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Notepad2 is an 'update' (i guess) of the original Notepad program, with TONS of really cool features that are handy as heck when handcoding pages and web apps.
Its got formatting features for nearly all web programming 'environs' (JS, CSS, HTML, XML, etc), which help by laying out document code so it is easy to read and edit, but without botching up the pure, unformatted version browsers and servers need.
It does all the neat color coding and indenting that DW's code window does, without having to have DW open, eating up 70% of your system resources and adding extra c&*# to your code (the reason DW sits collecting dust at the bottom of my hard drive). Whether it's lighter than other text editors with these features, I don't know, but I like that it retains the simplicity and smallness of it's predecessor.
The program has an option for autoclosing HTML and XML tags, it highlights sets of curly braces as you work in JS files (COOL!)...it's useful, a fast download, an easy install (you just copy it onto your system...that's it), and runs as unobtrusively as the old Notepad with tons more functionality.
There are drawbacks, I'm sure, but considering that the thing is free, and does as much as it does, who's complaining?
I have not explored the full features, but what use I've gotten out of it makes it a new and indispensable part of my design platform, and I thought it was worth sharing.
A Google search for 'Notepad2 download' gives plenty of download options for any that are interested.
<disclaimer>If it needs saying, I am in no way associated with the production or distribution of this software. I merely find it a useful tool and thought others might like to hear about it, as well.</disclaimer>
[chami.com...]
is a better free option -
UltraEdit is my favorite pay editor.
It actually makes you write better code, because a) you can't forget to close those HTML tags (though there is a way to write them so a closing tag doesn't appear), and b) it highlights text in strings and attributes etc, so if you haven't added a closing quote mark, all the text below can turn the same colour. Great for debugging!
I love the way you can easily do things like indent whole sets of lines, insert the time and date, convert text from upper case to lower case and back, plus much more.
Make sure you select line numbering too - it's essential for PHP errors - I was lost without it for years. ("PHP error in line 279 - er...")
You can also change the colours used to highlight text and even the font and font-style.
This program really is great.
In JS mode, for instance, when you highlight a curly brace, it also highlights the MATCHING curly brace. No more counting curly braces, trying to mentally X them out to make sure I've got the right number...ahh.
I've intentionally avoided html editors for fear of cluttering up my system with (more) software that I'll try for a few weeks, then never touch again (the most expensive of these dinosaurs being DW), but Notepad2 requires no more than copying the file onto your desktop and you're in business. If you don't like it, one delete and one regedit and it's gone for good.
Useful, simple and leaves my system the h*ll alone.
Thanks you guys!
I do plan on checking these other editors out though; I'm always looking for new tools to throw in the box.
but notepad 2 sounds nice with auto tag closing...
