Hackaday API

Hey everyone! 

It’s been a busy few weeks, and we’ve got some exciting updates to share:

Platform Improvements

• Rolled out geo-based cookie handling to better respect regional compliance rules.
• Improved load balancing across servers – response times are down by ~15%.

Feature Updates

• Added new search filters for easier navigation.
• Favorites and profile sections now sync instantly across devices.
• Rolled out stackable notifications for smoother in-app alerts.

 Backend & Security

• Enhanced OAuth2 flow with better session validation.
• CSRF protection now unified across create, edit, and delete routes.
• Redis caching extended to more endpoints – fewer duplicate queries hitting the DB.

 UI/UX Tweaks

• Scrollbars are always visible on search and favorites pages for clarity.
• Stepper component polished – consistent across create & details views.
• Dark/light mode parity improved, especially on mobile.

Recent Improvements

• Applications Dashboard Revamp
  We’ve overhauled the Applications page with a cleaner, more modular design. First-time users now see a dedicated onboarding flow, while returning users have a streamlined view of their apps. Forms and stepper components are standardized across create and detail screens for a consistent experience.

• Private API Functionality
  Developers can now create and manage private APIs. These endpoints are accessible only through properly scoped tokens, allowing you to test, iterate, and release functionality securely without exposing it publicly.

• Granular Scope Management
  We’ve introduced dynamic scope handling across OAuth2 grant types (Authorization Code, Password, and Third-Party Logins). This gives developers precise control over what each application or integration can access—improving both security and flexibility.

• OAuth2 Connection Enhancements
  Authentication flows have been upgraded to handle more complex use cases. With improved state validation, redirect handling, and token persistence, connecting external apps through OAuth2 is now more reliable and developer-friendly.

• Support Page
  A new Support page makes it easier to get help. Logged-in users can submit issues directly via a simple form, while logged-out users see a clean information panel.

• Docs Redesign
  The documentation section has been rebuilt from scratch. Improvements include:

  • Collapsible sidebar navigation with active tracking

  • Live search with snippet previews

  • Smooth scrolling and section highlighting

  • Full light/dark mode support

• Scalar-Powered API Docs
  Our Swagger pages are now powered by Scalar, delivering a richer and more interactive API documentation experience.

Fixes & Optimizations

• Fixed inconsistent arrow toggles across Applications and Docs sidebars.

• Optimized Redis-based API usage tracking for faster reporting.

• Improved responsiveness and accessibility across all pages (mobile-first layouts).

• Enhanced dark/light theme transitions for smoother visual consistency.

• Hardened CSRF protection for all application routes and forms.