2025-12-18

project ideas

computer-related: practical

  • custom file manage buttons: some file managers allow custom context actions. also allow custom buttons in the toolbar. select files, click a button.

  • emotional simulation

  • algorithm and data structure repository that describes each entry minimally using a formal language designed for the purpose

  • specialized graphics card for real-time voxel ray tracing.

  • fast, simple, drop-in replacement for xdg thumbnailer that can pre-calculate thumbnails - avoid tumblers delay for generating various thumbnail sizes.

  • c code signature extractor - parse routines, macros, structs, enums, types into machine-readable text for basic interface documentation.

  • small plaintext wikipedia dump - only current pages, no history or talk pages.

  • a registry designed to counter copyright fragmentation by providing durable authorship verification and standardized licensing pathways. for example, to enable companies to obtain proprietary exceptions for otherwise gpl code

  • indented-thread discussion web app - like reddit, optional support of email in/out; potential replacement/complement to mailing lists and forums.

  • practical peer-to-peer website system - plain text sites are only kilobytes.

  • auto-package modified system config files - install base + config packages for identical system setup ("paconf").

  • complete redesign of historic email protocols.

  • minimal online honeypot in c - keeps opportunists busy; focus on simplicity over logging or large codebases.

  • self-learning fan control - considers cooling effectiveness and loudness gradient.

  • generic ast-based code transformer - allows chatbots to output changesets without diff format issues.

  • process whitelist tool - list expected/unexpected active os processes.

  • free/open metadata databases (movies, music, games, products, thesaurus) - with api, download, and fair paid tier for bulk use.

  • cli active network connection monitor - stream new connections like tail -f; show src/dst/ports/direction/protocol.

  • distributed file system library - peer discovery from seed nodes (like kademlia).

  • auto-gui generator from cli specs (e.g. from sph-cli --interface output).

  • ai minimum principle research - bootstrap intelligence from minimal algorithms and goals on non-random data streams.

  • pre-configure process priorities in /etc before program start.

  • standalone s-expression parser.

  • file integrity layer - userspace fs or other tools ensuring long-term data integrity.

  • email client storing mail in sqlite or one-file-per-message for easier extraction/backup.

  • bookmark-sharing site - open licenses, tags.

  • terminal csv editor.

  • utility for adding missing filename extensions.

  • commission-like funding platform - prices drop after release after revenue threshold; counter indefinite rent-seeking for digital goods.

  • remove obstacles to gsl binding via guile ffi.

  • federated dating site software.

  • phonotactic analyzer - generate likely/unlikely word forms per language.

  • store file format info in extended attributes.

  • emacs keybinding visualizer using ascii.

  • a low-profile (under 20 mm), flat-profile, wired-only keyboard with replacable scissor switches like the cherry mx ulp or hall effect triggers

  • reduced latin encoding without unused ascii control characters.

scheme-specific

  • scheme equivalents of mathematical notation (like math-as-code).
  • more purely functional scheme.
  • syntactic module system for scheme (e.g., example or chez scheme style).
  • guile binding to lmdb.
  • scheme cli code refactoring/analysis - find uses, declarations, rename, dependency trees.
  • command-line guile-wisp calculator - prefix-notation repl like node.js.
  • coffeescript-like syntax for scheme - space/newline/indent for application, commas for continued arg lists.

computer-related: entertainment/toy

  • procedural world text generator - like minecraft but text-only, possibly interactive.
  • "metaphorizer" - replace text patterns with absurd metaphors/idioms.
  • online collaborative timelines.
  • computer-assisted music categorization - loudness, calmness, instrumentation.
  • wavelength->rgb approximation tool.
  • planck units calculator/visualization.
  • machine-readable meme archive for free use.

non-computer

  • rule/regulation garbage collection process.
  • object/action dictionary - list objects and uses; reverse lookup.
  • ascii/prefix-notation math formula collection.
  • math concept dependency graph - "to understand x, know these first".
  • public trust breakage tracker - verified sources; guard against misuse.
  • date-sorted news/event tracker - not click popularity.
  • dangerous-things wiki/list.
  • percentage/statistics compendium - global facts in percentages.