I made a small, super fast code editor in C for Windows
Source: Dev.to
Motivation
Over the past few months I’ve been working on a side project called Icarus, a Windows code editor written entirely in C.
Modern editors feel heavy: they take time to start, pull in many dependencies, and can become cumbersome when working with huge codebases. I wanted something that starts instantly, stays out of the way, and feels closer to the system it runs on.
Constraints
- Instant startup – no splash screens, no background services.
- Very small footprint – a single EXE.
- Portable – no installer, no external dependencies.
- Native Windows UI – pure Win32, no Electron or web technologies.
I chose C for control and simplicity: there’s no runtime to ship, no garbage‑collection pauses, and no hidden work happening behind the scenes. What the program does is exactly what I wrote.
Features
- Syntax highlighting
- Multiple tabs and split views
- Project‑based file navigation
- Fast text rendering and scrolling
The editor intentionally lacks a plugin system and AI features; only functionality I need for everyday coding is included.
Lessons Learned
- Startup time matters – an editor that opens instantly changes how often you use it.
- Writing everything yourself forces better decisions – you can’t hide behind libraries.
- Minimalism isn’t about removing features – it’s about being intentional with the ones you keep.
Release
I just released Icarus v1.0. It’s Windows‑only and available as a portable executable. I’m mainly looking for feedback, bug reports, and ideas that fit the lightweight philosophy.
If you enjoy small, fast tools or are curious about native Windows development, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Project page: Gumroad Link