Microsoft commenced its Build 2025 developer conference today with a series of noteworthy open-source initiatives that are set to resonate within the developer community.
Introducing Edit: A New Command-Line Text Editor
Among the highlights was the announcement of Edit, a new command-line text editor designed specifically for Microsoft Windows. This innovative tool has been open-sourced on GitHub, crafted in Rust, and is licensed under the MIT framework. Edit aims to enhance the user experience within the Windows Terminal.
Currently in its early development phase, Edit is envisioned to be bundled with future Windows releases. Its lightweight design, coupled with a mouse mode and features reminiscent of popular editors like Nano and Vim, positions it as a user-friendly option for developers seeking simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
For those interested in exploring Edit further, additional details can be found on Microsoft’s Command Line blog, and the editor is readily accessible on GitHub.
Expanding Open-Source Horizons
In addition to Edit, Microsoft made waves by announcing the open-sourcing of GitHub Copilot within Visual Studio Code. This move is expected to enhance collaborative coding experiences and foster innovation among developers.
Furthermore, the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is also transitioning to an open-source model. This development is particularly intriguing as it may influence the future of running Linux binaries on Windows, potentially paving the way for greater integration and performance enhancements.
As a follow-up to this announcement, a blog post detailing the WSL open-source initiative has been published, and the source code is now available on GitHub, inviting developers to contribute and engage with the project.