Alternatives: The Best Text Editor on PC

Alternatives: The Best Text Editor on PC

A text editor is software used to create, edit, and manipulate text. Its function is to allow users to edit and organize text in various ways, such as writing program code, creating text documents, or editing configuration files. Text editors have a variety of features, from basic functions such as text formatting, word selection and replacement, to more advanced features such as syntax highlighting for certain programming languages, extension support, and integration with other development tools.

Text editors can be desktop or web-based applications, and are available in various levels of complexity. There are simple text editors that offer only basic text editing functions, as well as more advanced text editors designed specifically for software development with features such as debugging, project management, and integration with version control systems.

Text editor function

The uses of text editors are extensive, including software development, document writing, editing system configuration files, and more. Because text editors have an important role in many aspects of work and productivity, choosing a text editor that suits your needs and preferences can greatly influence your work efficiency.

Windows default text editor

Windows has several built-in text editors that can be used to create and edit text files. Here are some of them:

Apart from the default text editor, you can also install a third-party text editor that is more sophisticated and suits your needs. Apart from that, here are several text editors that you can use.

The best alternative text editor

Choosing the best text editor really depends on personal preferences, needs, and the platform you use. Here are some popular text editor alternatives that you can consider:

Visual Studio Code (VSCode)

A very popular open-source text editor with many features, extension support, and strong integration for programming languages. Suitable for web development, programming and general software development. Overall, Visual Studio Code is a powerful, versatile, and developer-friendly source code editor suitable for many types of projects. With strong community support and a wide ecosystem of extensions, it can be well adapted to diverse development needs.

Advantage:

  1. Light and Fast: VSCode was designed with a focus on good performance. Even though it has a lot of features, it remains light and responsive.
  2. Extensive Programming Language Support: VSCode has integrated support for many programming languages ​​and frameworks, as well as syntax highlighting and formatting features that help increase development productivity.
  3. Extensions: One of the most powerful features of VSCode is its extensive ecosystem of extensions. You can easily install extensions to add new functionality, such as additional programming language support, debugging tools, development tool integration, and more.
  4. Git Integration: VSCode has strong integration with the Git version control system, allowing you to perform commit, pull, push, and branch management directly from within the editor.
  5. Syntax Highlighting and Intellisense: Syntax highlighting helps you see code structure clearly, while the Intellisense feature provides code, function, and documentation suggestions as you type, speeding up development.
  6. Integrated Debugging: VSCode offers powerful debugging tools with support for multiple languages ​​and environments.
  7. Linting: With the help of extensions and settings, VSCode can perform linting to help you identify and fix potential code problems.
  8. Customization: You can customize the layout, themes, styles, and more according to your preferences.

Disadvantages:

Sublime Text

A text editor that is fast, light, and has an attractive appearance. Supports various programming languages ​​and has many plugins to enhance functionality. Sublime Text is a powerful text editor and is perfect for developers looking for a balance between speed, performance, and features. Even though it is a paid tool, many developers consider the investment to be worth the quality and productivity it provides.

Advantage:

  1. Speed ​​and Performance: Sublime Text is known for its fast execution speed, responsive operation, and short startup time.
  2. Elegant Interface: Sublime Text’s interface is simple, clean, and easy to navigate. This allows focus on development without distractions.
  3. Advanced Syntax Highlighting: Sublime Text provides rich, customizable syntax highlighting for many programming languages, making code easier to read and understand.
  4. Powerful Search and Replace: Text search and replace in files is very fast and supports the use of regular expressions.
  5. Extensions and Packages: Sublime Text supports a variety of extensions and packages that can be installed to add additional functionality, from custom syntax highlighting to development tools.
  6. Quick Edit Functions: Sublime Text has many quick edit features, such as multiple line selection, auto formatting, and more, which make code editing easy.

Disadvantages:

Atom

An open-source text editor from GitHub with strong extension and customization support. Integrates with GitHub and is also suitable for web development and programming. Atom is a text editor that is perfect for those who prioritize customization and flexibility in their text editing experience. However, please note that performance and memory consumption can be an issue, especially on older or low-spec systems.

Advantage:

  1. Extensive Customization: Atom offers very extensive customization through installable extensions (packages). Users can customize the appearance, function and style according to their preferences.
  2. Attractive Interface: Atom’s interface is designed with an attractive modern aesthetic, with support for dark and light themes and color customization.
  3. Collaborative Editing: The Teletype feature in Atom enables real-time collaborative editing, allowing multiple users to work on the same file.
  4. Powerful Syntax Highlighting: Atom provides powerful syntax highlighting and customization for various programming languages.
  5. Integration with GitHub: Because it was developed by GitHub, Atom has strong integration with the GitHub platform, easing the process of managing repositories and working with teams.
  6. Useful Built-in Packages: Atom comes with useful built-in packages, such as Git and GitHub integrations, and several other features.

