Notepad++ is an open-source productive application tool for coding, writing, and text editing for Windows. In the Notepad space, Notepad++ is widely used by developers, writers, and tech enthusiasts. This application is well known for its simple interface, and lightweight design, packed with powerful features to make productivity seamless.
If you are searching for the best productivity app for coding, writing, and text editing, then look no further because Notepad++ has all that it takes to make you remain productive.
The official website is the best place to get the Notpad++ for PC because it enables you to get the most recent version of the application that updates regularly.
The steps below have shown how to download Notepad++ for PC. Simply follow the prompt to complete the download and installation process.
Notepad++ Purposes
- Text Editing: This includes simply text editing and code editing. It is fully capable of handling coding because it Supports syntax highlighting and code folding for various programming languages, making it ideal for coding and debugging.
- Programming: Notepad++ is also good for Script Writing and Source Code Development due to features like features like auto-completion, with many programming languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, C++, Java) makes it possible.
- Web Development: It supports JavaScript and provides features tailored for web development tasks, including HTML and CSS editing.
- Configuration and Log Files: Perfect for viewing, and analyzing log files and useful for modifying configuration files for various software and systems (e.g., server configs, application settings).
- Data Manipulation: editing of text in a columnar fashion, useful for manipulating tabular data. I also have advanced find and replace features, including regular expressions, to manipulate and clean data.
System Requirements
Operating System:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (32 or 64 bit) or above for full functionality.
- Windows XP for basic functionality without updater and plugins.
Processor:
- Any modern CPU with at least 1 GHz
RAM:
- 1 GB (2 GB recommended for smoother performance)
Disk Space:
- 100 MB for the application; additional space for plugins and user files
Display:
- 1024 x 768 resolution or higher
How to download Notepad++ for PC
- Visit the official Notpad++ website.
- Go to the “Download” section from the menu.
- Choose your preferred version.
By default, the first list of the versions is usually the most current version. You can select from other lists below (the low versions) if your PC doesn’t have the system requirements to run the most recent Notepad++. - Start your download and complete the installation process.
But start by knowing the bit of your computer. There are two types; 68-bit and 32-bit. Then click to download.
You can either click on the download button or click on the preferred file format you want the installation file to download. For example; flies like Zip, 7z, etc. - Install the Notpad++ Application.
After the download is complete, open your download folder (or any path you direct your download to be), click on the application and follow the on-screen instructions in the setup wizard which typically involves agreeing to the license agreement, choosing an installation location, and selecting additional options such as creating a desktop shortcut. - Start using your New Notpad++ for PC.
After the installation process is completed, which usually takes a few moments, click the “Finish” button of the installation window to open the Notepad++ application (that’s if the “Run Notepad++” isn’t unchecked). Another way is by going to your application window on your PC or the shortcuts and double-clicking the application to open.
How to add plugins to Notepad++
The Notepad++ has several plugins you can add to it, it all depends on what you want to acheieve. However, some plugins may require a restart of Notepad++ to become active. So add plugin;
- Go to the “Plugins” menu
- Then select “Plugins Admin.”
- In the Plugins Admin window, you can browse available plugins,
- Then select the ones you want, and click “Install.”
Notpad++ Top Alternatives – PC Software
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
Visual Studio Code is a product of Microsoft, packed with vast features that by far supersede the Notepad++ functionalities. Just like Notepad++, it supports different languages but is advanced with its rich extension marketplace, IntelliSense (code completion), customizable themes, and extensions for added functionality.
Supported Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Sublime Text
Sublime Text is directly similar to the Notepad++ functionalities. With almost equal features. Sublime Text is known for its lightweight and simple interface and supports multiple languages.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Atom
If you’re already conversant with GitHub, then you know it for the simple tools it renders. Funfunatly, Atom is another product powered by it (GitHub) – an open-source, that is flexible and allows UI customization, with a built-in package manager supporting a large number of plugins to boost functionalities.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Brackets
Brackets is an open-source text editor but its main features are typically focused on web development. packed with features that deal with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript with live preview and preprocessor support. So, Notepad++ seems to be providing a higher feature than Brackets here.
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux
Notepadqq
Notepadqq is another open-source with similar experience to Notepad++; auto-save, writing and editing, opening multiple tabs, etc, typically known for Linux and Windows.
Platform: Windows, Linux
Notepad++ Alternative on Web-based
These are the online (web-based) text and code editor software. By using the online version of the code and text editor, you don’t have to worry about losing your computer files or installing software on different PCs to start working. But you certainly need an internet connection to use any of these listed below.
Repl.it (Replit)
Replit is a cloud-based AI-powered software development & deployment platform for coding, real-time collaboration, and an integrated development environment (IDE), and allows users to deploy software quickly.
CodePen
CodePen is a social coding environment for front-end developers, focusing on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
JSFiddle
JSFiddle is a simple online tool for experimenting with front-end code, supporting HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It’s perfect for quick prototypes, sharing code snippets, and testing web components.
Glitch
Glitch is a full-stack development platform that supports JavaScript and Node.js. It is ideal for creating projects, and letting developers build, collaborate, and deploy live web applications quickly and seamlessly.
StackBlitz
StackBlitz allows developers to build and deploy full-stack applications, with seamless integration of NPM packages. Similarly to Repl.it, it also has an online IDE designed for modern web development, supporting JavaScript, TypeScript, and frameworks like Angular, React, and Vue.
Conclusion:
Notepad++ is a reliable tool that runs even as low as Windows XP and Windows 7 & 8., It’s lightweight, portable, and can even run from a USB stick without needing installation, making it convenient for use on different computers. It also supports a wide range of plugins that add extra features, such as version control, file comparison, or advanced search capabilities. With the multiple languages support, suits different regional preferences.
