Tool profile
Notepad++
A free source code editor which supports several programming languages running under the MS Windows environment.
What is Notepad++?
Notepad++ is a free and open source text editor that runs under the MS Windows environment. It is well-suited for users who need a lightweight and fast application with quick loading times and low system resource usage compared to more complex IDEs. Key features include syntax highlighting for over 80 programming languages, a tabbed interface for managing multiple documents in the same window, and plugin support for code analyzers and customization options.
While it receives regular updates and patches to improve features and fix bugs, users should note its specific platform limitations since it runs under the MS Windows environment. Those looking for alternatives can consider options like GNOME, Netbeans, Sublime Text, VS Code, and Brackets depending on their specific programming and system requirements.
Features
Free and Open Source
Notepad++ is completely free to download and use, and its source code is open for anyone to review, modify, and contribute to.
Lightweight and Fast
Notepad++ is lightweight, meaning it uses fewer system resources compared to more complex IDEs, allowing for quick loading times and responsiveness.
Syntax Highlighting
Supports syntax highlighting for over 80 programming languages, making it easier to read and write code.
Plugin Support
Offers a wide range of plugins to extend its functionality, including customization options, code analyzers, and more.
Tabbed Interface
Allows multiple documents to be opened in the same window through a tabbed interface, which greatly improves productivity.
Regular Updates
Frequently receives updates and patches, improving its features and fixing bugs.
Screenshots
Notepad++ vs. its alternatives
| Notepad++ |  GNOME |  Netbeans |  Sublime Text |  VS Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Open source | — | Open source | Open source | Open source |
| Platforms | |||||
| Listed features | 6 | — | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Notepad++ free?
Yes, Notepad++ is completely free to download and use, and its source code is open for anyone to review, modify, and contribute to.
What is Notepad++ used for?
Notepad++ is used as a source code editor that supports several programming languages with syntax highlighting for over 80 languages.
What operating systems does Notepad++ run on?
Notepad++ runs under the MS Windows environment.
How does Plugin Support work in Notepad++?
Notepad++ offers a wide range of plugins to extend its functionality, including customization options and code analyzers.
Does Notepad++ support multiple documents at once?
Yes, it features a tabbed interface that allows multiple documents to be opened in the same window to improve productivity.
What are the best alternatives to Notepad++?
Some known alternatives to Notepad++ include Sublime Text, VS Code, and Netbeans, which you might prefer depending on your preferred development environment and workflow.
Alternatives to Notepad++
Read the full comparison →Netbeans
NetBeans IDE 7.0. Develop desktop, mobile and web applications with Java, PHP, C/C++ and more. Runs on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris. NetBeans IDE is open-source and free.
VS Code
Build and debug modern web and cloud applications, by Microsoft
Brackets
A modern, open source text editor that understands web design
Vim
Highly configurable text editor built to enable efficient text editing
