Tag: Notepad

  • Microsoft Launches Edit: Free Command-Line Text Editor for x64 Windows

    Microsoft Launches Edit: Free Command-Line Text Editor for x64 Windows

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has launched Edit, a free command-line text editor for 64-bit Windows 11.
    2. Edit includes familiar features from the 32-bit version of MS Editor, along with additional capabilities.
    3. The user-friendly menu system resembles Notepad, making it easy for new users to navigate.
    4. Advanced features include word wrapping, regex search, and the ability to open multiple files simultaneously.
    5. MS Edit is available for download on GitHub, and additional resources for MS-DOS commands can be found on Amazon.


    Microsoft has introduced Edit, a free command-line text editor specifically designed for 64-bit (x64) versions of Windows 11.

    Similar Features to Previous Versions

    This new editor offers similar text editing functions to the 32-bit version of MS Editor, which was available for 32-bit (x86) Windows 10 and older systems, but comes with additional features. While users of Windows 11 can utilize Notepad for editing any text file, those working through the command line need to exit the command prompt or PowerShell to access that application.

    User-Friendly Menu System

    For those who are new, there’s no need to memorize complex keyboard shortcuts since Edit employs a menu layout akin to Notepad, featuring options like File, Edit, View, and Help at the top. Because Edit operates within a Command Prompt in Windows 11, it also includes mouse support to simplify menu navigation and file selection.

    Advanced Editing Capabilities

    The text editor supports word wrapping for lengthy lines of code and allows for the use of regular expression (regex) searches to locate text in extensive documents. Users can open multiple files at the same time; however, the first release does not provide a side-by-side view for two files.

    If you want to build or download MS Edit, it’s available on GitHub right now. For those who might have forgotten how to execute MS-DOS commands, there’s a helpful book available for purchase on Amazon. Additionally, enthusiasts interested in experiencing real MS-DOS on an 8086 CPU can check out a handheld PC that’s also sold on Amazon.

    Source:
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  • After a long wait, Notepad finally includes a character count feature

    After a long wait, Notepad finally includes a character count feature

    Notepad, the well-known text editor on Windows devices, has finally received a much-needed update that includes a character count feature. This feature, which has been absent from the app since its inception, is now available in the latest Canary channel test build of Windows 11.

    Character Count Display

    The character count feature in Notepad is displayed in the bottom left corner of the window. This display mimics the behavior of other text editors like Microsoft Word and provides a convenient way to track the length of your text. By default, it shows the total number of characters in the entire document. However, if you select a specific line, the application will show the character count for that section. This feature will surely come in handy for anyone working with text-based content.

    Other Notepad Improvements

    In addition to the character count feature, Microsoft has made several other improvements to Notepad this year. One of these is the autosave option, which automatically saves your work at regular intervals, ensuring that you don’t lose any progress. They have also added tabs for managing multiple documents and a dark mode for comfortable nighttime use. Furthermore, they have even included a virtual fidget spinner for those who need a little distraction. These changes have made Notepad a more user-friendly experience overall.

    Updates to Windows 11

    Apart from the improvements to Notepad, Windows 11 itself has also received updates in the latest Canary channel build. One notable update is the ability for users to choose to display only widgets on the dedicated Widget page, allowing them to hide the feed of news and articles if they prefer. This gives users more customization options and allows them to personalize their Windows 11 experience.

    It is worth noting that all of these features are currently in beta testing and will be available to all users in future updates.