Suggestions for the Serial UI

[ghost]

I really appreciate the new Open Serial option in the microPython editor. I think that will make debugging much easier for beginners. However, it is a little frustrating that I can't see my code and the serial window at the same time. I have to close the serial to get back to my code and then reopen and reconnect when I want the serial window again. This makes it harder for beginners to match up the error with the line of code that is causing it. I think it would be really helpful if Open Serial split the screen so that you could see both at the same time.

Also, things would be greatly improved if you didn't have to reconnect to the micro:bit every time you click flash or serial (I haven't disconnected, but it doesn't seem to save the connection). I understand that if you have disconnected the micro:bit from USB, reconnecting will the necessary, but it would be helpful if the connection persisted until you unplugged the micro:bit.

[microbit-sam]

Hi @bambibrewer Thanks for the feedback! We're working on improving the WebUSB beta, and a branch now exists that uses a persistent WebUSB connection. The relevant PR can be found here: https://github.com/bbcmicrobit/PythonEditor/pull/143

This should make it's way onto /v/beta soon!

Split screen would be another great feature, that we currently don't have a ticket open for! I'll put a task together and add it to the tracker, and then I'll update this issue