Ask HN: Which popular apps should not need a backend?

Posted by anyg on Sunday August 17, 2025 @07:22AM
from the ask-hn dept.

Most self-use apps - note-taking, nutrition logging etc don't need a backend unless for social sharing reasons. But most apps do have a backend because that's necessary (?) for profitability.

( 5 comments | 3 points | on HN )

Re:Ask HN: Which popular apps should not need a backend? by Expurple on Sunday August 17, 2025 @07:45AM (#44930932)

> don't need a backend unless for social sharing reasons

Sync between devices is a compelling reason to have some backend. But I prefer it the way Super Productivity does it: integrating a bunch of third-party storage services like Dropbox. Usually, you already use one anyway

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Re:Ask HN: Which popular apps should not need a backend? by Disposal8433 on Sunday August 17, 2025 @07:31AM (#44930859)

Even self-hosted web sites (that people call "applications") are annoying to me because I don't have the time to take care of a personal server, and most applications only use local data.

But... it's written in JS, it's easier to write than a C++/CMake application that you must package, and it's cross-platform by default.

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Re:Ask HN: Which popular apps should not need a backend? by anyg on Sunday August 17, 2025 @07:26AM (#44930843)

Figma-lite maybe for solo designers?

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Re:Ask HN: Which popular apps should not need a backend? by owebmaster on Sunday August 17, 2025 @07:40AM (#44930910)

Notion, Linear

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Re:Ask HN: Which popular apps should not need a backend? by anyg on Sunday August 17, 2025 @08:01AM (#44931009)

Linear is mostly used in collaborative setting right? Don't you use any of its integrations or workflows?

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