Top Free PHP Editor Software

PHP, which stands for "Hypertext Preprocessor", is a server-side, HTML embedded scripting language used to create dynamic Web pages. Much of its syntax is borrowed from C, Java and Perl with some unique features thrown in. The goal of the language is to allow Web developers to write dynamically generated pages quickly.

PHP is a widely used general-purpose scripting language for web development, and this article lists the most popular free PHP editor software for web developers.

1. Notepad

Notepad++ is a free (as in "free speech" and also as in "free beer") source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages. It runs in the MS Windows environment.

Based on a very powerful editing component Scintilla, Notepad++ is written in C++ and uses pure Win32 API and STL which ensures a higher execution speed and smaller program size. Its use is governed by GPL Licence.

2. Crimson Editor

Crimson Editor is a freeware text editor. It is typically used as a source code editor, and HTML editor, for Windows.

3. ConTEXT

ConTEXT is a closed-source freeware text editor for Microsoft Windows, aimed at software developers. It can open and edit very large files, while requiring only modest amounts of RAM and hard drive space to run.

ConTEXT can integrate compilers to compile source code from within the editor, and run external tools to manipulate loaded files (e.g. Pretty Printer).

4. PSPad

There is no complex installation process, PSPad is ready to work immediately without requiring customization. The editor supports many file types and languages, with syntax highlighting. There are macros, clip files and templates to automate repetative tasks. Integrated HEX Editor, Project support, FTP Client, Macro Recorder, File Search/Replace, Code Explorer, Code page conversion... these are just some of the many features that PSPad offers.

5. HTML-Kit

HTML Kit is a full-featured free editor for HTML, XHTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP and other text files. 400+ plugins are available for it, including HTML Tidy for creating standards-compliant web pages.