Edit is a terminal text editor written in Rust that combines the simplicity of the classic MS-DOS Editor with modern interface conventions and input controls similar to VS Code.
The tool addresses the need for an accessible text editor that works in terminal environments without requiring users to learn complex modal editing paradigms. It draws inspiration from the MS-DOS Editor's straightforward approach while adopting familiar keyboard shortcuts and interaction patterns from contemporary editors, making it usable for people who are not deeply experienced with terminal applications.
Edit suits developers and users who want a lightweight, no-nonsense editor for quick file editing in terminal sessions without the learning curve of modal editors. It works across Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation available through standard package managers on each platform. The project is particularly relevant for those who appreciate the directness of classic editors but expect modern usability standards.
The project maintains active development with regular updates to its codebase. Build configuration is flexible, allowing package maintainers to customize language support and ICU library dependencies at compile time. The tool includes search and replace functionality powered by the ICU library and supports multiple languages through configurable build options. Documentation explicitly addresses the needs of package maintainers, providing guidance on naming conventions and library dependency configuration across different platforms.
