I'm working on Notepad++ Portable 5.1 and there are a few issues I'd like to run by everyone. Notepad++ 5.1 introduces a split into a Unicode and ANSI version just like Miranda IM, WinDirStat and others. So, I've been debating whether to include Unicode and ANSI and switch between them as we do with other apps, or just do Unicode to save space and packaging time as Windows 9x support is ending for most of our major apps in the next couple months anyway.
The big issue is that even though it adds Unicode support, many of the plugins have not been updated to support Unicode. And the ANSI plugins are incompatible with Notepad++'s Unicode version. The Compare Plugin, LightExplorer/Explorer, NPPExec, SpellChecker, mimeTools and NPPTextFX/HTML Tidy are all unavailable in Unicode. Keep in mind that these are all plugins that are included by default in previous versions so, essentially, the 5.1 release, while adding Unicode, is a step backwards in terms of functionality. The local Notepad++ installer automatically installs the Unicode version if you're on Windows 2000 or better and silently removes your ANSI plugins when you install it.
So, while we could just update to 5.1 and silently remove incompatible plugins, we could also either stick with the ANSI version for now... or we could just not update until Notepad++ sorts out their new version.
Thoughts?
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Plugins are definitely more important....
iLike Macs, iPwn, However you put it... Apple is better ^_^
"Claiming that your operating system is the best in the world because more people use it is like saying McDonalds makes the best food in the world..."
Support. Keep the functionality of the plugins there. When they get upped to unicode support, then make the jump.
I agree with Gizmokid2005 on that decision. I rather have full support then Partial support of the plugins
your friendly neighbourhood moderator Zach Thibeau
Keep the ANSI version until Unicode support is better.
I don't like someone silently removing functionality.
And save yourself the double work of a auto-detecting/switching launcher.
"What about Love?" - "Overrated. Biochemically no different than eating large quantities of chocolate." - Al Pacino in The Devils Advocate
Agreed. Keep the ansi version for now.
I think let it hang back until everything gets caught up
Too many lonely hearts in the real world
Too many bridges you can burn
Too many tables you can't turn
Don't wanna live my life in the real world
I think people would prefer the functionality of the plugins, so I agree with everyone else: hang back and stay with ANSI until the plugins are sorted out for the Unicode version.