Just look at the screenshot, and you’ll know exactly what program this Linux text editor looks similar to. If you answered with Window’s Notepad, then you’re correct! However, don’t think that I’m actually running Notepad through Wine; this is indeed a Linux-native program.
The program, you could say, is as simple as it gets. There are no buttons anywhere to be found, and the menus don’t offer a lot of options, aside from the basics like printing. The “Options” menu only has four items: Font Options, Word Wrap, Line Numbers, and Auto Indent. However, for an extremely lightweight application, those are probably the four great features that you could want from it. They definitely help you for whatever you want to do with it.
Speaking of how lightweight it is, you’ll probably want to have some numbers as proof. If the minimal UI doesn’t say much to you, try this: when you first run the program, it uses a measly 2.8MB. gedit, arguably the most popular text editor for Linux users, uses about 5.6MB at start. Both numbers are very small, but for those with weak computers, every megabyte counts.
With most lightweight applications, and especially ultra-lightweight ones, you have to take into consideration that the program might not offer some features that you’d be comfortable with. Therefore, when using Leafpad remember that it is very much like Notepad, and doesn’t offer much more than that. For people who want plenty of features, this may not be the best Linux text editor for you. However, for those who want a program that just lets you type what you want without doing anything fancy with it, this is definitely for you.
Of all the text editors I’ve seen so far, Leafpad has probably been the most lightweight option I’ve seen. It has extreme simplicity, and it stays out of your way to let you do what you want without any gimmicks.
What text editor do you use? Do you think Leafpad is a good option or is it too lightweight for your use? Tell us in the comments!
Danny StiebenDanny is a high school junior who enjoys all aspects of open source software and Linux. He is also a contributor for the Fedora Project. You can follow his Twitter account here. blog comments powered by
At the top of the workflow area, where it says, “Folder Action receives files and folders added to,” click the drop-down button and locate the local folder in your Dropbox account in which you want the content of added files automatically moved or copied to this selected folder.
In the Automator search field, type “Move Finder Items,” to locate that workflow action. Drag that action into the main workflow area.
In the action, click the drop-down button next “To” and locate or create a folder where you want your designated files automatically moved to.
Save the workflow. Now when new files are added to your designated Dropbox folder (say by using a mobile app that syncs to your account) they will be moved to the selected folder on your computer.
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