hackernews-intel

Monitor Hacker News keywords and send Slack alerts with SQLite deduplication.

581|60|Updated Apr 13, 2026

Search Tags:#hacker news #keyword tracking #keyword monitoring #slack alerts #hacker news monitoring

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/Varnan-Tech/opendirectory --skill hackernews-intel

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: hackernews-intel
Source: https://github.com/Varnan-Tech/opendirectory/tree/main/skills/hackernews-intel
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Varnan-Tech/opendirectory --skill hackernews-intel

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires better-sqlite3, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Hacker News Intel solves the problem of manually checking Hacker News for mentions or posts related to specific keywords. It allows users to receive Slack alerts when new posts matching their criteria are published.

Core Features & Use Cases

Keyword Monitoring: Track user-configured keywords on Hacker News.
Deduplication: Prevent duplicate alerts by using a local SQLite cache.
Slack Alerts: Receive notifications directly in Slack when new matching posts are found.
Flexible Configuration: Customize the minimum number of points required for an alert and choose to include comments in the search.
Use Case: Ideal for individuals or teams that need to stay updated on specific topics within the Hacker News community.

Quick Start

Set up Hacker News Intel by installing the skill with npx "@opendirectory.dev/skills" install hackernews-intel --target claude and configuring the HN_KEYWORDS and SLACK_WEBHOOK environment variables.

Frequently Asked Questions about hackernews-intel

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I monitor Hacker News for keywords and send Slack alerts?▼

To monitor Hacker News for keywords and send Slack alerts, configure the HN_KEYWORDS and SLACK_WEBHOOK environment variables to track specific terms and route matching posts directly to your Slack channel.

What is the best way to prevent duplicate Hacker News alerts for tracked keywords?▼

To prevent duplicate Hacker News alerts, this monitoring tool uses a local SQLite database cache to track previously seen posts, ensuring only new matches trigger a Slack notification.

Do I need Node.js to set up Hacker News keyword monitoring?▼

Yes, you need Node.js installed to run the keyword monitoring scripts, along with configuring the required HN_KEYWORDS and SLACK_WEBHOOK environment variables for execution.

Can I filter Hacker News Slack alerts by a minimum number of points?▼

Yes, you can filter Hacker News Slack alerts by configuring the minimum number of points required, allowing you to only receive notifications for popular posts matching your keywords.

How do I search Hacker News comments for specific keywords?▼

You can search Hacker News comments for specific keywords by adjusting the flexible configuration options to include comments in your search scope alongside standard post tracking.

Why are my Hacker News Slack alerts not working?▼

Hacker News Slack alerts fail if the SLACK_WEBHOOK or HN_KEYWORDS environment variables are incorrectly configured, or if Node.js and the better-sqlite3 dependency are not properly installed.