Atom vs Notepad++ vs Sublime Text: What are the differences?

Key Differences between Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime Text

Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime Text are popular code editors used by developers for programming and web development. While they have some similarities, there are also key differences that set them apart. Here are six key differences between Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime Text:

1. Customization Options: Atom provides extensive customization options, allowing users to personalize themes, layouts, and even build their own packages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Notepad++ also offers some customization options, but its capabilities are more limited compared to Atom. Sublime Text, on the other hand, strikes a balance in terms of customization options, offering a range of possibilities without overwhelming users.

2. Package Ecosystem: Atom has a vast package ecosystem with a wide variety of community-contributed packages that enhance its functionality and extend its capabilities. Notepad++ also has plugins and a package manager but the range of available options is more limited compared to Atom. Sublime Text has a strong package ecosystem as well, with a good selection of plugins and packages to choose from.

3. Performance: Atom, being built on web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, can be resource-intensive and may lag on slower machines. Notepad++ is lightweight and fast, making it suitable for older machines or those with limited resources. Sublime Text is known for its excellent performance, with a fast and responsive user interface even when working with large codebases.

4. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Atom is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a truly cross-platform editor. Notepad++ is primarily built for Windows and has limited compatibility with macOS and Linux through third-party solutions. Sublime Text, like Atom, is available for all major operating systems, making it a versatile choice.

5. Collaboration features: Atom offers built-in collaboration features, allowing multiple users to work on the same code in real-time. Notepad++ does not have native collaboration features but can be used in conjunction with other tools for collaborative work. Sublime Text does not have built-in collaboration features but can be extended with plugins to enable collaboration.

6. Pricing: Atom, Notepad++, and Sublime Text have different pricing models. Atom, being an open-source editor, is free for all users. Notepad++ is also free and released under the GNU General Public License. Sublime Text offers a free evaluation version but requires a license to continue using it long-term.

In summary, Atom offers extensive customization options and a vast package ecosystem, making it a popular choice for developers who value flexibility. Notepad++ is lightweight, fast, and suitable for older machines or those with limited resources. Sublime Text strikes a balance with its performance, customization options, cross-platform compatibility, and robust package ecosystem.

Why do developers choose Sublime Text vs Atom vs Notepad++?

• Fans of Sublime Text call it lightweight and superfast. They appreciate its many plugins and nice UI, and note that while it is a paid service, the trial is unlimited.
• Atom users love that it’s free and open source. They appreciate its modular, hackable design and the fact that it’s backed by GitHub (and offers GitHub integration).
• NotePad++ is billed as a “Notepad replacement.” Fans enjoy the ability to use syntax from all their favorite languages, and call it fast and lightweight.

What are some alternatives to Sublime Text, Atom, and Notepad++?

• Vim - Highly configurable text editor build to enable efficient text editing
• Emacs - The extensible self-documenting text editor
• Brackets - A modern, open source text editor that understands web design