Hyperspace (hypercritical.co)

Article summary

The article discusses the author's experience with file systems, particularly Apple's APFS, and the development of an app called Hyperspace that uses APFS's copy-on-write clones to reclaim disk space. The app is free to scan for potential space savings, but requires a one-time payment to actually reclaim the space. The author notes that this approach is more efficient and reliable than traditional methods of finding and deleting duplicate files. The app is available in the Mac App Store.

Main themes

• File systems
• APFS and copy-on-write clones
• Disk space management
• Mac app development
• Pricing models

What commenters say

• Some users appreciate the app's existence, even if they don't need it themselves, as it provides a useful solution for others with limited storage space.
• The app's pricing model, which allows users to scan for free and pay only if they want to reclaim space, is seen as refreshing and customer-friendly.
• There are concerns that the app's use of copy-on-write clones could lead to unintended consequences, such as modifying the original file when a copy is edited.
• Some commenters argue that the app is not necessary, as storage is relatively cheap and plentiful, while others see value in the app's ability to reclaim space without deleting files.
• Alternative solutions, such as the open-source tool fclones, are available and may offer similar functionality to the Hyperspace app.
• The discussion touches on the trade-offs between native apps and web-based solutions, with some arguing that native apps can be slower and less efficient than web-based alternatives.
• There are differing opinions on the potential for Electron apps to be optimized for better performance, with some believing it is possible and others arguing that it is not.