Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or just stepping into the world of coding, selecting the right coding software can greatly enhance your productivity, efficiency, and overall coding experience.
With a multitude of options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the 7 Best Coding Software and Code Editors for Windows PCs across the various Windows versions (Win 7, 8, 10, and 11) to give you a seamless experience.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
What to Consider When Choosing Coding Software for Your PC
Before we delve into the top choices, let’s discuss the essential factors that every programmer should consider when selecting coding software or code editor:
- Language Support: Ensure the software supports the programming languages you work with most frequently.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface and intuitive features can significantly boost your coding workflow.
- Customization: Look for tools that allow you to tailor the environment to your preferences.
- Features: From debugging and syntax highlighting to version control integration, the right features can make a world of difference.
- Performance: Opt for software that runs smoothly even when handling large projects.
- Community and Support: A strong user community and good support can save you a lot of headaches.
- Compatibility: Make sure the software is compatible with your Windows version.
7 Best Coding Software and Code Editors
1. Visual Studio Code
VS Code is a free text editor developed by Microsoft for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It includes features like IntelliSense (code completion, parameter info, etc.), debugging, and built-in Git support.
It also supports extensions, allowing you to customize and enhance its functionality
Top Features:
- Versatile and highly customizable.
- IntelliSense for intelligent code suggestions and completions.
- Integrated terminal for seamless command-line access.
- Git integration for efficient version control.
- Extensive library of extensions for customization and enhanced functionality.
Best For:
All levels of programmers, especially web developers.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Free and open-source.
Visual Studio Code Review:
Sarah Johnson (Full Stack Developer at TechSolutions Inc): “Visual Studio Code has revolutionized my coding game. Its lightning-fast code editing and debugging capabilities are second to none. Plus, the abundance of extensions lets me personalize my workspace exactly how I want it.”
Download Link: Visual Studio Code
2. JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA
IntelliJ IDEA is a Java IDE developed by JetBrains. It is a popular tool among developers and is known for its intelligent coding assistance, reliable refactorings, and instant code navigation.
It supports Java and Kotlin development and provides support for other programming languages via plugins.
IntelliJ IDEA offers two editions: the free Community Edition and the commercial Ultimate Edition, which includes additional features for web and enterprise development
Top Features:
- Advanced coding assistance for error prevention.
- Intelligent analysis and quick-fix suggestions.
- Robust debugging and testing tools
- Smart code completion and analysis.
- Built-in version control system support.
- Suitable for various languages and frameworks.
Best For:
Java developers and teams working on large projects.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Offers a free Community edition, as well as paid plans.
Download Link: IntelliJ IDEA
JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA Review
Michael Rodriguez (Senior Java Developer at CodeMasters Corp): “IntelliJ IDEA is my go-to tool for Java development. Its code analysis and suggestions have saved me countless hours, and the seamless integration with popular build tools is a massive plus.”
3. Sublime Text
Sublime Text is a code editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It offers features like multiple selections, split editing, distraction-free mode, and Goto Anything.
Top Features:
- Distraction-free, minimalist design.
- Lightning-fast performance.
- Wide range of keyboard shortcuts.
- Multiple cursors for simultaneous editing.
- The rich selection of plugins for extended functionality.
Best For:
Solo coders who value simplicity and speed.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Offers a free evaluation period; a one-time purchase is required for continued use.
Download Link: Sublime Text
Sublime Text Review
– David Miller (Freelance Web Developer): “Sublime Text’s speed and minimalism are a winning combination for me. Its elegant design and powerful features allow me to focus solely on my code without any distractions.”
4. Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free code editor for Windows that supports syntax highlighting for various programming languages and offers features like auto-completion and multiple panes.
It is also a lightweight tool that is easy to use and popular among beginner developers.
Top Features:
- Lightweight and fast.
- Syntax highlighting for various programming languages.
- Extensive plugin support.
- Simple and lightweight.
- Multi-view for comparing documents.
- Regular expression search and replace.
Best For:
Casual programmers and those looking for a straightforward solution.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Free and open-source.
Download Link: Notepad++
Notepad++ Review
Mark Thompson (IT Support Specialist at TechGenius Inc): “Notepad++ may seem basic, but still gets the job done so It’s my go-to for quick edits and small scripting tasks.
5. Atom
Atom is a free code editor available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
It has a simple interface and offers features like package manager integration for plugin support, smart autocompletion, and multiple panes.
Top Features:
- Highly customizable with themes and packages.
- Git integration and collaboration tools.
- Smart autocompletion and code navigation.
Best For:
Developers who prioritize customization and community contributions.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Free and open-source.
Atom Review
Maya Patel (DevOps Engineer at CloudShift Innovations): “Atom’s package ecosystem and Git integration are invaluable for our DevOps workflows. It streamlines our collaboration and code management, making complex tasks feel like a breeze.”
