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Show HN: Notepad.exe – macOS editor for Swift and Python (now Linux runtime)

41 points by krzyzanowskim 1y ago

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?

terhechte 1y 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 1y ago
  it works really great with https://kindavim.app/ https://kindavim.app/ which adds vim everywhere. problem solved.
  - 4b11b4 1y ago
    I also stumbled upon https://github.com/FelixKratz/SketchyVim https://github.com/FelixKratz/SketchyVim but haven't used it yet, though I am using JankyBorders
  - dinkleberg 1y ago
    Thanks for sharing! Not sure why I never looked for something like this as I’ve tried to inject vim everywhere I can.
  - zahlman 1y ago
    Is there anything like this for Linux? Or at least for individual UI systems (GTK etc.)?
- frizlab 1y 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 1y 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
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  it is a coding Notepad that also execute the code
toinewx 1y 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 1y ago
  The element that provokes the most laughter is the punch hole in the MacBook screen.
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  I don't disagree necessarily. I also love the name with all my heart
  - dfabulich 1y ago
    Why do you love the name?
    - unkeen 1y ago
      Because computering is missing out on whimsical fun in every way nowadays!
  - electroly 1y ago
    You should keep it if you love it, but understand that the name is limiting the project's reach. Not all projects are aiming for reach, but this appears to be a serious useful tool that you're charging for, not some toy. The name is stopping people from understanding the project and is limiting your income.
- jmkni 1y ago
  Yeah I just found that title confusing
- InsideOutSanta 1y ago
rsaz 1y 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 1y 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.
bofadeez 1y ago
"stop fighting with your IDE" wow it's like reading my mind. All I do is fight with IDEs 24/7
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  yes. same!
ngcc_hk 1y 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 1y 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_ 1y ago
Don't name it that
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  if Microsoft can name a plain text editor Visual Studio, I can name mine Notepad.exe
  - dadrock 1y ago
    You can name your band Nervanna, but it's lame AF. Be your own thing.
    - krzyzanowskim 1y ago
      The contest for a name, that is not lame AF, just started
      - joenot443 1y ago
        How about Protopad? It's a notepad for prototypes, right? I agree with the others - the naming doesn't seem super aligned with the product itself.
        hu3 1y ago
        How about stop trying to tell others how they should call their projects?
        joenot443 1y ago
        The OP suggested a contest; that was merely my entry :)
bmandale 1y ago
> image-rendering: pixelated; I suppose this is a bit of humour as well?
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  yes! but that's leftover from the previous version of the site that was pixelated
internet2000 1y ago
Time to get a better name. The name is the friction remaining that stops me from adopting this.
- jamwil 1y ago
  Ya. Bit of a shame. It’s OP’s choice of course and I get that it’s kitschy or whatever but I think he’s leaving money on the table as a commercial product. If it were actually funny I think I’d feel different, but ironically calling a native mac app ‘exe’ just feels like a bad punchline that’s not going to land with anyone who understands the value proposition of the app in the first place.
  - krzyzanowskim 1y ago
    there is open contest for different name. mind to chime in?
    - jamwil 1y ago
      Personally I think dropping the exe and just calling it notepad is the obvious low-hanging fruit. I like the nostalgic aesthetic—it’s refreshing in this age of cookie-cutter tailwindcss splash pages, but exe is just quite confusing.
      - krzyzanowskim 1y ago
        Notepad++ is already taken. that's sad
      - jamwil 1y ago
        Or ‘notepad.app’ would quite clearly convey that it is an editor in the spirit of notepad but for macOS.
rubymamis 1y ago
It crashes on my Mac when it starts up (Macbook Air M4 running Sequoia).
- jhbadger 1y ago
  Same here with MacBook Pro M1 Sequoia 15.6.1
  - krzyzanowskim 1y ago
    that's not great, mind drop me an email on support? update: hotfix in making
    - jhbadger 1y ago
      The updated build now works on my system, fyi.
kristianp 1y ago
Does it use Apple's on-device models for the AI? Does Swift have UI capabilities on Linux?
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  > Apple's on-device models for the AI? no. Apple on-device models are not suitable for such a task. It uses a different model (I don't stick to one model in particular, as it may change) > Does Swift have UI capabilities on Linux? No. there are projects inspired by SwiftUI: https://github.com/stackotter/swift-cross-ui https://github.com/stackotter/swift-cross-ui or https://git.aparoksha.dev/aparoksha/adwaita-swift https://git.aparoksha.dev/aparoksha/adwaita-swift (GNOME)
hu3 1y ago
I love it. Even the name. I like that it starts instantly for me too.
aaronbrethorst 1y ago
I really do not understand what this is from skimming the website on my phone. The app name makes it even more confusing.
BChass 1y ago
Works great for a few mins and then crashes on macOs
marvel_boy 1y ago
Got an error on installation [1] on my mac . Could be because using last version of Xcode(26.1 beta 2? [1]Termination Reason: Namespace SIGNAL, Code 5 Trace/BPT trap: 5 Terminating Process: exc handler [949] Thread 0 Crashed:: Dispatch queue: com.apple.main-thread 0 Notepad.exe 0x104681fd4 0x104620000 + 401364 1 Notepad.exe 0x104681e04 0x104620000 + 400900 2 Foundation 0x1872b951c -[NSObject(NSKeyValueCoding) valueForKey:] + 280 3 Foundation 0x1872b93ac -[NSObject(NSKeyValueCoding) valueForKeyPath:] + 220 4 AppKit 0x189c25e58 -[NSBinder valueForBinding:resolveMarkersToPlaceholders:] + 124 5 AppKit 0x189c25c18 -[NSValueBinder
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  dont see it in crash logs so far. Drop me email with whathever you have, I'll try to trace it down. Make sure you download latest build.
kristianp 1y ago
Are there capabilities to add other programming languages, for example via plugins/scripting?
BChass 1y ago
This license does not include updates to future major versions - so another $99 when v2 comes around. This is an interesting Lifetime License model...

