When looking for a code editor, there are lots of things to consider. Have you ever tried to write Java code using Notepad? Didn�t think so�.There are, of course, specialized editing platforms for all programming languages, but what if you need to produce mixed-language source code? Maybe you need some ASP or PHP with your native HTML, or some clean, standard XML. Or you need to convert your code from one language to another without having to rewrite the hole thing.

As programmers become more and more numerous and coding languages more diverse and specialized (we�re lightyears away from Fortran or Basic), developers� requirements are getting more and more demanding and specific. That is why the choice for a code editor is quite a difficult one. As I was browsing the internet for an interesting code editor, I came across CodeLobster 3.0. I made my stop here not necessarily because it�s a great or impressive tool, but for the name. I thought it was catchy and I took a look at it.

CodeLobster is a code editing tool that supports Text, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VBScript, PHP, ASP, C#, Perl, Python, Java/J#, Jsp, XML, XSL, C/C++, SQL and Action Script file formats. Support for some of these formats comes with context help (HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, VBScript), like MSDN or W3C help. For the same formats, the very important and appreciated autocomplete feature is available. Sadly, it�s not exactly well implemented. It�s a half-way autocomplete - rather difficult to use - and I didn�t see it bring much improvement to the editing process. But that�s just me, perhaps you�ll love it.

The interface is friendly, it includes customizable windows and toolbars. The windows are tabbed and navigation is easy. The left window contains a Project Manager and File Explorer, the right one is the Properties window. Both of these windows can be hidden to make room for the main window. This middle window is split in two. The top part is where the code is edited. This part has three tabs for the source code, preview and Web view. The browser can be chosen between IE, Mozilla, AOL, Opera and Netscape. Below this main window, you can view the Output window, the Tidy Output, Bookmarks or Search Result window. All errors or warnings will be shown here.

The menu is rich, so I�ll focus on some features that I think are more important. Fist of all, I�ll name the autocomplete function (available solely for web development languages) and function info (form, parameters). I must say I expected more from both of these features, I hope they will be improved in future versions. Spellcheck is also mentionable, but again, I expected more. The dictionary should have included tag and function names.

CodeLobster allows conversions to and from HTML and other types of conversions (XML, for instance). This could come in handy on some occasions, so it�s a thumb up. Code can be validated using W3C validator, and even fixed. Various highlightings can be used, depending of the file format, making the code easier to follow and understand. From this category of editing improvements, CodeLobster allows easy comment adding, code collapsing, bookmarks, indent options and others. The context menus are very useful, as you know, and they are well implemented in CodeLobster.

The Good

As I thumb up, the autocomplete and function info options are to mention. They need work, but it�s a good start. Conversion options are also interesting, not something you find everywhere. I liked the interface: typical but clean and easy to use. Online help is available, for whenever you�re in need. CodeLobster is small and easy to install (unlike specialized platforms).

The Bad

I�m sorry to say this, but it still needs much work. If for web development some interesting features are implemented, for other languages (Java or SQL, for instance) �support� is perhaps too much said. I�ve seen better freeware, so...more is needed! Spellcheck wasn�t exactly OK either and the menu could have been better organized. "Best" for last: unexpected errors occurred for no reason. This is not acceptable for a shareware product.

The Truth

Well, if you are looking for the perfect code editor, you probably shouldn�t stop at CodeLobster. The intensions are good, but I feel it needs much more work to justify the 25 dollar fee for the license. It allows 30 days of free trial, so give it a shot.

Here are some snapshots of CodeLobster in action: