It was tested with version 1.36 (Windows) and version 1.36 (Linux). In Geany, Shift + Alt + arrow keys will make a block selection and thus effectively enter into column mode. It turns out all the text editors considered here have a way to exclusively use the keyboard for column mode operations. It is also impractical as the mouse must be used very precisely in both directions. In particular, Alt + mouse movement in Visual Studio will make a block selection, but this increases the risk of RSI. Vim is a perfect choice for programmers and developers for all kinds of text editing, and if you also find it a useful addition to your life please consider helping needy children in Uganda.Although it is often somewhat hidden, most text editors, except for the most basic ones, have a column mode (also known as block mode or visual mode) – to work on rectangular selections of text (including a width of zero).Įven more hidden is if it is possible to avoid using the mouse. You can also quickly jump from one error to the next in order to proofread the text.
This can also come in handy even when you are writing code since the application only checks the text that is not recognized as code. Geany Text Editor Macįor text editing the program includes a spell checker with multiple languages and the ability to suggest corrections for the spelling mistakes. The users that write code for hours can change the color scheme of the interface in order to increase the code visibility. It supports syntax highlighting and row numbering, two functions that are essential for any programmer. It allows you to edit text and to save simple text files but its main function is to assist with code editing. The application was created to handle code and can do a lot more than just writing an email or opening a configuration file.
It is an improved version of the vi editor distributed free as charityware. Vim is a highly configurable free text editor designed for use both from a command-line interface and as a standalone application in a graphical user interface. The program also supports autocompletion for a subset of the API of some programming languages. If you are looking for a quick and lightweight editor, then the Geany text editor is worth a look. It appears to be available for Windows, Mac and Linux. The Geany text editor development is still active with a new version out just a week ago as of writing. The tool offers support for many programming languages, writing prose in structured formats such as blogging, running SQL queries, writing screenplays, etc.
TextMate is a versatile plain text editor for mac with unique and innovative features. Users may also manually set the current language, overriding the extension’s default language. Allowing users to quickly reduce and expand sections of code to see the overall document. Notepad++ supports syntax highlighting and code folding for over 50 programming, scripting, and markup languages.
Text editors are often provided with operating systems and software development packages, and can be used to change configuration files, documentation files and programming language source code.