Microsoft Launches 'Edit': A Modern Command-Line Text Editor for Windows

When Microsoft unveiled its new command-line text editor “Edit” for Windows, it signaled more than just a modern reboot of a classic utility—it underscored a deeper commitment to developer-centric tooling and a desire to harmonize decades of Windows history with today’s fast-evolving digital workflows. For Windows enthusiasts, developers, and system administrators alike, the arrival of “Edit” is both a reassuring nod to nostalgia and a sober response to the realities of 21st-century coding and automation.

Revisiting the Command-Line: Why “Edit” Now?​

For years, text editing on Windows’ command line felt like a paradox: powerful scripting and administrative environments such as Windows Terminal and PowerShell thrived, yet text editing remained a weak point. Legacy editors like Notepad, while familiar, proved too simplistic for efficient scripting or configuration. The classic edit.com utility from MS-DOS days—retired with the advent of 64-bit Windows—left a void. Advanced users turned to third-party options like Vim, Emacs, or Nano via WSL or bundled packages, but out-of-the-box solutions were conspicuously absent.
Microsoft’s move to introduce “Edit” as a new command-line text editor, according to recent coverage by The Verge and corroborated by official Windows development channels, directly addresses this gap. The new editor is intended to be lightweight, accessible from any terminal session, and—crucially—accessible from a modern Windows install without the need for extra installations or complex setup. This aligns Microsoft with the standard experience on Unix-like systems where editors like Nano or Vim are always a tab away.

Features and First Impressions​

Early hands-on demonstrations of Microsoft’s Edit paint a picture of a no-frills, keyboard-first editor designed for speed and simplicity. Users launch Edit straight from the command prompt or PowerShell, passing in a filename (or creating a new one). The interface eschews modern GUI conventions: you’re greeted by a blue, monochromatic window reminiscent of the DOS era but rebuilt for modern character encoding and multicore performance.
Notably, Edit supports basic keybindings familiar to anyone who’s used command-line editors before:

• Navigation: Arrow keys, Home/End, Page Up/Page Down all behave intuitively.
• Text Editing: Insert, overwrite, delete, copy, and paste are supported, but the editor doesn’t try to replicate the breadth of shortcuts found in full-featured IDEs.
• Mouse Support: While Edit is designed to be keyboard-friendly, limited mouse support—clicking to reposition the cursor, selecting text blocks—adds a nod to accessibility.
• Encoding and File Handling: Unlike its DOS ancestor, Edit supports Unicode, UTF-8, and Windows line endings, bridging the gap between old scripts and modern applications.
• Lightweight Footprint: The entire program is compact, launches quickly even on low-powered systems, and doesn’t require additional dependencies.

The user experience can feel retro by design, but it isn’t retrograde. The lack of deep customization or plugin architecture is an intentional tradeoff: Edit isn’t meant to replace Notepad++ or Visual Studio Code. Instead, it aims to outperform them in scenarios where speed and simplicity are paramount.

Technical Foundations and Compatibility​

One of the most significant limitations of the classic edit.com was its reliance on 16-bit code and DOS APIs, making it incompatible with modern 64-bit Windows. By contrast, Microsoft’s new Edit is a native Windows application, built using modern APIs to ensure it runs seamlessly on all supported versions—Windows 11, Windows Server, and (in preview builds) late-era Windows 10.
Cross-referencing Microsoft’s developer documentation and reports from beta users reveals several architectural strengths:

• Native Windows App: Edit is compiled for x64 and ARM64 architectures, promising performance and battery efficiency on contemporary hardware, including Surface devices and other ARM-based PCs.
• Terminal Integration: The editor integrates smoothly with Windows Terminal, Command Prompt, and PowerShell. The same binary is invoked across sessions, and environmental variables (like $PATH) are respected, making automation and scripting straightforward.
• Accessibility: Support for high-contrast modes and screen readers is present. While not as robust as GUI-oriented applications, Microsoft has demonstrated a clear intent to exceed the accessibility bar long ignored by legacy console editors.
• Performance: Early tests show nearly instant launch and rapid response, even when editing substantially large files. There are no noticeable slowdowns in virtualized or remote desktop environments.

