Chapter 1: The Coding Landscape

In the realm of programming, it's often said that every coder has written something in Notepad. If a programmer claims otherwise, they might not be telling the whole truth. You may even suspect I'm fabricating this notion, considering the multitude of sophisticated applications available today. But let's delve into the fundamental question: Where is code created?

However, before we tackle that, let’s ponder a more crucial query: What constitutes code?

When I refer to code, I'm not talking about machine language or the earliest programming tongues. I'm focusing on contemporary, high-level programming languages. Simply put, code is… text. The act of programming involves composing this text and assigning a specific file extension. Depending on the language and its corresponding extension, you might write different things, but the essence remains the same: it’s all about writing text.

To facilitate this, you need a medium to capture your thoughts. Fortunately, you have a plethora of options. From the often-criticized Vim to the widely adored VSCode, as well as the JetBrains suite, Sublime, and of course, Notepad, there are countless tools available. Ultimately, they all serve as text editors.

Are you tired of repetitive programming projects? With CodeCrafters, you can learn to create your own BitTorrent client or a Git alternative. Enjoy one free project and a 40% discount on the entire site with this link!

Myth: An IDE is just a fancy text editor

It's true that an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is not merely a text editor. However, at their core, they all stem from the same basic foundation. A code editor is essentially a more advanced text editor, enhanced with features that streamline the programming process.

Let’s break down the distinctions:

• Text Editor: The simplest of tools, allowing you to write text with no additional features. Examples include Vim or Nano.
• Code Editor: Specifically designed for programmers, these editors offer functionalities like autocomplete, syntax highlighting, and refactoring—think of VSCode or Sublime.
• IDE: A comprehensive tool tailored for software development, combining a code editor with numerous additional features to ease the developer's workload. Popular examples include Visual Studio or IntelliJ IDEA.

But if tools like VSCode or certain Vim versions have so much capability…

That's correct! At their core, these tools function as code editors. When you first download them, they might not come packed with extras. They're lightweight, allowing you to install the extensions you need based on your programming requirements.

As you accumulate extensions, they can eventually rival some IDEs in terms of power and functionality. This can lead to a mix-up between what constitutes a code editor and what defines an IDE. While this distinction may not directly impact your earnings, it's essential to know that you could create your next groundbreaking application using just Notepad.

Conclusions 👋

Thank you for taking the time to read this article! If you're interested in delving deeper into technology and development, be sure to follow me. I'm eager to hear your thoughts, so please don't hesitate to leave a comment—I’ll be sure to respond.

If you found this article helpful, consider giving it a clap and sharing it with your peers.

About the Author 🤓

Hello! I'm Jesús Lagares. Currently, I work as a Backend Software Engineer while completing my Computer Science degree at the University of Cadiz. I have a passion for both technology and communication, and I always seize opportunities to discuss or write about tech. My goal is to simplify complex concepts for broader understanding.

Let’s Connect 📲

📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | 📹 YouTube | 🐦 Twitter

📩 [email protected]

Thank you for being part of the In Plain English community! Before you leave, make sure to clap and follow the writer.

Follow Us: X | LinkedIn | YouTube | Discord | Newsletter

Explore our other platforms: Stackademic | CoFeed | Venture | Cubed

Find more content at PlainEnglish.io

Chapter 2: Understanding Notepad++

The first video titled "How To Use Notepad++ | Programming Tutorial for Notepad++" provides an insightful overview of Notepad++, a popular text editor among programmers.

The second video, "Notepad - Tips & Tricks (What You Need to Know)," shares valuable tips to enhance your experience with Notepad.