Introduction
Editing files quickly and effectively using the command line is vital for every user or system administrator. Whether it is a configuration file, user file, text document, or log, it is a good idea to have a reliable and powerful command-line text editor.
This article describes the top five open-source command-line text editors available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Top 5 Command-Line Text Editors for Linux, Windows & Mac
Choosing the right command-line text editor depends on your needs and comfort level. The top five command line editors we have chosen to cover in this article are:
- Vim
- Emacs
- Nano
- Micro
- Gedit
The table below shows an overview of the editors' key features:
| Editor | Supported OS | Capabilities | Expandability | GUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vim | Windows, Linux, macOS | Highly configurable, syntax highlighting, code folding, powerful text commands. | Extensive plugins available. | Optional GUI through gVim. |
| Emacs | Windows, Linux, macOS | Supports multiple languages, email, calendar, and more. | Highly extensible with packages and modes. | Built-in GUI version available. |
| Nano | Windows, Linux, macOS | Simple and user-friendly, basic text editing. | Limited, but supports syntax highlighting and basic plugins. | / |
| Micro | Windows, Linux, macOS | Modern and intuitive, mouse support, multiple cursors, syntax highlighting. | Supports plugins written in Lua. | / |
| Gedit | Windows, Linux, macOS | Full-featured text editor, syntax highlighting, search/replace. | Supports plugins to extend functionality. | Primarily GUI, terminal mode on Linux. |
For more information about each text editor, refer to the sections below.
1. Vim
Vim is a very flexible text editor that is suitable for performing many different operations on text. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful text editors available. Vim was released in 1991 as an enhanced version of the Vi editor, and it has since become a highly configurable text editing tool.
The editor is supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS. It has a steep learning curve, but once you learn how to use it, it becomes incredibly efficient. Some of its features include syntax highlighting, code folding, find and replace with regular expressions, complex text transformations with minimal keystrokes, color schemes, and much more.
Note: If you decide to give Vim a try, check out our Vim commands cheat sheet or refer to one of our more specific guides:
Vim's functionality can be even further extended with a wide variety of plugins available through its plugin manager. The plugins enable syntax highlighting, auto-completion, integration with version control systems, and more.
The editor also comes with a graphical user interface, gVim, which adds menus and toolbars while retaining Vim's powerful command-line interface. The following image shows Vim's terminal and GUI view:
Vim's flexibility and power make it the top choice for advanced users who need a highly customizable text editor.
2. Emacs
GNU Emacs is a powerful text editor that is part of an entire app ecosystem. It was created by Richard Stallman in 1976 and has since become one of the most extensible and feature-rich editors available. Emacs is supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
The editor is highly versatile and supports editing in almost every programming language. Its built-in package manager provides functionalities that range from email clients to calendar systems. Its powerful scripting language, Emacs Lisp, enables users to customize and automate almost any aspect of the text editor.
Emacs' functionality can be extended with various packages and modes, including specialized programming environments, document processing, and even games. The editor is also available in the GUI mode, with a more user-friendly interface with a menu and toolbars. The image below shows its terminal and GUI view:
Emacs focuses on adaptability, making it a preferred tool for users who want an all-in-one editor capable of much more than text manipulation.
3. Nano
GNU Nano is the go-to text editor for many users who need something simple and straightforward. It was designed with ease of use in mind, as part of the GNU Project that provides a more user-friendly alternative to the traditional Unix text editor, Pico.
Nano is supported on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and it offers basic text editing functions like cut, copy, paste, and simple search/replace, all within a clean and minimal interface. Unlike Vim or Emacs, Nano does not require users to remember complex commands. Most functions are accessible via keyboard shortcuts that the terminal displays at the bottom of the screen:
Although Nano is less flexible than Vim or Emacs, it supports some basic enhancements such as syntax highlighting and automatic indentation through configuration files. However, there is no GUI version, as Nano is a command-line-only editor.
Nano's simplicity and accessibility make it a great choice for beginners or anyone who needs to make quick edits without the overhead of more complex editors.
Note: If you're getting started with Nano, check out our guide on how to install and use Nano text editor.
4. Micro
Micro is a modern text editor that combines many benefits of traditional editors like Vim and Emacs with simplicity and ease of use. It is intuitive, making it accessible even to those new to command-line editors.
The editor is available on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and it offers a user-friendly experience on all operating systems. It boasts features like mouse support, multiple cursors, and syntax highlighting out of the box. Its default keybindings are easy to learn.
Unlike many other command-line editors, Micro provides a more modern interface with smooth scrolling, split-pane editing, and an easy-to-navigate help system. The features are expandable through plugins, such as auto-completion, theming, and more.
Although Micro is a strictly command-line editor, its modern interface provides an experience similar to that of a GUI editor. The image below shows an example of its CLI:
It is an excellent choice for users who want the power of a command-line editor with a more modern and user-friendly interface.
5. Gedit
Gedit is primarily the default text editor for the GNOME desktop environment. Although it is mainly a graphical editor, it can be used in terminal mode on Linux, making it a versatile option for those who switch between GUI and CLI.
The editor is available in Windows and Linux, with unofficial macOS support. Some of the text editors' features include syntax highlighting, search and replace, file backups, text wrapping, and more.
Gedit's functionality can be extended with plugins for additional features like version control integration, spell checking, and more advanced editing tools. Although Gedit is primarily a graphical editor, it can also be launched in terminal mode on Linux systems. It is one of the few editors that is GUI-first.
The editor's ease of use and cross-platform availability make it suitable for those who want a consistent experience across different environments.
Conclusion
This article listed the top command-line editors for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Choosing between them depends on what you expect from a text editor. Each editor has its strengths, so whether you are looking for raw power, simplicity, or something in between, this list should help you find the right tool for the job.
If you are a Linux user, check out our list of 7 best Linux text editors.