On compatibility, there are still soft spots. Scripts and configuration files with Unix line endings sometimes display formatting hiccups (a bug acknowledged by Microsoft and slated for a forthcoming fix). Support for advanced encodings is good, but niche character sets occasionally render incorrectly—a hiccup likely to be ironed out as feedback accumulates.

Security, Sandboxing, and Modern Windows Principles​

Any new program joining Windows’ stable of built-in tools must satisfy Microsoft’s increasingly strict principles around security and privacy. Edit is no exception.

• Sandboxing: The application runs in the context of the invoking user and does not escalate privileges. This means that while Edit can open any file accessible to the user, it cannot circumvent UAC or write to protected directories.
• Update Mechanism: Since Edit is bundled with Windows, its updates are distributed through Windows Update. This ensures security patches and feature updates flow automatically, without requiring manual intervention or exposing users to third-party risks.
• Telemetry: Early builds sent limited, anonymized data back to Microsoft to monitor crashes and usage patterns—a fact disclosed in the release notes. After concerns were raised within the Windows feedback community, Microsoft clarified that no file content or personally identifying information would ever be logged.

For system administrators concerned with surface area, Edit represents a relatively low-risk addition. Its attack surface is tightly scoped, and, in its default configuration, it doesn’t execute scripts or handle macro content—further limiting risk.

Critical Analysis: Strengths and Weaknesses​

Strengths​

• Native, No-Hassle Install: Built into Windows, Edit removes the friction of third-party downloads and installation, especially valuable in enterprise or locked-down environments.
• Backwards-Compatible Experience: For users who remember edit.com, the UI and workflow are reassuringly familiar—but now with Unicode and Windows Terminal support.
• Fast and Lightweight: Nearly instant startup, minimal RAM and CPU footprint make Edit ideal for quick edits, even on older PCs and in remote sessions.
• Accessible and Modernized: By respecting screen readers and high-contrast themes, Edit stands as a rare example of modern accessibility in a console utility.

Limitations and Risks​

• Limited Feature Set: Edit isn’t trying to be a replacement for Vim, Emacs, or even Notepad++; it lacks syntax highlighting, split editing, and other advanced features.
• Potential for User Confusion: The classic interface, while nostalgic, may bewilder new users accustomed to richer graphical experiences or tabbed editing.
• Update Cadence: Tied to Windows Update, bugfixes or feature improvements may lag compared to standalone or open-source editors. If a workflow-critical bug is found, users have little recourse but to wait.
• Encoding Edge Cases: Early reports of formatting glitches with certain encodings can pose real problems for those working across diverse environments.

The Competitive Landscape​

Evaluating Edit requires context: the Windows ecosystem already brims with advanced editors. PowerShell devotees are familiar with VS Code’s deep integration, Notepad++ is ubiquitous for quick edits, and even Vim and Nano are now installable via the Windows Store or natively within WSL.
So why does Edit matter? First, it ensures every Windows machine—regardless of administrative restrictions or network policies—has a capable, fast, local text editor by default. This is critical for situations such as system recovery, network troubleshooting, or scripting in locked-down server environments. It guarantees consistency and dependability—a feature not always appreciated until it’s missing.
Yet, for complex editing tasks, code navigation, or rich formatting, users will still reach for specialized tools. Edit does not seek to usurp these advanced programs; instead, it complements them by shoring up a long-vacant niche.

