Microsoft has officially confirmed that its new command-line text editor, Edit, is now pre-installed in Windows 11. This development marks a significant enhancement for users who prefer a text-based user interface on their computers. The editor, discovered in Windows 11 Build 27965 within the Canary channel, enriches the suite of tools available to Windows Insiders.
Edit: A Command-Line Renaissance
With the introduction of Edit, Microsoft revives a command-line tool reminiscent of the MS-DOS Editor, bridging the gap left by the absence of 16/32-bit editors on modern 64-bit Windows systems. While it doesn't aim to replace GUI editors like Notepad or Notepad++, Edit stands as the simplest, most lightweight CLI option available on Windows.
Edit is built to run seamlessly in the Windows Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Users can initiate it by typing "edit" to launch the program or "edit filename.txt" to open a specific file. Additionally, Edit can be accessed via Windows Search, providing versatility and ease of access across various Windows environments.
The editor, although compact in size at under a quarter of a megabyte, boasts an array of features. It incorporates mouse interactions, visible menus, and keyboard shortcuts enhancing user efficiency and interaction. Other features include a navigation-oriented find bar with search options such as Match Case, Whole Word, and regular expression support. To accommodate long text lines, the editor defaults to horizontal extension, though users can engage word wrap using Alt+Z. Additionally, multiple files can be opened simultaneously with the ability to switch seamlessly between them using Ctrl+P.
For now, Edit is available to Windows Insiders on the Canary channel, with plans for wider inclusion in future Windows 11 releases. Non-Insider users eager to explore its capabilities can manually install it through Winget, which further underlines Microsoft's commitment to providing flexible software solutions for various users.
A significant aspect of this update is that it underscores Microsoft's dedication to evolving and adapting its software offerings. By integrating Edit into Windows 11, Microsoft is catering to command-line enthusiasts, developers, and even casual users who appreciate a streamlined approach to text editing directly within the terminal environment.
