Show HN: Notepad.exe – macOS editor for Swift and Python (now Linux runtime)
37 comments
·October 19, 2025toinewx
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.
jmkni
Yeah I just found that title confusing
krzyzanowskim
I don't disagree necessarily. I also love the name with all my heart
electroly
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.
nipperkinfeet
The element that provokes the most laughter is the punch hole in the MacBook screen.
hu3
I love it. Even the name.
I like that it starts instantly for me too.
kristianp
Does it use Apple's on-device models for the AI?
Does Swift have UI capabilities on Linux?
krzyzanowskim
> 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 or https://git.aparoksha.dev/aparoksha/adwaita-swift (GNOME)
internet2000
Time to get a better name. The name is the friction remaining that stops me from adopting this.
jamwil
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
there is open contest for different name. mind to chime in?
terhechte
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? ;)
frizlab
> 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!
krzyzanowskim
it works really great with https://kindavim.app/ which adds vim everywhere. problem solved.
4b11b4
I also stumbled upon https://github.com/FelixKratz/SketchyVim but haven't used it yet, though I am using JankyBorders
dinkleberg
Thanks for sharing! Not sure why I never looked for something like this as I’ve tried to inject vim everywhere I can.
zahlman
Is there anything like this for Linux? Or at least for individual UI systems (GTK etc.)?
rubymamis
It crashes on my Mac when it starts up (Macbook Air M4 running Sequoia).
jhbadger
Same here with MacBook Pro M1 Sequoia 15.6.1
krzyzanowskim
that's not great, mind drop me an email on support? update: hotfix in making
rsaz
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
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.
mouse_
Don't name it that
krzyzanowskim
if Microsoft can name a plain text editor Visual Studio, I can name mine Notepad.exe
dadrock
You can name your band Nervanna, but it's lame AF. Be your own thing.
krzyzanowskim
The contest for a name, that is not lame AF, just started
bmandale
> image-rendering: pixelated;
I suppose this is a bit of humour as well?
krzyzanowskim
yes! but that's leftover from the previous version of the site that was pixelated
bofadeez
"stop fighting with your IDE" wow it's like reading my mind. All I do is fight with IDEs 24/7
krzyzanowskim
yes. same!
lnxg33k1
This seems like the celebration of misunderstandings, an .exe app for mac os, called notepad but code editor, and can run and design UI
ngcc_hk
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
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.
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?