TL;DR
A developer has introduced Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL designed for the reMarkable 2. This allows users to write Clojure code by hand and execute it directly on the device. The project is currently in early stages, with initial demonstrations available.
A developer has released Edsger, a handwritten Clojure REPL for the reMarkable 2, allowing users to write and run Clojure code through handwritten input on the e-ink tablet. This development introduces a novel way of coding on a device primarily designed for note-taking and reading, potentially expanding the reMarkable 2’s use cases for programmers and enthusiasts.
Edsger is a new project created by an individual developer, enabling handwritten interaction with Clojure code on the reMarkable 2. The tool functions as a REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop), a common programming environment, but uniquely supports handwritten input instead of typed commands. The project is open-source and currently in early development, with initial demonstrations showing handwritten Clojure code being executed on the device. The developer has shared a blog post and demo videos illustrating how the system works, but detailed documentation and full functionality are still forthcoming.
The reMarkable 2, a popular e-ink tablet known for its note-taking capabilities, has a dedicated user base interested in extending its functionality. This project aims to combine the device’s handwriting recognition features with the power of Clojure, a functional programming language. The developer emphasizes that the system leverages handwriting recognition to convert handwritten code into executable Clojure, allowing for a more natural coding experience on the device.
Why It Matters
This development matters because it pushes the boundaries of what the reMarkable 2 can do, transforming it from a digital notebook into a coding environment. For programmers interested in minimalistic, distraction-free coding, or those who want to experiment with handwriting-based programming, Edsger offers a novel approach. Additionally, it highlights ongoing efforts to extend the capabilities of e-ink devices beyond reading and note-taking, potentially influencing future projects in the niche of handwritten programming interfaces.
reMarkable 2 accessories for programmers
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Background
The reMarkable 2 has gained popularity among note-takers and digital artists, but its use as a programming device remains niche. Previous efforts have focused on running Linux-based environments or using external hardware to connect to coding tools. The introduction of a handwritten Clojure REPL is a new development, reflecting broader interests in alternative input modalities and portable coding solutions. The project is part of a growing trend of hobbyist and open-source projects aimed at repurposing e-ink tablets for programming and technical tasks.
“Edsger aims to bring a handwritten, natural coding experience to the reMarkable 2, combining handwriting recognition with the power of Clojure.”
— the developer
“Initial demonstrations show handwritten Clojure code being recognized and executed on the device, with promising results.”
— demo video description
handwriting recognition stylus for reMarkable 2
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear how stable or fully functional Edsger will become, as the project is still in early development. Details about the extent of handwriting recognition accuracy, performance, and potential limitations remain unconfirmed. The long-term plans for features and community involvement are also still evolving.
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What’s Next
The developer plans to release more detailed documentation, improve handwriting recognition accuracy, and expand functionality. Future updates may include support for additional programming languages or integration with existing tools. Community feedback and contributions are expected to shape the project’s development.
portable coding devices for developers
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Key Questions
How does Edsger recognize handwritten Clojure code?
It uses handwriting recognition algorithms integrated into the reMarkable 2 to convert handwritten input into digital Clojure code, which can then be executed within the REPL environment.
Is Edsger available for download now?
The project is in early development; the developer has shared initial demos and source code, but a full release with installation instructions is not yet available.
Can I run Edsger on my reMarkable 2?
Currently, it requires technical knowledge to set up, and it is intended for early adopters and developers interested in experimenting with handwritten coding interfaces.
Will this support other programming languages?
At present, the focus is on Clojure, but future plans may include support for additional languages depending on community interest and development efforts.
Source: Hacker News
