what is the best way to build a TUI for an existing REPL

[TomMelt]

I have an open-source mpi debugger that I am working on called mdb.

It has a REPL-like input that is based on pythons cmd module.

I use asyncio and my own client server to send commands from the users input, to the debug processes. I then print the debug output to the screen.

I want to create a TUI interface for my code, mostly because I want to view source code as I step through the debugger.

My initial thought was to use an Input widget. But then I lose my REPL's functionality (e.g., most importantly my readline shortcuts). Is there a widget that I can run a terminal/REPL in.

It would be great if I could just call my shell cmd loop from the TUI and forward the input to the REPL.

I have a layout for the TUI.

My plan is:

• REPL at the bottom
• file source at top
• command output in middle (or it could be in the same thing as the input if that's easier

[TomMelt]

I have rephrased the title of this discussion.

I'm thinking that patching the cmd module in python might be an option too.

Would love to hear if anyone else has better suggestions