Disadvantages:

Notepad++

A simple text editor that is very fast and suitable for everyday use. Offers basic features as well as support for various programming languages.

  1. Light and Fast: Notepad++ is a very light editor and has fast loading times, making it a good choice for simple and fast text editing.
  2. Syntax Highlighting: Notepad++ offers syntax highlighting for various programming languages, which helps to visualize code better.
  3. Plugins and Extensions: Notepad++ supports installable plugins and extensions to add additional functionality, such as additional programming language support and tools.
  4. Search and Replace Features: Notepad++ has powerful search and replace features, including support for regular expressions.
  5. Custom Edit Functions: This editor provides several custom edit functions, such as column selection, duplicate row removal, and more.

Disadvantages:

Why

A very powerful and flexible terminal-based text editor. Has a steep learning curve, but can provide incredible productivity once mastered. Vim is an excellent choice for those who want to master fast and efficient text editing via the keyboard. However, due to its steep learning curve and unique approach to editing, it can take time to adapt to how it works differently from other text editors.

Advantage:

  1. Speed ​​and Efficiency: Vim is designed to work efficiently from the keyboard, without the need to use a mouse. This allows users to edit text quickly and without leaving the keyboard.
  2. Edit Mode: Vim has several modes, including normal, insert, visual, and others. This allows you to perform editing tasks very efficiently and productively.
  3. Customization and Extensions: Vim can be completely customized according to user preferences. There are many extensions and configurations that can be used to improve the functionality and appearance of Vim.
  4. Stability and Availability: Vim is present on almost all Unix-like systems, including Linux and macOS, allowing for consistency of use across platforms.
  5. Using the Command Line: Vim can be run from the command line and is often used in file editing via SSH or in system setup without a graphical interface.

Disadvantages:

Emacs

Emacs is a strong choice for those who want to fully customize their text editing experience and integrate a variety of development tools in one place. However, in return, it requires a commitment in terms of time and learning to utilize its full potential. Similar to Vim, it has a high learning curve but can provide a highly custom editing experience.

Advantage:

  1. Flexibility and Customization: Emacs is known for its flexibility and unlimited customization. You can customize almost every aspect of this editor, from appearance to functionality.
  2. Strong Ecosystem: There is a large and active ecosystem for Emacs extensions, known as “modes”. These modes add functionality for various programming languages, applications, and other tasks.
  3. Programming Modes: Emacs has special programming modes that support various programming languages ​​with syntax highlighting, completion functions, and debugging tools.
  4. Shell Integration: You can run shells directly from within Emacs, allowing you to run terminal commands and other shell commands without leaving the editor.
  5. Rich Documentation: Emacs has rich and in-depth documentation, including built-in tutorials and manuals that help users understand its features.

Disadvantages:

Brackets

A dedicated text editor for web development, developed by Adobe. Offers special features for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Brackets is suitable for front-end developers who focus on web development. The Live Preview feature and emphasis on web design make it an attractive choice for projects that require fast and continuous visualization of code changes. However, if you are looking for a more versatile text editor or focused on software development in general, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Focus on Web Development: Brackets is designed with a focus on web development and front-end design, providing useful tools for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  2. Live Preview: One of Brackets’ main features is Live Preview, which allows you to see changes you make to code directly in the browser, without needing to refresh the page.
  3. Syntax Highlighting and Automatic Formatting: Brackets provides good syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as automatic formatting features that help maintain code consistency.
  4. Web Design Features: Brackets has several features that help in web design, such as the Extract feature that allows you to extract styles from visual designs.
  5. Extensions and Packages: Although more web-focused, Brackets also has several extensions and packages that can be installed to add additional functionality.

Disadvantages:

Kate

A lightweight text editor that is part of the KDE desktop environment on Linux. Suitable for various types of editing tasks.

Kate is a good choice for Linux users who use the KDE desktop environment and are looking for a text editor that integrates well into the KDE ecosystem. While it may not have as many features as some of the other alternatives, Kate is still a powerful text editor and suitable for smaller text development and editing projects.