Download Link: Atom
6. Eclipse IDE
Eclipse IDE is a Java IDE that supports more programming languages than IntelliJ IDEA via its extensive plugin system.
Popular tool among experienced developers and provides features like smart code editing and easy project management. Eclipse IDE is available for free and supports multiple platforms
Top Features:
- Rich set of plugins and extensions.
- Robust support for various languages and frameworks.
- Comprehensive debugging and testing tools.
Best For:
Enterprise-level projects and multi-language development.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Free and open-source.
Eclipse IDE Review
Benjamin Hudson (Game Developer at PixelRealm Games): “As a game developer, Eclipse IDE’s comprehensive tools have been a lifesaver. From debugging intricate game mechanics to collaborating with artists, it’s my go-to tool for the job.”
Download Link: Eclipse IDE
7. Brackets
Brackets is a free and open-source code editor that is optimized for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It was created by Adobe and is currently maintained on GitHub by open-source developers.
Brackets is cross-platform and available for macOS, Windows, and most Linux distributions.
Brackets also has a large and growing community of developers building extensions that add all sorts of additional features, such as Git integration, high-speed HTML and CSS workflow, and live preview of markdown documents.
Top Features:
- Live preview for web development.
- Inline editing and quick navigation.
- Extensions tailored for web designers and front-end developers.
Best For:
Web designers and developers focusing on frontend work.
Windows Version Compatibility:
Works on Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Pricing:
Free and open-source.
Bracket Review
Alex Turner (Web Designer at CreativeWave Studios): “Brackets’ live preview feature has transformed how I approach web design. It allows me to see changes in real-time, making my design process smoother and more intuitive.”
Download Link: Brackets
Final Thoughts on Best Code Editors for Windows
The coding tools mentioned here all have unique strengths and are tailored to different coding styles and preferences.
Whether you’re a web developer, an app creator, or a scripting enthusiast, there’s a tool that’s fully tailored to your needs within the different options mentioned.
Feel free to explore the different options for better clarity.
Every day hundreds of people start learning to code. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether you are about to start learning to programme or you are an experienced programmer, you should always have a good code editor that has some common features like syntax highlighting, various language support etc. The inbuilt Notepad app or the WordPad app is not enough for any programmer to use it for a long time. Therefore, you can check out these code editors for Windows 10/8/7 those will provide extensive support, syntax highlighting. Although some of the following tools are not free, they are worth buying if you are thinking to do something in the programming field.
1] Visual Studio Code
Microsoft Visual Studio Code is one of the best code editors available for Windows 7 and all the later versions including Windows 10. It doesn’t matter which script you want to write or edit, you can do that in this application. This is meaningless to mention that you can download it to 32-bit machine as well as 64-bit machine. However, this is pretty heavy-weight application for Windows 10. Nonetheless, the user interface has no clutter and you cannot find any issue while using this app. Syntax highlighting, built-in Git, etc. have enriched this application a lot. It comes with extension support and hence, it would be very easy to power-up this code editor for Windows.
2] Notepad++
When you need a very lightweight code editor for Windows, you can install Notepad++, which is free and very easy to use code editor for Windows computer. It doesn’t matter whether you want to edit HTML source code or C# or Python, you can do everything with the help of Notepad++ app. The best thing is it comes with various themes that you can use based on your preference. You can use Marco, which is a big-time saver for any person. On the other hand, you can change font size, font family, bookmark any page, and so on. WYSIWYG printing is available as well. The multi-view window will let you edit two pages of code at once.
3] Atom
Atom is one of the most good-looking code editors for programmers. This is meaningless to mention that you can get support for any language you want. You can customize the UI in a very simple method and that is what makes it even better. You can find IDE like functionalities with the help of Atom-IDE, which is an optional package. Another useful feature is you will get GitHub support. Cross-platform editing, built-in package manager, smart autocompletion, file system browser, multiple panes, find & replace etc. are available in Atom for Windows. Talking about availability, you should have 64-bit Windows or later version. You cannot download it on 32-bit machine. If you want to edit a particular script with a remote team, that is possible as well. There is a feature called Teletype, which will let you collaborate with friends and edit them as a team.
4] Sublime Text 3
Sublime Text is a paid code editor for Windows and programmers. It costs around $80 but it is worth every penny since it comes with a lot of useful functionalities. Multi-line editing, cross-platform support, top-notch customization, syntax highlighting & detection, syntax error detection, black screen support, etc. are available in Sublime Text tool for Windows. However, while editing a big script, it got crashed multiple times on Windows 10 even after using a fast SSD and good amount of RAM. One more drawback is it doesn’t have PRINT option. Being said that, you cannot print any code. Although that is unusual, if you need or want to, you can do so. Considering everything, Sublime Text is a great tool when you need to edit small scripts of PHP or such language. In terms of customization, it will provide several options to do so and you can personalize it according to your wish.
