As a programmer, I have tried many text editors over the years (MultiEdit, PFE, K-Edit, Editeur, Edit+, TextPad... even VIM). As far as features are concerned, my favorite has been MultiEdit, but with its large footprint and cost of over $120, I wanted something leaner. Then, about two years ago, I was turned onto UltraEdit. It had about 90% of the features as MultiEdit, but at a fraction of the price (was $30, now $35) and at a fraction of the size (it can still fit on a single floppy). I have been a satisfied user ever since.

UltraEdit is highly customizable and has all of the features that you would expect from a text editor:
* Customizable Syntax Highlighting (you can download additional languages from their website)
* Column Editing
* Regular Expressions Search and Replace
* Macro Support
* FTP Support
* Projects
* Bookmarks
(I could go on an on... check their website for a complete listing)

It also performs remarkably well on large files. I needed to view a 3GB log file. After both Word and MultiEdit chocked on the file, I gave my UltraEdit a try. After a couple of quick changes to the configuration settings (Disabling Line Numbers, Opening File w/o Temp File, Opening in Read-Only mode), UltraEdit managed the file as if it was nothing. Skipping to the end of the file took less than a blink. Paging though the file went as fast the screen could refresh.

Of course, everything isn't roses. UltraEdit has it share of little annoyances.
* Macro support is somewhat limited and sometimes buggy. For simple macros, it is usually fine. As you get more advanced, you will quickly find you back up against the wall. Many people have requested enhancements to macro support, but, as of yet, this has not been much of a concern for the developer.
* Regular Expressions are not a robust as I would like them to be (coming from a UNIX environment)
* Some people aren't overly impressed with the user interface (but, then, what is more important... the UI or the functionality?)
* It has a spellchecker, but it lacks an option to only check string literals (within quotes) and comments. As a programmer, this is really the only thing that makes since to spell check. I don't want to spend all day telling it that my variable names aren't misspelled.

I would be remiss if I also didn't say a word about the developer (Ian Mead). I have on several occasions contacted IDM regarding issues I have had with UltraEdit, and the developer has been very quick to respond every time. If I can convince him that it was, in fact, and issue, I often had a fixed version of the program sent to me within a day. IDM also regular releases updates to UltraEdit, fixing bugs and adding features (usually about once a month).

I recommend UltraEdit without a moments hesitation. The $35 is well worth the program, and not once person I know has regretted making the switch to UltraEdit.


Recommended: Yes