Microsoft Launches Edit: Open-Source Command Line Text Tool
Microsoft made significant announcements at its annual Build developer conference, focusing on enhancements to artificial intelligence (AI) and the introduction of new tools for developers. Among the highlights is the launch of Edit, a new open-source command line text editor for Windows. This innovative tool aims to simplify file editing directly within the command line, catering to both seasoned developers and those less familiar with terminal commands.
Introducing Microsoft Edit
Microsoft’s Edit is designed as an open-source text editor, allowing users to either build the code from scratch or download the latest version from GitHub. This new tool pays tribute to the classic MS-DOS Editor while incorporating a modern interface and controls reminiscent of Visual Studio Code. The company emphasizes that Edit is user-friendly, making it accessible for editors who may not be well-versed in terminal operations.
The development of Edit addresses a common frustration among users, particularly the notorious “How do I exit vim?” meme, which highlights the challenges of navigating the Vim text editor. Christopher Nguyen, Product Manager II for Windows Terminal at Microsoft, explained that the goal was to create a dedicated command line editor for 64-bit Windows versions. Unlike the 32-bit versions that come with MS-DOS Edit, the 64-bit variants previously lacked a command line text editor.
Installation and Building Instructions
Installing Edit is straightforward. Users can download the latest release from Microsoft’s GitHub page, extract the archive, and copy the edit binary to a directory within the system path. Any unnecessary files from the archive can be deleted to streamline the installation process.
For those interested in building Edit from the source, Microsoft provides clear instructions. Users must first install the RUST programming language and the nightly toolchain. After cloning the repository, they can run the command `cargo build –config .cargo/release.toml –release` to create a release build. This flexibility allows developers to customize the editor to their specific needs.
Features and Functionality
Edit is a modeless command line text editor, which means users do not have to remember different operational modes. This design choice simplifies the editing process, allowing for a more intuitive user experience. The menu options in Edit feature keybindings, enabling users to perform actions quickly via the keyboard rather than navigating through the user interface with a mouse.
The editor is lightweight, with a footprint of less than 250kB in the Windows 11 image. Users can open multiple files simultaneously and switch between them easily using the file list located at the lower-right corner of the screen. Additionally, Edit supports text search and replace functions, as well as word wrapping, enhancing its usability for various editing tasks.
Availability and Future Plans
Microsoft plans to roll out Edit to developers participating in the Windows Insider Program in the coming months. Following this initial release, the text editor will soon be available on all Windows 11 devices. This strategic move reflects Microsoft’s commitment to providing developers with modern tools that streamline their workflow and enhance productivity in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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