Show HN: Rhun, an open-source code editor written in assembly
Rhun is a new open-source, resource-frugal code editor written in assembly that features built-in AI agent integration and consumes under 8MB of RAM.
summary is enough An interesting ultra-lightweight editor, but you can quickly grasp what it offers without reading deep analysis.
summary
Rhun is an open-source code editor written directly in assembly, aiming to minimize resource usage while providing essential features like tabs, syntax highlighting, fuzzy search, and a Vim mode. Unlike typical bloated modern editors, it consumes roughly 8MB of RAM and includes unique integrations for running and tracking local models and AI coding agents. Commenters confirmed its extreme speed and minimal footprint, making it a compelling alternative for performance-conscious developers.
key points
- Written in assembly, Rhun consumes around 7.9MB of RAM, significantly less than Electron-based editors or traditional native tools.
- Includes built-in support for coding agents and local open-weight models, allowing users to monitor AI workflows directly.
- Features standard modern editor capabilities including tabs, syntax highlighting, fuzzy search, and optional Vim mode.
who should read it
Developers who prioritize extreme speed, minimal resource usage, and lightweight local AI tool integrations.
discussion warm
consensus
Commenters are universally impressed by the editor's blazing speed and tiny memory footprint, with users verifying it runs on under 8MB of RAM.
pushback
A couple of users questioned the practical benefits of writing an editor in assembly or wondered if the marketing copy was AI-generated.
I'll have to try it.
It occurs to me that in this era of RAM hardware shortage, resource-frugal applications like this one could become more prevalent.
Anyway I guess we'll see if that happens.
Edit: Downloaded, running under Windows.
Impressive. Loads fast, looks pretty polished. Highlighting for many languages included "obscure" ones that I sometimes use.
Mem used: 7.9MB (gvim 12.2MB, emacs 35.5MB, vscodium 291.1MB)
Provides concrete RAM usage measurements comparing Rhun directly against gvim, emacs, and vscodium.
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