Advantage:

  1. KDE Desktop Environment Integration: Kate is well integrated in the KDE desktop environment on Linux. This means you can access KDE features and run other applications easily.
  2. Powerful Syntax Highlighting: Kate has powerful syntax highlighting for various programming languages, making it easier to read and understand code.
  3. Lightweight IDE Features: Despite being a text editor, Kate has some light IDE features, such as code completion, version integration, and development support.
  4. Project Management: Kate has a simple project manager that lets you organize files within projects.
  5. Extension Support: Kate supports installable extensions to add additional functionality according to your needs.

Disadvantages:

GNU Nano

A simple, terminal-based text editor with an easy-to-understand interface. Suitable for beginners looking for a basic text editor.

GNU Nano is a great choice for users who want to do simple text editing in the terminal without having to learn a complex interface. This is a text editor that is suitable for basic editing tasks or when system resources are limited. However, if you need more advanced features or are focused on software development, you may want to consider another text editor.

Advantage:

  1. Simple and Easy to Learn: GNU Nano is designed with a simple and easy to understand interface, making it suitable for users who are just getting started with text editing in the terminal.
  2. Easy Navigation: GNU Nano has intuitive shortcut keys for navigation and basic commands, such as saving, opening, and closing files.
  3. Lightweight: Being simple and terminal-based, GNU Nano is a lightweight choice in terms of system resource usage.
  4. Color Drawing Support: GNU Nano has the ability to display syntax highlighting with color, making it easier to read and understand code.

Disadvantages:

Geany

Geany is suitable for those looking for a lighter and more focused IDE on software development with support for a variety of programming languages. It is a good choice for small to medium development projects and can be used on systems with limited resources. However, if you are looking for a more complete or feature-rich IDE, you may want to consider a more powerful IDE alternative.

Advantage:

  1. Light and Fast: Geany is known for its lightweight and responsive performance, making it a good choice for development on resource-constrained systems.
  2. Simple Interface: Geany has a simple and easy to navigate interface, with support for tabbed layouts and basic features.
  3. Programming Language Support: Geany supports a variety of programming languages ​​and frameworks, with syntax highlighting and features that help in development.
  4. Build and Debugging Integration: Geany has build and debugging integration support that allows you to develop and test code more efficiently.
  5. Lightweight IDE Features: Despite being lightweight, Geany has some lightweight IDE features like code completion and code navigation.

Disadvantages:

TextMate

TextMate is a good choice for macOS users looking for an elegant and functional text editor for code development. With a focus on productivity and customization, TextMate is suitable for developing small to medium-sized projects, especially if you value a beautiful and efficient interface. However, if you are looking for an IDE with more development features, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Elegant Interface: TextMate has an elegant and clean interface, with rich syntax highlighting and an attractive appearance.
  2. Support for Multiple Programming Languages: TextMate supports multiple programming languages ​​with syntax highlighting, making it suitable for cross-language development.
  3. Bundle System: TextMate uses a “bundle” system that allows you to enable or disable certain features based on your needs.
  4. Productivity Features: TextMate offers several productivity features, such as autocompletion, snippets, and code completion.
  5. Command Line Integration: You can run commands from within TextMate, allowing you to run scripts or terminal commands directly from the editor.

Disadvantages:

Coda

Coda is an excellent choice for web developers using macOS and looking for an IDE that has a strong focus on web development. With an attractive interface and features that support front-end web development, Coda can help speed up your web development process. However, if you are looking for an IDE that is more general and complete in terms of development features, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Attractive Interface: Coda has an elegant and modern interface, with an attractive appearance and easy to navigate.
  2. Integrated Web Development: Coda has features that make web development easy, including syntax highlighting for various programming languages, code completion, and front-end development features.
  3. Live Preview: The “Preview” feature in Coda lets you see changes live in the browser as you edit code, similar to what some other web text editors offer.
  4. FTP and SFTP Integration: Coda has strong integration with FTP and SFTP protocols, allowing you to manage and send files directly from within the IDE.
  5. Packages and Plugins: Coda supports packages and plugins that can enhance functionality and features according to your development needs.

Disadvantages:

Komodo Edit

Komodo Edit is a good choice for developers looking for a versatile IDE with support for a variety of programming languages ​​and development features. While it may not have the most modern interface, the features offered by Komodo Edit can be of great help in software development. However, if you care more about the appearance and experience of the interface, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Versatile: Komodo Edit supports a variety of programming languages ​​and frameworks, making it suitable for developing web applications, desktops, and more.
  2. Powerful Syntax Highlighting: Komodo Edit has a powerful syntax highlighter for many programming languages, making it easy to read and understand code.
  3. Auto Code Completion: The autocomplete feature helps speed up the development process by providing code suggestions and options as you type.
  4. Version Integration and Debugging: Komodo Edit supports integration with version control systems and debugging tools, making it easy to manage code and troubleshoot problems.
  5. Packages and Extensions: Komodo Edit supports installable packages and extensions to add additional functionality and development tools.

