Top 10 Best Linux Text Editors

Introduction

Hello there! As a Linux user, you know how important it is to find the right text editor. It can be a daunting task. Text editors are a critical tool for developers and programmers, and choosing the wrong one can make coding a frustrating experience. But don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 best Linux text editors that provide an excellent user experience and are highly customizable to match your needs.

1. Vim

Vim is one of the most popular and powerful text editors for Linux. It is a command-line editor that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. Vim has a steep learning curve, but once you master it, you can edit code at lightning speed. For example, Vim has various modes such as the Normal mode and Insert mode, each with its own set of commands. Additionally, Vim supports macros, which can save time by recording and playing back a series of commands.

For more information about Vim visit their website https://www.vim.org/

Vim Screenshot

Installing Vim

Below are two methods to install Vim on Linux:

  • Using git

This is the simplest and most efficient way to obtain the latest version, including all patches. This requires the "git" command. 

git clone <https://github.com/vim/vim.git>
cd vim/src
make
  • Using apt-get

You can use this method if you are using a Debian-based Linux distribution such as Ubuntu. 

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install vim

Note: If you are using a different Linux distribution, consult your distribution's documentation for the appropriate package manager command to install Vim.

2. Emacs

Emacs is another powerful text editor for Linux that is highly customizable to match your needs. It is an open-source editor that provides a robust set of features that make editing efficient. Emacs has a steep learning curve, but once you master it, you can use it for almost anything, from editing code to writing emails. Emacs has a feature called Org mode, which is a powerful tool for organizing your tasks, notes, and ideas. Org mode supports hierarchical lists, tables, and even spreadsheets.

Emacs Screenshot

Installing Emacs

Simple way 

sudo apt install emacs

Mind-boggling way

  • Next, uncompress and extract the source files. This requires the tar program, which is a standard utility. If your system doesn't have it, you can download it from https://www.gnu.org/software/tar/. 
    tar -xzvf emacs-VERSION.tar.gz
  • At this point, the Emacs sources should be sitting in a directory called emacs-VERSION. On most common Unix and Unix-like systems, you should be able to compile Emacs with the following commands: 
    cd emacs-VERSION
./configure         # configure Emacs for your particular system
make                # use Makefile to build components, then Emacs

    If the make completes successfully, you can go on to install it. (See https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/efaq/Problems-building-Emacs.html if you weren't successful.)

  • By default, Emacs is installed in /usr/local/bin. To actually install files, become the superuser and type make install.

    Note that make install will overwrite /usr/local/bin/emacs and any Emacs Info files that might be in /usr/local/share/info/.

Source: https://www.gnu.org/software/emacs/manual/html_node/efaq/Installing-Emacs.html

3. Sublime Text

Sublime Text is a popular cross-platform text editor that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 40 programming languages. Sublime Text has a free trial, but you have to purchase it to continue using it. Sublime Text has a feature called Distraction-Free Mode, which hides all distractions from the interface and allows you to focus on your code.

For more information visit their website.

Sublime Screenshot

Installing Sublime 

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install sublime-text

4. Atom

Atom is an open-source text editor that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 40 programming languages. Atom has a free trial, but you have to purchase it to continue using it. Atom has a feature called Teletype, which allows you to collaborate with other developers in real-time.

for more details visit GitHubLink

Installing Atom

  • • Install Atom using Snap (suitable for all Snap enabled Linux distributions): sudo snap install atom
  • using apt sudo apt install atom

5. Kate

Kate is a powerful text editor for Linux that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 200 programming languages. Kate is free and open-source software. Kate has a feature called Vi Input Mode, which allows you to use Vim-like commands in Kate.

For more details visit https://kate-editor.org/

Kate Screenshot

Installing Kate

  • Using git
sudo apt install kate

6. Gedit

Gedit is a simple and easy-to-use text editor for Linux that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 40 programming languages. Gedit is free and open-source software. Gedit has a feature called Snippets, which allows you to insert frequently used code snippets with a few keystrokes.

For more details visit https://wiki.gnome.org/Apps/Gedit or GitHub

Gedit Screenshot

Installing Gedit

  • Using apt
 sudo apt install gedit

7. Geany

Geany is a lightweight text editor for Linux that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 50 programming languages. Geany is free and open-source software. Geany has a feature called Code Folding, which allows you to collapse and expand sections of your code for better organization.

For more information visit their website.

Geany Screenshot

Installing Geany

  • Using apt
sudo apt install geany

8. Visual Studio Code

Visual Studio Code is a cross-platform text editor that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 40 programming languages. Visual Studio Code is free and open-source software. Visual Studio Code has a feature called IntelliSense, which provides intelligent code completion, code refactoring, and other useful features.

For more details visit their website.

VS code Screenshot

Installing VS Code

  • Using snap package
sudo snap install code

9. Nano

Nano is a simple and easy-to-use text editor for Linux that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It is a command-line editor that is easy to learn and use. Nano is free and open-source software. Nano has a feature called Search and Replace, which allows you to search for a specific string and replace it with another string.

For more details visit their website.

Nano Screenshot

Installing Nano

  • Using apt
sudo apt install nano

10. Brackets

Brackets is an open-source text editor that is highly customizable and provides a vast array of features that make editing efficient. It has a user-friendly interface and syntax highlighting for over 40 programming languages. Brackets is free and open-source software. Brackets has a feature called Live Preview, which allows you to see the changes you make to your code in real-time in a web browser.

For more information visit their website.

Bracket Screenshot

Installing Bracket

  • Using apt
sudo apt install brackets

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right text editor is crucial for a developer's productivity. The text editors listed above are among the best Linux text editors available, and each has its unique features and capabilities. Whether you prefer a command-line editor or a GUI-based editor, there is a text editor on this list that will meet your needs. We hope this blog post has helped you find the perfect Linux text editor for your coding needs. Remember, always choose a text editor that matches your needs and preferences, and most importantly, one that makes coding a fun and enjoyable experience.



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