41 points by krzyzanowskim 1y ago

terhechte 1y 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 1y ago
it works really great with https://kindavim.app/ https://kindavim.app/ which adds vim everywhere. problem solved.
- 4b11b4 1y ago
  I also stumbled upon https://github.com/FelixKratz/SketchyVim https://github.com/FelixKratz/SketchyVim but haven't used it yet, though I am using JankyBorders
- dinkleberg 1y ago
  Thanks for sharing! Not sure why I never looked for something like this as I’ve tried to inject vim everywhere I can.
- zahlman 1y ago
  Is there anything like this for Linux? Or at least for individual UI systems (GTK etc.)?
frizlab 1y 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 1y 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

krzyzanowskim 1y ago
it is a coding Notepad that also execute the code

toinewx 1y 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 1y ago
The element that provokes the most laughter is the punch hole in the MacBook screen.
krzyzanowskim 1y ago
I don't disagree necessarily. I also love the name with all my heart
- dfabulich 1y ago
  Why do you love the name?
  - unkeen 1y ago
    Because computering is missing out on whimsical fun in every way nowadays!
- electroly 1y ago
  You should keep it if you love it, but understand that the name is limiting the project's reach. Not all projects are aiming for reach, but this appears to be a serious useful tool that you're charging for, not some toy. The name is stopping people from understanding the project and is limiting your income.
jmkni 1y ago
Yeah I just found that title confusing
InsideOutSanta 1y ago

rsaz 1y 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 1y 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.

bofadeez 1y ago

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

krzyzanowskim 1y ago
yes. same!

ngcc_hk 1y 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 1y 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_ 1y ago

