Microsoft Expands Open Source at Build
At the Microsoft Build 2025 conference, the company unveiled “Edit on Windows,” a lightweight, open-source command-line text editor designed for developers. This tool aims to fill the gap left by the absence of a built-in CLI editor in 64-bit Windows versions, providing a user-friendly alternative to traditional editors like Vim.Phoronix
🛠️ Introducing Edit on Windows
“Edit on Windows” is a compact text editor, under 250KB in size, accessible by typing edit in the command prompt. It offers features such as:Windows Blog
- Modeless interface for ease of use
- Key bindings for all menu options
- Multi-file switching with
Ctrl + P - Word wrapping support
- Advanced find-and-replace with regular expressionsThe Verge
The editor is currently available through the Windows Insider Program and is open-source, with its code hosted on GitHub. Thurrott.com
🤝 Microsoft’s Commitment to Open Source
Beyond “Edit on Windows,” Microsoft continues to embrace open-source initiatives. The company has open-sourced several tools and applications, reinforcing its dedication to providing developers with versatile and accessible resources. Phoronix
For more details and to access the “Edit on Windows” source code, visit the official GitHub repository. Microsoft for Developers
New Command-Line Text Editor
One of the highlights of the Build conference was the introduction of a brand-new command-line text editor. Designed for efficiency and flexibility, this editor aims to provide developers with a streamlined coding experience directly from the command line. The features include:
- Syntax highlighting for multiple languages
- IntelliSense support for code completion and suggestions
- Customizable themes and settings
- Integration with Git and other version control systems
Microsoft is actively seeking community feedback to refine and improve the editor, indicating a collaborative approach to its development.
Expanding Open Source Contributions
At Microsoft Build 2025, the company unveiled several open-source initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to empowering developers and fostering community collaboration.
🐧 Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Now Open Source
Microsoft has officially open-sourced the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), allowing developers to contribute directly to its development. This move enhances transparency and enables the community to drive improvements in running Linux environments within Windows. Source
🧠 Advancing the Agentic Web with NLWeb
Introducing NLWeb, Microsoft aims to simplify the integration of AI-powered natural language interfaces into websites. This open-source project facilitates the creation of conversational AI experiences, promoting a more interactive and accessible web. Axios
🧰 Copilot Studio Enhancements for Developers
Microsoft announced significant updates to Copilot Studio, including multi-agent orchestration and enhanced developer tools. These enhancements empower developers to build and deploy AI agents more efficiently, streamlining the software development process. Microsoft
These initiatives underscore Microsoft’s dedication to open-source development, providing developers with versatile tools and fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
- Releasing more libraries and frameworks under open-source licenses
- Actively participating in open-source projects and communities
- Providing resources and support for open-source developers
These efforts align with Microsoft’s vision of fostering a more inclusive and collaborative development ecosystem. By embracing open source, Microsoft aims to empower developers with the tools and resources they need to build innovative solutions. Visit Microsoft’s Developer Blogs for more details.
Benefits for Developers
The increased focus on open source offers numerous advantages for developers:
- Greater Flexibility: Access to source code allows developers to customize tools to meet their specific needs.
- Community Support: Open-source projects benefit from the collective knowledge and contributions of a large community of developers.
- Faster Innovation: Collaborative development accelerates the pace of innovation and leads to more robust and feature-rich tools.
- Cost Savings: Open-source software is often free to use, reducing development costs.
