More great plugins are listed at and.JSLint: A plugin that allows users to run JSLint (The JavaScript Code Quality Tool) against their open JavaScript files.Tidy2: A plugin to add easy HTML tidying to Notepad++ with various config and pre-set options.DSpellCheck: Simple spell checking options.Compare: Side-by-side file comparison with every line highlighting for new/deleted/changed content.On the topic of languages, there are tonnes supported by default, but you can also add custom styles, and add additional languages if yours is missing - such as Github markdown. Line commenting (CTRL+K) and uncommenting (CTRL+SHIFT+K) lines of code is also very handy and it understands the current language commenting syntax. Some of the little things Notepad++ has will make it hard to use other notepad programs: highlight the corresponding open/close tag when you click on either tag, and also allows the collapsing of sections based on tags or indentation (python). A default install is enough for some, but by taking the time to review additional settings (default encoding, auto-backup, auto-complete, interface style customization - to name a few) you will see why this is a popular choice for many. It has great/customizable syntax highlighting, some auto-complete abilities, app/browser launching features, and lots of plugins for various other tasks. Notepad++ isn’t a full IDE by any means, but it does the job in most cases.

My go-to for Javascript/HTML and Python coding, and completely replaces any need for Windows Notepad (and can handle much larger files). Looking for additional tools for your coding toolbox? Here are 4 useful GIS developer tools you may or may not know about.

Notepad++ spell check plugin