While there are a number of paid solutions out there for editing your code, not everyone has hundreds of dollars in their budget to get them on their desktop. Luckily, there are numerous free solutions for just about every style of editing that you can think of. We focused this list on cross-platform, Mac OS X-only and Windows-only downloadable solutions, but we did include one online option. We hope in the future there will be more of these out there so you can truly collaborate with other members of your team. Take a look through the list of 18 editors, and you are bound to find one that is perfect for your needs!
Cross-Platform Editors
Amaya: A mixture of WYSIWYG Web editing tool and a browser that was originally developed by Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique (INRIA) and later acquired by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The project is open source and since it is a test bed, it features support for protocols and languages not yet supported by the major browsers, such as RDF. The program is available for Unix, Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Amiga OS and more.
Arachnophilia: A Java-based editor that features the ability to edit multiple documents, a built-in FTP client so you can upload changes without leaving the interface, user-defined templates, user-customizable toolbars and several other features.
Bespin: The only cloud editor in the list, Bespin is a project from Mozilla Labs. It is a completely cloud-based Web editor project built to encourage collaborative working as it can be accessed from anywhere. The Web application allows for syntax highlighting of Arduino, CSS, HTML, JavaScript and PHP. You can read previous coverage of Bespin on SitePoint here and here.
Bluefish: Bluefish has been around in various formats since 1997 with only one constant staff member, Olivier Sessink. The program features customizable syntax highlighting for C, ColdFusion, CSS, HTML, Java, JavaScript, JSP, Perl, Python, Ruby, SQL, XHTML and more. It is considered by some to fill a gap between plain text editors and larger IDE development platforms and runs on Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris and Windows.
Eclipse: This editor was written with Java as the original primary language it works with, but thanks to numerous plugins, you can also edit in languages such as Perl, PHP, Python and more. Due to the open source nature, plugins are welcome for any language a developer feels like building one for. Due to Eclipse being nothing more than a run-time kernel, the program runs a bit more like a platform for plugins than anything else. This allows the overall program to be extremely lightweight, and you can install only the bits and pieces you need without weighing yourself down with excessive features. The program runs on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.
J: J is a text editor written in Java that will work on any system with Java 1.4 installed, but 1.5 is recommended. This editor was updated in March 2009, although before that it hadn’t been touched since September 2004. The program runs on Linux, Mac OS X, OS/2, Unix, VMS, and Windows.
jEdit: In development since 1998, this Java-based editor has not had a major release since 2004, but has had numerous preview releases. While it is not the most current editor out there, the system does feature indenting and syntax highlighting for over 130 different programming languages. The program runs on Linux, Mac OS X, OS/2, Unix, VMS, and Windows.
JuffEd: JuffEd is an editor built for programmers and advanced users that features syntax highlighting for numerous languages including HTML, Java, JavaScript, Perl, PHP, Python, Ruby and many more. It also features several other useful tools such as auto-indent, auto-complete, line highlighting and so on. The program is cross-platform and runs on several different operating systems.
KompoZer: KompoZer was discontinued by the original creator a while back, but it is now being developed by the community that had built up around it. The program complies with W3C standards and generates new pages in HTML 4.01 by default. This WYSIWYG editor has a built-in HTML validator to check your work on the fly without having to leave the program. The program is compatible with Linux, Mac OS X and Windows.
NetBeans: This particular program is a mixture of an application framework and editor that includes syntax highlighting, JavaScript and CSS editing, tools for Ruby development and more. NetBeans runs on Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris and Windows.
RText: This text editor features syntax highlighting for over 20 languages, can support multiple fonts at the same time, code templates, edit multiple documents at once, and numerous other features. As RText is written in Java, it can run on Linux, Mac OS X, OS/2, Unix, VMS, and Windows.
SciTE: SciTE, short for SCIntilla based Text Editor, is a lightweight text editor that allows customization to suit your needs by simply editing text files. It features support for numerous languages, running scripts and even has a small EXE file so that you can run the program from a flash drive if your work calls for you to be at a computer other than your own. SciTE is compatible with Linux and Windows.
