A text editor is a simple computer program that allows users to create, change, or edit plain text files. It can be used to create computer programs, edit the source code of programming languages, edit Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), and create web pages or web design templates. This software is more commonly used today for programming purposes instead of creating documents as was done in the past.
The source code can be edited with a text editor.
Only plain text can be entered in a text editor, as opposed to formatted text from a rich text editor or word processor. These programs allow special features such as bold, italics, and various font and text sizes. The editor displays only the characters visible in the file, while word processors add special formatting characters that are not visible in the document. The one that only accepts plain text does not allow the user to format that text or add images or tables.
A WYSIWYG editor can be used to create web pages, documents, or other formatted material.
Most modern computers come with a text editor installed, usually the most basic type. There are also many available for download or purchase. Some can also function as word processors, depending on the user’s need or preference.
Text editors can generally be placed into one of two distinct categories: line editors and screen-oriented editors. Line editors are not used as often as screen-oriented editors and require the user to specify a specific line of text before making any changes. Screen-oriented editors, sometimes called full-screen editors, have the ability to modify any text visible on the screen by moving the cursor to its location.
The most common features available in these programs include the ability to cut and paste text, copy text, create a bulleted list, wrap text on the next line, and undo or redo the last command. Some offer more advanced features, such as the ability to define macros or command keys to edit source code. Advanced text editors are preferred by programmers and often include features that are not needed for basic text editing.
A text editor also has the ability to read and edit very large files and open them quickly. This is necessary for many professional computer applications as they contain files that may be too large for the computer’s main memory. Log files and source code files are examples of large files that administrators or professional computer users may need to view or edit.
