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SPECIFICTION
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Textadept

orbitalquark.github.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit orbitalquark.github.io
Spec score 8.5 #17 of 82 in Text Editors

What it is

Textadept is a free, open-source text editor for programmers, available with graphical and terminal interfaces. It supports more than 100 programming languages and includes multiple carets and selections, unlimited split views, configurable key bindings, nested snippets, column editing, and macro recording. Lua scripting can extend and customize nearly every aspect of the editor. Shell commands can be used to run code, build projects, and execute tests; optional modules add language debuggers, file comparison, source formatting, an LSP client, scratch buffers, and spell checking. The project says Textadept does not connect to the internet. Pre-built binaries are self-contained and require no installation, and source code is available under the MIT License. Requirements vary: Linux GUI use needs Qt 5 or GTK 3, while the terminal version needs ncurses. Pre-built macOS binaries are for Apple Silicon only. The project provides a manual, Lua API documentation, issue tracker, discussions, wiki, and FAQ.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Textadept is a fast, minimalist, extensible cross-platform text editor for programmers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Free plan
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Support
The project provides a manual, Lua API documentation, issue tracker, discussions, wiki, and FAQ.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
License
Textadept is an open-source project released under the MIT License.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Founded
2007Read 28 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Column editing
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Command line tools
Users can invoke shell commands to run code, build projects, and execute tests.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Customization
Almost every aspect of the editor can be scripted, extended, and customized with Lua.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Distribution
Pre-built binaries are self-contained and require no installation; source code is also available.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Editing features
Features include multiple carets and selections, unlimited split views, configurable key bindings, and nested snippets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Extension support
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Interfaces
It provides graphical and terminal interfaces with sensible defaults.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Language support
It supports over 100 programming languages.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Large-file handling
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Linux limitation
The FAQ says a single binary cannot run correctly on all Linux systems and advises compiling Textadept manually when it fails to run.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
macOS limitation
All pre-built macOS binaries are for Apple Silicon only.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Macro recording
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Multi-cursor editing
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Network and privacy
The project states that Textadept does not connect to the internet.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Optional modules
Optional modules add language debuggers, file comparison, source code formatting, an LSP client, scratch buffers, and spell checking.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Requirements
Pre-built binaries require Windows 10 or later, macOS 13 or later, or Linux with Qt 5 or GTK 3 for the GUI and ncurses for the terminal version.Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io
Supported platforms
Windows,macOS,Linux,BSDRead 24 Sep 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io

Plans and prices

Textadept Free Open-source text editor · MIT License Read 7 Oct 2026 · orbitalquark.github.io

Every Textadept plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports over 100 programming languages.
  • Offers graphical and terminal interfaces.
  • Lua can customize and extend the editor.
  • Pre-built binaries require no installation.

Limits

  • Pre-built macOS binaries are Apple Silicon only.
  • Linux binaries may not work across all systems.
  • Linux GUI requires Qt 5 or GTK 3.
  • Terminal use requires ncurses.

Who it suits

Textadept suits programmers who want a scriptable editor with both graphical and terminal interfaces. It may appeal to users who prefer self-contained binaries or want to customize an editor with Lua.

Verdict

Textadept offers broad editing and scripting options at no cost, with optional modules for additional tools. Check the platform requirements, especially the macOS architecture and Linux dependencies, before choosing a build.

Where Specifiction places it

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