Dev builds minimal browser audio tool, uncovers Web Audio API edge cases

A developer set out to create a simple browser-based tool that plays a low-frequency audio sweep for 30 seconds using the Web Audio API. What began as roughly 20 lines of code grew more complex once real-world constraints — particularly mobile browser autoplay rules and audio click artifacts — had to be addressed. The developer solved clicking sounds at playback start and stop by introducing a gain envelope that smoothly ramps volume up and down over 250 milliseconds. Autoplay restrictions were handled by creating and resuming the audio context directly inside the button's click handler, ensuring the browser registers explicit user intent. The project, which runs entirely on-device with no recording or uploads, became a practical case study in the gap between a working API and a polished, user-safe experience.