Termux, a terminal emulator for Android providing a Linux environment, is experiencing significant user-reported issues related to compatibility with Android 14, alongside ongoing efforts to enhance user interface and accessibility features.
Recent issues and pull requests (PRs) indicate a strong focus on addressing compatibility problems with newer Android versions, particularly Android 14. Notable issues include #4120, which requests automated updates via F-Droid to streamline software management, and #4103, highlighting stability concerns when the Termux window is closed unexpectedly. These issues suggest a trajectory focused on ensuring Termux remains functional and user-friendly on evolving Android platforms.
The development team has been actively contributing to these efforts. Key recent activities include:
Josh Triplett: Committed changes 10 days ago to improve keyboard navigation by modifying Shift-PgUp and Shift-PgDn behaviors in TerminalView.java.
Fredrik Fornwall: Made a commit 12 days ago addressing background color usage during scrolling in TerminalEmulator.java, and another 63 days ago improving handling of empty SGR sequences.
These contributions reflect a concerted effort to enhance the terminal's usability and visual consistency.
Android 14 Compatibility Issues: Multiple issues highlight challenges with maintaining functionality on the latest Android version, indicating a critical area for future development focus.
Keyboard Input Anomalies: Reports of inconsistent behavior with hardware keyboards suggest a need for improved input handling across devices.
Accessibility Enhancements: PR #4104 focuses on improving terminal view accessibility, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity for users with disabilities.
Localization Efforts: PRs #4086 and #4087 aim to add Chinese language support, broadening Termux's appeal to non-English speaking users.
Stagnation in PR Merging: Several PRs remain open for extended periods without resolution, suggesting potential resource constraints or prioritization challenges within the development team.
| Timespan | Opened | Closed | Comments | Labeled | Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 6 | 6 | 22 | 3 | 1 |
| 30 Days | 29 | 20 | 70 | 12 | 1 |
| 90 Days | 66 | 56 | 204 | 30 | 1 |
| 1 Year | 241 | 194 | 890 | 99 | 1 |
| All Time | 2631 | 2305 | - | - | - |
Like all software activity quantification, these numbers are imperfect but sometimes useful. Comments, Labels, and Milestones refer to those issues opened in the timespan in question.
| Developer | Avatar | Branches | PRs | Commits | Files | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fredrik Fornwall |  |
1 | 1/2/0 | 1 | 3 | 37 |
| Josh Triplett |  |
1 | 1/1/0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Richard (rigrig) | 0 | 1/0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| None (Aaalish) | 0 | 2/0/2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Vlad Meșco (alzwded) | 0 | 1/0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| None (Sssdisigh) | 0 | 1/0/1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| None (congyuluo) | 0 | 1/0/1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| None (liuzhongyi2) | 0 | 2/0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| ** John Sebastian Peterson (john-peterson)** | 0 | 1/0/0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
PRs: created by that dev and opened/merged/closed-unmerged during the period
The Termux GitHub repository has seen a significant amount of activity, with 326 open issues currently logged. Recent discussions highlight a mix of feature requests and bug reports, indicating an engaged user base actively seeking enhancements and reporting problems. Notably, several issues revolve around compatibility with newer Android versions, particularly Android 14, which has introduced challenges related to app updates and functionality.
A recurring theme in the issues is the interaction between Termux and various keyboard inputs, especially with hardware keyboards. Users report inconsistencies in key mappings and unexpected behavior when using modifier keys in conjunction with arrow keys and other commands. This suggests a need for improved handling of keyboard input across different devices and configurations.
Here are some of the most recently created and updated issues:
Issue #4120: [Feature]: Automatically update Termux on Android 14 with F-Droid
Issue #4103: [Bug]: Closing termux android window just kills termux
Issue #4096: [Feature]: Refreshing repo and upgrading after unpacking a bootstrap.
Issue #4095: [Feature]: termux-about.log should be termux-about.md.
Issue #4094: [Feature]: A developer-signed, non-debuggable variant of Termux on GitHub Releases.
Issue #4082: [Bug]: Unable to install Parsl.
Issue #3909: [Bug]: Password Autofill Provider shows on termux.
Several issues stand out due to their implications for user experience:
The request for automated updates via F-Droid (#4120) highlights a critical need for seamless software management as Android evolves, particularly for security purposes.
The bug concerning the closing of the Termux window (#4103) raises concerns about application stability and user data integrity during unexpected closures.
The enhancement request for a developer-signed variant (#4094) reflects ongoing discussions about distribution methods and user trust in app updates.
The persistent issue with password autofill (#3909) indicates broader compatibility problems with Android's evolving input methods, which could hinder usability for many users relying on password managers.
Overall, these issues reflect a dynamic development environment where user feedback is crucial in shaping future updates and features. The community's active participation suggests a strong commitment to improving the Termux experience across diverse Android devices and configurations.
The analysis of the pull requests (PRs) for the Termux app reveals a total of 55 open PRs, with a focus on enhancing accessibility, user interface improvements, and bug fixes. The recent activity indicates ongoing development efforts to improve user experience and functionality.
PR #4108: add horisontal swipes
PR #4104: Improve accessibility of the Terminal View
PR #4086 & PR #4087: Add Chinese xml
PR #4083: Added: Advanced Mouse Mode setting
PR #4064: Update latest version in README.md to v0.118.1
PR #3989: bug-report-template update
PR #3908: Adds immersive mode for Samsung Dex
PR #3821: Add ACTION_SERVICE_STOP intent
PR #3804: Added java.io export to gradle.properties
PR #3779: fix cursor color issue in dark mode
The current landscape of open pull requests for the Termux app illustrates several key themes and areas of focus:
A notable trend is the emphasis on improving accessibility features, particularly highlighted by PRs like #4104 and #4083. These changes are crucial as they enhance usability for visually impaired users and those relying on assistive technologies. The complexity of implementing such features is evident, as developers must navigate both technical challenges and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Several PRs focus on refining user interactions within the app, such as horizontal swipes (#4108) and advanced mouse settings (#4083). These enhancements aim to make Termux more intuitive and responsive to user needs, reflecting a commitment to continuous improvement in user experience.
The addition of Chinese language support through PRs #4086 and #4087 signifies an important step towards making Termux accessible to non-English speaking users. This localization effort not only broadens the user base but also demonstrates responsiveness to community feedback regarding language inclusivity.
Routine maintenance is evident in PRs like #4064 and #3989, which address documentation updates and minor bug fixes. These contributions are essential for maintaining project integrity and ensuring that users have access to accurate information about software versions and reporting processes.
The presence of discussions around PRs indicates active community engagement, with contributors providing feedback and suggestions for improvements. However, there are also instances of spammy or irrelevant submissions (e.g., PRs related to "Q bot"), which detract from productive contributions and highlight the need for better moderation practices.
While there is a healthy number of open pull requests, some have been open for extended periods without merging or clear resolutions (e.g., PRs over 200 days old). This stagnation could indicate resource constraints or prioritization challenges within the development team, potentially leading to frustration among contributors eager to see their work integrated into the main branch.
In conclusion, while the Termux app continues to evolve through various enhancements and community contributions, addressing issues related to merging delays and spam submissions will be vital for sustaining momentum and fostering a collaborative development environment.
Josh Triplett
Summary
Quantified Reports
Detailed ReportsTerminalView.java (+1, -1).Fredrik Fornwall
TerminalEmulator.java (+3, -2)ScrollRegionTest.java (+27, -0)TerminalTestCase.java (+5, -0).The development team is currently engaged in refining the Termux app's functionality, particularly around terminal interactions. Their recent contributions highlight a commitment to enhancing user experience through thoughtful improvements and fixes.