I don't get it...
If you download the "bin" file from Notepad++ website (http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/uk/download.php), the unicode version of the program is only 5.42 MB. Whereas, the "portable" version is 9.09 MB.
And yes, the "bin" download can be run without installing - just put the files where you want them and you're good to go.
In addition, the "portable" version makes it seemingly impossible to sync the settings and plugins with an installed, or "bin" version.
I just downloaded the "npp.5.3.1.bin.7z" file, extracted the unicode files to my Program Files directory on my desktop PC, then setup a sync program to copy the same files to my USB Drive - now all my settings will constantly be in sync between the desktop and UBS Drive, and I have this great portable app at only 5.42 MB.
is there something added to the "portable" version that I am not aware of?
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Our version includes the ANSI version as well as the Unicode version so that it will work on any PC you come across. You can delete the directory Notepad++Portable\App\Notepad++_ansi if you don't plan on using Win9x.
As for the differences, Notepad++'s zip is "mostly portable". But when you switch PCs, the drive letter will change and your most recently used files will break, your saved session won't open what you were working on, any defined Run actions (like compiling with NSIS Portable) will break, any plugins that browse paths will forget their last path, etc. Our launcher takes care of all of that for you.
As for syncing, you can sync their portable version to another instance of their portable version, but not to a locally installed version. Ours is designed to sync with either another portable version or with the locally installed one. We use the same file layout within Notepad++Portable\Data that you'll find within %APPDATA%\Notepad++ when you install their local one. The official Notepad++ in portable format stores data very badly and intermixes the binaries and the settings in multiple directories.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!
Thanks for setting me straight! I'll have to have another look at the settings directory structure - I hadn't realized it was the same as the installed version. It's also good to know that it handles changing drive letters on different computers seamlessly.
Thanks!
- Dan
Related to this I've noticed that in addtion to:
Notepad++Portable\Data\settings\plugins
I see:
Notepad++Portable\App\Notepad++\plugins
The subfolders from here are slightly different, but they have a few of the same files. Mostly I'm wondering why both of these directories exist. It makes it a bit confusing when loading plugins or APIs. Is the only difference that the data folder will be backed up in the backup function where the App folder will not? Functionally I haven't noticed a difference.
The Data directory is for Data. Specifically, that directory is used for plugin settings.
Sometimes, the impossible can become possible, if you're awesome!