Notepad.exe 1.1: iOS Runtime is Here
ready for WWDC experiments

June 8, 2025

Version 1.1 is here, and iOS runtime is finally working perfectly. You can now run iOS playgrounds with their own simulators. Each note gets its own little sandbox to play in.

What Actually Works Now

You can build SwiftUI apps (with enhanced SwiftUI support), work with UIKit, or experiment with any iOS API that catches your interest. Same zero-setup philosophy as always - just write code and hit run.

The simulator spins up automatically. No configuration, no project setup, no wondering if you forgot to check some box in Xcode. It just works.

About Tomorrow...

WWDC25 starts tomorrow. Honestly, the timing couldn't be better.

While everyone else is creating new Xcode projects and fighting with build settings to try the new APIs, you can literally just open a note and start experimenting. That's... actually kind of nice.

Quick Thanks

Before I forget - thank you for the ongoing support since the first launch. Your feedback has been incredibly helpful, and I've been squashing bugs based on what you've reported. Keep it coming - it's making Notepad.exe better for everyone.

Speaking of feedback, this fantastic review by FatBobMan perfectly captures what Notepad.exe is all about: "Lightweight, Practical, Restrained, and Focused." They really get the vision of making Swift programming as straightforward as possible.

So Many Fixes and Improvements

There are countless bug fixes and improvements in 1.1 - too many to list here. The AI integration got better, SwiftPM support is more solid, and a bunch of other stuff too. If you tried Notepad.exe before and it wasn't quite right for you, maybe give 1.1 another shot.

The Boring Technical Stuff

Your existing macOS playgrounds still work exactly the same. Now you can also create iOS playgrounds. Compare how the same Swift code behaves on different platforms if that's your thing.

Notepad.exe iOS runtime in action

Honestly?

iOS runtime was by far the most requested feature. If you've been waiting because macOS-only wasn't enough - wait no more.

If you're already using Notepad.exe, this just makes your workflow better. If you're not, maybe give it a shot.

Download it here and see what happens.

Introducing Notepad.exe 1.0

May 22, 2025

After months of late nights, countless cups of coffee, and more debugging sessions than I care to admit, I'm thrilled to finally share Notepad.exe 1.0 with all of you! This project has been a labor of love, born from a frustration I've faced daily as a Swift developer.

Have you ever wanted to quickly test a Swift idea without firing up Xcode and creating an entire project? Or found yourself needing a lightweight environment to experiment with code snippets that you could organize and reference later? That's exactly why I built Notepad.exe - to bridge the gap between heavyweight IDEs and basic text editors.

Swift Ideas, Executed Simply

The Story Behind the Name

I've been asked about the name quite a bit already. Yes, it's a bit of a playful nod to Windows' classic text editor, but with a twist - this notepad actually executes your code! I wanted something that felt familiar and unpretentious, while hinting at the app's core functionality.

"It's essentially a notepad that can execute your code. I wanted something that would feel lightweight and familiar, but with the power to actually run the code you're writing."

The concept is simple: treat code snippets like notes. Write them, organize them, tag them, and run them with minimal friction. No project setup, no build configurations to fiddle with - just write Swift and see it work.

What Makes Notepad.exe Special?

While building this app, I focused on creating features I personally wanted in my daily workflow:

  • Swift-First Approach: Everything is optimized for Swift, from code completion to syntax highlighting
  • Library-Based Organization: Your snippets live in a searchable, taggable library that makes finding past work a breeze
  • Floating Notes: Pop out your notes to hover above other apps - perfect for referencing code while working elsewhere
  • Swift Package Manager Integration: Import and use external packages directly in your snippets
  • Local AI Assistance: Get helpful code suggestions while keeping your code private - all processing happens on your Mac
  • Tear-off Sticky Notes: Create quick throwaway notes that stay out of your library when you need them
Notepad.exe code editor with library

What's Next for Notepad.exe

Version 1.0 is just the beginning! I'm already working on the roadmap for future updates, including:

  • Enhanced macOS runtime capabilities for testing UI components
  • iOS development tools and simulators
  • More robust sharing options for code snippets
  • Additional theme customization
  • Exploring deployment options for other platforms
  • And features based on your feedback!

I'm releasing version 1.0 now because it already delivers real value to Swift developers, but I see this as the foundation of something that will continue to grow and evolve with your input.

🔥 Exclusive Partnership with AlexSideBar!

Big news! We've collaborated with AlexSideBar to develop a seamless integration that supercharges your AI workflow! This joint effort elevates your coding experience with instant AI-assisted code access across apps. All purchases include a 25% discount on AlexSideBar subscriptions!

I'm incredibly excited to see how you'll use Notepad.exe in your own Swift development workflow. Please share your experiences, suggestions, and feedback - they'll directly shape the future of this tool.

Try It Yourself

Notepad.exe is available now in several options to suit different needs. I've also made sure to include special provisions for educational use - students and teachers can use Notepad.exe for free for non-commercial educational purposes.

Ready to experience Notepad.exe? Visit the purchase page to get your copy and start coding with this new approach to Swift development.

Press Resources

For media inquiries, high-resolution screenshots, logos, and additional information, please visit our Press Kit page or download the complete press kit package.