Notepad++ is a crucial open-source text editor for those who deal with coding and programming. It offers tabbed editing, which means the user can work on multiple files at once. Updating Notepad++ brings a lot of benefits, such as bug fixes, optimized performance, and improved features. It is essential to keep Notepad++ up-to-date to avoid errors while working on projects.
Why Update Notepad++?
Notepad++ is a powerful and widely-used source code editor that enables writing, editing, and debug code. Updating to the latest version of Notepad++ is beneficial for better performance, gaining access to new features, and bug fixes. By updating Notepad++, you can improve code readability, reduce the risk of crashes, and enhance the overall user experience.
Auto-Update Notepad++
If you installed Notepad++ using the installation package, then the auto-update feature is already active. The auto-updater (WinGUp) checks for new versions every 15 days and notifies you if a new version is available. You can then choose to install the newer version, if you wish. You can also manually update Notepad++ by going to the ? > Update Notepad++ menu or by visiting the main website and downloading the latest installer or zipped archive. If the auto-updater does not find a new version, you can use the WinGUp project to upgrade Notepad++ automatically.
Manual Update Notepad++
If you prefer manually updating your Notepad++ rather than waiting for the Auto Update feature to notify you, here are the steps you can follow:
For Windows:
- Go to the main website of Notepad++ and download the latest installer or zipped archive.
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file.
- Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation wizard.
- When the installation is complete, open the Notepad++ application and go to the ? > Update Notepad++ menu command.
- A dialogue box will appear showing that a new version is available. Click “Yes” to proceed with the upgrade.
For macOS:
- Go to the main website of Notepad++ and download the latest macOS version.
- Once the download is complete, open the .dmg file.
- Drag the Notepad++ icon to the Applications folder.
- Open the Notepad++ application and go to the ? > Update Notepad++ menu command.
- A dialogue box will appear showing that a new version is available. Click “Yes” to proceed with the upgrade.
After following these simple steps, you can enjoy the latest version of Notepad++ with all its improved features and bug fixes.
Backup Notepad++ Settings
It is important to backup your Notepad++ settings before updating to avoid losing your personalized settings. Here are the steps to backup your settings:
- Open Notepad++ software.
- Click on “Settings” and choose “Export All Settings…” from the drop-down menu.
- Select a location where you want to save the backup file.
- Type in a name for the backup file, such as “Notepad++ Settings Backup”.
- Click “Save”.
Once you have backed up your settings, you can safely proceed with updating Notepad++ to the latest version without losing your personalized settings.
Install Plugins with Notepad++
Notepad++ is a great text and source code editor for Windows that supports plugins. These plugins add a range of useful features to Notepad++ including syntax highlighting for different programming languages, advanced search and replace, and many more. In this article, we will discuss how to install and update plugins with Notepad++.
1. Install Plugins with Plugin Manager
The easiest way to install plugins with Notepad++ is by using the Plugin Manager. Simply go to the Plugins menu, then select Plugin Manager > Show Plugin Manager. From here, you can browse and install plugins that are available in the repository.
2. Install Plugins Manually
If the plugin you want is not available in the plugin manager or you prefer to manually install plugins, you can do so by downloading the plugin files from the Notepad++ website or other trusted sources. To install the plugin, simply copy the plugin DLL files to the plugins directory in your Notepad++ installation directory.
3. Update Plugins
Notepad++ comes with a built-in plugin updater that automatically checks for newer versions of installed plugins. To update plugins, simply go to Plugins > Plugin Admin, then select the Updates tab. Check the boxes for the plugins you want to update, then click on Update. Notepad++ will restart with the latest versions of the selected plugins.
4. Uninstall Plugins
If you want to uninstall a plugin, go to Plugins > Plugin Manager, then select the Installed tab. Select the plugin you want to remove, then click on Remove. Alternatively, you can manually delete the plugin DLL file from the plugins directory.
Installing and updating plugins in Notepad++ is very easy and straightforward. With a wide range of plugins available, you can customize Notepad++ to fit your needs and improve your productivity.
Useful Notepad++ Plugins
Notepad++ is a powerful text editor that offers many features and functionalities to its users. However, one of the best things about Notepad++ is that it is fully customizable, thanks to the availability of many third-party plugins. Here are some of the best Notepad++ plugins that you can use to enhance your editing experience:
NPPExport
Developers can use this plugin to export markdown code in HTML, RTF or PDF format, which can be easily understood by the end recipient. The plugin can also be used to convert markdown files to HTML or RTF extension, making it easier to share and collaborate on.
Explorer
This is one of the most famous Notepad++ plugins, which provides its users with the ability to browse through the directories and files present in their computer. Developers can quickly navigate to the folders they are working on, and this can save them a lot of time.
Multiple clipboard
Copying large chunks of the code can be a painstaking task, especially if you have to do it multiple times. The Multiple Clipboard plugin can make life easier for developers, as it allows them to copy multiple pieces of code from other source files or within the source. This plugin can save you time, and help you avoid errors due to constant copying and pasting.
Compare
The Compare plugin is useful for developers who work with multiple files at the same time. It allows you to compare two different files and highlights the differences between them. This can help you spot the changes between old and new code, and save you important debugging time.
Spelling checker
If you are writing code, it is essential to have a spelling checker plugin installed, which can save you time and avoid errors. The Spelling Checker is a plugin that can check your spelling errors automatically, as you type. This plugin is especially useful for non-native English speakers, as it can help them avoid simple mistakes.
Autosave
The Autosave plugin is a lifesaver if you forget to save your work regularly. This plugin will automatically save your work at regular intervals, so you don’t have to worry about losing your progress in case of sudden power loss or software crashes.
Code alignment
If you want your code to look clean and organized, then the Code Alignment plugin can be of great help. This plugin aligns your code according to specific rules, making it more readable and easier to understand for other developers.
HTML preview
If you work with HTML files, then the HTML preview plugin can be of great help. This plugin allows you to preview your HTML code inside Notepad++, saving you time and avoiding the hassle of opening the file in an external browser.
FAQ’s
What if the update fails?
If the auto-update fails, you can always download the latest installer or zipped archive from the Notepad++ website manually. If you encounter errors during the installation, you can troubleshoot the issue by checking the error code’s description on the Notepad++ website or by contacting their support team for assistance.
Which plugins should I install?
The answer to this question entirely depends on your personal requirements and workload. Some of the most popular plugins that developers use in combination with Notepad++ include NPPExport, Explorer, Multiple clipboard, Compare, Spelling checker, Autosave, Code alignment, HTML preview, and more. It is recommended that you research the plugins available and choose the ones that fit your specific needs.
Conclusion
Updating Notepad++ regularly is important for optimal performance while working with plugins on Microsoft Windows. In order to update Notepad++, users have the option to manually upgrade via zip package or use the auto-trigger feature that is enabled by default with installation package. Users can also update plugins by going into the Plugin Admin and clicking on the Updates tab. By utilizing the various plugins available, Notepad++ can be customized to meet individual needs, making it a versatile tool for developers and programmers.
