Hacker News is a social news website focusing on computer science and entrepreneurship. It is run by the startup incubator Y Combinator and presents articles submitted by its community, where users can vote and comment. The site’s design is deliberately minimal, resembling a simple text‑based forum.
Users submit links or “Ask HN” posts. Each item receives points from up‑votes, and the most popular rise to the front page. Comments are threaded, allowing detailed technical discussions. The site’s ranking algorithm favors recent activity, keeping the feed fresh.
The community values concise, well‑researched contributions. Posts often include code snippets, data, or links to original sources. Moderation is light; the primary tool is the voting system, which surfaces quality content while down‑voting spam or off‑topic material.
Hacker News has become a hub for early‑stage tech news and a place where entrepreneurs and developers share ideas. Many startups have gained early visibility after being featured, and the site frequently highlights emerging trends before they appear in mainstream media.