Disadvantages:

Bluefish

Bluefish is a good choice for web developers looking for a text editor that focuses on web development and design. With support for multiple programming languages ​​and web development features, Bluefish can help speed up your website development process. However, if you are looking for a richer and more comprehensive IDE feature, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Web Development: Bluefish is a text editor designed specifically for web development, with features that support HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other programming languages ​​commonly used in web development.
  2. Clean Interface: Bluefish’s interface is clean and easy to navigate, with panels that can be organized according to your preferences.
  3. Syntax Highlighting and Auto Completion: Bluefish provides a powerful syntax highlighter for various programming languages, as well as an auto completion feature that helps in code development.
  4. Project Management Feature: Bluefish has a project management feature that allows you to organize files in development projects.
  5. Programming Language Support: Bluefish supports many programming and markup languages, making it useful for developing various types of websites.

Disadvantages:

GNU Emacs

GNU Emacs is an excellent choice for those who want a highly customized and powerful editing experience. However, due to the steep learning curve and unique work philosophy, it requires time and commitment to take full advantage of it. If you are ready to invest time in learning and setting up, GNU Emacs can be a very productive tool for text development and editing.

Advantage:

  1. Flexibility and Customization: GNU Emacs is very flexible and can be completely customized according to user preferences. You can change almost any aspect of this editor, from layout to functionality.
  2. Edit Mode: Emacs has powerful modes, including normal, insert, visual, and more. This mode allows you to perform various editing tasks efficiently and quickly.
  3. Auto-Completion and Snippets: GNU Emacs has a powerful auto-completion feature, as well as support for snippets, which can speed up writing code.
  4. Shell and Command Line Integration: You can run shell and command line commands directly from within Emacs, allowing you to run scripts and other commands without leaving the editor.
  5. Programming Modes and Ecosystems: Emacs has many programming modes specifically designed for various programming languages, as well as a rich ecosystem of extensions known as “packages”.

Disadvantages:

Micro

Micro is a good choice for users looking for a simple, easy-to-use text editor for fast text editing. It’s suitable for tasks like editing configurations, simple text files, or even light development tasks. However, if you need more advanced development features or want a richer development environment, you may want to consider another text editor or a more comprehensive IDE.

Advantage:

  1. Simple Interface: Micro has a simple and easy to understand interface, allowing you to focus on text editing without distractions.
  2. Syntax Highlighter Support: Micro supports syntax highlighter for various programming languages, helping you understand code better.
  3. Customizable Keybindings: You can customize the hotkeys (keybindings) in Micro to match your preferences, allowing you to work more comfortably.
  4. Doesn’t Require Complicated Configuration: Micro has a simpler configuration than some other more complex text editors.
  5. Light and Fast: Because it is simple and terminal-based, Micro is a light and responsive text editor.

Disadvantages:

Lime Text

Lime Text is suitable for those looking for a text editor with a focus on speed and advanced development features. However, keep in mind that Lime Text’s development status and documentation may not be as clear as some other alternatives. If you’re looking for a highly responsive text editor and are ready to try something a bit new, Lime Text might be worth a look.

Advantage:

  1. Speed ​​and Responsiveness: Lime Text places focus on speed and responsiveness, making it a very fast text editor for text editing.
  2. Syntax Highlighter Support: Lime Text has a powerful syntax highlighter for various programming languages, helping you understand and edit code more efficiently.
  3. Packages and Extensions: Lime Text supports extensions and packages that can be installed to add additional features and extend its functionality.
  4. Multi-Window Support: You can open multiple windows and tabs in Lime Text, allowing you to work with multiple files simultaneously.
  5. Customizable Keybindings: You can customize the shortcut keys (keybindings) and configuration in Lime Text according to your preferences.

Disadvantages:

UltraEdit

UltraEdit is a good choice for developers looking for a text editor with many powerful editing features. Features such as a powerful syntax highlighter and support for large files make it suitable for a variety of text development and editing tasks. However, keep in mind that licensing costs and a more complex interface may be considerations in choosing UltraEdit as your editing choice.

