There’s something about the technology space that loves to toss around the word “minimalism.” People love the minimalism of a design or the minimalism of a given project.
I don’t know how often we do a good job of actually incorporating minimalism into our own respective projects (or lives for that matter) nor do I claim to be a minimalist, but I thought it may be worth taking a look at one of the simplest IDE setups I’ve ever used.
I’ve been using Notepad++ for my local development for two recent projects and have been thoroughly pleased.
Sure, it requires a couple of plug-ins to get going, but I think it provides a solid setup. Here’s how:
The Core IDE
This should be obvious. In order to get going, you actually need Notepad++.
In case you aren’t familiar, it comes with some really good stuff right out-of-the-box: line numbers, syntax highlighting (for a plethora of languages), macros, word completion, and so on.
The File Explorer
Like any good IDE, it helps to have a list of all the local project files available.
Once installed, you can launch Explorer from the tools menu.
Console
Depending on the platform in which you’re developing, you’re likely to need frequent access to the console. The NotepadExec plug-in brings that functionality right into Notepad++.
Source Control
This particular plug-in may or may not be available based on what system you’re using; however, I’ve been using Subversion for two recent projects and have found the Subversion plug-in useful.
It interfaces with TortoiseSVN which forms an obvious dependency, but once installed it makes check-ins and check-outs convenient.
FTP
Finally, if you’re doing any type of web development, you’re probably going to be working with remote files frequency. Check out FTP Synchronize plug-in.
Professionally, I use Visual Studio. It’s great but is often more than I need for some of the projects I do outside the 9-to-5. I’m also a fan of Aptana but it can be a little resource hungry.
I’ve been using this setup at home for sometime now and have been generally pleased with it. Lots of functionality, fast, and relatively low on system resources. Love that.
So, your thoughts?
vietchristian.com says
I’m too using Visual Studio most of the time. I also like NotePad++ because it’s very small to install on the web server for quick code fix. I used NotePad++ a year ago. Today, I update it and like the FTP plugin and the Language menu. I’m sure there are more useful features I haven’t yet discovered.
Tom says
Yeah, Notepad++ is solid when it comes to powerful but lightweight editing.
Don says
I’m not really a fan of npp, I mean sure it gets the job done as a light text editor on the go (I keep the portable version on my flash drive), but I don’t use IDEs. I have two things, Windows Explorer, because it’s a fine file manager (minus the single pane only thing, but there are alternatives, if you want them), and Sublime Text, which I think is a great text editor, I really like it.
Tom says
“I mean sure it gets the job done as a light text editor on the go, …” I think it’s a little more powerful than a “light text editor.” Myself along with a small team have actually used it in enterprise-level development.
That said, I’m not really trying to make a case on why to use it (because I think people ought to use what they like) – more of a “if you use it, try this.”
Amitav Roy says
Yes, even I use notepad++ and that too in my office environment also. The best thing about this editor is the fact that it is so light weight. Most of the time, heavy IDE means sacrificing on your system’s performance. But with Notepad++ that is not the case and it does almost all the core features that we actually need from an IDE.
hackLover says
Notepad++ is the best
Eric Dye says
Coming from hackLover, this is no surprise. 😉
Kellu says
IDE funcionality should include something like linking between files (like including) – so, for example, I got styles from one css file usable in multiple js/html/htm files right when i’m typing.
When i’m changing style name it should automatically change it in all files that use this style