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jEdit

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What jEdit is

jEdit is a free programmer’s text editor written in Java, available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with additional supported platforms listed as VMS and OS/2. Version 5.7.0 supports syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types. Editing tools include auto indent, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, multi-cursor and column editing, and unlimited undo and redo. Search handles literal or regular-expression queries across open files or a directory. You can customize shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus, and automate editing with BeanShell macros. The Plugin Manager installs, updates, and removes plugins from within the editor; listed plugin options include FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management tools. Plugins can add compiler, code completion, debugging, visual diff, and language-specific tools. jEdit 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later. The maker notes that installing many plugins slows startup. It is free software with full source code under GPL 2.0.

Who it suits

jEdit suits programmers who want a customizable text editor with syntax highlighting, search, macros, and plugins. It is available for several desktop systems, though versions 5.6 and later require Java 11 or later.

What it does well

  • Syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types.
  • Searches open files or a directory.
  • Supports multi-cursor and column editing.
  • Plugins can add debugging and code completion.

What to know first

  • Requires Java 11 or later from version 5.6.
  • Many installed plugins slow startup.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
jEditFree software with full source code · GPL 2.0Free

As jedit.org lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Visit the jEdit website and choose a download package for your operating system.
  2. Use the Java-based installer if you need an installer for another operating system.
  3. Install Java 11 or later for jEdit 5.6 and later.
  4. Open Plugin Manager to install or manage extensions as needed.

Verdict

jEdit offers broad editing and customization features at no cost. Check the Java requirement and likely startup impact of a large plugin set before adopting it.

Questions

Does jEdit cost anything?

jEdit is free software with full source code under GPL 2.0.

Which operating systems does jEdit support?

The supported-platform list names Windows, Unix/Linux, Mac OS X, VMS, and OS/2. The listed desktop platforms are Linux, macOS, and Windows.

What Java version does jEdit require?

jEdit 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later.

Can jEdit be extended with plugins?

Yes. Its Plugin Manager can download, install, update, and remove plugins. Listed options include FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management tools.

What editing and search features does it include?

It includes auto indent, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, unlimited undo and redo, multi-cursor and column editing. Search supports literal and regular-expression queries across open files or a directory.

How can users get help with jEdit?

Users can seek help through mailing lists, web-based message boards, and bug trackers.

Facts from jEdit's own pages

Column editing
Yes · jedit.org, 22 Sept 2026
Customization
Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, toolbars, and context menus, and automate editing with BeanShell macros. · jedit.org, 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, 7 Oct 2026
Editing
Features include auto indent, bracket matching, code folding, word wrap, and unlimited undo and redo. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Extension support
Yes · jedit.org, 22 Sept 2026
Free plan
Yes · jedit.org, 22 Sept 2026
IDE capabilities
The maker says plugins can add compiler, code completion, debugging, visual diff, and language-specific tools. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Integrations
Listed plugin options include FTP, SVN, XML, XSLT, and project management tools. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Languages
Version 5.7.0 supports syntax highlighting for 233 languages and file types. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Limit
The maker notes that installing many plugins slows startup. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Macro recording
Yes · jedit.org, 22 Sept 2026
Multi-cursor editing
Yes · jedit.org, 22 Sept 2026
Plugins
The Plugin Manager can download, install, update, and remove plugins from within jEdit. · plugins.jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Runtime requirement
jEdit 5.6 and later requires Java 11 or later. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Search
Search supports literal and regular expression queries, including searches across open files or a directory. · jedit.org, 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, 7 Oct 2026
Support
Users can seek help through mailing lists, web-based message boards, and bug trackers. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026
Supported platforms
Windows,Unix/Linux,Mac OS X,VMS,OS/2 · jedit.org, 22 Sept 2026
What it does
jEdit is a programmer’s text editor written in Java. · jedit.org, 7 Oct 2026

Where jEdit stands on Freedom251

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