Quickie: Viewing WordPress PHP Files on Local PC

XPPro opens files in NotePad and code is a jumble

[Webwork]

I am looking for a way to open WP's files on my local machine that will allow me to view them "in a clean" - line by line - way.

In other words, I'd like to view the code in a way that I could begin to understand the step-by-step logic of the code.

What is the trick, if any, that might allow me to somewhat unscramble the code?

Thanks.

Postscript: Okay, whilst waiting for enlightenment I just opened MS Frontpage, opened the file in Frontpage code view and voila! Line by line! Much nicer.

IF I didn't have MSFP what other ways are there on a WinXP box to view code? Do I need to download a freeware code editor? (If there is such a thing.)

Any other suggestions and alternatives welcome.

I guess what I may really be asking is what is YOUR favorite environment for working witj PHP?

[edited by: Webwork at 6:41 pm (utc) on Oct. 21, 2006]

[eelixduppy]

I use notepad++ [notepad-plus.sourceforge.net] for my coding; it has many nice features. I have noticed that some editor do not view the source in a nice manner. Front page is one that usually works. I know Word actually formats these correctly. I generally try to stay away from messy source code, though ;)

[dreamcatcher]

Hi Webwork,

You`ll find a few threads on favourite text editors in the 'WYSIWYG and Text Code Editors' forum.

[webmasterworld.com...]

Its all down to personal preference. Some people like lots of features, some don`t. Me I use conText and have done for about 4 years now. Its not been updated for a while, but doesn`t bother me. Nice and simple editor. Crimson Editor is also ok. I`ve tried others but always come back to conText.

dc

[coopster]

In a pinch, to view code on a Windows machine, you can also right-click and Open with ... Wordpad. Wordpad will handle the line-endings whereas Notepad chokes on them and shows a bunch of little boxes smashing things together.