5] Brackets
When you need a good looking code editor for Windows, you can download Brackets, which is free and comes with a lot of options to help you write your script quickly. It supports all the basic languages like HTML, CSS, PHP as well as some other languages like C#, ASP.NET, JavaScript, Java, and so on. You should not get any problem while editing any script you have in your computer. Talking about the user interface, Brackets has a pretty good UI that you can customize based on your preferences. Syntax highlighting, error detection, autocompletion, everything is available in this app for Windows. The best thing is you can install various extensions in Brackets and enrich this app more.
6] Bluefish
Bluefish is a very feature-rich yet lightweight code editor for a programmer. The tree-view of this app has made it even better in terms of user interface. You can create multiple tabs and keep editing all the scripts you have opened at a time. This is also possible to connect to any SSH server and edit the scripts thereafter. It offers a sidebar, which works like a file manager. Being said that, you can browse various folders and open a script as you need. If you need to find and replace multiple texts at multiple locations, you can do so with the help of Bluefish application.
7] jEdit
Although jEdit looks very much old-school, it does the job pretty well. The highlight of jEdit is you can connect to FTP server and edit codes accordingly, which is not available in most of the code editors. As this is written in Java, it is pretty heavyweight application and hence, it may take a lot of RAM and time to open the app. However, the spell checker, FTP support, etc. can help you a lot. It does support third-party plugins. You can utilize that to compile your script.
These are some of the best code editors for Windows and new programmers. However, if you want to get started, you can try using Notepad++, which is very smooth, lightweight, and comes with a lot of options.
Good text editors always save your time. Normally we use text editors for writing codes, preparing official documents or creating websites etc. Windows and Mac comes along with pre-installed text editor. In windows its notepad, in MAC its Textedit, but none of them have as advanced features as most modern third party text and code editors have. The ideal text and code editor for programming should have the feature of syntax highlighting for multiple programming and scripting languages. Whereas auto completion, auto save, grammar, audio recording for macros, good design and typography are the must have features for any kind of text and code editors.
Top 10 Best Text & Code Editors for Windows 7 | 8 | 10
Keeping all these things in mind, we have compiled the list of 10 best text and code editors for Windows 7, 8 and 10 in 2018. All of them need to be downloaded and installed.
1. Notepad++ for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
This is the most popular, most efficient and probably the most used text and code editor all over the world. It is best suitable for beginners who need just some basic functions and also comprises with many advanced features at the same time. It is mostly used by programmers because of its text highlightning and code friendly features but also known by common people as well. Comparing files, find and replace, and tabbed interface makes it the best text editor. But more awesome features are macro recording, code collapsing, and endless list of plugins to add multiple functionalities.
Notepad++ supports only windows operating system, both 32-bit and 64-bit. It can also be used as portable app, and used directly from USB stick or cloud storage. Documents can be save din variety of formats.
2. Brackets for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Brackets is a free text and code editor, commonly known for web designing but can also be used for other purposes. Despite of all advanced settings, interface looks incredibly clean and simple. You can click a button named as”No Distraction” to make it more simple. This is extremely web friendly code editor. While working on HTML and CSS, you can enable preview to check how your code will look on web. There is a specifc “Working Files” area, where you can open all files of one project and switch between them. lugins like W3C validation and python tools work well on brackets.
Brackets comes with many dark and light themes that you can choose as per your choice. With visual tools and preprocessor support, Brackets can be said number one text and code editor for web designers.
3. Atom for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
An open source text editor for windows with infinite customization options. It is often said “hackable to core”. Atom is the best option for those who want full control over their text and editor. It was developed by GitHUB and their developers tried their best to incorporate all the features needed by programmers.
Atom comes with a solid documentation, which can help you in getting started. There is a built-in package manager, which allows you to search for expansion options from inside the program , rather than opening browser. Common features like code completion and incredible support makes it best candidate not only for web code writing but also app code writing.
4. Komodo Edit for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Komodo Edit is the best text and editor for you, in case you are looking for powerful yet simple text editor. There are various view modes available. This way you are able to quickly open or close specific windows.
A unique feature in Komodo Edit is the area at the upper left side of program. It will let you go back to the previous cursor location. You can connect to remote FTP server to open or save files. Komodo edit also supports bookmarking specific areas of document. There is a “watch file” option that can open a document in a new window for reference without being added to tabbed list of files you are editing.
5. Vim for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Just like Notepad++, Vim has also been there in market for long market and has refused to loose its power and appeal. It comprise of all basic features like macro recording, auto complete, auto save and multiple tabs. Vim supports all major desktop platforms. Well, one negative point about Vim is that its learning curve is steep but its paid off by unrivaled power of Vim. There is history support for calling up commonly used code of snippets and built-in script for automation and customization.
