Version Latest
Notepad++ v8.6.5 (64-bit)
Author
Requirements
Windows 10 / Windows 11 / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows XP
Size
4.62 MB

A multilingual, free source code editor and app substitute is called Notepad++. Utilizing Microsoft Windows, its usage is restricted under a GPL license. The most well-liked coder tool available for Windows computers!
Notepad Plus is based on the robust editing component Scintilla. It is developed in C++ and utilizes pure Win32 API and STL, resulting in faster execution and a smaller program footprint. In an attempt to lessen global carbon dioxide emissions, Notepad++ 64-bit optimizes as many procedures as it can without sacrificing usability. The PC may shut down and use less power when its CPU isn't working as hard, which helps the environment.

Based on the Scintilla editing component, Notepad++ is a robust text editing program. It is written in C++ and makes use of STL and pure Win32 API, which guarantees quicker performance and a smaller program size. In addition to optimizing as many procedures as possible to lower carbon dioxide emissions, the software is made to be user-friendly. Your computer can save energy and help the environment by utilizing less CPU power.

The User Language Define System can assist with languages that the program does not support. Users can define their own language using this framework, including operator definitions, folding, commenting, and syntax highlighting. You can use the User Language Specify Dialog to specify your language or use the User Declared Languages Collection to see whether it has already been declared by another person.

Version 3.1 adds support for extensions and plugins, and version 8.4.2 lets users personalize the toolbar icons.

Launching the software quickly makes it clear that it is a powerful enhancement over the built-in Notepad tool. It is a flexible tool appropriate for both novice and expert users. Notepad++ can be a wonderful substitute for Microsoft's basic Notepad if you believe that it no longer fulfills your needs.

Key Features

It facilitates syntax highlighting for several programming languages, which makes code easier to read and comprehend.

Multi-Tab Interface: This feature makes it possible to efficiently multitask by opening various files in separate tabs within a single window.

Search and Replace: You can quickly locate and replace text in your documents using the robust search and replace feature, which supports regular expressions.

Auto-completion: Providing auto-completion for both words and functions, it increases coding productivity.

User Interface Customization: To improve functionality, users can add different themes and plugins to the interface.

Split Screen: You can examine multiple files at once or work on separate sections of the same document by splitting the editor window into multiple panes.

The ability to collapse and expand code segments makes navigating huge files easier. This function is known as code folding.

Macro Recording and Playback: This feature is especially helpful for repeated jobs as it allows you to record and playback a sequence of operations.

Multi-Language Support: This tool is international as it is compatible with several languages and character encodings.

Extensions: Notepad++ has a large number of plugins that allow it to do even more tasks.

Key Highlights of Notepad++

  • Syntax Highlighting and Syntax Folding
  • User-Defined Syntax Highlighting and Folding
  • PCRE (Perl Compatible Regular Expression) Search/Replace
  • GUI entirely customizable: minimalist, tab with close button, multi-line tab, vertical tab, and vertical document list
  • Document Map
  • Auto-completion: Word completion, Function completion, and Function parameters hint
  • Multi-Document (Tab interface)
  • Multi-View
  • WYSIWYG (Printing)
  • Zoom in and zoom out
  • Multi-Language environment supported
  • Bookmark
  • Macro recording and playback

How To Use Notepad++?

  • Download and install the app: You can download the program from its official website or FileSalad and follow the installation instructions.
  • Launch the app: Once installed, launch the application by double-clicking on its icon.
  • Create a new document: To create a new document, go to "File" and select "New." Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + N."
  • Edit text: You can type and edit text in the document as you would in any other text editor.
  • Save your document: To save your document, go to "File" and select "Save." Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + S." You can also save your document with a specific file format, such as .txt, .html, .php, etc.
  • Customize: It offers several customization options, including the ability to change the font size and color scheme. To access these options, go to "Settings" and select "Style Configurator."
  • Use plugins: It also supports plugins that can extend its functionality. To install and use a plugin, go to "Plugins" and select "Plugin Manager."
  • Search and replace text: It also offers a powerful search and replace function that allows you to find and replace text within a document or across multiple documents. To use this function, go to "Search" and select "Find" or “Replace.”

PROS

  • Free and open-source
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Extensive syntax highlighting support
  • Multi-tab interface for easy multitasking
  • Plugin support for extended functionality
  • Regular updates and active community

CONS

  • Only available for Windows

Conclusion

Notepad++ is a text editor suitable for all users, from novices to seasoned developers. For anyone working with text-based files, its vast feature set, lightweight design, and quick performance make it a necessary tool.

Even though it is mainly Windows-focused, its widespread use and vibrant community guarantee that it will be a top option for text editing jobs for many years to come. Notepad++ is a free text editor that is quite versatile and should be your first choice if you're a Windows user.