By Ian Hollidae, 2024/09/09

In the last couple days, my newsreader has come across several interesting new tools that I hadn't previously heard of. Both apparently rely primarily on direct WebGL for rendering.

The first is Repaint, a website builder positioning itself as an easier Figma:

"It's becoming standard to design websites in a design tool, then rebuild it in a website builder. That means duplicate work, learning two tools, design-to-code translation... it's a pain. But existing website builders are miles behind the UX of Figma, and Figma can't make real websites. If it was all in one tool, it would be SO much easier. That's the concept behind Repaint. It's a design tool for real code"

Repaint also acts as a host for your site providing a free and paid hosting plan.

Next is Cables which builds interactive content that can be embedded into your website:

With an easy to navigate interface and real time visuals, [Cables] allows for rapid prototyping and fast adjustments. You are provided with a set of operators, such as mathematical functions, shapes, materials and post processing effects. Connect these to each other with virtual cables to create the experience you have in mind. Easily export your piece of work at any time. Embed it into your website or use it for any kind of creative installation.

Cables is a no-code approach to interactivity that uses Operations (configurable task blocks) and cables that allow you to connect and control application flow.

As someone who does code interactive apps (X3D, SVG, HTML Canvas), there are clearly some upsides to this approach. For simple items, especially in X3D and WebGL, coding can become cumbersome. However, in more complex items, coding becomes a necessity. The question is where the cross-over point is.

In any case, I hope to find some time in the near future to thoroughly try out both developments.