In a move that has delighted developers and power users alike, Microsoft has officially launched Edit, a lightweight, open-source command-line text editor designed specifically for 64-bit Windows systems. The new tool, now available for free, aims to provide a fast, efficient, and scriptable alternative to traditional GUI-based text editors like Notepad.
A Modern Take on Classic Text Editing
Edit is positioned as a spiritual successor to legacy command-line editors like edlin (which dates back to MS-DOS) but with modern enhancements. Built with performance in mind, Edit supports syntax highlighting, multi-file editing, and seamless integration with Windows Terminal and PowerShell.
“We wanted to create a tool that bridges the gap between simplicity and functionality,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. “Edit is perfect for quick file modifications, scripting, and even coding on the go—without the overhead of a full IDE.”
Key Features of Edit
- Lightweight & Fast: Minimal resource usage, ideal for remote sessions and low-power devices.
- Scriptable: Supports automation via command-line arguments and batch processing.
- Open Source: Developers can contribute or customize Edit via its GitHub repository.
- Windows-Centric: Fully optimized for x64 Windows, with native integration for CMD and PowerShell.
Open-Source and Community-Driven
Microsoft has made Edit’s source code publicly available on GitHub, encouraging developers to contribute to its evolution. The company has also published a detailed announcement on its Command Line Blog, outlining the project’s roadmap and future enhancements.
For users who prefer a hardware upgrade to complement their software toolkit, check out these recommended peripherals:
- Logitech MX Keys Keyboard (Perfect for coding)
- Dell UltraSharp 4K Monitor (Ideal for multitasking)
Availability
Edit is available for immediate download on its GitHub page. The tool requires Windows 10 or later (x64) and can be installed via a simple executable or through Winget:
With Edit, Microsoft continues its push toward enhancing developer productivity in the command-line space—proving that even decades-old concepts can be reinvented for the modern era.
What do you think of Microsoft’s new text editor? Will you be giving it a try? Let us know in the comments!
winget install Microsoft.Edit
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