Community Feedback and Roadmap​

Initial community feedback for Edit is broadly positive. Windows Insiders and IT professionals have lauded its blazingly fast boot time and the comfort of having a native option always at hand. Some power users request extended keybindings, multi-tab support, or even basic syntax highlighting—not things Edit offers today.
Microsoft developers, in public forums, have indicated they are listening. Planned improvements (subject to engineering constraints and ongoing evaluation) include:

• Fixes for encoding anomalies and line-ending conversions.
• Optional dark mode switch for environments not running in full dark terminal mode.
• Streamlining navigation in very large files.
• Potential improvements in file locking behaviors for shared network use.

Critically, Microsoft has signaled no intent to embed the kinds of extensibility or plugin support evident in projects like VS Code. This decision—while limiting—preserves Edit’s small footprint and reliability.

Real-World Use Cases​

• System Recovery and Troubleshooting: When booting into recovery environments or under restrictive administrative policies, Edit allows quick changes to batch files, configuration files, or recovery scripts.
• Server Management: In data centers or cloud-hosted Windows VMs, Edit provides a minimal, no-fuss way to fix scripts or logs without remote file transfers or installing third-party tools.
• Embedded/IoT Devices: Lightweight by nature, Edit is useful in environments where storage is constrained or when network connectivity is unpredictable.
• Education and Scripting Labs: For educators teaching command-line basics, Edit presents a gentle ramp, lowering the intimidation factor of more complex editors while still fostering good keyboard habits.

Comparison Table: Edit vs. Alternative Editors​

Feature	Microsoft Edit	Notepad	Notepad++	Vim/Nano (via WSL)	Visual Studio Code
Built-in to Windows	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
GUI	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Syntax Highlighting	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Extensibility	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Unicode Support	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Resource Usage	Low	Low	Moderate	Low	High
Terminal Integration	Yes	No	No	Yes	Partial
Accessibility	Good	Good	Variable	Variable	Good
Update Delivery	Windows Update	WU	Manual	Package Manager	Store/Manual
Cross-Platform	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

The Significance of “Edit” in Windows’ Evolution​

There’s a symbolism in Microsoft’s reintroduction of a command-line text editor in the age of cloud-based IDEs and AI pair programmers. It speaks to the ongoing relevance of simplicity, resilience, and direct user control. Systems administrators, old-school programmers, and even total newcomers now share a common denominator: when everything else fails, a working, reliable editor is just a command away.
This is not merely about retro aesthetics. With Microsoft Edit, the company acknowledges that, even as operating systems grow more complex and interconnected, core command-line utilities remain the bedrock of stability and accessibility. It’s an unflashy but meaningful step—one aligned with the best traditions of the Windows ecosystem.

Looking Forward: Should You Use Microsoft Edit?​

For the seasoned developer or IT administrator, Edit is unlikely to dethrone Vim, VS Code, or even Notepad++ as the daily driver. But it shatters the expectation that a modern Windows machine must feel “naked” on the command line. It puts a functional, accessible, and fast text editor a single command away, no learning curve required.
Should you incorporate it into your workflow? For batch file edits, quick diagnostics, or when locked down by security policy, having Edit available is an unambiguous win. Even in its current form, it offers an ideal compromise: the speed and reliability of old tools, with just enough modernization to be futureproof.
For mission-critical work or code-heavy projects, keep your preferred editor of choice. But for every other scenario—especially those where time, permissions, or resources are tight—Edit unquestionably delivers.
Microsoft’s new command-line text editor is a quiet revelation: a tool designed not to amaze, but to simply work, everywhere, every time. That makes it one of the most quietly important features to arrive in Windows in years—a return to fundamentals, and a sign that, even in an era of relentless innovation, the best ideas are often the simplest.

---

Source: The Verge Microsoft’s Edit on Windows is a new command-line text editor

 

[ChatGPT]

At the recent Microsoft Build 2025 conference, the tech giant unveiled a wave of updates aimed squarely at modern developers, but none garnered as much immediate buzz as the introduction of “Edit on Windows”—a new, lightweight, command-line text editor purposely crafted for quick, frictionless file editing inside the terminal. In an era where developer productivity and simplicity are prized over increasingly crowded software toolkits, this announcement represents a significant shift, positioning Windows as a friendlier, more agile platform for coding and scripting.

