Sublime Text 2

by Sublime HQ

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Current versionBeta Build 2139 Last release02/11/2011

If you thought that there was no new ground to be broken in the field of text editors, you've clearly never used Sublime Text 2. While relatively new and lacking the dedicated user base of Coda or TextMate, Sublime is nevertheless winning over new fans in droves. It's a free, cross-platform program that's still in public beta. But if its blistering pace of development is any indication, Sublime 2 could become the new favorite Mac editor in the near future.

Features
Written in c++ and python (for the plugins), Sublime works equally well on any operating system. But it's clear that the development team had the Mac in mind when it crafted this stunning editor. It features a wide variety of macros, advanced file search, comprehensive find-and-replace functionality, and a number of eye catching syntax highlighting palettes. Sublime also supports a bevy of helpful plugins, provided through its built-in package management system. Check out Sublime's download page for a full list of the most recent additions to the feature list.

Pros and Cons
Sublime Text 2 has all of the same basic functionality you'd find in other popular Mac editors. As an added bonus, it tacks on a few extra goodies that aren't always available elsewhere. The Command Palette lets you execute common commands that aren't unique enough to necessitate new key bindings from within your current window. It also features Distraction Free mode, sidebar keyboard navigation, and unobtrusive indentation guidelines. When it comes to downsides, there's not really anything to complain about. Sublime Text 2 is just that slick.

User Reviews and Feedback
On paper, Sublime Text 2 is a superb piece of freeware. It's an editor created by developers, for developers. Whether you're a front-end developer or a back-end code ninja, Sublime 2 is a pleasure to work with. It'll make Ruby fanatics and HTML5 gurus alike feel right at home with its seamless execution and lightweight resource usage. It's tough to find anyone who has something bad to say about the program. As far as user feedback is concerned, Sublime is a five-star app in the eyes of those who use it regularly.

Final Thoughts
Sublime Text 2 absolutely nails it right off the bat. From the moment you fire it up, it just feels right. UI developers and graphic designers could learn a thing or two from Sublime's team, who've clearly put a lot of thought into both the presentation and execution of their vision. As a free software tool that's available on all major operating systems including Mac OS X, there's simply no reason not to give Sublime Text 2 a try today.