Mac OS X-Only Editors
Smultron: Smultron offers syntax highlighting for languages such as C, C++, CSS, D, HTML, Java, LISP, Python, Ruby, and XML as well as tabbed creation, column viewing, customizing shortcuts and a lot more.
TextWrangler: TextWrangler features syntax highlighting for multiple languages, file comparison, multiple undos and more. The program also allows for running scripts such as AppleScript, Python, Perl and Shell.
Windows-Only Editors
HAPedit: HAPedit provides syntax highlighting for ASP, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, SQL and more. Other features include an SQL console, FTP manager, statistics for your page to see how large the file is getting, amongst other features.
Notepad++: Besides supporting syntax highlighting for 48 different languages, the program is also designed to be more environmentally friendly than most editors. The program also supports split screen for viewing/cloning support, FTP browsing, auto-completion, WYSIWYG viewing and numerous other features.
NoteTab: NoteTab does offer a free light version, but it is more like a taste of what you can find in the paid versions. It is usable, and it doesn’t nag you about purchasing, but as you get familiar with it you will probably end up upgrading to Standard or Pro versions anyway.
PSPad: PSPad can edit C, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Perl and others, it can also edit files directly on your server via an FTP interface, full hex editor, syntax highlighting, file comparison between text files and a lot of other features.
What is your favorite free program for editing your code?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Free Text Editors
What are the key features to look for in a free text editor?
When choosing a free text editor, there are several key features to consider. Firstly, the interface should be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing you to easily navigate and use the software. Secondly, the text editor should support syntax highlighting for various programming languages, which can greatly enhance readability and reduce errors. Thirdly, look for a text editor that offers auto-completion, which can save you time and effort when coding. Other useful features include line numbering, find and replace functionality, and the ability to handle large files without slowing down.
Are free text editors safe to use?
Yes, free text editors are generally safe to use. However, like any software, it’s important to download them from a reputable source to avoid malware or other security risks. Always ensure that your chosen text editor is regularly updated by its developers, as this indicates that any potential security vulnerabilities are being addressed.
Can I use a free text editor for professional coding?
Absolutely. Many free text editors offer a range of advanced features that can meet the needs of professional coders. These may include support for multiple programming languages, code folding, plugin support, and more. However, the suitability of a free text editor for professional use will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.
How do free text editors compare to paid ones?
Free text editors can offer a surprising amount of functionality and can be a great choice for both beginners and experienced coders. While paid text editors often come with additional features and customer support, many free text editors have large and active user communities that can provide assistance and advice.
Can I customize the interface of a free text editor?
Yes, many free text editors allow you to customize the interface to suit your preferences. This can include changing the color scheme, adjusting the layout, and choosing which toolbars and panels are displayed. Some text editors also support themes, allowing you to completely change the look and feel of the software.
Do free text editors support multiple programming languages?
Most free text editors support a wide range of programming languages. This can include popular languages like Python, JavaScript, and C++, as well as less common ones. Some text editors also allow you to add support for additional languages through plugins or extensions.
Can I use a free text editor on different operating systems?
Many free text editors are cross-platform, meaning they can be used on multiple operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, some text editors are designed specifically for one operating system, so it’s important to check compatibility before downloading.
Do free text editors offer collaboration features?
Some free text editors offer collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same file simultaneously. This can be a valuable feature for team projects or pair programming. However, not all free text editors offer this functionality, so if it’s important to you, make sure to check before choosing a text editor.
Can I extend the functionality of a free text editor?
Yes, many free text editors support plugins or extensions, which can add new features or enhance existing ones. This can include everything from additional syntax highlighting options to integration with version control systems.
How do I choose the best free text editor for my needs?
Choosing the best free text editor depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider what programming languages you’ll be using, what features are important to you, and how user-friendly the software is. It can also be helpful to read reviews or try out a few different options to see which one you prefer.
Sean P Aune
