Notepad++ vs Sublime Text: What are the differences?

Introduction

Notepad++ and Sublime Text are both popular text editors used for coding and editing various programming languages. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two that set them apart.

1. User Interface: Notepad++ has a simple and straightforward user interface with a standard menu bar and toolbar. It provides a tabbed interface for multiple files and a customizable workspace. On the other hand, Sublime Text offers a more modern and sleek interface with a minimalistic design. It has a sidebar for easy file navigation and a command palette for quick access to various commands and features.

2. Customization: Notepad++ allows users to customize their experience by modifying the editor's color scheme, font, and keyboard shortcuts. It also supports the use of plugins to enhance functionality. Sublime Text, on the other hand, takes customization to another level. It provides extensive options for customization, allowing users to create their own themes, tweak settings, and install various plugins and packages to extend its capabilities.

3. Performance and Speed: Notepad++ is known for its fast startup and low resource usage, making it an efficient choice for small to medium-sized projects. Sublime Text, on the other hand, is known for its exceptional performance, even with large codebases. It can handle large files and complex projects with ease, providing a smooth and responsive editing experience.

4. Code Editing Features: Notepad++ provides basic code editing features such as syntax highlighting, code folding, and auto-completion. It also supports macros, allowing users to record and playback repetitive tasks. Sublime Text, on the other hand, offers an extensive array of code editing features. It includes powerful search and replace functionalities, multiple cursors for simultaneous editing, and a built-in package manager for easy installation of additional features.

5. Cross-Platform Support: Notepad++ is only available for Windows operating systems. Sublime Text, on the other hand, provides support for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for developers working on different platforms.

6. License and Pricing: Notepad++ is an open-source software and is available for free to use. Sublime Text, on the other hand, is a commercial product that offers a free evaluation version with limited features. To unlock the full set of features, users need to purchase a license.

In summary, Notepad++ and Sublime Text both have their own unique features and advantages. Notepad++ is lightweight, user-friendly, and suitable for smaller projects. On the other hand, Sublime Text offers advanced customization, extensive code editing features, and cross-platform support, making it a powerful choice for professional developers.