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How to Download Notepad++ in Windows 11
What is Notepad++ and How Do I Install It?
It shouldn't be any more difficult to set up your code editor than it is to set up any other piece of software! Many distinct versions of software targeted at developers are frequently available for download, with no clear instructions on how to select which version to use. This is great for seasoned developers who know precisely what they want and are familiar with the technical terminology, but it may be a pain if you are just starting out.
It's simple using Notepad++. Simply go to the downloads page and click the first text link to utilize the 'installer,' which will assist you in selecting the appropriate version and installing it on your computer using a simple 'wizard' software. The procedure is the same as it is for any other piece of software—I just click to download, then double-click from my downloads list in Windows. That's all there is to it!
Modify the Default Settings
It's a good idea to modify the settings when you first start using Notepad++. Simply click the settings icon in the top navigation bar, then 'preferences.' If you have the time, you should go over all of the choices to get a sense of what you can accomplish, but there are three items in particular that you should consider altering right away:
Default Directory:
This is the folder on your computer where the code editor will save and open files as the default location. A programmer's ability to keep his or her files organized is crucial.
Auto-Completion:
Auto-complete works similarly to how it does on Google or on your phone, but it's set up to detect programming language syntax. Some individuals find auto-complete to be very useful, and it may help them avoid irritating mistakes like typos and forgetting to close brackets, among other things. Some individuals, like with phones, do not like it. It's simple to turn on and off from the settings menu.
Default Language:
A drop-down box for selecting a default language may be found under the 'New Document' tab in settings. It is definitely worth putting this up to match the language you are using if you are going to be coding in the same language all of the time.
In addition to the choices described above, it's always a good idea to visit the'style configurator,' which can be found under the setting button and allows you to customize the look of Notepad++ by choosing from a variety of themes.
You'll need a place to write your code when you first start learning to program. If you want all of the bells and whistles right away, Eclipse, a popular 'Integrated Development Environment' (IDE) software, is a good place to start. However, learning an IDE takes time, and if you're just getting started as a programmer, you already have plenty to learn without having to figure out how to use a complicated new piece of software. Also, big IDEs like Eclipse may use a lot of processing power while running, so if you don't have a high-spec computer to run it on, you could run into performance problems.
A simplified 'code editor' may be exactly the thing for you if you want a beginner-friendly method to start programming that is simple to pick up and has all of the capabilities that a beginner need. A decent code editor, such as Notepad++, which is the most popular program for Windows and my personal favorite, has a lot of helpful functions and can be expanded with plugins.
Despite the fact that Notepad++ is less complicated than a full-fledged IDE, there are a few things you should know before you start writing code. This article will walk you through all of the major features and settings of Notepad++, providing you with enough knowledge to get the most out of it.