What is Best- Atom V/S Notepad ++
The world of coding can be an overwhelming one. There are a ton of options available out there and sometimes choosing what you think is the right one, might be too complex or might be too simple. One of the first few decisions that you will be making, is choosing the right text editor. This is a crucial step because if you are to choose a text editor that is too simple, then it is going to be a problem as you enter into the world of complex coding, diversifying your languages, and so on.
On the other hand, if you pick too complex a text editor, then it is likely that you are going to be left discouraged, just when you are starting out- a feeling no one wants to feel. For this purpose, it is better to speak neutrally and start from the basics. This is dominated by Notepad ++ and Atom, one of the two longest-standing text editors.
Both these text editors are blessed with similar features and they perform more or less at the same level. They work exceedingly well for HTML, JavaScript, and C++, which are the more common languages. Let us compare the two.
Notepad++
One of the first few text editors to hit it off in the market. Released in 2003, it was created with an open-source base and an extremely user-friendly interface. There is a lot of loyalty when it comes to Notepad ++ and that is pure because it has been a part of the industry for a while. Since it comes at no cost, has open-source software, there are a ton of free materials for beginner coders to get access to.
As with what usually happens, with new technology advancements, Notepad++ has been left behind. It can be said that Notepad ++ has paved the way for a lot of the text editors that we see, with a lot of the building on the features and the functionality of Notepad ++.
Atom
Atom is one of the newest text editors available out there. Just like Notepad ++, Atom is also free. However, it boasts of superior technology and greater functionality along with a ‘hackable’ interface that allows for a greater number of plug-ins. Atom is also open-source so coders have the chance of improving their user experience. It is competing with a lot of other products out there, but Atom is a good mix of advanced technology and simple interface, to make it a great choice for beginners.
Functionality Comparison
Notepad ++ supports only Windows operating systems, so that automatically limits accessibility and the number of users. Having said that, there are a lot of beginner coders who actually prefer coding on windows systems, making Notepad ++ an obvious choice. The obvious disadvantage of Notepad ++ is its simple framework, which does allow for the addition of plug-ins. However, it does have the feature of editing multiple files and lines together and recognizes over 80 languages.
Atom, on the other hand, is suitable for both experienced and beginner coders. The program has been designed to support all major systems- Linux, Mac, and Windows, which widens the scope of its reach. It is mouldable since it is open-source and also allows users to make their plug-ins while working in tandem with GitHub to create graphics that you can load and add on to the text.
Atom has the feature of multi-line editing, multiple hotkeys. It has been created with JavaScript and Electron, which does not run as efficiently as C++, but it has the advantage of more visual diversity and larger functionality.
Summarising key features of both
Notepad ++
- Light-weight, a fast-paced software for Windows operating systems, runs on C++
- Supports basic languages, offers some functionality, but fewer options for plug-ins.
- Open-Source, No-cost
- Multi-line and Multiple file editing
Key Features of Using Notepad ++
- The opening document, selecting from different coding languages, and then having Notepad ++ display that document with the language’s color-coded syntax is extremely helpful for analyzing and dissecting code quickly.
- Any document that you are working on Notepad++ will be saved in its memory. This is going to be extremely helpful if you accidentally close the app or are forced to.
- Being able to go through large collections of data in a document and highlighting instances of the selected phrase that you are looking for, is an extremely important feature.
Atom:
- Supports Linux, Mac, Windows at a slower rate because it is larger. Runs on Electron and JavaScript
- A wide array of plug-ins, supports extensive languages, collaboration with GitHub, hotkeys.
- Open-source, customizable, free
- Multi-line editing/file editing, interface allows for using graphics directly.
Key Features of Using Atom:
- Atom has numerous code hinting features that allow for a diversity of themes and extensions that can make the code extremely simple to read, at the same time, making it easier to write faster and integrate with services like LINT that can clean up your code fairly quickly.
- Its extremely fast, accurate and is a sure choice for project management.
- It is very easy to organize and manipulate large volumes of text.
- It supports the creation and the availability of several plug-ins, one example of which is the difftool. It takes two files and shows you the differences in each.
Summing it up
It can be a difficult choice, not knowing which one to choose. The important part is that you will not be disappointed by either, especially if you are a beginner. However, if we had to pick one, we would suggest Atom for professional use. The customizability can be daunting for a lot of starter programmers, however, once you get the hang of it, you can navigate through the different plug-ins to make your experience the way that you are comfortable with.
Notepad ++ and Atom are both very comforting text editors when you are beginning to write code. Several users are going to find Notepad ++ as simpler software to use, as they learn to master the basics of coding. If you are looking at it as a skill that you want to acquire and not a one-off project, then Atom may be able to accommodate your needs better. With its diversity of plug-in offerings, multi-line editing, and hotkeys, it symbolizes growth.
If you are to start your journey with Notepad ++, you are more likely to struggle a little more in the beginning, as compared to Notepad ++, however, it is the software that is going to carry you to professional status, give you access to new plug-ins from different developers and GitHub applications.