Compare CudaText vs. nano

CudaText is a versatile text editor that operates across multiple platforms and is developed using Object Pascal. As an open-source initiative, it provides users the freedom to utilize its features at no cost, including for commercial purposes. On an Intel Core i3 3GHz processor running Linux, the application launches quickly and efficiently. Users can enhance its functionality through Python-based add-ons, plugins, linters, and external tools, making it highly adaptable. The syntax parser, powered by the EControl engine, is robust and supports over 270 languages with rich syntax highlighting. It also enables the visualization of code structures, such as functions and classes, contingent on the capabilities of the lexer. Additional features include code folding, the ability to use multiple carets and selections, as well as advanced find and replace options that utilize regular expressions. Configuration files are conveniently stored in JSON format, allowing for lexer-specific settings. The interface is tabbed and includes options for split views and windows, accommodating up to six groups of tabs. A command palette with fuzzy matching enhances navigation, while a minimap and micromap aid in text editing. CudaText also displays unprinted whitespace and supports a wide array of encodings, catering to diverse user needs. Furthermore, it allows for customizable hotkeys and includes a binary/hex viewer capable of handling files of virtually any size, which is particularly useful for analyzing large log files up to 10 GB. The combination of these features makes CudaText a powerful tool for programmers and writers alike.

GNU nano was created as a free alternative to the Pico text editor, which is part of the Pine email suite developed by the University of Washington. Its goal was to closely mimic Pico while incorporating additional features. The Debian GNU/Linux distribution, recognized for its commitment to distributing genuinely "free" software (meaning software that has no limitations on redistribution), chose not to include binary packages for Pine or Pico. This decision left many users in a difficult position: while they appreciated these applications, the available versions did not align with the GNU definition of free software. GNU nano serves as a compact and user-friendly text editor. In addition to standard text editing capabilities, nano provides features such as undo/redo, syntax highlighting, interactive search-and-replace, automatic indentation, line numbering, word completion, file locking, backup files, and support for internationalization. Notably, with the release of version 4.0, nano ceased to automatically wrap overly long lines by default, enhancing user control over text formatting. This change reflects the continuous evolution of the software to better meet user needs.