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Show HN: I made a down detector for down detector (downdetectorsdowndetector.com)

591 points by gusowen · 248 days ago · 170 comments on HN

Article summary

A developer created a down detector for DownDetector, a website that checks the status of other websites. The new website is a tiny, independent status checker that monitors DownDetector's availability from multiple locations. It is not affiliated with DownDetector and is intended for entertainment purposes. The website has sparked a discussion about recursion and the potential for an infinite loop of down detectors.

Main themes

  • DownDetector
  • Recursion
  • Website monitoring
  • Cloudflare
  • CDN
  • Decentralization

What commenters say

  • The creation of a down detector for DownDetector is a humorous example of recursion, highlighting the potential for an infinite loop of monitoring websites.
  • Some commenters suggest that a distributed system of down detectors could provide a more robust solution for monitoring website availability.
  • Others argue that a single, centralized down detector is sufficient and that the use of a CDN is not necessary for a simple, static website.
  • There is a debate about the importance of decentralization and the potential risks of relying on centralized services like Cloudflare.
  • Some commenters propose using alternative infrastructure services, such as European-based providers, to reduce dependence on US-based companies.
  • The discussion also touches on the limitations of DNS and the potential for errors in domain name registration.