Pocket Arduino Microcomputer

So I wanted to make file writing more interractive, by implementing a code editor on the device. But for that I had to make the file system writable. I had vision before starting this project, that I had a wonderful idea of a file system. I was eager to implement it and play with it. And after hours of head scratching, I've come to a conclusion. It was flawed from the beginning. So I had to reimplement the file system again from the start. So I did,

And why not take that opportunity to finally switch onto the EEPROM ? So I did,

And I also implemented that code editor. 

But that means the code executor is no longer compatible with the new file system, so this is the next thing that will have to be implemented.

I've been working on the code executor for a few days and I've made wonderful progress. I can now execute a program written on a file and most instructions are implemented and working fine. It's thinking ! 

But now I'm encountering a bit of an issue : I'm still emulating my file system in the microcontroller's RAM, and it has become tedious to write my programs by hand in the Arduino code and then uploading it to have my files updated. I'd like to make it a little more interractive by being able to write programs directly on the device. So I will be focusing on that for the next updates.

And what did I just learn !?

I've been playing with my cutesy little Arduino for years now and I can't believe I discovered just a few days ago that there is a builtin EEPROM in the Arduino that can be used very easily with just a small library. That could have been useful years ago !

So I will put my files onto the builtin EEPROM and enjoy a real non-volatile file system !

Ok, I had a bit of fun writing drivers for the buttons and the display, I created the file system (still not writable though). Now I'd like to start programming the operating system's kernel.

I updated the description on this page with a first idea of how I will program and plan to use the kernel. More details are on my github in the 'docs' directory on the 'dev' branch.
Feel free to give me advice while I'm developping it.

Thanks for reading !

First publication of this project on Hackaday! Yay!

What is already done :

• I've written libraries for the keypad input and LCD output.
• The file system is readable but there is no write function yet.
• I've created a small file browsing menu.

What is next :

• I will continue to work on the file system (basic write functions).
• I may already have everything I need to make a file reader, so that's that.
• I will have to develop a custom programmation language that can be written with the very simple interface that I have.

Ideas for the future :

• The storage is currently on the Arduino RAM for prototyping, it will later be put onto an SD card reader or EEPROM.
• I will have to think about how to make the frame to hold all the components / circuit boards. The final system will be soldered on either a prototyping board or a PCB.
• Use logic gates to control peripherals to free some I/O pins for general use. 
• I'll add a power supply, someday.

I will also work on documenting my project and keeping you updated in the same time.

Thanks for stopping by and reading !