The Web Is More Than Enough, by Paul Ford

A small web office suite that stores its data in the URL drew hundreds of thousands of visitors, despite being built in roughly twice the time its creator would normally spend on a long newsletter. Its unexpected popularity prompted a broader point: modern browsers are powerful application platforms, and increasingly inexpensive to use. The project ran on free hosting until traffic exceeded a provider’s free limit, and it launched in 21 languages with accessibility in mind. Browsers now offer built-in capabilities for encryption, near-native-speed code, 2D and 3D graphics, and audio, alongside JavaScript and the web’s reach across devices. A browser-based 3D multiplayer game that also works offline illustrates how much one person can build without specializing in game development.

These technologies have existed for years, but their breadth and complexity once favored large teams and made individual developers rely on substantial libraries. Better tools and faster development are making rich software more accessible to small creators. That could enable people to customize products and equipment themselves, disrupt established software businesses, and weaken the appeal of app stores when a web app can be tested cheaply and quickly. The shift also brings a downside: as software becomes easier to produce, developers may face the same difficulty writers have in getting paid for their work. Still, for organizations needing tools to improve workflows, manage data, or adapt machinery, the moment offers unusual freedom to build customized solutions.