Notepad++ - free text editor
By Lee Ka
@kaka135 (14916)
Malaysia
September 17, 2010 10:35pm CST
I'd just like to recommend this free (under GPL license) text or source code editor. I like to use Notepad as it's a simple program, and it can be launched very quickly. But, Notepad has very limited functionality. Recently, my colleague just introduced this Notepad++ to me, and it's very useful for doing some simple text editing and even programming.
You can open multiple files in one Notepad++ browser, it's very convenient to use. Also, if you are writing any source codes or HTML files, this program is very useful too.
Another good point is that, Notepad++ is offering a greener environment, because it optimizes its routines, and hence it reduces CPU power consumption and world carbon dioxide emissions. This is really a good mission. 
Now, Notepad++ is already version 5.7, hence it's quite stable.
You can download the program here: http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download
Now, Notepad++ is already version 5.7, hence it's quite stable.
You can download the program here: http://notepad-plus-plus.org/download2 people like this
13 responses
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
18 Sep 10
Yes, I know about Notepad++. I have been using it since last year. I do keep updating the software, downloading even the Release Candidate version.
Another thing you should know about it is that it does not write any file in the registry during installation. This means that you can copy the folder into another computer, sort of being portable. I think you can use it from a USB stick/ pen drive, but I have not tried it yet.
By the way I have more than 8 text editors on my PC. Guess I am sort of a freak.
2 people like this
@kaka135 (14916)
• Malaysia
18 Sep 10
Hi rosdimy, thanks for your response.
I didn't know about that feature, thanks for telling me that. Perhaps it'd be useful to save the folder in pen drive as portable usage.
By the way, what text editors are you using? Which one do you prefer the most? I don't know others.
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
19 Sep 10
I use EditPadLite for writing text more than the others.
Among the others that I have used, and occasionally still use, are
- PowerPad
- AkelPad
- Jarte
- RJ TextEdit
- Lightning Pad
- TextPadLite
- Note2 (slightly better than Note)
- DocPad 8.1
- MemPad
Another one which might interest you is WikiPad.
@Ramaditya (1227)
• Indonesia
18 Sep 10
I have been using Notepad++ until now. It supports a lot of programming files and scripts, and it really helps me as I am accustomed to working on many programming language.
I replaced the old Notepad in Windows XP with this one, but I haven't done it to my Windows 7 machine, because its default notepad can read *.docx extension.
But I am gonna try this new version anyway.
1 person likes this
@multimastery (1195)
• United States
29 Oct 10
Thanks for the info about Notepad++ Sounds like it has a lot of nice features. Currently I use the standard Notepad on my computer and I also use edit pad http://www.editpad.org which I can access anywhere by it being a free online text editor.
@celticeagle (159606)
• Boise, Idaho
19 Sep 10
I don't really understand what this is. I use 'notepad' on my PC all the time. Is this link just a download for people to put it on their computer if they don't already have it or is this something different? I use the notepad like scratch paper because I see something on tv or online that I want to check out and hurredly write on a notepad to check out later. I love it!
@Ramaditya (1227)
• Indonesia
18 Sep 10
I agree with you. I have been using Notepad++ for a long time, because I am accustomed to editing syntax, HTML codes, and more importantly, writing my own novels and diary.
Although I am still using the defaul Notepad under Windows 7 (I repalced the default Windows XP Notepad with Notepad++), I am very impressed with its capabilities. The only reason I am still using default Notepad under Windows 7 is because it can read *.docx format.
But I guess I haven't updated my Notepad++ for a long time. I'll check the new version. Hope it can recognize *.docx as well.
1 person likes this
@midhunmathew (3)
• India
18 Sep 10
even am using a notepad
its more easy to use since its small in size
the only problem is that it become little slow if used with high definition programs
@wrangel15 (1443)
• Philippines
18 Sep 10
I also used Notepad++ before and I would also recommend it to anyone.
But in my current job as a programmer, we use more sophisticated editors. They call it Integrated Development Environment (IDE) but it just a Notepad with more advanced features. We use eclipse IDE. It is also free for download. It can be downloaded at this site: http://www.eclipse.org/downloads/
@Sidoghosh (174)
• India
18 Sep 10
I haven't tried it yet I usually use Dreamweaver to write my source codes ever since it outstretches to almost all the formats of coding including Php but I would to give it a try .Cheers for the info.
@Angelgirl16 (2171)
• United States
18 Sep 10
Hi kaka135,
I have heard about Notepad++, but I have been putting off trying it. Since I am listening to all the good advantages it offers, I will probably give it a try. I will try any safe product that will make my computer use easier.
I just don't trust to many additions to my computer, since this is the only one that I have and am not financially able to purchase another one at this time. However, I am always look for way to optimize my time on the computer. Too much to do with so little time, so thanks for this information on Notepad++.
@anurag3786 (6267)
• India
18 Sep 10
Yes i used it ..and i think it is good for writing any programming languages.. their are many features are in notepad++ with many programming languages supporting.. so i like it.. and it's features always.. what do you say about this.. do you also like this or not..
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
18 Sep 10
Thanks Kaka for starting this one. Yes, notepad ++ is really a great text editor. I have been using it for over a year and a half now. The best part here is that it is much more friendly when it comes to writing programs, just because it allows Syntax Highlighting. It supports quite a large number of programming languages and that is good about it.
I was also searching for some libraries that could be integrated into this Application so that the syntax for the language was available as the programmers type. I was happy to know that some of these are already available as Plug-Ins and can be downloaded from http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/notepad-plus/index.php?title=Plugin_Central
Regards,
Sids