Advantage:

  1. Powerful Editing: UltraEdit offers a variety of powerful editing features, such as syntax highlighter for many programming languages, autocompletion, and support for editing large files.
  2. Customizable Interface: You can customize the layout and theme of UltraEdit’s interface according to your visual preferences.
  3. Multi-Window Support: UltraEdit lets you open multiple windows and tabs, allowing editing of different files simultaneously.
  4. Packages and Extensions: UltraEdit has an ecosystem of extensions and packages that can expand its functionality, including support for custom programming languages ​​and tools.
  5. Integration with Version Control Systems: UltraEdit has support for integration with version control systems such as Git, making collaboration easier in team development.

Disadvantages:

Kate Text editor

Kate is a great choice if you use the KDE desktop environment on Linux and are looking for a well-integrated text editor. With a powerful syntax highlighter and useful editing features, Kate is a strong choice for developing and editing various types of text and code files. However, if you are looking for a text editor that is more universal or complete in terms of development features, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Integrated Interface: Kate integrates with the KDE desktop environment, utilizing features and visual styles known in the KDE ecosystem.
  2. Powerful Syntax Highlighting: Kate has powerful syntax highlighters for many programming languages, making code easier to read and understand.
  3. Editing Features: Kate has a number of editing features such as autocompletion, code enhancement, and powerful search-replace.
  4. Split View and Multi-Document: You can split the window into several parts and open multiple documents in different tabs.
  5. Extensions and Scripts Support: Kate supports extensions and executable scripts to add additional functionality.

Disadvantages:

SciTE Editor teks

SciTE is suitable for those looking for a light and simple text editor for text editing or software development. This is a good choice if you prioritize speed and don’t need very advanced IDE features. However, if you need more complete development features or a richer development environment, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Light and Fast: SciTE is a very light and responsive text editor, suitable for users who want a simple and fast editing experience.
  2. Powerful Syntax Highlighter: SciTE has a powerful syntax highlighter for various programming languages, helping you in reading and understanding code better.
  3. Simple Layout: SciTE’s interface is simple and unambiguous, with an intuitive layout for text editing.
  4. Customizable Keybindings: You can customize hotkeys (keybindings) in SciTE to suit your editing preferences.
  5. Support for Multiple Programming Languages: SciTE supports a variety of programming and markup languages, making it suitable for cross-language text development and editing.

Disadvantages:

Joe Text editor

Joe is a good choice for users looking for a simple text editor for fast and efficient text editing in a terminal environment. It’s suitable for simple text editing tasks or when you want to make quick changes to a text file. However, if you need more complete development features or a richer development environment, you may want to consider other alternatives.

Advantage:

  1. Simple and Easy to Learn: Joe has a simple and easy to understand interface, making it suitable for users who want straightforward and fast text editing.
  2. Intuitive Hotkeys: Joe has intuitive hotkeys (keybindings) for navigation and basic commands, making editing easy.
  3. Syntax Highlighter Support: Joe has syntax highlighter support for a variety of programming languages, although it’s not as complex as some other text editors.
  4. Light and Fast: Because it is simple and terminal-based, Joe is a light and responsive text editor.

Disadvantages:

Leafpad

Leafpad is a great choice if you are looking for a simple and lightweight text editor for doing basic text editing. This is suitable for tasks such as editing configuration files or taking short notes. However, if you need more advanced development or editing features, you may want to consider a more complete text editor.

Advantage:

  1. Simple and Light: Leafpad is designed to be a simple and light text editor, suitable for basic or quick text editing.
  2. Clean Interface: Leafpad’s interface is simple and clean, allowing you to focus on text editing without distractions.
  3. Basic Formatting: Leafpad provides basic formatting such as text selection, cutting, copying, and pasting.
  4. Works Fast: Due to its lightweight nature, Leafpad works quickly when opening and editing text files.

Disadvantages:

TextPad Text editor

TextPad is a good choice if you are looking for a simple text editor for basic text editing or formatting. It’s suitable for users who don’t need complex IDE features or complicated extensions. However, if you need more powerful development features or more advanced code editing, you may want to consider another text editor or a more comprehensive IDE.

Advantage:

  1. Powerful Text Editing: TextPad offers powerful text editing features, including text selection, cutting, copying, and pasting.
  2. Easy to Understand Interface: TextPad’s interface is simple and easy to understand, allowing you to get to work without much learning first.
  3. Syntax Highlighter: TextPad has syntax highlighter support for several programming languages, helping to differentiate code elements.
  4. Working with Various File Types: TextPad can be used to edit various types of text files, including source code and configuration files.

Disadvantages: