[flying-sheep]

LuaTeX is exactly what you’re talking about.

LuaLaTeX is a reimplementation of PDFLaTeX on that base.

ConTeXt is a new syntax/concept based on LuaLaTeX (that doesn’t want to be compatible with LaTeX and its errors)

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That shell is unfortunately MS PowerShell. There are several approaches to do it in a way more familiar and compatible with unix shells. (some of which have been started recently, such as Final Term, and some are vaporware, such as TermKit)

And most editors are like that, some of which even have an optional vim mode for fans of that control scheme (my favourite is Kate)