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The new Windows Terminal and the original Windows console host, all in the same place!
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Suggestion: "One-click & snap" connect to bluetooth/serial devices and network hosts using QR Code and Code 128 #694

Open PhMajerus opened 5 years ago

PhMajerus commented 5 years ago

IoT devices, network equipment, servers, ... can be accessed through serial over bluetooth, telnet, ssh, etc... but they can require quite a bit of information to configure the terminal properly to connect to them. It is possible to put labels on them with their hostname or ip address, protocol to use, or for bluetooth or serial equipment, their bluetooth address, passkey, bits per second, data bits, parity, stop bits and flow control information...

Now, imagine if you could just print a QR Code or Code 128 (depending on what is easier to stick on the equipment) containing all that information, and you could just scan the label that is on the device to connect to it automatically.

For servers with a status screen but no keyboard attached, a simple qrencode -t UTF8 "ssh://$(hostname)" displayed on its status screen could make connecting to it much easier as well.

This could be a "Scan connection barcode" option in the [+][v] (new tab menu) of the Windows Terminal, using the Windows built-in barcode library to scan the sticker using the webcam and connecting to it in a single click and snap.

Typical scenario would be tech guy walking to a network switch, IoT endpoint, etc... and, using his laptop, connecting to it without having to setup the connection manually. Future scenario would be when the Windows Terminal works on HoloLens 2, to be able to simply say "connect using terminal" to have a floating augmented-reality terminal window connecting to the device in front of the user.

zadjii-msft commented 5 years ago

This is a really good idea. Don't think I'll have time to put it on my plate, but this is certainly something that I'd happily review a a PR from the public.

Maybe it makes more sense as an extension though.... @bitcrazed

peterclemenko commented 3 years ago

I really want to see this

zadjii-msft commented 3 years ago

@peter-clemenko the best way to show your support for a feature is by hitting the 👍 button on this issue

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That way, you avoid unnecessarily pinging everyone following this thread. Thanks!