Notepad++
Notepad++ is a free, open-source code editor for Windows that provides a lightweight and highly customizable environment for writing and editing dozens of different programming languages efficiently.
Nova
Nova is a fast and flexible native code editor for macOS that provides a powerful environment for web development with built-in debugging, integrated terminal, and extensive extension support.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Notepad++ | Nova |
|---|---|---|
| Website | notepad-plus-plus.org | panic.com |
| Pricing Model | Free | One_time |
| Starting Price | Free | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✘ No product demo | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2003 | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Paris, France | Portland, USA |
Overview
Notepad++
Notepad++ is a versatile, open-source text and source code editor designed specifically for Windows users who need more power than a basic notepad. You can write and edit code in over 80 programming languages with features like syntax highlighting and code folding, making your development work much more organized. Because it is written in C++ and uses the pure Win32 API, you get incredibly fast execution speeds and a tiny application footprint that won't slow down your system.
You can customize your workspace with a tabbed interface to manage multiple files simultaneously and use powerful search-and-replace tools with regular expression support. Whether you are a student learning to code, a system administrator editing configuration files, or a professional developer, you can extend the software's capabilities through a massive library of community-created plugins. It remains completely free to use under the GNU General Public License.
Nova
Nova is a native macOS code editor built from the ground up to be fast, modern, and reliable. You can handle complex web development projects with ease using its intelligent autocomplete, multiple cursors, and robust search-and-replace tools. It feels right at home on your Mac because it uses standard macOS interface elements, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience that doesn't drain your battery like cross-platform editors might.
You can manage your entire development workflow without leaving the app thanks to built-in tools for file transfers, terminal access, and task automation. Whether you are building a simple website or a complex web application, Nova provides the environment you need to write clean code quickly. It is specifically designed for Mac users who value performance and a polished, integrated user interface.
Overview
Notepad++ Features
- Syntax Highlighting Read your code more easily with color-coded syntax for over 80 languages, including C++, Java, HTML, and Python.
- Multi-View Editing Work on multiple files at once using a tabbed interface or split your screen to compare two documents side-by-side.
- Search and Replace Find and modify text across multiple files instantly using powerful regular expressions and bulk replacement tools.
- Auto-Completion Speed up your typing and reduce errors with automatic completion for functions, parameters, and common words.
- Macro Recording Automate repetitive editing tasks by recording your keystrokes and playing them back whenever you need to perform bulk updates.
- Plugin Manager Extend your editor's functionality by installing community-made tools for FTP syncing, hex editing, and code formatting.
Nova Features
- Smart Autocomplete. Write code faster with intelligent suggestions for multiple languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and TypeScript.
- Built-in Debugging. Debug your JavaScript, PHP, and Python code directly within the editor to find and fix errors quickly.
- Integrated Terminal. Access your command line without switching apps using the fast, built-in terminal that supports tabs and themes.
- Remote File Management. Connect to your servers via FTP, SFTP, or WebDAV to edit and sync files directly on remote environments.
- Task Pipeline. Automate your build processes and scripts with a powerful task system that runs your custom workflows.
- Extension Library. Add support for new languages and tools by browsing a rich library of community-created extensions.
Pricing Comparison
Notepad++ Pricing
- Full access to all features
- Support for 80+ languages
- Unlimited plugin installations
- Regular security updates
- Community-driven support
- Free for commercial use
- Free for personal use
- Access to source code
- No subscription fees
- No hidden costs
Nova Pricing
- One-time $99 purchase
- One year of free updates
- Permanent use of purchased version
- Native macOS performance
- All built-in tools included
- Everything in New License, plus:
- Discounted $49 renewal price
- Additional year of feature updates
- Latest security patches
- Newest API support
Pros & Cons
Notepad++
Pros
- Extremely fast startup and low memory usage
- Supports a massive variety of programming languages
- Highly customizable interface and keyboard shortcuts
- Completely free for both personal and commercial use
- Powerful search and replace with regex support
Cons
- Only available natively for Windows users
- User interface looks dated compared to modern editors
- Plugin management can be inconsistent at times
Nova
Pros
- Native macOS app provides exceptional speed and responsiveness
- Beautiful, polished interface that follows Apple design standards
- Excellent built-in support for remote server file editing
- Lower battery impact compared to Electron-based editors
- Simple one-time purchase price instead of monthly subscriptions
Cons
- Exclusively available for macOS users only
- Smaller extension ecosystem than VS Code
- Requires paid renewal for ongoing feature updates