6. Visual Studio Code for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
This is a free text and code editor which is commonly used as source code editor. The program is extremely simple. It even has a “Zen Mode” option one click away that immediately hides all the menus and windows, and maximizes the program to fill the whole screen.The tabbed browsing interface commonly seen in other text editors is supported in Visual Studio Code as well, which makes it really easy to work with multiple documents at once.
It is possible to split editing place, into multiple windows for side by side editing and reading. A file can be reverted back quickly to the state in which it was, when you saved last time. Dozens of keyboard shortcuts are available too. This text and code editor probably isn’t ideal if you use it for other than programming purposes. There are entire sections dedicated to debugging code, viewing command outputs, managing source control providers, and even using a built-in Command Prompt.So all of them would be a waste , in that case.
7. MeetingWords for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
The MeetingWords text and code editor runs entirely online and is really different than the others in this list. The primary feature is collaboration function. More than one people can edit the same document, and chat back and forth at the same time. You don’t need an account to use MeetingWords, just open the link, starting typing, and share the URL.
Any updates made are instantly reflected on the page for the other collaborators, and text is highlighted a specific color to show who did what editing. Since MeetingWords works online, there is no operating system restriction. Anyone would work like Windows, Linux, macOS, etc. When you need to share the document with collaborator, just share or email the URL link.
There’s a Time Slider button at MeetingWords which shows a history of all the edits made to that document. You can even lets you share a link to a specific revision. When you want to download the document, you can either use the Import/Export option to save the file to an HTML or TXT file, or copy/paste the contents into a different text editor that supports more output formats.
8. Light Table for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
A very stylish text editor with a built-in web browser. Though its configuration takes some time. If text and code editors were to be judged on looks alone, Light Table would feature highly for its undeniable style. It’s a glowing example of attracting minimalism. Light Table can be used for kind of any coding project, but it’s better to use it for website building, and the fact that it’s available for Windows, Mac and Linux is a big plus. Thanks to the embedded browser,while coding a site in Light Table, you can instantly preview what you’re working on. The tabbed and paned interface makes great utilization of space, and the program is highly customizable so you can easily tailor it to your individual projects.
This open source text editor was released as a Kickstarter project and the developers did a great job of heeding what people were looking for, including a centralized list of plugins, inline code feedback, instant testing of code, and watching of code feedback for easier analysis and evaluation.
9. Bluefish for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Bluefish is a super cross platform editor having a busy interface which sometimes intimidate you at first. There is a plethora of tabs and toolbars. So it might be difficult to use at first but with a slight practice, it would not be a big deal. Bluefish can handles dozens of files simultaneously and is very light weight. Bluefish gives developers very vast scope for remote editing with Bluefish, and there’s support for lots of programming languages (including syntax highlighting and checking).
10. Sublime Text for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
A feature packed cross platform text and code editor, Sublime text is a great text editor. Plug-ins and add-ons are available for specific programming languages and are used in Sublime Text. The app features powerful search and go-to features and tons of keyboard commands. There is a distraction-free mode that lets you focus right on your work. You can select more than one rows to make simultaneous changes and customize shortcuts to suit your own needs. You can even chain shortcuts together to perform complex—but fast—operations.
Sublime Text supports Windows, OS X, and Linux. It’s distributed as evaluation software (free to try, but there’s no time limit on how long you can use it for free) and a full license will definitely cost you.
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With a passion for all things tech, I delve deep into the world of Windows software and tutorials to bring you expert insights and practical advice. As a seasoned blogger, I strive to simplify complex topics and empower readers to harness the full potential of their digital devices. Join me on a journey of discovery and mastery in the ever-evolving landscape of technology.
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If you are a programmer or a web developer you will surely know about code editors. The evolution of different programming languages has necessitated the development of more and more efficient best code editor for Windows. Code editors are used by software developers to write code. These small programs play a critical role in powering the world wide web that has become a part and parcel of our lives. In this article, you will learn about free coding software for PC.
Table of Contents
In this article, you will learn about the list of best code editor and also know about the differences between text editor, code editor and IDE briefly.
Code Editor and Text Editor
Text editors have preceded code editors in that, they were used to write code by programmers. An example of a text editor is Notepad, which is a small software provided with Windows that was earlier used for writing code. However, writing and editing codes on earlier text editors like Notepad was very cumbersome due to a lack of functionalities like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, indentation, etc. The code editors that were developed later were having all these functionalities in addition to new ones that are being constantly added to make software programming an enriching experience.
Code Editor and IDE
Now that you are aware of the difference between a text editor and a code editor, let us talk about IDE. IDE stands for Integrated Development Environment and can be considered as code editor plus. Many times, both terms are used interchangeably, but IDE is much more than a code editor. While you can just write and edit code on a code editor, on an IDE, you can run your code. IDE is a coding software for PC that have many other tools essential for programming like compilers, debugging tools, etc. To summarise, while the code editor can be used to write and edit code, the IDE helps you through the entire cycle of software development right from writing code to distribution of the software product.
