Show HN: Edsger – A handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2

TL;DR

A developer introduced Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL designed for the reMarkable 2 tablet, allowing users to write and execute code with a stylus. The project is shared on Show HN and is in early stages.

A developer has launched Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2 tablet, enabling users to write and execute Clojure code via handwritten input. This development is notable for combining handwritten interaction with programming on a dedicated e-ink device, and is currently shared on the Show HN platform.

Edsger is a new project that provides a handwritten Clojure REPL tailored for the reMarkable 2 tablet. The developer, Daniel Janus, announced the project on Show HN, describing it as a tool that allows users to write Clojure code by hand and run it directly on the device. The implementation leverages the reMarkable 2’s stylus input and e-ink display, aiming to offer a unique programming experience that merges handwriting with code execution.

The project is in early development, with the developer sharing the source code and encouraging community feedback. The approach involves capturing handwritten input, interpreting it as Clojure code, and executing it through a REPL environment adapted for the device. There are no reports yet of full stability or widespread adoption, but initial demonstrations show promising functionality for niche users interested in handwritten coding interfaces.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it introduces a novel way of interacting with code on a dedicated e-ink device, which traditionally is used for reading and note-taking. By enabling handwritten Clojure code execution, Edsger could appeal to programmers seeking a distraction-free, pen-based coding environment, especially for those interested in minimalism or alternative interfaces. It also highlights ongoing innovation in the niche of programmable e-ink devices, expanding their potential beyond static reading or note-taking.

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Background

The reMarkable 2 is a popular e-ink tablet primarily used for note-taking and reading, with limited native programming capabilities. Previous efforts have focused on writing and annotation, but few have integrated live code execution. This project by Daniel Janus marks a novel attempt to leverage the device’s stylus input for programming, specifically targeting Clojure, a language known for its simplicity and suitability for interactive development. The project’s announcement on Show HN indicates early-stage community interest, with no official or commercial backing yet.

“Edsger is a handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2, allowing users to write and run code directly on the device.”

— Daniel Janus

“It’s an interesting approach to combining handwriting and programming on a dedicated device.”

— Show HN comment

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What Remains Unclear

Details about the stability, performance, and user experience of Edsger remain unclear. It is not yet confirmed whether the project supports full Clojure features or if it is suitable for practical use beyond experimental or hobbyist purposes. The extent of community adoption and future development plans are still unknown.

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What’s Next

Next steps include further development by the creator, potential community contributions, and user testing to evaluate usability. Future updates may focus on improving stability, expanding language features, and integrating additional functionalities. Monitoring community feedback will be key to understanding the project’s potential evolution.

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Key Questions

Can Edsger run full Clojure code?

It is not yet confirmed whether Edsger supports the full range of Clojure features; initial reports suggest it is in early development and may have limitations.

Is Edsger available for download?

The project has been shared on Show HN with source code available, but it is primarily in a prototype stage and may require technical setup by users.

What makes Edsger different from other programming tools on reMarkable 2?

Its unique feature is enabling handwritten code input and execution, blending handwriting with live programming on an e-ink device.

Will this project become widely adopted?

It is too early to tell; community interest and further development will influence its adoption and practical use.

Source: Hacker News

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