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jEdit

by The jEdit Project · Since 2017
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ActiveFree tier
Quick facts
VendorThe jEdit Project
Year launched2017
StatusActive
LocationLuanda, Angola
Countries servedN/A
Languages1
IntegrationsN/A
Free tierYES
Free trialNO
Contact salesNO

About jEdit

jEdit is a free, open-source programmer's text editor written in Java, making it cross-platform. It supports syntax highlighting for over 200 languages, a macro language, and an extensive plugin architecture to expand its features.

jEdit is a mature, open-source text editor designed for programmers. Built on Java, it offers true cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems. Its core strength lies in its extensibility; a vast library of plugins allows users to transform it from a simple text editor into a more powerful Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with tools for specific languages, version control, and project management. Key features include syntax highlighting for over 200 languages, a powerful macro system using BeanShell, code folding, and advanced search-and-replace capabilities. As free software under the GPL 2.0 license, it offers no paid plans or formal support tiers. Instead, it relies on community support through mailing lists, forums, and an IRC channel. While it may require some configuration to match the out-of-the-box experience of commercial IDEs, its customizability and feature set make it a powerful and cost-effective tool for developers.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Completely free and open-source under the GPL 2.0 license.
  • Highly extensible with a large collection of plugins for various functionalities.
  • Runs on any operating system that supports a Java Virtual Machine.
  • Supports syntax highlighting for an extensive list of over 200 languages.
  • Powerful macro recording and scripting capabilities for automation.
Cons
  • The user interface may feel dated compared to modern editors.
  • Performance can be slower than native text editors, as it is a Java application.
  • Initial setup and configuration of plugins can be complex for new users.
  • No dedicated commercial support; relies on community forums and mailing lists.

Features

Key features

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Written in Java, jEdit runs on any operating system with a compatible Java Virtual Machine, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and VMS.

Extensible Plugin Architecture

Functionality can be expanded with hundreds of available plugins, which can be managed directly from within the editor.

Extensive Syntax Highlighting

Provides built-in syntax highlighting and auto-indent for more than 200 programming and markup languages.

Macro Language

Features a built-in macro language (BeanShell) to automate complex or repetitive editing tasks, with the ability to record macros from user actions.

Advanced Editing Tools

Includes features like code folding, word wrap, unlimited undo/redo, multiple clipboards (registers), and rectangular/multiple selection.

Additional features

File Management

Supports over 160 character encodings, automatic GZip compression/decompression, and a file system browser for managing files and directories.

Search and Replace

Offers powerful search functionality including regular expressions, multi-file search, and HyperSearch to list all matches.

Customization

Highly configurable interface, including keyboard shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus. Settings can be applied globally, per-mode, or per-file.

Split Views

A single editor window can be split into multiple areas to view different files or different locations within the same file simultaneously.

Markers

Allows users to place markers in files to quickly navigate back to specific locations, which are saved across sessions.

Online Help

Comprehensive online documentation, including a user's guide and FAQ, is bundled with the application.

Virtual File Systems

Pluggable support for virtual file systems, such as FTP, allows for direct editing of remote files.

Pricing

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Countries & Languages

Countries served
1
Interface languages
Billing currencies

Interface languages

English

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