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A developer has introduced Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2. The tool allows users to write Clojure expressions by hand and execute them on the device. This innovation combines handwriting with functional programming on a digital paper tablet.
A developer has released Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL designed for the reMarkable 2 tablet, allowing users to write and execute Clojure code by hand directly on the device. This development introduces a novel way to interact with code on a digital paper tablet, blending handwriting with programming execution.
Edsger is a new software project that enables handwritten Clojure code input on the reMarkable 2, a popular digital paper tablet. The developer, Daniel Janus, announced the project on Hacker News, describing it as a handwritten REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop) that interprets and executes Clojure expressions written by hand. The implementation leverages the reMarkable 2’s stylus and handwriting recognition capabilities to allow users to write code naturally and run it directly on the device.
According to the developer, Edsger is built with a focus on simplicity and minimalism, aiming to provide an alternative to traditional keyboard-based coding environments. The project is open-source, with the code available on GitHub, and is intended for hobbyists and programmers interested in combining handwriting with functional programming. The tool supports basic Clojure syntax and provides immediate feedback on the handwritten expressions, making it suitable for learning and experimentation.
Why It Matters
This development matters because it introduces a new way to interact with code on a digital paper device, which could influence future interfaces for programming and note-taking. For reMarkable 2 users, especially those interested in handwriting and functional programming, Edsger offers a novel, tactile coding experience that combines the advantages of handwriting with the power of Clojure. It also exemplifies innovative use of the reMarkable 2’s hardware capabilities, potentially inspiring similar projects in the digital note-taking and programming communities.
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Background
The reMarkable 2 has gained popularity for its paper-like display and focus on distraction-free note-taking and reading. Enthusiasts have previously developed various custom applications and integrations to expand its functionality, including Linux-based environments and scripting tools. However, handwriting-based programming interfaces are rare, making Edsger a notable experiment in this space. Prior efforts have mostly focused on note-taking, with limited exploration of handwriting for coding purposes. This project builds on the device’s strengths by integrating handwriting recognition with a programming language, specifically Clojure, known for its simplicity and expressive power.
“Edsger allows you to write Clojure code by hand and see it executed immediately, directly on your reMarkable 2.”
— Daniel Janus
“It’s a fascinating blend of handwriting and programming—definitely an interesting use case for the reMarkable 2.”
— Hacker News user
What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how well Edsger handles complex Clojure syntax or larger programs. The project appears to be in early stages, with limited documentation on robustness or performance. Details about user adoption, potential limitations, and future development plans remain undisclosed or still evolving.
What’s Next
The developer plans to continue refining Edsger, potentially adding features like syntax highlighting, error detection, and support for more advanced Clojure constructs. Community feedback and contributions could influence future updates. Monitoring the project’s GitHub repository will reveal upcoming milestones and improvements.
Key Questions
Can Edsger run all Clojure code?
It currently supports basic Clojure syntax, but its ability to handle complex code or large projects is still unconfirmed.
Is Edsger open-source?
Yes, the project is available on GitHub, allowing community contributions and modifications.
Does Edsger require internet connectivity?
No, it runs locally on the reMarkable 2 device, interpreting handwritten input without needing external servers.
What are the hardware requirements?
The only requirement is a reMarkable 2 tablet with stylus support. The project leverages the device’s handwriting recognition capabilities.
Source: Hacker News