List of Best Code Editors for Windows
Following is the list of free coding software for PC.
1. Obsidian
Obsidian is one of best code editor for Windows that has been promoted by the developers as a second brain for the user. Obsidian has been designed in such a way that it helps connect your ideas and thus helps in analyzing information. Obsidian doesn’t track your work and allows you to work offline.
Features:
- Providing Wiki-style links connecting pages.
- Connects data using graph view, backlinks, and outgoing links.
- All data stored in a local folder.
- Provides access to plug-ins and API.
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pros:
- The user has full ownership of the data.
- Community support.
- No profile creation or sign up needed for personal use.
- The commercial version provides priority support.
Cons:
- Many premium facilities are available with paid versions not provided in the free version.
Price Details: The code editor is 100% free for personal use while the Catalyst version will cost a one-time payment of $25+ applicable taxes and the Commercial version costs $50+ applicable taxes per user for every year. The Commercial version comes with a 14-day trial period. For further detail, you can check Obsidian pricing page.
2. Light Table
Light Table can be described as a next-generation code editor that can be used as an IDE. Light Table is unique coding software free that provides real-time feedback to the user for the alterations to codes.
Features:
- Open source.
- Comes with a plug-in manager.
- IDE can be easily modified according to the user’s convenience.
- In-line evaluation of code.
- Games, running visualizations and graphs can be embedded.
Pros:
- Powerful editing facilities.
- Can be easily customized.
- Aesthetic interface.
- Helps understands the flow of data.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free and open source.
Also Read: How To Install Linux Bash Shell On Windows 10
3. TextPad
TextPad is the ideal coding software free that helps you save time in the learning curve while providing a useful tool for editing web pages and serves as a text editor or functions as a programming IDE.
Features:
- Works on both 64-bit and 32-bit editions of Windows 7, 8.1, 10, 11, and also from Server 2008 to 2022.
- Cut-and-paste facilities.
- Multiple document interface.
- Drag and drop facility of text between files.
- Visible bookmarks for lines.
- Spell-check in 10 languages.
- Up to a maximum of 16 active macros in the keystroke macro reader.
Pros:
- Supports editing of big files.
- Easy-to-use design supported by Windows interface.
- Supports editing of multiple files simultaneously.
- Sorting is possible using only 3 keys.
Cons:
- No free version is available.
Price Details: TextPad is available in available single-user or multiuser licenses. A single-user license will cost you $16.50. The license with maximum number of permitted users license is 500 which will cost you $2250.
4. UltraEdit
UltraEdit is a text editor that works across multiple platforms and can handle files up to 4GB. This text editor is supported on Windows 7 and later versions of the OS.
Features:
- Provides HTML/Markdown live preview.
- Powerful search features.
- Intuitive column editing.
- Customizable interface.
- Editing of large files supported.
- The personal license can be run on 3 machines.
- File-sorting.
- Supports Unicode/UTF-8.
- File comparing.
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Project-support.
Pros:
- Dynamic code-auto completion features.
- Doesn’t need any third-party plug-ins.
- Multi-caret and multi-selection facilities.
- User-contributed themes apart from core themes.
- The interface looks great on Retina.
Cons:
- No free version is available.
- The interface can be challenging for first-time users.
Price Details: The UEStudio subscription will cost you $89.95 annually, while the IDM All Access subscription costs $99.95 for 1 year.
Also Read: 18 Best Tools for Hacking
5. Notepad++
Notepad++ is one of best code editor for Windows. This is a coding software free that has been made available for download for use. Here are some of the features and other details of the software.
Features:
- Supports many languages.
- Written in C++
- Runs on Windows.
- Employs pure Win32 API and STL.
- The current version is 8.4.7
- GPL license.
Pros:
- Requires less CPU processing power.
- Offers great execution speed.
- Contributes towards less carbon dioxide emissions.
Cons: Works only on the Windows platform.
Price Details: Free
6. Programmer’s Notepad
Programmer’s Notepad is a code editor that can be ideal for beginners to learn the basics of programming.
Features:
- Word wrapping.
- Syntax highlighting.
- Regular expression support.
- Supports export to HTML and rich text format (RTF)
- Works on Windows.
- Supports XML and built-in schemes.
- Efficient keyword coloring.
Pros:
- Requires less storage space.
- Clean interface.
- Support for unlimited schemes.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free software
Also Read: 31 Best Free PDF Editor for Windows 10
7. Atom
Atom is an open-source text and best code editor for Windows that works on many platforms. It is a preferred editing tool used by programmers to write code that works on Windows 7 or later.
Features:
- In-built package manager.
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
- Integrated package manager.
- Autocompletion.
Pros:
- Multiple panes facility.
- Support for Command Palette.
- Cross-platform editing.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free
8. Vim
Vim has been offered by its developer as a ubiquitous text editor. It is an advanced code editor that is also called the programmer’s editor.
