In a world where software tends to bloat like my New Year’s resolution to exercise more, it’s refreshing to hear about a project that goes against the grain. Enter a former Microsoft engineer who took it upon themselves to rewrite Notepad using x86 assembly language, trimming it down to a mere 2.7KB. Yes, you read that right—2.7KB! That’s smaller than some of the images I have on my phone, and I’m pretty sure my cat is in at least five of those.
That’s impressive enough in 2.7KB, rather than an app of about 65KB. However, Plummer’s work rate is such that he’s since added optional line numbers and a dark mode. He also decided to add “all of the Notepad keyboard shortcuts” on Saturday which added a few bytes. It won’t be long until there’s an accompanying YouTube video for a deeper dive into RetroPad, but for now we have the GitHub notes.
Now, if you’re wondering why anyone would want to rewrite Notepad, let’s take a moment to appreciate the original Notepad. It’s like the plain toast of text editors—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. You can write, edit, and save text files without any frills. However, as nice as it is to have a no-fuss option, it could be argued that the original Notepad is a bit like using a flip phone in the age of smartphones. Sure, it works, but you’re missing out on a whole world of features—like emojis!
But our brave engineer decided that enough was enough. They went back to the basics, stripping away everything unnecessary and leaving only the essential functions that make Notepad, well, Notepad. This means no more distractions from fancy formatting options or unnecessary toolbars. Just you, your thoughts, and a blinking cursor—like the 90s, but without the dial-up tone.
Rewriting Notepad in x86 assembly is no small feat. If you’re not familiar with x86 assembly, let me put it this way: it’s like trying to communicate using only cave drawings after spending years using full sentences. Assembly language requires a deep understanding of how the computer hardware works, which is why most developers prefer higher-level languages. But our engineer wasn’t deterred. They dove into the nitty-gritty, optimizing every line of code to achieve that impressive 2.7KB size.
So, what does this mean for the average user? Well, if you’re someone who just wants to jot down a grocery list or write the next great American novel without distractions, this new Notepad could be your best friend. It loads quickly, uses minimal resources, and is about as straightforward as it gets. Plus, you can brag to your friends about using a text editor that’s leaner than a supermodel on a juice cleanse.
However, let’s not get too carried away. This version of Notepad might not be for everyone. If you’re the type who can’t live without spell check, formatting options, or the ability to insert clip art, you might want to stick with something a bit more robust. After all, while this minimalist Notepad is a marvel of engineering, it’s not going to help you design your wedding invitations or write that thesis on the socio-economic impacts of avocado toast.
In conclusion, the 2.7KB Notepad rewrite is a testament to the power of simplicity and efficiency in software design. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less really is more. And who knows? Maybe this will inspire a whole new wave of minimalist software that focuses on functionality over flashy features. Until then, I’ll be over here, trying to find a way to fit my cat’s photo into 2.7KB. Spoiler alert: it’s not going well.
Inspired by: “Former Microsoft engineer rewrote Notepad in x86 assembly leaving only necessary functions and weig…” (r/technology)