

- #Best plain text editor for windows install#
- #Best plain text editor for windows software#
- #Best plain text editor for windows code#
You can combine them logically to compose your own actions without requiring specific commands or functions or memorizing some weird combinations of keys like Ctrl+Shift+F4 to perform actions. Vim structures these command chains semantically, reflecting our thought process, similar to sentences in English with verbs and objects. For example, "dw" deletes all text until the next word, "d$" deletes until the end of the line, and "c3w" changes all text until the third word. The best part is you can combine these two ideas to create powerful command chains. For example, press "i" to insert text, "c" to change, "d" to delete, and so on. In addition to navigation commands, Vim provides intuitive mnemonics actions. Vim provides many of these navigation commands. For example, "3w" moves to the beginning of the third word. You can also combine these with numbers to move faster. For example, pressing "w" takes you to the beginning of the next word, "b" back to the previous word, and "$" to the end of the line. You can move your cursor with the arrow keys (or "h", "j", "k", "l" to keep your hand on the home row) like other text editors but, when you start using text objects, you increase your efficiency a lot. Vim provides simple and fast navigation commands. It also allows a good experience when typing in restricted spaces such as when commuting on a train or bus.

No context switching with the mouse improves your comfort and efficiency. You can do everything in Vim without taking your hands off the keyboard. You can even have multiple Vim sessions open at once without impacting your machine's performance. Combined with a super-fast startup time and zero latency, you can use Vim anytime, anywhere, including over remote connections via SSH and low-powered hardware. Vim runs primarily on the terminal with a small footprint. Vim configuration is portable, and you can have the same Vim experience by copying your configuration files from one machine to another. Vim is also available for several other operating systems, including Unix, macOS, and Windows. In addition, many distributions include Vim goodies such as plugins, extensions, and dictionaries with their standard package manager.
#Best plain text editor for windows install#
If not, you can install it using your distribution's package manager. It's installed by default in most Linux distributions.
#Best plain text editor for windows code#
I use Vim to write documentation, code in different programming languages, and I wrote an entire book (400+ pages) using Vim exclusively.

I've been using Vim in one way or another for over 20 years, but around five years ago, I decided to use Vim for all my text needs.
#Best plain text editor for windows software#
Vim is a lightweight but powerful all-purpose text editor that addresses all your text editing needs, from basic configuration file editing to emulating entire Integrated Development Environments (IDE) for software development.

Let's jump into the editors, with Vim up first. We are talking about features, comparisons, and personal experiences. Each text editor is represented by one contributor with a great deal of experience with the given editor. I asked several of our contributors to write up a "pro" position for Vim, Nano, and Emacs. However, not all text editors are alike, and with more time at the terminal, you might find that a particular editor works best for you. They aren't something that most users put a lot of thought into.
