At its Build 2025 conference today, Microsoft introduced Edit, a sleek new command-line text editor designed to enhance the Windows developer experience. By simply typing edit in a command prompt, developers can edit files directly in the terminal, streamlining workflows without leaving the command-line environment. This release is part of a broader set of updates aimed at making Windows a more developer-friendly platform.
Edit: A Lightweight, Open-Source CLI Editor
Edit is an open-source project by Microsoft, offering a lightweight alternative to editors like Vim. At under 250KB, it’s built for speed and simplicity, allowing developers to edit files without switching to a separate app or window. Key features include:
- Intuitive Key Bindings: Every menu option has a dedicated shortcut, with
Ctrl + Penabling seamless switching between multiple open files. - Powerful Editing Tools: Supports find-and-replace with case-sensitive matching and regular expressions.
- Flexible Formatting: Includes word wrapping for improved readability.
“We saw a gap for a default command-line text editor in 64-bit Windows,” said Christopher Nguyen, Product Manager for Windows Terminal. “While 32-bit Windows included MS-DOS Edit, 64-bit versions lacked a built-in CLI editor, so we created Edit to fill that need.”
Sidestepping the Vim Learning Curve
Microsoft deliberately designed Edit to avoid the infamous “how do I exit Vim?” confusion. “We wanted a modeless editor for Windows, so new users don’t have to wrestle with switching between different modes,” Nguyen explained. Unlike modal editors like Vim, Edit offers a straightforward, beginner-friendly experience while retaining power for advanced users.
Coming Soon to Windows Insider
Edit will roll out to the Windows Insider program in the coming months. Developers can explore its features and contribute to its development via Microsoft’s GitHub repository.
Windows Dev Home Rebrands to Advanced Windows Settings
In addition to Edit, Microsoft announced the rebranding of Windows Dev Home to Advanced Windows Settings. “This update empowers developers to customize their Windows experience with ease,” said Pavan Davuluri, Windows Chief. Rather than a standalone app, Advanced Windows Settings integrates directly into the Windows 11 settings interface, offering new toggles like enabling File Explorer with GitHub integration for enhanced version control.
Wrap-Up
With Edit and Advanced Windows Settings, Microsoft is doubling down on making Windows a more seamless and powerful platform for developers. Edit’s lightweight, user-friendly design and the streamlined settings experience signal a commitment to boosting productivity in the command line and beyond.