What is Forem and why is it slow on old PCs?

Forem's an open-source platform powering DEV.to — Ruby-based, feature-rich, but heavy on low-spec hardware like Windows 7. Satire claims deletion fixes it.

How did they "optimize" Forem with AI?

Used Google Gemini to confirm slowness and theorize O(1) speed, then deleted all code via backspace. Pure April Fools genius.

Will this PR get merged into Forem?

Nope — it's satire for DEV's April Fools challenge. But it highlights real optimization debates.

📦 Open Source

Deleting Forem's Code: The Satirical Speed Hack That Hits Too Close to Home

Imagine fixing a slow site by erasing it entirely. One dev did just that to Forem — with AI's help — in a hilarious April Fools stunt that's got the community chuckling and pondering.

DevTools Feed Apr 07, 2026 3 min read

Blank white screen representing deleted Forem code for ultimate speed

⚡ Key Takeaways

Satirical PR deletes all Forem code for 'instant speed' on low-end PCs, using AI for inspiration. 𝕏
Highlights open-source humor and the power of minimalism in bloated software. 𝕏
Predicts AI-driven code deletion as future dev practice. 𝕏

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#AI coding #Dev.to #Forem #april-fools #code deletion #code optimization #open source optimization #open source satire #performance optimization

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Originally reported by dev.to

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