Why Notepad Next Outshines Notepad++ as a Cross‑Platform Code Editor
The article evaluates Notepad Next as a cross‑platform replacement for Notepad++, detailing its Qt‑based UI, support for multiple languages, workspace folders, macro recording, and easy Linux installation via Flatpak or AppImage, while noting its ongoing development and experimental macOS build.
Notepad++ is a popular Windows‑only source‑code editor, but it lacks native Linux support. The author introduces Notepad Next as a cross‑platform alternative built with C++ and Qt 6.5.1, running on Windows, macOS (experimental) and Linux.
Notepad Next Overview
Notepad Next aims to replicate the look and feel of Notepad++ while providing native Linux binaries. It is open‑source (over 13 k ★ on GitHub) and continues active development (v0.13 at time of writing).
Key Features
Folder‑based workspaces.
Syntax highlighting for languages such as C++, YAML, XML, LaTeX, PHP, Python, R, Rust, etc.
Customizable UI elements (enable/disable parts).
Macro recording, playback and saving.
Find/replace within files and across directories.
Line operations, indentation guides, undo/redo, zoom.
Lua console.
EOL handling and case conversion.
Cross‑platform support.
Installation on Linux
Notepad Next is distributed as Flatpak and AppImage packages. Users can download the AppImage from the GitHub releases page, make it executable, and run it. The author tested the Flatpak version on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and reported smooth operation.
flatpak install https://dl.flathub.org/repo/appstream/com.github.dail8859.NotepadNext.flatpaCurrent Limitations
The macOS build is still experimental, and some features may still be refined. Nevertheless, the editor is stable for most everyday coding tasks.
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