The Arrival of ‘Edit on Windows’: Redefining Terminal Editing on Windows​

For years, power users on Windows have lamented the lack of a true default command-line text editor for the platform’s 64-bit versions. While legacy 32-bit Windows versions shipped with MS-DOS Edit, the transition to 64-bit quietly left developers in a lurch—even as Linux and macOS routinely offered native editors like Vim, Nano, and Emacs.
Microsoft’s answer is Edit on Windows, a tool described by Christopher Nguyen, Windows Terminal’s product manager, as “the need for a default CLI text editor in 64-bit versions of Windows” made manifest. Unlike the modal operation and steep learning curve of Vim—which famously confounds new users with memes like “how do I exit Vim?”—Edit on Windows is designed to be modeless and notably approachable, giving novices and seasoned pros a welcoming experience.
But in practical terms, what does this new editor really bring to the table, both for seasoned developers and everyday power users?

First Impressions: Simple, Efficient—and Extremely Lightweight​

One of Edit on Windows’ defining characteristics is its size: clocking in at well under 250KB, it occupies less space than most simple text documents. This lightweight profile is a deliberate design choice, ensuring lightning-fast load times and minimal system overhead. In comparison, even the unadorned Vim binaries generally tip the scales at around 1MB, and more feature-rich third-party editors are several times larger.
To launch Edit on Windows, users need only type edit into the command prompt, Windows Terminal, PowerShell, or similar environments—a nod to its role as an always-available, inbox utility for quick edits or emergency fixes. There’s no need to install third-party tools, no waiting for slow app launches, and no juggling windows just to tweak a config file.

Key Features: Modern Essentials without the Bloat​

Despite its small footprint, Edit on Windows punches above its weight on features. Core capabilities include:

• Word wrapping: Prevents horizontal scrolling for source code or notes.
• Find and replace: With advanced support for case sensitivity, and regular expressions.
• Multiple file editing: Use Ctrl + P to swiftly switch between files in a session.
• Key bindings for all major functions: Designed for both efficiency and discoverability.

Crucially, Edit achieves these without imposing the modal quirks of Vim: there are no distinct Insert or Command modes, ensuring that what you type is what you get, greatly lowering the barrier for newcomers.
According to Nguyen, this was an intentional decision to “avoid the confusion associated with modal editors,” and in so doing, to create a consistent, low-friction editing experience accessible to everyone.

Comparative Analysis: Positioning Against Vim, Nano, and Notepad​

A direct comparison helps contextualize what Edit on Windows offers—and, just as importantly, what it does not.

Editor	Platform	Size	Modal?	Key Features	Learning Curve	Default on Windows 64-bit?
Edit on Windows	Windows	<250KB	No	Find/replace, word wrap, key bindings	Low	Yes (soon)
Vim	Cross-platform	~1-2MB	Yes	Modal editing, macros, plugins, vast features	High	No
Nano	Cross-platform	~0.4MB	No	Simple UI, key bindings	Low	No
Notepad	Windows	~800KB	No	Simple editor, no CLI integration	Very Low	Yes

This table demonstrates Edit’s intended niche: it’s not designed to replace powerful, extensible tools like Vim or fully graphical editors like Notepad++. Rather, it aims to be a nimble, built-in utility that’s always there when needed—filling the void left by the absence of MS-DOS Edit on modern 64-bit Windows systems.

A Closer Look at the User Interface: Usability for All​

From the early previews and documentation, Edit on Windows eschews complex nested menus and inscrutable shortcuts for a layout that’s both predictable and intuitive. Every menu item can be triggered with a hotkey, and the bulk of standard editing functions (copy, paste, undo, redo) are covered out of the box.
Microsoft’s push for “modelessness”—where typing always produces visible, expected results, and all commands are accessible via consistent key combos—looks to reduce the kind of friction that typically causes new developers to reach for GUI tools when confronted with a daunting terminal environment.
Some users might lament the absence of advanced features like syntax highlighting, split windows, or extension support. However, Microsoft’s design philosophy is clear: this is a pragmatic, “get-things-done” tool, rather than an all-purpose code editor.

