Notepad++ has been one of the first things I install on a new Windows machine every time since I started my programming career 17 years ago. VSCode is everywhere but I still reach for Notepad++ for single file editing (this has always felt awkward in VSCode, maybe two editors is just easier to mentally separate). Would love to see a native Linux / Mac version. Will it ever happen?
I used to use Notepad++ but eventually switched to Vim (specifically gvim on windows). I used vim for everything for a while before switching to vscode for code editing and vim for one-off file editing. It's really handy knowing how to use Vim proficiently since it has some really powerful features.
I did also begin programming with Notepad++. I thank it to exist, it introduced me to the cool capabilities an editor can have, and it's a very good starting point for a text editor.
But now I gained experience, for quick edits or small projects alongside jetbrains/VS code, I switched to Sublime Text as it as all the functionnalities of Notepad++ and more. It fits perfectly my needs.
I love it from the bottom of my heart. It is my Swiss army knife and a source of envy and amazement for what it allows me to do among all my colleagues. And I have converted many of them to use it (on PC and MAC)!!! (Clearly and Proudly Licensed)
We did't have luxury to install apps on computer labs during university days, thankfully Notepad++ devs provided zipped distribution. Put it on your USB flashdisk, and you have a portable text editing environment. Good old times.
These days I mostly work on Mac & Linux, and still occasionally use Windows. Notepad++ is still among my "must to be installed" list.
I've always liked minimal straightforward editors over IDEs. I used BBEdit on Mac OS and Notepad++ now on Windows. And vim wherever relevant. Thank you, Notepad++ guy.