compareNotepadPlusPlusDownloads();
If you just need to edit a config file, view a massive log, or write a quick script, Notepad++ wins. If you are building a complex application and need debugging tools, VS Code is the better choice.
console.table(assets, ["name", "size", "download_count"]); compare notepad++ download
This is the most common comparison. VS Code is currently the most popular code editor in the world, but it operates differently than Notepad++.
While it’s technically "older," many users still choose this because it supports a wider range of legacy plugins. Some long-running plugins have never been updated for 64-bit, so if you rely on specific niche tools, the 32-bit version is the safer bet. VS Code is currently the most popular code
(Python – compare programmatically)
Sublime Text is known for being sleek, fast, and highly customizable. It sits in the middle ground between Notepad++ and VS Code. (Python – compare programmatically) Sublime Text is known
With Windows 11, Microsoft updated the default Notepad with tabs and a better UI. Why still download Notepad++?
| Feature | Installer (64-bit) | Installer (32-bit) | Portable (64-bit) | Portable (32-bit) | |---------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------| | Admin rights required | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ No | ✅ No | | Context menu integration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | | Run from USB | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | | Auto-updates | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Manual | ❌ Manual | | Handles 4GB+ files | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Slow | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Slow | | Plugin compatibility | ⚠️ 64-bit only plugins | ✅ All | ⚠️ 64-bit only | ✅ All | | Best for | Daily development | Legacy plugins | Multiple environments | Old systems + portability |
The button remains a rite of passage for new developers and a daily driver for veterans. While it may lack the flashiness of VS Code or the modern UI of Sublime Text, its raw speed, stability with large files, and zero-dollar price tag make it an unbeatable utility.