Notepad++ Finally Lands On macOS as a Native App (nerds.xyz) 8
BrianFagioli writes: Notepad++ has finally made its way to macOS, and this time it is not through a compatibility layer. A new community-driven port brings the long-standing Windows text editor over as a fully native Mac application, built with Cocoa and compiled for both Apple Silicon and Intel systems. Instead of relying on Wine or similar tools, the project replaces the Windows-specific interface with a macOS-native one while keeping the core editing engine intact, allowing longtime users to retain the same workflow, shortcuts, and overall feel.
The port is independent from the original Notepad++ project but tracks upstream changes closely, with development happening in the open. It is code-signed and notarized, and notably avoids telemetry or ads. Plugin support is being rebuilt for macOS and is still evolving, but the groundwork is in place. While macOS already has several established editors, this effort is aimed squarely at users who want the familiar Notepad++ experience without relearning a new tool. You can download the app here.
The port is independent from the original Notepad++ project but tracks upstream changes closely, with development happening in the open. It is code-signed and notarized, and notably avoids telemetry or ads. Plugin support is being rebuilt for macOS and is still evolving, but the groundwork is in place. While macOS already has several established editors, this effort is aimed squarely at users who want the familiar Notepad++ experience without relearning a new tool. You can download the app here.
Freecell (Score:2, Funny)
I got tired of my mac not having freecell. So I told claude to create it as a python app with a gui. And it did. But the graphics were a little kludgy. So I told it to try again as a swift app. Boom, I have freecell for mac now. I've never coded anything for mac, I haven't even looked at the (vulnerable) code it's created.
Re: (Score:2)
Totally curious how your prompts went for this. Did you give it an existing code base? Just told it what the game looked like? Assumed it knew already?
Notepad++ is very useful on Windows (Score:5, Interesting)
I don't see the appeal for macOS users, though. BBEdit is pretty incredible, and can be used for free (although I have been a paid user for many years).
Re: (Score:3)
I remember BBEdit from ages ago. But these days, hell, I just use VS Code.
Re: (Score:2)
I'm all for stuff that makes transitioning from one OS (Windows) to another (MacOS in this case) less difficult. Maybe they'll port it to linux next?
Re: (Score:2)
I assume this is a joke but vim is (always has been) built-in as long as Macs have been on OS X. Kinda hard to believe that Macs have been UNIX longer than they were on the original MacOS.
% which vim /usr/bin/vim
There's also a pretty reasonable gui port called MacVim, though I rarely use it.
Written by Claude Code, maybe vibe-coded (Score:2)