jEdit
jEdit is a Java-based text editor for programmers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with support also listed for Unix/Linux, Mac OS X, VMS, and OS/2.
What jEdit is
jEdit is a Java-based text editor for programmers, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with support also listed 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 auto indent, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, multi-cursor and column editing, plus unlimited undo and redo. Search supports literal and regular-expression queries across open files or a directory. Users can customize shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus, record macros, and automate editing with BeanShell. The Plugin Manager installs, updates, and removes extensions; listed plugin options include FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management tools. Plugins can add compiler, code-completion, debugging, visual-diff, and language-specific capabilities. jEdit 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later. It is free software with full source code under GPL 2.0, and the maker notes that installing many plugins can slow startup.
Good
- Syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types.
- Includes multi-cursor and column editing.
- Searches files with literal or regex queries.
- Plugin Manager handles plugin updates and removal.
- Free software with full source code.
Watch out
- Requires Java 11 or later in versions 5.6+.
- Many installed plugins can slow startup.
Who it suits
jEdit suits programmers who want a free editor with broad language highlighting, customizable editing, and plugin-based additions. It may also fit users who need multi-cursor or column editing on one of its listed platforms.
Verdict
jEdit combines programming-oriented editing and search tools with extensive customization and plugins at no listed cost. Check the Java requirement and potential startup slowdown if you expect to install many plugins.
Plans and prices
From jEdit's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| jEdit | Free | Free software with full source code · GPL 2.0 |
The facts
Each one read from jEdit's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Column editing
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Customization
- Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus, and automate editing with BeanShell macros.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Features include auto indent, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, and unlimited undo and redo.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Extension support
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- IDE capabilities
- The maker says plugins can add compiler, code completion, debugging, visual diff, and language-specific tools.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Listed plugin options include FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management tools.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Version 5.7.0 supports syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Limit
- The maker notes that installing many plugins slows startup.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Multi-cursor editing
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Plugins
- The Plugin Manager can download, install, update, and remove plugins from within jEdit.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Runtime requirement
- jEdit 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Search
- Search supports literal and regular expression queries, including searches across open files or a directory.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Users can seek help through mailing lists, web-based message boards, and bug trackers.checked 7 Oct 2026
- What it does
- jEdit is a programmer’s text editor written in Java.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Macro recording
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows,Unix/Linux,Mac OS X,VMS,OS/2checked 22 Sep 2026
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