How to use Android as an SSH client with a keyboard?

Question

Android

I bought a TV set and a set-top box (Tox1, Android 9, 4GB RAM, root "out of the box") for the dacha. Naturally, the administrator's desire arises, not to carry a laptop with him to the dacha every time "just in case", so that if suddenly there is something with the servers - go in and fix it, but leave the keyboard and mouse there and work comfortably.

Well, in general the keyboard works. For tasks like "to dial the address of the site" - everything is fine. But at the level of "editing the config" is already difficult. The first problem is that Enter does not work (it works like the central button "OK" from the remote control, usually in typing mode it is the selection of the first key ("q") on the virtual keyboard). A little bit through the ass, editing /system/usr/keylayout/Generic.kl (here on this advice) managed to overcome it. But now the second problem - ESC does not work. Works similarly to "return" on the remote. That is, you enter via SSH to the server, edit the file in vi, press ESC to save, and fly out to the SSH client menu. Funny! Of course, I can try to use ungodly nano, or edit with sed like a tough guy, but I still want vi and ESC.

Google shows that groans and gnashing of teeth on this topic have been heard for ten years already. I think maybe humanity has already solved the problem somehow? Where to look?

Maybe somehow it can be configured? Maybe you need some other program (paid, free) to put? Maybe another SSH client is better? Maybe it will work with other keyboards? Here are those that are sold specifically for android tablets and set-top boxes, with the Esc button - do they somehow work, or is it also not there?

In general, I found a solution for myself (only one!) - JuiceSSH - by some miracle can work with Esc (by the way, I wonder how it's done there?), But why can't other SSH (like ConnectBot) or can they also be taught?

And, so as not to get up twice - is there something convenient and standard to get a shell on an android and can even install an ssh client there, ansible, etc. (for example, to work directly from android with small shell scripts, ssh, scp, ...). Or maybe you can even install git and some kind of lightweight IDE will take off? Still, 4 gigabytes is quite a lot for programmer work with text.

Answer 1

ConnectBot is one of the best Android SSH apps that provides a reliable client for a secure Android shell. With it, you can manage multiple simultaneous SSH sessions, create secure tunnels, and copy and paste between apps on your Android device. According to users, the CTRL functionality and post-login automation make ConnectBot one of the best SSH clients for Android devices. What's more, unlike many other SSH options on Android, ConnectBot lacks a paid upgrade. Therefore, it is absolutely free to use for all features.