Notepad++

Notepad++

Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and code editor for Windows that’s lightweight yet powerful. It supports dozens of programming languages, including HTML, CSS, Python, and JavaScript, and is ideal for both beginners and experienced coders.
Audience
Educators, 
Students
Subject
ADST & Careers, 
Sciences
Grade level
Grade 6 - 8, 
Grade 9 - 12
Approval status
Approved
Compatible devices
Windows Desktop & Laptop

Description

Notepad++ is a free, open-source text and code editor for Windows that combines simplicity with powerful features. It’s widely used in education for teaching coding, web design, and computer science. Students can write and edit code in dozens of programming languages—including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python—while benefiting from features like syntax highlighting, auto-completion, and tabbed editing. Notepad++ also supports macros and plugins, allowing users to customize their workspace or automate tasks. Lightweight and fast, it runs smoothly even on older computers, making it ideal for classroom environments. 

Most commonly introduced in Grades 9–12 and post-secondary programs, it helps students learn clean coding practices and develop foundational programming skills in an accessible way.

Features

  • Syntax highlighting & folding for many coding languages.
  • Tabbed editing so you can work on multiple files at once.
  • Auto-completion for functions, parameters, and words.
  • Search & replace across files using regular expressions.
  • Plugins & customization to extend functionality (e.g., FTP access, auto-save, JSON viewer).
  • Macros for automating repetitive tasks.
  • Lightweight performance, fast to launch, and requires minimal system resources.
  • Open-source under the GPL license, regularly updated by the community.

How to Access

Students

  • Notepad++ is only available on middle school ADST devices and in high school computer labs. 
  • No login is required for this resource if using a district computer that is pre-loaded with Notepad++.

 

Educators

  • Notepad++ is available for teachers on teacher devices in high school labs and on middle school ADST devices. 
  • No login is required for this resource if using a district computer that is pre-loaded with Notepad++.

     

Accessing with:

Image
Windows desktop and laptop computers

District Windows Device