dte

dte [options] [files]

dte is a small, fast, and configurable terminal text editor designed to be lightweight yet powerful. It features syntax highlighting for many languages, multiple buffers, split windows, and a clean command interface similar to vi/vim but with different key bindings.
The editor is written in C with minimal dependencies, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments. It supports macros, regular expression search, and customizable key bindings through configuration files.

+N

Start at line N

Open in read-only mode

Use specified configuration file

Display help and exit

Display version and exit

Configuration file location:
- ~/.dterc
- ~/.config/dte/dterc
Example configuration:

$ set auto-indent true
set tab-width 4
set show-line-numbers true

Ctrl+S

Save file

Quit

Search

Go to line

Close buffer

New file

Open file

Suspend editor

Indent/Autocomplete

Unindent

Different key bindings than vi/vim may require adjustment period. Some advanced features require compilation with specific options. Terminal compatibility varies. No built-in scripting language like Vimscript or Emacs Lisp.

dte was created by Craig Barnes as a lightweight alternative to larger editors. It aims to provide essential editing features in a small footprint while remaining easy to configure and extend.

vim(1), nano(1), micro(1), kakoune(1)