Notepad.exe 1.2: Python Support (Finally)
yeah, the snake is here

June 25, 2025

OK so funny story. I kept getting emails. "When Python?" "Add Python!" "I'll pay double for Python support." Every. Single. Day.

Fine. You win. 🐍

What's New

  • Write Python. Run Python. That's it.
  • pip stuff works (numpy, pandas, whatever you need)
  • Output shows up instantly, like it should
  • No virtual environments to mess with

Look, I get it. Sometimes you need to quickly parse some JSON. Or maybe you're prototyping that data thing before building the real version in Swift. Or you just like snakes. Whatever. Now you can do it without opening another tool.

But Why Though

I was debugging some server logs last week. Needed a quick Python script to parse them. Opened PyCharm. Waited. Created a project. Set up the interpreter. Configured the... you know what? Screw it. I added Python to Notepad.exe instead.

Took me three weeks of coffee-fueled coding sessions. Worth it? When I can switch between Swift and Python in the same window without any setup BS? Yeah, actually.

Swift Still Lives Here

Before anyone panics - Swift is still the main thing. iOS simulators, SwiftUI, all that good stuff. Python just moved into the spare room. They seem to get along fine.

Python support in Notepad.exe

The Nerdy Details

Syntax highlighting works. Autocomplete is decent (not perfect, but decent). Error squiggles show up where they should. pip packages download automatically when you import them - this part was annoying to build but I think you'll like it.

Oh, and your Swift notes don't know Python exists. They're in separate sandboxes. No weird conflicts or whatever.

Known Issues

- Sometimes pip takes a second on first import. Deal with it. - TensorFlow is massive and might make things sluggish. You've been warned. - No, I'm not adding Jupyter notebook support. Stop asking.

Version 1.2 is live. Go nuts.

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 development sessions 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 code sessions still work exactly the same. Now you can also create iOS development sessions. 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.