Open Source Commitment: Community Contributions and Transparency​

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Edit on Windows is its open-source foundation. According to Microsoft’s official Build session and corroborating coverage from The Hans India and other tech news sources, the editor will be developed in the open, with contributions and feedback encouraged via its public repository (to be released through the Windows Insider Program).
This approach reflects Microsoft’s broad shift over the past decade towards open development—exemplified by the highly successful open-sourcing of .NET, PowerToys, and Visual Studio Code. The open-source status allows bug fixes and feature additions to be community-driven, helping ensure the tool stays relevant and trustworthy.
It’s worth pointing out, however, that open-source governance sometimes leads to debate, fragmentation, or feature creep if not tightly managed. Users may want to watch how actively Microsoft maintains the project, and whether it genuinely incorporates community feedback or simply “dumps” the source code as a formality. Past controversies with other company-led open-source projects lend caution on this front.

Deployment, Availability, and Integration with Windows Terminal​

Microsoft has stated that Edit on Windows will initially be rolled out to participants in the Windows Insider Program—a longstanding testbed for new features—before general availability is considered. This staged rollout allows for rapid bug identification and feedback collection from a diverse, enthusiastic audience.
Integration into the broader Windows Terminal and PowerShell environment is a critical detail. By making edit a first-class command that behaves identically regardless of where it’s launched, Microsoft increases developer confidence and decreases cognitive load—a welcome boon for anyone who regularly switches between shell environments.
Notably, Edit isn’t relegated to the upcoming Windows 12 or special editions; mainstream Windows 11 (and likely future versions) will see it included as a default utility, further normalizing the use of terminals for basic file manipulation tasks.

Security and Performance: What to Expect​

Given Edit on Windows’ minimalism, its codebase offers a reduced attack surface and lower memory consumption than more complex desktop applications. This should, in theory, translate to fewer vulnerabilities and less likelihood of resource-starving older or underpowered devices.
That said, any utility that manipulates files at the system level must be scrutinized for privilege escalation risks, encoding mishaps, or file corruption bugs. Microsoft’s commitment to open source means that vulnerabilities can be identified and patched rapidly by the broader community—assuming the project garners sustained attention.
Performance benchmarks are not yet widely available, but early Insider builds exhibit near-instantaneous startup, and operations on small to moderately sized files are expected to be effectively instantaneous. There could be limitations when handling extremely large files or high-frequency file operations—scenarios where heavier editors offer more sophisticated memory management—but for everyday use, Edit’s responsiveness is a clear asset.

The Windows Developer Experience: Beyond the Text Editor​

Edit on Windows is only one part of a broader developer-centric realignment at Microsoft, as announced at Build 2025. Another headline change is the rebranding of “Windows Dev Home” to “Advanced Windows Settings,” now integrated directly into the Windows 11 system settings rather than existing as a standalone app.
This relaunch, according to Windows chief Pavan Davuluri, is designed to “allow developers to easily control and personalize their Windows experience.” Among the tangible new features:

• GitHub account integration in File Explorer: Enabling developers to view code control details, commit history, and more at a glance, without opening separate UIs or web pages.
• More granular customization: Settings that previously required registry tweaks, group policy editing, or use of obscure command-line utilities are being surfaced for easier access and discoverability.
• Streamlined onboarding: New machine provisioning features and environment setup tools promise to make onboarding (for both new machines and team members) dramatically faster.

In essence, Microsoft’s pivot is towards treating Windows not just as an OS, but as a living, modifiable environment for developers of all skill levels. Edit on Windows fits seamlessly within this philosophy, offering a no-nonsense solution to a long-standing ecosystem gap.

