Microsoft unveiled a new open-source command-line text editor called "EDIT" at its Build 2025 conference. This is a brand-new, lightweight, minimalist text editor designed specifically for Windows 11's command-line environment.

Key points about Microsoft EDIT:

  • It revives the tradition of command-line editing on Windows, filling a long-standing gap where a native CLI text editor was missing, especially since the old MS-DOS Editor (EDIT.COM) disappeared in 64-bit Windows.
  • EDIT is designed as a simple utility editor focused on efficiency and usability for developers, sysadmins, and power users who work in terminals.
  • It supports essential features for command-line editing such as syntax highlighting, multi-file editing, search and replace, and mouse support.
  • EDIT is open-source and actively encourages community contributions, reflecting Microsoft's evolving openness and developer focus.
  • The editor is built with modern technology (including Rust language implementations) to provide a smooth, fast, and integrated experience within Windows Terminal and the Windows CLI environment.
  • The introduction of this editor helps unify the Windows text editing experience by providing a native alternative to popular third-party CLI editors like Vim or Nano.

In summary, Microsoft Edit represents a modern minimalist command-line text editor for Windows 11, reintroducing a native CLI text editing tool to the platform in a flexible and efficient form. This aligns with Microsoft's developer-centric improvements and the broader Windows ecosystem's modernization efforts.