syntax highlighting Archives

Winsage

January 6, 2026

These 3 Windows file managers made me ditch File Explorer

The text discusses three free file managers that enhance file management capabilities for Windows users: 1. Total Commander: - Dual windows with drag-and-drop support - Side panels for navigation - Built-in tools for batch renaming and archiving - FTP client integration - Favorites for quick access - Comprehensive file operations (copy, move, delete, rename) - File comparison with a built-in text editor - Folder synchronization - Encoding and decoding options - Full-text and duplicate file search - Customizable layout and toolbar - Background downloading support - Secure FTP over SSL/TLS 2. OneCommander: - Custom rendering and DirectX support - Session-saving tabs - Dual-pane view - Choice between Miller-Columns navigation and standard layout - Dark and light themes - User-editable icons - Built-in file preview capabilities - Support for long Unicode paths - Organized favorites into project groups - Quick filtering options - Adaptive view and dynamic columns - File Automator for advanced renaming and conversion 3. FileVoyager: - Dual-pane interface - Multiple browsing modes (report and thumbnail) - Comprehensive file operations - Support for numerous compression formats - Multimedia playback for audio and video - Folder synchronization and file comparison tools - Quick preview for any file format - Support for viewing ebooks and comic book files - Syntax highlighting for source code - Display files in flat or hexadecimal format All three file managers are available for free, with OneCommander offering a Pro version for additional features.

Winsage

October 9, 2025

Microsoft confirms Windows 11’s simple text editor “Edit” is now pre-installed

Microsoft has announced the integration of its command-line text editor, Edit, into future versions of its operating system. Windows 11 Build 27965 in the Canary channel features Edit as a default application. Edit is a lightweight command-line interface editor available as an open-source project on GitHub. It can be accessed by typing “edit” in the Windows Terminal, Command Prompt, or PowerShell. Users can open specific files with the command “edit filename.txt.” Edit includes mouse interactions, visible menus, keyboard shortcuts, and features like search functionality and word wrapping. It does not replace Notepad or GUI-based editors, as it lacks features like syntax highlighting. Edit is currently available in Build 27965 for Windows Insider users and can be manually installed via GitHub or Winget.

Winsage

August 26, 2025

5 “just-enough” open-source apps I install on every fresh Windows setup

A fresh installation of Windows provides a clean slate, but soon requires essential tools for tasks like file extraction, text editing, audio recording, and screen capturing. The following open-source tools are recommended: - 7-Zip: A lightweight file compression tool that supports various formats (.zip, .rar, .tar, .7z, .iso) and integrates into the right-click context menu. It is free and maintained by a community. - OBS Studio: An open-source software for gamers and content creators that excels in livestreaming and game recording, featuring customizable recording parameters and a replay buffer. - Audacity: A long-standing open-source audio editing software that is lightweight yet feature-rich, ideal for straightforward audio editing tasks and supports built-in effects and plugins. - Notepad++: An enhanced text editor that supports multiple programming languages and syntax highlighting, making it suitable for editing configuration files, with lightweight nature and plugin support. - ShareX: An open-source screenshot tool that offers advanced features and customizable workflows, improving upon the Snipping Tool for seamless screenshot management. The author values these tools for being free, open-source, and reliable, often preferring them over proprietary software.

Tech Optimizer

March 8, 2025

Why You Should Use a PostgreSQL GUI Instead of the Command Line

PostgreSQL is a robust and reliable open-source database system. A graphical user interface (GUI) offers several benefits over the command line, including: - Easier navigation through databases without memorizing commands. - Better organization of data in structured views like tables or charts. - Simplified query creation with user-friendly editors that include syntax highlighting and suggestions. - Time-saving tools that streamline tasks with built-in shortcuts. - Visual feedback displaying query results in sortable and filterable tables. - Learning support for newcomers with tooltips and example queries. - Fewer errors by monitoring user input and flagging issues before execution. - Enhanced collaboration features for teams, including shared connections and real-time updates. - Customization options allowing users to modify layouts and save queries to fit their workflows.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

5 reasons why you should use Notepad++ instead of Notepad on Windows 11

Notepad++ is an open-source text editing application that serves as a comprehensive replacement for the basic Notepad in Windows 11. It supports a wide range of file types beyond the limited formats of Notepad, including XML and JSON with proper formatting through plugins. Notepad++ offers syntax highlighting for over 80 programming languages, enhancing readability and reducing errors. It includes an advanced find and replace function with Regular Expressions (RegEx) for efficient bulk text editing. The application features a focused clipboard history that allows users to retrieve previously copied text easily. Additionally, Notepad++ has a rich plugin ecosystem that enables users to expand its functionality with features like spellcheck, FTP support, and code execution for various programming languages.