Ecosystem Impact: Raising the Bar for Industry Standards​

With Edit on Windows, Microsoft joins industry peers in recognizing that the line between development and system maintenance is thinner than ever. A fast, unintrusive, and reliable CLI text editor is as much a part of modern infrastructure as package managers and build systems.
For enterprise IT, the uniform presence of Edit simplifies scripting, remoting, and troubleshooting—no need for external dependencies or semi-official workarounds. Education and training teams also benefit from a common tool that can be universally referenced in documentation, labs, and support materials, streamlining workflows and reducing onboarding friction.
Open source enthusiasts and maintainers may be more circumspect—some will continue to advocate third-party editors with broader ecosystems or more customizability. But for the vast majority of day-to-day tasks, having a standard editor “in the box” is an unambiguous win for productivity and clarity.

Risks, Caveats, and Unanswered Questions​

Despite a mostly positive reception, several caveats warrant attention:

• Potential Feature Limitations: Users expecting advanced programming aids—syntax highlighting, linting, code folding—will not find them in Edit. For these, Visual Studio Code and similar tools remain essential.
• Platform Fragmentation: With Notepad, Notepad++, and Edit now all “default” editors on various Windows builds, confusion among less technical users is possible. Sensible defaults and clear documentation will be crucial to avoid support headaches.
• Maintenance Commitment: As with all open-source projects, success hinges on continuous investment by both Microsoft and the community. If Edit is not prioritized, it risks becoming an abandoned novelty rather than a core developer tool.
• Security Vetting: Any widespread utility can become a phishing or malware target. Regular security audits and clear communication about best practices (such as safe file permissions) will be critical.
• Internationalization and Accessibility: Early documentation does not clarify Edit’s support for non-English languages, Unicode, or accessibility features (such as screen reader compatibility). Microsoft’s track record here is strong, but explicit commitments would be reassuring.

The Verdict: A Modern Solution for Today’s Developers​

The unveiling of Edit on Windows at Build 2025 underscores Microsoft’s recognition of the shifting needs of its developer base and the importance of small, focused tools that “just work.” While unlikely to change workflows for power-users of Vim, Emacs, or GUI behemoths, Edit dramatically lowers the barrier for routine text editing, raising the baseline for CLI usability on Windows.
By combining a tiny footprint, open-source transparency, and integration across all major Windows shells, it fills a critical—and long-overdue—gap in the Windows experience. So long as Microsoft maintains its open-source commitment and responds aggressively to feedback and security issues, Edit on Windows has the potential to become a ubiquitous tool in every developer’s toolkit.
Ultimately, the greatest strength of Edit is its ethos: simplicity, accessibility, and readiness for the kind of quick, everyday editing chores that punctuate coding sessions, scripting, and sysadmin work. For Windows developers—new and old alike—this might be exactly what’s been missing from their command-line arsenal.

---

Source: The Hans India Microsoft Introduces Lightweight ‘Edit on Windows’ CLI Text Editor at Build 2025

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft has unveiled "Edit," a new open-source command-line text editor designed to cater to developers and system administrators who prefer lightweight, terminal-based tools. This initiative marks a significant return to the roots of text editing within the Windows ecosystem, reminiscent of the MS-DOS Editor from earlier computing eras.
The development of Edit was driven by the absence of a default command-line interface (CLI) text editor in 64-bit versions of Windows. Recognizing this gap, Microsoft's team aimed to provide a solution that integrates seamlessly into the modern Windows environment while maintaining the simplicity and efficiency valued in command-line tools.
Key Features of Edit:

• Lightweight Design: Edit boasts a minimal footprint, with the executable size under 256KB, ensuring quick startup times and low resource consumption.
• Multiple File Handling: Users can open multiple files simultaneously, enhancing productivity by allowing easy navigation between documents.
• Mouse Support: Despite being a terminal-based application, Edit includes mouse support, facilitating intuitive interactions within the text interface.
• Search and Replace Functionality: The editor offers robust search and replace capabilities, including options for case sensitivity and regular expressions, accessible via Ctrl + R or through the TUI menu.
• Word Wrap: To improve readability, Edit supports word wrapping, which can be toggled using Alt + Z or through the View menu.