Features:
- Highly configurable.
- GPL- compatible license.
- Code-editing.
- Composing of emails.
- Text editing.
Pros:
- Efficient text editing.
Cons:
- Has a learning curve for the user.
- Not a word processor.
Price Details: Freely available
9. jEdit
jEdit is called a mature programmer’s text editor with many people years of development behind it. A coding software for PC offered with full source code, jEdit is better than many paid text editors in the functionalities offered.
Features:
- Runs on Windows, Unix, Mac OS X, OS/2, and VMS.
- Written in Java.
- Supports syntax highlighting for more than 200 languages.
- Unlimited Undo/Redo.
- Word wrap.
- Runs on OS with Java 1.6 plus.
Pros:
- Availability of innumerable macros and plug-ins.
- Supported on multiple platforms.
- Multiple selections of text.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free
10. GetDiz
GetDiz is offered as a replacement for Notepad and offers a handy interface with incredible speed and ease of use. This is a coding software for PC that offers text-formatting features.
Features:
- Enables configuration of text fonts customized to different file types.
- Enables conversion of UNIX/Linux text files to Windows.
- Can accurately display ASCII art.
- Allows saving of text files in GIF format.
Pros:
- Portable.
- Availability in English and 20 other languages.
- Clean user- interface.
- Ultrafast text editor.
Cons:
- Absence of tabs for multiple open files.
Price Details: Free
Also Read: 18 Best Wayback Machine Alternatives
11. Edit+
EditPlus is a text editor that can be a good substitute for Notepad. It is a source code editor that offers good support for Webpage authors as well as programmers.
Features:
- Built-in capabilities for FTP, SFTP, and FTPS.
- Powerful syntax highlighting features for many programming languages like JAVA, PHP, etc.
- Highlighting feature for URLs and emails in ordinary text files.
- Code-folding features based online indentation.
- Document selector.
Pros:
- Seamless browser facility to preview the content of HTML files.
- HTML toolbar for insertion of HTML tags.
- Search and replace.
- Line numbering.
Cons: Paid software
Price Details: $35 for a single user lifetime license
12. Visual Studio Code
If you were looking for a lightweight yet powerful best code editor for Windows, then you can stop to have a look at Visual Studio Code. This is a cross-platform coding software free that offers built-in support for multiple programming languages.
Features:
- Cross-platform coding software free.
- Portable-mode installation supported.
- Extensions enable add-ins third-party tools.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Runs on most hardware and available OS.
- Regular update support from the developer.
- Works as an IDE and a source code editor.
Cons:
Difficulty in managing plug-ins for multiple programming languages.
Price Details: Free
13. EmEditor
EmEditor is a code editor for Windows that supports very large files, Macros, and Unicode. Further, both the 32-bit and 64-bit builds of this software are available. The software can also be a powerful substitute for a CSV editor.
Features:
- Various text-editing features like syntax highlighting, regular expressions, multiple selection editing, etc.
- Powerful CSV tools.
- Can easily handle large files up to 16 TB.
- Customizable interface.
Pros:
- Fast and lightweight software.
- Easy-to-use.
- Extensible.
Cons:
Not free
Price Details: The software will cost you $40 for a 1-year license with each subsequent year costing $20. There is also a lifetime subscription that costs $260.
14. WeBuilder
If you are a web developer and are looking for an all-in-one source code editor then, WeBuilder is the code editor for you.
Features:
- Supports the editing of code in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and six other languages.
- Powerful syntax highlighting.
- Direct editing enabled on your web browser.
- In-built tools support validation, formatting, navigation, and reuse of code.
- Javascript and PHP editors with autocomplete feature.
Pros:
- Clean interface.
- Fast startup.
- Unicode support.
Cons: No free version available
Price Details: One-time license of $59.95
Also Read: 21 Best Pastebin Alternatives to Share Code and Text
15. BlueGriffon
BlueGriffon is an open-source coding software for pc that works across platforms.
Features:
- It is a Wysiwyg HTML editor.
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Responsive web-design enabled.
- Options for dark and light themes.
- Many useful add-ons like Eye-Dropper and Cross-Browsing.
Pros:
- Easy interface.
- Many in-built templates for webpage designs.
- Multi-platform support.
Cons:
- Lacks in the number of add-ons as compared to its competitors.
- Relatively expensive.
- The learning curve for beginners.
Price Details: The basic license will cost you €75.00 plus VAT inside the EU and the EPUB license will cost you €195.00 plus VAT inside the EU.
16. QOwnNotes
QOwnNotes is an open-source coding software free that works on multiple platforms and is intended to be used as a note-taking application. The software is unique as it also offers spell-checking features.
Features:
- Notes stored as plain text markdown files.
- Written in C++
- Portable mode for USB-sticks.
- Allows import of Joplin and Evernote files.
- Supports sharing on OwnCloud and NextCloud.
