IdeaWell

Project ideas from Hacker News discussions.

Picophysics: Single file physics for games on platforms like N64, PSX, DC

Original Article

Hacker News Discussion

📝 Discussion Summary (Click to expand)

1. Feasibility on microcontrollers

“It's hand written and should also work on microcontrollers like ESP32s or Pi Pico 2. Have you tried anything like that yet?” — iamcoder18

2. Documentation location

“Sounds interesting, but there isn't any description or readme to go by.” — Attummm

3. Compatibility with older console hardware

“Use of float makes it unlikely that you’d run it on the PlayStation, which has no FPU.” — klodolph (also echoed by aaaronic: “Most of the older consoles don’t have an FPU. Fixed point is king on those older systems.”)

🚀 Project Ideas

TinyPhysics

Summary

  • A header‑only, static‑inline physics library that works on ESP32, Pi Pico 2 and other low‑RAM microcontrollers, with optional fixed‑point math.
  • Provides drop‑in collision and simple dynamics functions plus auto‑generated documentation in the header.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Embedded developers targeting ESP32, Pi Pico 2, Arduino Nano 33, etc.
Core Feature Single‑file physics utilities with configurable float/fixed math and built‑in docs.
Tech Stack C (ANSI), header‑only, Arduino/Pico SDK integration.
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: $5/mo subscription for premium modules

Notes

  • Addresses HN concerns about missing README and static‑inline hostility on limited RAM platforms.
  • Enables developers to add realistic physics without pulling in heavy external libraries.

PhysicsPack

Summary

  • A curated collection of microcontroller‑friendly physics snippets packaged as single‑file headers with auto‑generated usage docs.
  • Eliminates the need for external examples and ensures compatibility with low‑RAM targets.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Hobbyist and professional embedded programmers needing quick physics utilities.
Core Feature Library of vetted physics functions plus a CLI tool to generate documentation.
Tech Stack Python CLI, C core, Markdown generation, no runtime dependencies.
Difficulty Medium
Monetization Revenue-ready: $15 one‑time commercial license

Notes

  • Fixes the criticism that “there isn’t any description or readme” by bundling self‑documenting headers.
  • Provides ready‑to‑paste code that runs on ESP32/Pico without floating‑point penalties.

MicroPhysics Cloud

Summary

  • A web‑based sandbox and repository that suggests microcontroller‑optimized physics functions and returns ready‑to‑paste header code with documentation.
  • Bridges the gap between developers and community‑tested implementations.

Details

Key Value
Target Audience Embedded developers, educators, and hobbyists seeking quick, documented physics code.
Core Feature Online compiler + AI‑assisted generation of microcontroller‑specific physics snippets.
Tech Stack Node.js backend, React frontend, Firebase hosting, optional WASM physics engine.
Difficulty High
Monetization Revenue-ready: $10/mo professional tier with API access and private repos.

Notes

  • Directly responds to HN comments about “no description or readme” by providing searchable, documented snippets.
  • Offers practical utility through community contributions and instant code export.

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