To launch Edit, users can simply type edit in the command line or specify a file to open by typing edit <filename>. This straightforward approach minimizes context switching, allowing users to edit files directly within the terminal environment.
Initially, Edit will be available to participants in the Windows Insider Program, with plans for broader integration into Windows 11 in future updates. For those eager to explore Edit's capabilities immediately, the source code and executable are available on GitHub.
The introduction of Edit reflects Microsoft's ongoing commitment to supporting diverse development workflows, acknowledging the enduring relevance of command-line tools in modern computing.

---

Source: BetaNews Microsoft launches Edit, its new open-source command line text editor

 

[ChatGPT]

Microsoft has unveiled "Edit," a free command-line text editor tailored for 64-bit Windows systems. This release marks a significant return to native command-line text editing capabilities, reminiscent of the MS-DOS Editor from earlier Windows versions.
Historical Context
The original MS-DOS Editor, commonly known as edit.com, was a staple in 16-bit and 32-bit Windows environments. It provided users with a straightforward interface for creating and modifying text files directly from the command line. However, with the advent of 64-bit Windows operating systems, support for 16-bit applications like edit.com was discontinued, leaving a void for users who preferred command-line text editing. This absence led many to seek third-party solutions or resort to GUI-based editors like Notepad, which required exiting the command-line interface.
Features of the New Edit
The newly introduced Edit aims to fill this gap by offering a command-line text editor that integrates seamlessly with modern 64-bit Windows environments. Key features include:

• User-Friendly Menu System: Edit incorporates a menu system similar to Notepad, featuring options like File, Edit, View, and Help. This design ensures that users, especially beginners, can navigate and utilize the editor without memorizing complex keyboard shortcuts.
• Mouse Support: Recognizing the evolution of user interactions, Edit supports mouse input within the command-line interface. This addition allows for intuitive menu navigation and file selection, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Multiple File Handling: Users can open multiple files simultaneously, facilitating efficient multitasking and comparison between documents.
• Word Wrapping and Regex Search: Edit supports word wrapping for long lines of code and offers regular expression (regex) search patterns. These features are particularly beneficial for developers and system administrators dealing with extensive scripts or configuration files.

It's noteworthy that while Edit allows opening multiple files, the initial version does not support side-by-side display of two files. This limitation may be addressed in future updates.
Technical Implementation
In a departure from its predecessor, the new Edit is developed using the Rust programming language. This choice underscores Microsoft's commitment to modern, secure, and efficient software development practices. Rust's emphasis on safety and performance aligns with the needs of a command-line utility, ensuring reliability and responsiveness.
Availability and Installation
Edit is available as an open-source project, allowing users to build or download it directly from Microsoft's GitHub repository. This approach not only provides transparency but also invites community contributions to enhance the editor's functionality and address potential issues.
Community and Industry Response
The release of Edit has been met with positive reactions from the tech community. Many users appreciate Microsoft's acknowledgment of the need for a native command-line text editor in 64-bit Windows environments. Discussions on platforms like GitHub have highlighted the editor's potential and the desire for additional features in future iterations.
Conclusion
Microsoft's introduction of Edit signifies a thoughtful response to the needs of command-line users in modern Windows environments. By blending the simplicity of traditional text editors with contemporary features and development practices, Edit stands as a valuable tool for developers, system administrators, and power users alike. As the project evolves, it is poised to become an integral component of the Windows command-line toolkit.

---

Source: Notebookcheck Microsoft releases Edit: A free command-line text editor for x64 Windows