- Existing text or markdown files can be imported.
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux/GNU
- Local storage of files.
Pros:
- Utilizes less memory and processing power.
- Highly customizable and scriptable.
- Supports 60 different languages.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free and open-source software.
17. Standard Notes
Standard Notes is a code editor for Windows that allows you to manage all your work by offering facilities for note-taking and editing. It also ensures regular backup of your data on various cloud-based storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.
Features:
- End-to-end encryption of user data.
- Two-factor authentication.
- Notes are in plain text.
- Data export facilities in plain text or encrypted formats.
Pros:
- Community support.
- Individual notes can be password protected.
- Daily backup of encrypted emails.
- Infinite Undo-button.
Cons: None
Price Details: Apart from the free version, there is a Productivity version that costs $26.55 per year and a Professional version that costs $44.55 per year.
Also Read: 30 Best CSV Editors for Windows
18. Apache NetBeans
Apache NetBeans is not only a text editor but also a source code editor offering syntax highlighting features. It is one of best coding software for PC. NetBeans runs cross-platform, so you don’t need to worry about working with the same code on multiple systems with different operating systems.
Features:
- Powerful code-editor.
- Source-code highlighting.
- Requires Java support.
- Works on multiple platforms.
- Support for multiple languages like Java, Javascript, PHP, etc.
- Automatic insertion of matching pairs of brackets.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use.
- Rich development features.
- Powerful code editor.
- Allows Code-formatting.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free and open source
19. Joplin
Joplin is a note-taking application designed to handle multiple notes that are organized into different notebooks.
Features:
- Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Full-text search enabled across platforms.
- Notes are captured in Markdown format.
Pros:
- Supports customization with themes and plug-ins
- End-to-end encryption.
Cons:
- Limited support/collaboration.
- No email forwarding.
Price Details: Free and open-source software
20. Syncplify.me Notepad!
Syncplify.me Notepad! can be a good alternative to the default Windows Notepad. This freely available software can be utilized for text editing.
Features:
- Large documents up to 4GB can be edited.
- WYSIWYG print preview.
- Multi-tabbed text editor.
- Works on Windows.
- Word finder.
- Support for files from HTML, Python, CSS, and other programming languages.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Good for advanced programmers.
Cons: None
Price Details: Freely available
Also Read: 20 Best ER Diagram Tools
21. PSPad
PSPad is a free text editor endowed with a wealth of editing functions and a web authoring editor. It doesn’t need any customization after installation and you can start working on your code right away.
Features:
- Works on Windows.
- Parses compiler output.
- Web-editing tools.
- Plain-text editing.
- Spell-checker.
- Supports files from C++, MS-DOS, Cobol, Java, and many other languages.
- Macro recording support.
Pros:
- Easy installation.
- Multi-language support.
Cons: None
Price Details: Freely available
22. CodePen
CodePen is one of the best editors to build, test, and showcase front-end code. This is a unique online code editor that allows you to view the results of your code. The best part of this code editor is, you can start coding immediately after opening a free account.
Features:
- Build test-cases.
- Show off amazing web designs.
- Test new technologies.
- Build components for later use.
- Embed Themes.
Pros:
- It is a Social Development Environment.
- Supports code writing on the browser.
Cons:
- Although a free account is available, you need to pay for better features.
- Doesn’t support back-end development.
Price Details: Available in both free and paid versions. The three paid versions are:
- Annual Starter costing $8 per month billed as $96 annually.
- Annual Developer costing $12 per month billed as $144 annually.
- Annual Super costing $26 per month billed as $312 annually.
23. Bluefish
Bluefish is best code editor for Windows that helps you write code, websites, and scripts. It is also one of best coding software for PC. It is open-source software that supports multiple programming languages and is helpful whether you are a computer programmer or a web developer.
Features:
- Works on Windows, macOS-X, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and OpenBSD.
- Powerful search and replace function.
- Can open multiple documents.
- Integration of external programs supported by the software.
- Auto recovery of changes in case of shutdown or crash.
- Supports full-screen editing.
Pros:
- Multi-platform support.
- Light software.
- Clean interface.
- Fast and can load many files in a short time.
- Consumes less space.
Cons:
- No preview mode
Price Details: Free and open-source software.
Also Read: How to Install NumPy on Windows 10
24. Gedit
If you were looking for best code editor for Windows, that is designed for general purpose with an easy-to-use and simple interface, then you can Gedit may be just fit for your use. The best part of the software is, if you enable the required plugins, you can have access to advanced features at no cost!
Features:
- Works on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
- Spell-checking facility.
- Integrated web browser on the side panel.
- Regular expressions support search and replace.
- Line numbers.
- Undo-Redo.
Pros:
- Multiple platform support.
- Text-wrapping included.
- Backup files.
- Syntax highlighting for multiple languages.
Cons: Very basic and many features offered in other code editors are missing.
