Rewriting Scratch 3.0 from scratch in Lua (browser-free native runtime)

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Built a native Scratch 3.0 runtime in Lua that runs .sb3 projects without a browser. Why? Browser sandboxing prevents access to hardware features (haptics, sensors, fine-grained perf controls). Native runtime gives you direct hardware access and lets you deploy to consoles, handhelds, embedded devices. Also means much smaller binaries (LÖVE is ~7MB vs 50-100MB for Electron). How it works: - Scratch blocks compile to IR, then optimize, then generate Lua - LuaJIT executes the compiled code - Coroutine-based threading for concurrent scripts - Lazy loading + LRU cache for memory management - SVG support via resvg FFI ~100% compatible with Scratch 3.0 blocks. Extensions that need JavaScript won't work (no Music, TTS, Video Sensing), but core blocks are there. Built on LÖVE framework, so it's cross-platform (desktop, mobile, gaming devices). Still rough around the edges (user input not implemented yet, cloud variables only work locally), but it runs real Scratch projects today.

Visit product View on Hacker NewsOct 28, 2025

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Indie HackersFits the IH revenue-focused audience · Strong signals: compatible · Missing: supports, reddit linkedin, podcasting

81%81% predicted probability of success on Indie Hackers, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Hacker NewsStrong engagement from HN community · Strong signals: lua, ide, io · Missing: https docs, excited, just released

80%80% predicted probability of success on Hacker News, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

nativeThis product was originally launched on this platform.

Product HuntOn track for Day 1 leaderboard · Strong signals: user, code · Missing: mac, agents, macos

77%77% predicted probability of success on Product Hunt, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

AppSumoMay struggle as an AppSumo deal · Strong signals: platform · Missing: plus, intuitive, reviews

46%46% predicted probability of success on AppSumo, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

TrustMRRLess likely to generate early MRR · Strong signals: video · Missing: mobile apps, ios, personal

27%27% predicted probability of success on TrustMRR, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Acquire.comPre-revenue stage for this audience · Missing: arr, mrr, revenue

19%19% predicted probability of success on Acquire.com, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

BetaListMay not resonate with beta-testers · Missing: web3, chat, crypto

1%1% predicted probability of success on BetaList, based on ML models trained on real launch data.

Correct prediction on native model

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