Claude and I built an app

Claude and I collaborated to create Roboterm, a minimal terminal emulator tailored to my specific needs. My primary motivation for developing this app was to utilize a terminal emulator that met my expectations. While I have maintained Terminator for over five years, its Mac OS integration was subpar, and I had transitioned away from using Linux on the desktop.

Consequently, I sought a distinct alternative and aimed to create Python GTK4 code examples on Mac OS. Additionally, I wanted to update Terminator to GTK4 and evaluate AI's capabilities. After several unsuccessful attempts using various AI coding tools, Claude, an AI tool, proved to be a valuable asset. With guidance, Claude successfully generated the majority of the code, providing thorough tests and documentation in a file named CLAUDE.md.

The Python codebase is concise, consisting of fewer than 2000 lines. This project has not only improved my coding skills but also enabled me to multitask efficiently, even while watching TV with my wife. Although Claude's output may not match the complexity of code I create at work, where reliability is paramount, I find it useful for personal projects.

I primarily employ AI as a research assistant at work, relying on my own coding expertise for critical tasks. To summarize, if you desire a straightforward, customizable terminal emulator where Claude can assist in adding features, I recommend giving Roboterm a try.