Experimental REPL for PicoCalc

#1

Hello,
I have experimenting with uLisp on PicoCalc for some time and create some prototype of new REPL that I assume may be more convenient for the machine. I would be appreciated for any feedback (comments/suggestions/impressions.)

Github repo (new_repl branch)

Experimental REPL now supports

  • Single line edit with Del/Backspace working.
  • Navigation with left/right arrow keys
  • History of previous commands with up/down arrows

I plan to add:

  • Brackets autoclose
  • Brackets highlight
  • Autocomplete with Tab

I think for PicoCalc fully functioning editor will be more convenient for bigger inputs, so REPL based on screen structure that provides abstraction for the text based interfaces. I plan to use it for the editor.

There are several changes that I consider questionable. First, REPL use dynamic memory allocation. It is not suitable for all platforms, but even on Pico 1 board there are some heap space available, so it is possible to use it. I think it may be especially useful for the editor.

Second I completely delete serial input/output interface. As PicoCalc has screen and keyboard it is not critical. I suppose that serial may be better used for other purposes, like XMODEM based file transfer.

#2

Well, the one caution about deleting the UART IO is as follows: If you ever find yourself needing to debug the keyboard or display driver, that’s when you’ll remember and deeply regret removing the UART IO. ;D

And yes, the universe will make efforts to put you in that situation.