-on-the-f-train-an-interview-with-peter-v-brett/ https://bgr.com/general/the-novel-on-the-f-train-an-intervie...

gmaster1440 4y ago
For sure, hence an imperfect analogy, and I have no doubt some cool projects will come out of this replit mobile app too. I just don’t see it becoming the weapon of choice for most production development environments.
- runevault 4y ago
  Oh yeah I wouldn't want to do anything serious on a phone period, well with the caveat I find it weirdly easier to write rough drafts of poetry on my phone and I have no idea why.

joshxyz 4y ago

never as the primary tool of course, but it's great for starters.