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jEdit
What it is
jEdit is a Java-based text editor for programmers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with additional supported-platform listings for Unix/Linux, Mac OS X, VMS, and OS/2. Version 5.7.0 provides syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types. Editing tools include automatic indentation, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, and unlimited undo and redo. Searches can use literal text or regular expressions, across open files or a directory. Users can customize shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus, record macros, and automate editing with BeanShell. The Plugin Manager handles installing, updating, and removing add-ons; listed options cover FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management. Plugins can add compiler, completion, debugging, visual-diff, and language-specific tools. jEdit is free software with full source code under GPL 2.0. Version 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or newer, and the maker notes that installing many plugins can slow startup.
For and against
For
- Syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types
- Searches files using literal text or regular expressions
- Customizable shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus
- Free software with full source code under GPL 2.0
Against
- Version 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later
- Many installed plugins can slow startup
The verdict
jEdit combines extensive text-editing tools with customizable macros and plugins. Its Java requirement and the possible startup impact of many plugins are practical considerations.
Who it suits
jEdit suits programmers seeking a customizable editor with broad language highlighting and plugin options. Its platform support and Java requirement are worth checking before installation.
Plans and prices
jEdit
Free software with full source code · GPL 2.0
Read 7 Oct 2026 · jedit.org
On the record
- Column editing
- Yesjedit.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Customization
- Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus, and automate editing with BeanShell macros.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download page offers Windows, OS X, Debian, and Slackware packages, as well as a Java-based installer for any operating system.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Features include auto indent, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, and unlimited undo and redo.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yesjedit.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- IDE capabilities
- The maker says plugins can add compiler, code completion, debugging, visual diff, and language-specific tools.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed plugin options include FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management tools.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Version 5.7.0 supports syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Limit
- The maker notes that installing many plugins slows startup.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Macro recording
- Yesjedit.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yesjedit.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- Plugins
- The Plugin Manager can download, install, update, and remove plugins from within jEdit.plugins.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Runtime requirement
- jEdit 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Search
- Search supports literal and regular expression queries, including searches across open files or a directory.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The download page says the Debian repository is secured and signed, and describes how to install its signing key to verify packages.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can seek help through mailing lists, web-based message boards, and bug trackers.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,Unix/Linux,Mac OS X,VMS,OS/2jedit.org · read 22 Sep 2026
- What it does
- jEdit is a programmer’s text editor written in Java.jedit.org · read 7 Oct 2026