Don't name it that

krzyzanowskim 1y ago
if Microsoft can name a plain text editor Visual Studio, I can name mine Notepad.exe
- dadrock 1y ago
  You can name your band Nervanna, but it's lame AF. Be your own thing.
  - krzyzanowskim 1y ago
    The contest for a name, that is not lame AF, just started
    - joenot443 1y ago
      How about Protopad? It's a notepad for prototypes, right? I agree with the others - the naming doesn't seem super aligned with the product itself.
      - hu3 1y ago
        How about stop trying to tell others how they should call their projects?
        joenot443 1y ago
        The OP suggested a contest; that was merely my entry :)

bmandale 1y ago

> image-rendering: pixelated; I suppose this is a bit of humour as well?

krzyzanowskim 1y ago
yes! but that's leftover from the previous version of the site that was pixelated

internet2000 1y ago

Time to get a better name. The name is the friction remaining that stops me from adopting this.

jamwil 1y ago
Ya. Bit of a shame. It’s OP’s choice of course and I get that it’s kitschy or whatever but I think he’s leaving money on the table as a commercial product. If it were actually funny I think I’d feel different, but ironically calling a native mac app ‘exe’ just feels like a bad punchline that’s not going to land with anyone who understands the value proposition of the app in the first place.
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  there is open contest for different name. mind to chime in?
  - jamwil 1y ago
    Personally I think dropping the exe and just calling it notepad is the obvious low-hanging fruit. I like the nostalgic aesthetic—it’s refreshing in this age of cookie-cutter tailwindcss splash pages, but exe is just quite confusing.
    - krzyzanowskim 1y ago
      Notepad++ is already taken. that's sad
    - jamwil 1y ago
      Or ‘notepad.app’ would quite clearly convey that it is an editor in the spirit of notepad but for macOS.

rubymamis 1y ago

It crashes on my Mac when it starts up (Macbook Air M4 running Sequoia).

jhbadger 1y ago
Same here with MacBook Pro M1 Sequoia 15.6.1
- krzyzanowskim 1y ago
  that's not great, mind drop me an email on support? update: hotfix in making
  - jhbadger 1y ago
    The updated build now works on my system, fyi.

kristianp 1y ago

Does it use Apple's on-device models for the AI? Does Swift have UI capabilities on Linux?

krzyzanowskim 1y ago
> Apple's on-device models for the AI? no. Apple on-device models are not suitable for such a task. It uses a different model (I don't stick to one model in particular, as it may change) > Does Swift have UI capabilities on Linux? No. there are projects inspired by SwiftUI: https://github.com/stackotter/swift-cross-ui https://github.com/stackotter/swift-cross-ui or https://git.aparoksha.dev/aparoksha/adwaita-swift https://git.aparoksha.dev/aparoksha/adwaita-swift (GNOME)

hu3 1y ago

I love it. Even the name. I like that it starts instantly for me too.

aaronbrethorst 1y ago

I really do not understand what this is from skimming the website on my phone. The app name makes it even more confusing.

BChass 1y ago

Works great for a few mins and then crashes on macOs

marvel_boy 1y ago

Got an error on installation [1] on my mac . Could be because using last version of Xcode(26.1 beta 2? [1]Termination Reason: Namespace SIGNAL, Code 5 Trace/BPT trap: 5 Terminating Process: exc handler [949] Thread 0 Crashed:: Dispatch queue: com.apple.main-thread 0 Notepad.exe 0x104681fd4 0x104620000 + 401364 1 Notepad.exe 0x104681e04 0x104620000 + 400900 2 Foundation 0x1872b951c -[NSObject(NSKeyValueCoding) valueForKey:] + 280 3 Foundation 0x1872b93ac -[NSObject(NSKeyValueCoding) valueForKeyPath:] + 220 4 AppKit 0x189c25e58 -[NSBinder valueForBinding:resolveMarkersToPlaceholders:] + 124 5 AppKit 0x189c25c18 -[NSValueBinder

krzyzanowskim 1y ago
dont see it in crash logs so far. Drop me email with whathever you have, I'll try to trace it down. Make sure you download latest build.

kristianp 1y ago

Are there capabilities to add other programming languages, for example via plugins/scripting?

BChass 1y ago

This license does not include updates to future major versions - so another $99 when v2 comes around. This is an interesting Lifetime License model...