I know there are already several React challenge platforms, but most of them feel the same: a Sandpack-based IDE with client-side tests and no real TypeScript support. I wanted to improve that experience while keeping things simple.
So I built ReactChallenges — a challenge platform with a more realistic development workflow. It still uses Sandpack, but with a much more complete environment thanks to Monaco and server-side execution.
Here’s what’s different:
All challenges include TypeScript for real-world coding practice
Optional Vim mode for people who prefer a power-editor workflow
Pre-styled UI in every challenge so you can focus entirely on logic, not layout
See both the code and the fully working solution live
Code only re-evaluates on Ctrl+S (like VS Code), avoiding the constant preview breakage on every keystroke
Tests run on a real server (full Node/Jest), not limited client-side sandboxes
Monaco Editor with a real TypeScript worker (type checking, autocomplete, IntelliSense, diagnostics, etc.)
I’d love feedback from the HN community on:
The usability of the IDE
Whether the server-side tests are clear and helpful
Whether the challenges feel genuinely useful and realistic
DuffmanCC•9m ago
So I built ReactChallenges — a challenge platform with a more realistic development workflow. It still uses Sandpack, but with a much more complete environment thanks to Monaco and server-side execution.
Here’s what’s different:
All challenges include TypeScript for real-world coding practice
Optional Vim mode for people who prefer a power-editor workflow
Pre-styled UI in every challenge so you can focus entirely on logic, not layout
See both the code and the fully working solution live
Code only re-evaluates on Ctrl+S (like VS Code), avoiding the constant preview breakage on every keystroke
Tests run on a real server (full Node/Jest), not limited client-side sandboxes
Monaco Editor with a real TypeScript worker (type checking, autocomplete, IntelliSense, diagnostics, etc.)
I’d love feedback from the HN community on:
The usability of the IDE
Whether the server-side tests are clear and helpful
Whether the challenges feel genuinely useful and realistic