For developers weary of bloated frameworks and AI-generated code, a new static image gallery tool offers a refreshing counterpoint. Austrian developer Thomas Klausner (domm) recently unveiled snig – a deliberately minimal Perl-based gallery generator born from what he calls "brain coding": starting with an empty Vim buffer and crafting solutions through deliberate thought rather than LLM-assisted autocompletion.

The Philosophy of Brain Coding

Klausner developed snig during an 8-hour coding sprint while vacationing in Schwaz, Austria, intentionally avoiding trendy JavaScript frameworks. The project embodies his development ethos:

"It helps to think a bit (aka use your brain) during this process... As opposed to vibe coding."

This approach yielded a focused tool that:
- Generates static HTML/CSS galleries
- Processes EXIF data for proper image orientation
- Creates thumbnails, previews, and ZIP archives
- Sorts images by EXIF timestamp
- Outputs zero-dependency static files

Technical Underpinnings

Snig leverages Perl 5.40's class feature – a significant modernization of Perl's object system released in 2023. The installation reflects Perl's contemporary toolchain:

cpm install -g Snig  # Uses cpm (fast CPAN module installer)

Usage demonstrates straightforward UNIX philosophy:

snig.pl --input some-pictures \
        --output /var/web/gallery \
        --name "My Gallery"

The tool processes images into three optimized versions while generating navigation-linked HTML pages. Notably, Klausner hosts the source on Source Hut rather than mainstream platforms, citing ethical concerns about "big LLM vacuum machines."

Why This Matters

Snig represents multiple emerging developer trends:
1. Modern Perl Renaissance: Demonstrates Perl 5.40's relevance with class syntax and method signatures
2. Static Site Revival: Joins tools like Hugo/Jekyll in valuing simplicity over dynamic bloat
3. Ethical Sourcing: Consciously avoids platforms harvesting code for proprietary LLMs
4. Cognitive Development: Champions deliberate problem-solving over autopilot coding

While Klausner acknowledges limitations (hardcoded copyright/license), he emphasizes the educational value: refreshing Perl skills while solving a concrete need. The project serves as both practical tool and philosophical statement – an invitation to occasionally bypass npm installs and neural networks for pure, brain-powered creation.

Source: domm.plix.at