Running Notepad on Linux: Practical Approaches
Linux does not include a native “Notepad” application (as found in Windows), but you can run Windows Notepad or its alternatives using the following methods:
Wine is a compatibility layer that lets you run Windows applications on Linux. This method allows you to use the original Windows Notepad.
sudo apt update && sudo apt install wine
For RHEL/CentOS/Fedora, use:sudo yum install wine
.exe) from Microsoft’s official website or a trusted source. Navigate to the download folder and run:wine notepad_installer.exe
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.wine notepad.exe
This opens the classic Windows Notepad interface.Notepad++ is a popular Windows text editor with advanced features (syntax highlighting, plugins). Snap packages simplify installation by handling dependencies.
sudo apt update && sudo apt install snapd
For RHEL/CentOS/Fedora:sudo yum install epel-release && sudo yum install snapd
sudo snap install notepad-plus-plus
notepad-plus-plus
Snap automatically configures Wine in an isolated environment, so no manual setup is needed.Notepadqq is a Linux-native editor inspired by Notepad++, designed to mimic its functionality while being optimized for Linux.
sudo apt install flatpak
For RHEL/CentOS/Fedora:sudo yum install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub org.notepadqq.Notepadqq
flatpak run org.notepadqq.Notepadqq
Notepadqq offers syntax highlighting, multi-tab editing, and a familiar interface without relying on Wine.If you prefer a fully native Linux solution, consider these built-in or easily installable editors:
sudo apt install nano (Debian/Ubuntu) or sudo yum install nano (RHEL/CentOS). Run with nano filename.txt.sudo apt install vim or sudo yum install vim. Run with vim filename.txt (enter insert mode with i, save/quit with :wq).sudo apt install gedit or sudo yum install gedit. Run with gedit filename.txt.Each method caters to different needs: Wine for running the original Notepad, Snap/Flatpak for cross-platform alternatives, and native editors for a seamless Linux experience. Choose based on your familiarity with Linux and requirements for features.