Whippy Term is a new cross-platform (Linux and Windows) GUI terminal emulator specifically designed for embedded systems development. It aims to simplify common tasks with features like built-in serial port monitoring, customizable layouts with multiple terminals, and integrated file transfer capabilities (using ZMODEM, XMODEM, YMODEM, etc.). The tool emphasizes user-friendliness and aims to improve the workflow for embedded developers by providing a more visually appealing and efficient terminal experience compared to traditional options.
A new terminal emulator named Whippy Term, designed specifically for embedded systems development on both Linux and Windows, has been announced. It aims to streamline the often cumbersome process of interacting with embedded devices. Whippy Term presents a graphical user interface (GUI) built on top of a terminal emulator, providing a more visually appealing and potentially more efficient workflow compared to traditional command-line terminals. While retaining core terminal functionalities like command input and output display, it introduces several features tailored for embedded development. These include a built-in serial port monitor, enabling direct communication with embedded hardware; integrated file transfer capabilities for conveniently moving files between the development machine and the target device; and support for multiple sessions and tabs, allowing developers to manage connections to several devices or work on different aspects of a project simultaneously. The tool also offers customizability options, allowing users to adjust the appearance and behavior of the terminal to suit their preferences. Whippy Term is positioned as a modern alternative to existing terminal emulators, attempting to improve the developer experience by combining the power of a traditional terminal with the convenience and visual clarity of a graphical interface. It aspires to be a comprehensive tool, simplifying the development cycle by incorporating essential features directly within the terminal environment itself.
Summary of Comments ( 10 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43910565
Hacker News users discussed Whippy Term's niche appeal for embedded developers, questioning its advantages over existing solutions like Minicom, Screen, or PuTTY. Some expressed interest in its modern UI and features like plotting and command history search, but skepticism remained about its value proposition given the adequacy of free alternatives. The developer responded to several comments, clarifying its focus on serial port communication and emphasizing planned features like scripting and protocol analysis tools. A few users highlighted the need for proper flow control and requested features like configuration profiles and SSH support. Overall, the comments reflect a cautious curiosity about Whippy Term, with users acknowledging its potential but needing more convincing of its superiority over established tools.
The Hacker News post for Whippy Term generated a moderate amount of discussion, with several commenters expressing interest and raising relevant questions.
One of the most compelling threads revolved around the terminal's performance and resource usage compared to existing solutions. A user questioned whether Whippy Term offered any advantages over using something like
screenortmuxwithin a standard terminal emulator. The developer responded by highlighting Whippy Term's focus on embedded development, emphasizing features like automatic reconnect and the ability to handle intermittent serial connections more robustly. They also pointed out its cross-platform nature, supporting both Windows and Linux. This sparked further discussion about the specific challenges of embedded development and how Whippy Term aimed to address them, including the need for a more streamlined and dedicated tool for managing multiple connections.Another significant point of discussion centered around the terminal's licensing and potential cost. While initially unclear, the developer clarified that Whippy Term would be commercially licensed, leading to some debate about its viability compared to free and open-source alternatives. Some users expressed a preference for open-source tools, while others acknowledged the potential value of a well-maintained and feature-rich commercial product.
Other comments touched upon specific features and potential improvements. One user suggested incorporating SSH support, while another inquired about the possibility of adding tabs. The developer responded positively to these suggestions, indicating a willingness to consider them for future development. Several commenters also praised the clean and modern UI, comparing it favorably to some existing terminal emulators.
There were also questions about the underlying technology used to build Whippy Term. The developer clarified that it was built using Qt, a popular cross-platform application framework.
Overall, the comments reflected a generally positive reception to Whippy Term, with many users expressing interest in its potential for embedded development. The discussion highlighted the importance of features like robust connection handling, cross-platform compatibility, and a user-friendly interface in this specific domain. However, the commercial licensing model did raise some concerns and prompted comparisons with existing free and open-source solutions.