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🪟 Windows XP – Beautiful Code #51

🪟 Windows XP – Beautiful Code #51

Were you one of the lucky ones who got to use Windows XP?This week I came across an incredible website by designer Mitch Ivin, who decided to recreate Microsoft’s iconic operating system as his personal portfolio — entirely in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Marc Taulé
October 2nd, 2025

Hey! It’s Marc 👋

If you're new here, let me quickly explain what Beautiful Code is all about. 👇

What can I expect from Beautiful Code?
Every week, you'll receive:
😍 3 awesome websites for inspiration
🔨 3 tools and resources that can help grow your products
🤖 3 code snippets ready to be used in your projects
😂 1 meme to add a bit of humor to our world

Were you one of the lucky ones who got to use Windows XP?
This week I came across an incredible website by designer Mitch Ivin, who decided to recreate Microsoft’s iconic operating system as his personal portfolio — entirely in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

When you enter his site, it really feels like you’ve stepped back in time and are using Windows XP again. From the start menu and draggable windows to the classic icons and UI details, everything has been carefully rebuilt to mirror the real thing. Inside, you’ll find his projects, his résumé, and much more — all presented in this nostalgic interface.

It’s a brilliant mix of creativity, technical skill, and a touch of humor that makes browsing his portfolio a unique experience. I highly recommend you check it out and enjoy the trip down memory lane! You’ll find the link at the top of the “Websites” section 😉

Before you continue I want to remind you that you can support Beautiful Code buying me a coffee ☕️ I love good coffee! 😍

😍 Websites

🔨 Tools & Resources

1. PocketBase

PocketBase is an open-source all-in-one backend that runs from a single executable. It comes with a real-time database, user authentication, file storage, and a clean admin dashboard out of the box. You can run it locally during development or deploy it in production without setting up external services, making it a lightweight alternative to platforms like Supabase or Firebase.

👉 Check it out

2. RunSQL

RunSQL is a browser-based SQL playground that lets you define schemas, import data from CSV files, write and run queries, and share your setup instantly with a link. There’s no need to install anything or configure a server, which makes it a convenient tool for quick experiments, teaching examples, or collaborative database exploration.

👉 Check it out

3. Kigen Color Generator

Kigen Color Generator is a design tool for generating harmonious and consistent color palettes. You can create schemes based on algorithms or customize them to your needs, with live previews tailored for UI and digital product design. It’s especially handy for designers and developers who want to maintain a strong visual identity without manually testing endless color combinations.

👉 Check it out