Microsoft has announced the development of a new command-line text editor, named 'Edit', set to be included natively in upcoming Windows versions. This initiative aims to address the absence of a default command-line interface (CLI) text editor in 64-bit Windows editions, a gap that has been a point of contention among developers and system administrators.

Background and Context

Historically, 32-bit versions of Windows included 'Edit', a simple CLI text editor. However, with the transition to 64-bit systems, this utility was omitted, leaving users without a built-in CLI editor. This omission has been particularly challenging for those who prefer or require text editing capabilities directly within the command line, especially in environments where graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are not practical or available.

In December 2023, Connor Plante, a Microsoft product manager, initiated a discussion on GitHub to explore the possibility of reintroducing a default CLI text editor in Windows. Plante emphasized the importance of such a tool for system administrators, developers, and power users, stating that providing an immediate, viable option is a significant quality-of-life improvement. The discussion sought feedback on the necessity of a default CLI editor, current usage patterns, and potential alternatives. ([github.com](https://github.com/microsoft/terminal/discussions/16440?utm_source=openai))

Development and Features

Responding to user feedback, Microsoft decided to collaborate with Malcolm Smith, the maintainer of Yedit, to develop the new 'Edit' editor. The plan involves forking the Yedit code into a new open-source repository under Microsoft's GitHub account. This approach aims to create an editor that is lightweight, intuitive, and aligns with the traditional Windows user experience. Key features under consideration include:

  • Intuitive Interface: A user-friendly design that mirrors the classic 'Edit' editor, ensuring familiarity for long-time Windows users.
  • Lightweight Design: Minimal resource consumption to ensure quick launch times and efficient performance.
  • Localization Support: Accommodating a diverse user base by supporting multiple languages.
  • Enhanced Character Support: Incorporating support for complex scripts, emojis, and various character sets to meet modern text editing needs.

These features are designed to provide a seamless and efficient text editing experience within the command-line environment. ([github.com](https://github.com/microsoft/terminal/discussions/16440?utm_source=openai))

Implications and Impact

The introduction of 'Edit' is poised to have several significant implications:

  • Enhanced Productivity: Users can perform quick edits without leaving the command-line interface, streamlining workflows and reducing context switching.
  • Improved Accessibility: In scenarios where GUI-based editors are inaccessible, such as remote server management or recovery operations, 'Edit' provides a reliable alternative.
  • Standardization: Offering a default CLI editor ensures consistency across Windows environments, reducing the need for third-party solutions and simplifying training and support.

By addressing a longstanding gap, Microsoft demonstrates its commitment to enhancing the developer and administrator experience on Windows platforms. ([windowscentral.com](https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/microsoft-is-exploring-adding-a-command-line-text-editor-into-windows-and-it-wants-your-feedback?utm_source=openai))

Community Engagement and Future Prospects

Microsoft's open approach to this development, actively seeking community feedback, reflects a broader trend of embracing open-source principles and user collaboration. The GitHub discussion has been vibrant, with users expressing preferences for various editors like Vim, Nano, and Emacs, and debating the merits of different approaches. ([github.com](https://github.com/microsoft/terminal/discussions/16440?utm_source=openai))

While 'Edit' is designed to meet basic text editing needs, Microsoft acknowledges the diverse preferences within the user community. Therefore, the company is also exploring ways to facilitate the installation of other popular CLI editors through improved error handling and integration with the Windows Package Manager (winget). This approach aims to provide users with the flexibility to choose tools that best fit their workflows. ([xda-developers.com](https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-default-command-line-text-editor/?utm_source=openai))

As development progresses, Microsoft plans to keep the community informed and involved, ensuring that 'Edit' evolves in alignment with user needs and expectations. This initiative not only fills a functional gap but also signifies a shift towards a more user-centric and collaborative development process within the Windows ecosystem.