TextMate
Allan Odgaard (MacroMates)
TextMate is a versatile and powerful text editor for macOS, designed for code and text editing with features like syntax highlighting, code folding, macros, snippets, and bundles for customization. It bridges UNIX underpinnings with a user-friendly GUI, making it suitable for both expert scripters and novice users.
User Sentiments
Top Likes
- Lightweight and Fast
- Highly Customizable with Bundles
- Clean and Native Mac Interface
- Powerful Features like Macros and Snippets
- Free and Open Source
Top Dislikes
- Development pace is slow
- Some features might require learning curve
- Mac only application
Popular Comments
G2 - David W.
2023-04-10
It is a really powerful, highly capable text editor for macOS and it's free! If you miss Notepad++ when using macOS, this is an excellent alternative.
G2 - Dave H.
2023-04-10
Textmate is a super simple yet super powerful text editor for the Mac. I use it to edit code and also always have an open Textmate window to jot down notes and ideas. It's great. Plus it's 100% free!
MacUpdate - mugsuk
2021-11-27
My most used piece of software - I've even almost completely stopped using office sweet stuff. Anything I can think I need to do with this I have been able to find a way to do it. One of the best applications I have ever used.
Reddit User - lgrassini
2020-12-14
I've been using TextMate since 2008, and even though progress on development being noticeable stalled, I'm still haven't found a better editor. Truly macOS native, super fast, the concept of bundles and the almost infinite options to extend this tool it makes it my daily text editor of choice.
Slashdot - Robert G
2022-03-22
All good for code editing. Syntax highlighting for every language I ever tried, code folding, custom tabs/spaces. Updates are easy and it gets syntax packages automatically if you open/save a new file type. Hybrid view of markdown, special characters and formatting both shown.
Reddit User - BigEntrepreneur8849
2022-12-14
Couldn't agree more. I recently tried every texteditor out there and still came back to this - no others have the power or extensibility, and You can modify the GUI to look anyway you want - the most truly Mac editor out there.
Detailed Review
TextMate is a highly-regarded, free and open-source text editor exclusively for macOS, known for its speed, efficiency, and customizability. It elegantly blends the power of UNIX with a clean, native Mac GUI. Initially released in 2004, TextMate quickly gained popularity among developers as a robust alternative to existing editors, even winning an Apple Design Award in 2006. While its development pace has slowed in recent years, it remains a favorite for many Mac users due to its feature set and macOS integration.
Standout Features
- Syntax Highlighting: Supports a vast number of programming languages, with automatic syntax package updates.
- Bundles: An extensible bundle system allows users to customize and extend TextMate for different languages, workflows, and more. Countless bundles are available, supporting everything from specific programming languages to structured writing formats.
- Macros and Snippets: Automate repetitive tasks with recordable macros and create reusable code or text snippets with placeholders and transformations.
- Code Folding: Collapse sections of code for better readability and focus.
- Multiple Carets: Efficiently make simultaneous edits in multiple locations within a document.
- File Search: Quickly navigate and find files within projects.
- Version Control Support: Integrates with major version control systems, showing file changes and allowing commit operations.
- Shell Integration: Leverage the power of the macOS Unix underpinnings with superb shell integration.
Conclusion
TextMate is an excellent choice for Mac users seeking a fast, customizable, and free text editor, particularly for coding and text manipulation. Its native macOS feel, combined with powerful features like bundles, macros, and snippets, makes it a very productive tool. While the development is not as active as some newer editors, TextMate remains a solid and reliable option. Users who appreciate a lightweight, efficient, and highly customizable editor tailored for macOS will find TextMate a compelling choice, especially given that it is now free to use. However, users looking for the latest features and active development might consider alternatives like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text, although these may not offer the same level of macOS native integration.
