fp.

I recently released version 1.4 of Notepad.exe, my editor built for macOS. The goal of the app is to let you prototype ideas in Swift or Python with minimal setup - write code, hit Run, skip project scaffolding.

This release adds support for a Linux runtime/subsystem, so you can write on macOS and execute snippets in a Linux environment.

I’d love to hear any feedback or answer any questions: would a tool like this fit your workflow? What friction remains?

Comments

terhechte•1h ago

Hey Marcin :) Really dig this. A much friendlier alternative to Swift development than having to use the monstrosity that is Xcode. Especially for people that want to get something done quickly. The Linux support is also really cool. The Xcode-alternatives market is really starved, so I'm very happy this exists. It's possible to configure VSCode to support Swift, but that's a lot of configuration and messing around.

When Vim bindings? ;)

krzyzanowskim•1h ago

it works really great with https://kindavim.app/ which adds vim everywhere. problem solved.

4b11b4•23m ago

I also stumbled upon https://github.com/FelixKratz/SketchyVim but haven't used it yet, though I am using JankyBorders

frizlab•54m ago

> but that's a lot of configuration and messing around.

Maybe I’m missing something but the last time I did this I clicked “install” on the official Swift VSCode extension and that was it. Not a lot of messing around needed, for me at least!

lnxg33k1•1h ago

This seems like the celebration of misunderstandings, an .exe app for mac os, called notepad but code editor, and can run and design UI

toinewx•1h ago

the name is obviously a pun/joke, and the website is also trying to be humorous.

but I don't think it helps your product by now. It looks you built something that is actually useful and the pun/joke is not needed anymore. same for your website, I think the humorous part is distracting.

I think you should pick a unique name, the joke is no longer needed.

nipperkinfeet•1h ago

The element that provokes the most laughter is the punch hole in the MacBook screen.

krzyzanowskim•1h ago

I don't disagree necessarily. I also love the name with all my heart

dfabulich•35m ago

Why do you love the name?

unkeen•31m ago

Because computering is missing out on whimsical fun in every way nowadays!

jmkni•16m ago

Yeah I just found that title confusing

bofadeez•1h ago

"stop fighting with your IDE" wow it's like reading my mind. All I do is fight with IDEs 24/7

krzyzanowskim•54m ago

yes. same!

rsaz•1h ago

Looks really good and I'll definitely be trying it out. Is there anywhere laying out what features are paywalled? "Free Ride" says "Core functionality", but I can't find what that means specifically.

Also does this support having a plugged-in device as a Run target like Xcode does? Or is it only simulator?

krzyzanowskim•54m ago

I should not give you advice against my interest. "run" is paywalled after some time.

the plugged-in device is not supported as of today.

ngcc_hk•33m ago

Not sure I got the use case as a decade old occasional developer. Tbh the life time one is ok. But it is another tool chain. Just wonder why I want to add to my workflow especially if it is just receipts and we need Xcode as the oven. And the linux part … can the code run in Wsl?

krzyzanowskim•27m ago

ackckcually, technically Xcode is spare, but for the convenience and due to Mac/iOS SDK distribution licensing, that's the only way to obtain the SDK on the machine. Linux runs in a lightweight VM.

mouse_•19m ago

Don't name it that

krzyzanowskim•10m ago

if Microsoft can name a plain text editor Visual Studio, I can name mine Notepad.exe

dadrock•2m ago

You can name your band Nervanna, but it's lame AF. Be your own thing.

bmandale•15m ago

> image-rendering: pixelated;

I suppose this is a bit of humour as well?