text editor

A text editor is distinguished from a word processor by its focus on raw character data rather than visual presentation. While a word processor handles fonts, margins, and layout (rich text), a text editor manipulates plain text, making it the essential tool for writing source code, configuration files, and markdown documents.

In professional software development, the term often encompasses a spectrum from simple tools like Notepad to highly extensible environments like Sublime Text or Vim. Users typically prioritize speed, keyboard-driven navigation, and syntax highlighting over the aesthetic formatting tools found in office productivity software.