Notepad Replacement

I have been using Notepad2.exe as a replacement for Notepad.exe. It has advanced editing features and recognizes many languages such as Perl, Python, C#, VB, C++ and so on. It uses the same underlying Scintella text engine as SciTe, my previous default text editor, but has the standard Windows/Office interface.

I originally discovered this from a number of bloggers have been using NotePad2 like Don Park. Just came across Notepad2 again while reading through Jeff Atwood's blog after trying to learn more about one of my more frequent commenters.

I replaced the system version of Notepad by copying the renamed file to c:\windows, c:\windows\system32, and c:\windows\system32\dllcache. The OS needs to be told not to restore the original files.

The author, Flo, is continually updating the file, so every couple weeks I download the latest version, with ever more features.

The nice thing is that the source code is included, but it requires downloading the Scintella text engine files as well. I was able to recompile my own version of Notepad2 very easily with support for Ruby and other user interface enhancements. Isn't that sweet--a text editor you can recompile and customize to suit your needs.

 

Comments

[Nish]

I've begun using this one since last week since my Ultraedit expired its trial period and I must say I am beginning to like it.

Syntax colorizing for just about all major languages, except for C++/CLI :-)

[Shannon J Hager]

What language is it written in? I wish there was some sort of registration or auto-update feature, I am using 1.0.5, the current version is 1.0.12, I had no idea.

[Nish]

Hmmmm, I am using 1.0.11, didn't know about 1.0.12

[Raymond]

Where can I download notepad2 with ruby support? I have no developing environment so I cannot compile my own version.
I have asked this feature but the developer dont want this.

thanks

[Wesner Moise]

Scite provides Ruby support. It's based on the same codebase as Notepad2.

[Denis]

The beas one, as for me, is the BDV Notepad ( http://www.badevlad.com/bdvnotepad_en.htm ) It has a lot of features and very comfortable interface.

[Pierre Barberis]

I use Notepad++ to replace Notepad :
http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/

The reason I use Notepad++ (but not notepad2) is its MDI (Multi-Document Interface just like firefox).

To replace your notepad by notepad++, you have to :

1. Download and install Notepad++ :
http://internap.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/notepad-plus/npp.3.5.Installer.exe
2. Download Notepad++ launcher :
http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/commun/misc/NppLauncher.bin.zip
3. Copy notepad.exe which comes with this package into 3 directories (in given order) :

i. c:\windows\system32\dllcache
ii. c:\windows\system32
iii. c:\windows

When you replace notepad.exe in c:\windows\system32 and c:\windows, a "Windows File Protection" message box appears, click Cancel. Then another message box appears, click OK.

Now Notepad++ is your default Notepad.

[zor0]

Notepad++ is terrific !
Thank you Pierre.