If you are a beginner and you want to learn a programming language, use a text editor. If you are really interested in learning, never use IDE at least in your initial phase of learning.
For more, you can read my previous article- the advantages of using the text editor over IDE for programming.
I did not say it blindly. Being a professional Python developer and having good sense and experience of programming I have my two cents of it.
Editing HTML and CSS code can be done without any specific tools. In fact, if you have a simple text editor, you are good to go. However, just because you can do something doesn’t mean it is the best way to do it – and that applies to web development as well. Edit application – a programmer's editor for Classic Mac OS EDIT – a menu-based editor introduced to supersede EDLIN in MS-DOS version 5.0 and up and available in most Microsoft Windows EDT – a character-based editor used on DEC PDP-11s and VAXen.
If you are the novice programmer and if you really want to learn to program, here is the list of text editor you should use.
Best FREE Text Editors C/C++, Python, Java
If you Goole it, you can see the huge list of Text Editors available to download. It’s like creating more confusion for newbies. There are always pros and cons to each text editor. To avoid the confusion of new programmers, I am just listing 3 text editors which I personally use.
Listing here some of my favorite text editors you should start with, without giving any other thoughts.
1. Notepad / Notepad++
Notepad comes preinstalled on Windows. It is the most simple text editor. It does not have a syntax highlight feature.
Notepad++ comes with basic syntax highlight features.
The best think about Notepad++, it resumes the last job. If you missed saving any file in Notepad++, it will be resumed when you open the notepad++ editor.
You can download install Notepad++. It is available free.
Download Link: Notepad++
2. Sublime Text Editor
When it comes to windows, it is my first choice. This text editor is specially built for coding and has good support. Again, it is available for free to use.
It supports syntax highlighting features for most basic programming languages like C/C++, Python, Java…
The portable version of the sublime editor is also available. You can download it and use it without installing it on your system.
Download Link: Sublime Text
3. vi / vim
If you are using any of the Linux distribution, Vim comes preinstalled with most of the today Linux distribution. It is my favorite. Even I use it for my project development purpose.
The vi and vim text editor also highlight the syntax. You can turn off or on highlighting the syntax in vim.
What is the Best Text Editor for Linux?
If you are really interested in learning and mastering any programming language, move to Linux. Ubuntu is most suitable to start with. Ubuntu has vim preinstalled.
Other than vim, you can use the sublime text editor as well.
What is the Best Text Editor for Windows?
Windows is the most populate operating system and it is widely used.
On Windows, you can use Notepad++ or Sublime Text editor. It is difficult to realize the difference between two unless you use and feel it.
The Sublime text editor comes with more programming features. I personally use it.
What is the Best text editor for Mac?
I am not a big fan of the iOS echo system when it comes to programming. If you are a Mac user, you can use a Sublime Text editor.
Note: Sublime text editor is available for Linux, Windows, and Mac. If you purchase the pro version, you need a single license to run it on any of the systems you own. Even, you can use the free version which is more than sufficient in your learning phase.
Online Simple HTML Editor
These all text editors I have mentioned are open source. And you are free to use them. If you are a front-end developer and looking for a simple text editor, you can use our simple online HTML editor for FREE.
Want to improve your programming skills?
Now you have installed the best suitable Text Editor on your system. Are you destined to learn some real programming stuff?
Here is the list of 50+ coding questions you should practice. It consists of all the coding questions you need to start learning and mastering any programming language. Most of the questions are already asked in many job interviews.
Create a directory in your system and start writing code for one question at a time.
You can only master any programming language by Practicing as much as you can. It does not matter how many programming books you read.
So, what’s stopping you now?
Fasten your seatbelts and go on log drive. I am waiting for you there… 😀
Wrapping Up
These are all my choices for Best FREE Text Editors for Programming.
IDE is built solely for programming. I am not denying this fact. When you want to build some projects, you need extra programming features to skyrocket your project development. For example, for developing the Python project, PyCharm is the best. I use it.
But if you are a novice to the programming, it is more about learning. And learning comes with an understanding of each programming aspects. The text editor is what you need.
What’s your experience and thought of learning to code using the text editor?
Teletype for Atom
Great things happen when developers work together—from teaching and sharing knowledge to building better software. Teletype for Atom makes collaborating on code just as easy as it is to code alone, right from your editor.
Share your workspace and edit code together in real time. To start collaborating, open Teletype in Atom and install the package.
GitHub for Atom
A text editor is at the core of a developer’s toolbox, but it doesn't usually work alone. Work with Git and GitHub directly from Atom with the GitHub package.
Create new branches, stage and commit, push and pull, resolve merge conflicts, view pull requests and more—all from within your editor. The GitHub package is already bundled with Atom, so you're ready to go!
Everything you would expect
Cross-platform editing
Atom works across operating systems. Use it on OS X, Windows, or Linux.
Built-in package manager
Search for and install new packages or create your own right from Atom.
Smart autocompletion
Atom helps you write code faster with a smart and flexible autocomplete.
File system browser
Easily browse and open a single file, a whole project, or multiple projects in one window.
Multiple panes
Split your Atom interface into multiple panes to compare and edit code across files.
Find and replace
Find, preview, and replace text as you type in a file or across all your projects.
Make it your editor
Packages
Choose from thousands of open source packages that add new features and functionality to Atom, or build a package from scratch and publish it for everyone else to use.
Themes
Atom comes pre-installed with four UI and eight syntax themes in both dark and light colors. Can't find what you're looking for? Install themes created by the Atom community or create your own.
Customization
It's easy to customize and style Atom. Tweak the look and feel of your UI with CSS/Less, and add major features with HTML and JavaScript.
See how to set up Atom
Under the hood
Atom is a desktop application built with HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and Node.js integration. It runs on Electron, a framework for building cross platform apps using web technologies.
Open source
Atom is open source. Be part of the Atom community or help improve your favorite text editor.
Keep in touch
Programming Text Editor For Mac
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