Price Details: Free
25. Geany
The reason we are talking about the coding software Geany is, it offers a great, and simple GUI, is lightweight and simple and has cross-platform support.
Features:
- Supports multiple file types for many programming languages such as Python, Java, C etc.
- Color themes available.
- Code folding.
- Symbol lists.
- Syntax highlighting.
Pros:
- Great community support.
- Provides a plug-in interface.
- Code navigation.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free software
26. Brackets
Brackets is a modern and powerful software that can be used as coding software for PC. The software is made with JavaScript and can be downloaded, installed, and used for free.
Features:
- Inline editors facilitate opening separate windows for code editing.
- Live preview while editing code.
- Preprocessor support.
Pros:
- Active community support.
- Powerful editor with modern features.
- Free software.
Cons:
- Sometimes live preview may shut down.
- May have performance issues for editing large files.
- Requires installation, unlike many editors that are available to work online.
Price Details: Free and open source
27. EditPad Lite
If the software that can work on any type of plain text files can be used for general-purpose editing, then, EditPad Lite just fits the bill. It is one of best coding software for PC. Moreover, this best code editor for windows is free if you just want it for personal use.
Features:
- Unicode support.
- Files can be opened in multiple tabs.
- Undo/Redo opened files unlimited times.
- Regular expressions and powerful search/replace facility work on multiple files.
- Available in multiple spoken languages including English.
Pros:
- Can work on complex scripts.
- Undo/Redo works even after saving the file.
- Automatic backup prevents data loss.
- An easy-to-use tool compared to many available powerful text editors.
Cons: None
Price Details: Free for personal use. There are several options available for business and office use. There are many licenses plans available for a single user ($29.95) and multiple users up to a maximum of 100 users-license available for $1099.00 (unit price $10.99)
28. Crimson Editor
If you were looking for a replacement for Notepad coupled with powerful editing features for programming languages such as C/C++, Java, HTML, etc., then Crimson Editor may work for you. This is best code editor for Windows that is available for free.
Features:
- Syntax highlighting for different programming languages.
- Editing of multiple documents.
- Multi-level Redo/Undo.
- Column mode editing is possible.
- Regular expression support for search and replace.
Pros:
- Fast loading time.
- Innovative word-wrapping features.
- Free
Cons: None
Price Details: Freely available
29. NoteTab
NoteTab is a source code editor that fulfills a host of roles: a fast HTML editor for webmasters and a text-processing powerhouse for general users. It is another one of best coding software for PC.
Features:
- Efficient search and replace function for text.
- The Paste Board function allows you to copy the text into the clipboard and paste wherever needed.
- The Clipbook feature can be used to store text snippets.
- Clip libraries.
- Multilanguage spellchecker.
- Works on Windows and Linux through Wine.
Pros:
- Support for mathematical expressions inside texts.
- Dual-Pane Outliner helps in organizing notes.
- Instant word count.
- Ease of portability of the software.
- Fast and reliable.
Cons:
- Many of the premium features are available only in paid versions.
- The editing feature of the software is limited to Unicode files having symbols and special characters.
- The interface is not as attractive as many other editors.
- Syntax highlighting for files of a limited number of programming languages.
Price Details: Following versions of the software are available:
- NoteTab Lite is free of cost
- NoteTab 7 (NoteTab Std+NoteTab Pro) is available for $39.95
Also Read: Fix Could Not Create the Java Virtual Machine in Windows 10
30. Metapad
Metapad is a simple and fast text editor designed for Windows. It is also one of best coding software for PC. It can be stated to be a superset of Windows Notepad as it includes all its features with many additional ones.
Features:
- External viewer support.
- Recent files can be viewed/displayed.
- Esc key can be used for quick exit.
- Go-to function for Line/Column.
- Intuitive find and replace function.
Pros:
- Large files can be edited.
- Equipped with a portability mode.
- Free
Cons: None
Price Details: Free text editor
Important Points to Note Before Selecting a Code Editor
A source code editor can be considered one of the most important tools in the arsenal of programmers and web developers. This is the reason the choice of this software can either make or break your performance. Here are some of the factors you need to consider while selecting best code editor for Windows:
- Interface – An easy-to-use interface is good for efficiency at work.
- Speed – Important if you wish to complete projects on time.
- Multi-platform support – for multiple team members working on different operating systems.
- Ease of portability – Space occupied by the computer matters if you want portability.
- Community/developer support – Important if you plan to use the editor for a long period.
- Support for multiple programming languages – If you plan to work on different languages.
- Cost- Free software is always welcome, however, paid ones provide more features and support many a time.
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Now that you have read about the many best code editors for Windows, you should be able to choose the one that is most useful to you. Many code editors are open source and thus freely available. While it does make economic sense to go for a free editor, there may be quite a few limitations to going with open-source software. As code editors quickly become lifelong companions of programmers, it is always advisable to choose wisely!