TL;DR
A developer has launched Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2 tablet. The project allows users to write Clojure code by hand and execute it on the device, marking a novel approach to coding on e-ink tablets.
A developer has introduced Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL designed specifically for the reMarkable 2 tablet, allowing users to write Clojure code by hand and execute it directly on the device. This development highlights an innovative approach to coding on e-ink tablets, emphasizing handwritten interaction.
Edsger is a project that enables handwritten input of Clojure code on the reMarkable 2, a popular e-ink tablet known for note-taking. The developer, Daniel Janus, shared the project on Show HN, demonstrating a custom interface that captures handwritten Clojure syntax and sends it to a backend for execution.
The implementation leverages the reMarkable 2’s stylus input capabilities, converting handwritten code into machine-readable text, which is then evaluated within a Clojure environment. The project aims to combine the benefits of handwritten notes with live coding, offering an alternative to traditional IDEs or terminal-based REPLs.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it introduces a novel method of interacting with code on a device primarily designed for note-taking and reading. It could influence future approaches to coding on e-ink devices, especially for those who prefer handwritten input or work in environments where traditional screens are impractical. The project also demonstrates the versatility of the reMarkable 2 as a platform for custom development beyond its typical use cases.
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Background
The reMarkable 2 has gained popularity among developers and writers for its paper-like display and stylus support. Prior to Edsger, users have experimented with various note-taking and coding apps, but handwriting a full REPL for a programming language like Clojure is a novel development. This project builds on ongoing efforts to expand the device’s capabilities with custom software and scripting.
“Edsger is a handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2, designed to make coding more tactile and natural on an e-ink device.”
— Daniel Janus
“This is a fascinating approach to coding on a device that’s not traditionally used for development.”
— Hacker News user
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how stable or scalable Edsger is for prolonged or complex coding sessions, or whether it supports full Clojure features. Additionally, the extent of user adoption and potential integration with other tools remains uncertain.
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What’s Next
Next steps include further testing of Edsger’s stability, potential feature enhancements such as syntax highlighting or code completion, and community feedback. Developers may also explore integrating handwritten REPLs with cloud services or other development environments.
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Key Questions
Can Edsger run complex Clojure programs?
It is currently unclear how well Edsger handles complex or large Clojure codebases. The project appears to focus on basic REPL functionality and handwritten input, with full support for advanced features still to be tested.
Is Edsger available for download?
The project was shared on Show HN by the developer, but it is not yet clear if there is a public repository or installation instructions. Interested users should follow the original post for updates.
Does Edsger support other programming languages?
Currently, the project is specifically a Clojure REPL. Extending it to other languages would require additional development, which has not been indicated at this stage.
What hardware does Edsger require?
It is designed for the reMarkable 2 tablet, leveraging its stylus input and e-ink display. No additional hardware is necessary beyond the device itself.
Source: Hacker News
