Development Tools · head to head
ESLint vs Notepad++
Notepad++
Development Tools
Free, lightweight source code and text editor for Windows
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: ESLint slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome; Notepad++ windows-only, with no official native macOS or Linux build.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which ESLint and Notepad++ actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Development Tools).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in ESLint
Nothing recorded that Notepad++ does not also cover.
Only in Notepad++
- Syntax Highlighting
- Tabbed Editing
- Plugin System
- Regular Expression Search
- Function List
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
ESLint
- Statically analysing JavaScript and JSX to find problems before runtimenot Notepad++
- Automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewritesnot Notepad++
- Enforcing a consistent code style across a teamnot Notepad++
- Running as a CI step to block non-conforming codenot Notepad++
- Writing custom rules for project-specific conventionsnot Notepad++
Notepad++
- Quick editing of code and config files on Windowsnot ESLint
- Batch find-and-replace across multiple files with regexnot ESLint
- Lightweight alternative to a full IDE for scriptingnot ESLint
- Viewing and editing logs or large text filesnot ESLint
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
ESLint
- Slow performance on large codebases compared to newer tools like Oxlint and Biome
- Complexity in configuration from scratch, particularly for TypeScript support
- Limited built-in TypeScript support, requiring separate parsers and coordination with new TypeScript features
Notepad++
- Windows-only, with no official native macOS or Linux build.
- Lacks built-in debugging or project/build management found in full IDEs.
- Plugin quality and maintenance varies since they are community-contributed.
- No built-in version control integration beyond what plugins provide.
Pricing, plan by plan
ESLint
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the ESLint review.
Notepad++
Free- FreeFree
- Full editor and plugin ecosystem, no paid tiers
Which should you pick?
Choose ESLint if
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment.
Choose Notepad++ if
- You need syntax highlighting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on windows.
- You also want tabbed editing.
Questions people ask
- Is ESLint or Notepad++ better?
- Neither clearly leads. ESLint starts at Free and Notepad++ at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, ESLint or Notepad++?
- ESLint starts at Free and Notepad++ at Free.
- Does ESLint or Notepad++ run on more platforms?
- ESLint runs on Browser-based JavaScript, Node.js, Any JavaScript environment. Notepad++ runs on windows.
- Can I use ESLint for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is ESLint best used for?
- ESLint is most often used for statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime, automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites, enforcing a consistent code style across a team, running as a ci step to block non-conforming code. Of those, statically analysing javascript and jsx to find problems before runtime and automatically fixing issues with syntax-aware rewrites are not what Notepad++ is typically brought in for.
- What can ESLint do that Notepad++ cannot?
- Notepad++ covers Syntax Highlighting, Tabbed Editing, Plugin System, Regular Expression Search.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
ESLint: Does ESLint automatically fix code issues?
Many problems ESLint finds can be automatically fixed via the --fix flag. ESLint fixes are syntax-aware so you won't experience errors introduced by traditional find-and-replace algorithms.
SourceNotepad++: Is Notepad++ free?
Yes, Notepad++ is free and open-source software distributed under the GNU General Public License, with no paid tiers.
SourceESLint: How much does ESLint cost?
ESLint is completely free and open-source software maintained by the OpenJS Foundation. The project accepts voluntary donations from sponsors.
SourceNotepad++: What license does Notepad++ use?
Notepad++ is licensed under the GNU General Public License v2.0 (GPLv2), meaning its source code is freely available and modifiable under GPL terms.
SourceESLint: Can I write custom ESLint rules?
Yes. You can develop custom rules that work alongside built-in functionality through ESLint's plugin system, allowing complete customization for your project needs.
SourceNotepad++: Which operating systems does Notepad++ support?
Notepad++ runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows; there is no official native build for macOS or Linux.
SourceNotepad++: How do I install plugins in Notepad++?
Plugins are installed and managed through the built-in Plugins Admin (plugin manager), which lists community plugins available for download and update.
SourceNotepad++: Where can I get help or documentation for Notepad++?
Official documentation is at the User Manual site, and community support is available through the Notepad++ community forum and GitHub issue tracker.
SourceRelated pages
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