Introduction
In 1981, computing was a whole different game. Equipment was expensive and systems were not easily compatible with each other. It was in this context that Frank da Cruz and Bill Catchings created Kermit at Columbia University. Today, 45 years later, we enthusiastically celebrate the first new C-Kermit release in 15 years.
A Brief History of Kermit
Kermit was designed to solve communication issues between different systems, notably the DEC-20 and IBM mainframes, each with their own quirks. The Kermit protocol quickly gained popularity, extending to MS-DOS and Unix by 1982. C-Kermit, a C implementation, has become the flagship version, integrating TCP support, an interactive CLI, and a powerful scripting language.
Kermit's Impact in the Modern World
Kermit has been used in contexts as diverse as the International Space Station and data collection during hurricanes. It has found its place in industry, such as in the manufacturing of Boeing 787s, and remains relevant today for applications like firmware updates for embedded devices.
The Return of C-Kermit: What's New?
The new C-Kermit release introduces features that further simplify file transfers between different systems. For instance, the show interfaces command easily displays your system's local IPs, making TCP connection setups straightforward.
Working with a Decades-Old Codebase
Maintaining and developing a decades-old codebase is a challenge in itself. However, it also offers the opportunity to leverage the robustness of old systems while adapting them to modern technologies.
Conclusion
As we celebrate 45 years of Kermit, we not only look back on its historical impact but also forward to the future of its applications. Whether for vintage system enthusiasts or modern developers, Kermit continues to prove its worth.
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