Microsoft Open Sources Command-Line Text Editor at Build 2024

Microsoft's Open Source Push at Build 2025

During the Build 2025 conference, Microsoft announced the open sourcing of several applications and tools. Among these is Edit, a new command-line text editor specifically designed for Windows.

Strategic Benefits of Open Source

While open source software doesn't necessarily generate immediate income, it provides significant advantages for Microsoft. It functions as a valuable method of market research, and can also act as a pathway to encourage adoption of paid applications and services.

By actively participating in the open source community, Microsoft is able to gather crucial insights, receive product feedback, and explore potential avenues for future development.

Introducing Edit: A Command-Line Editor

Edit will be pre-installed on Windows systems through the Windows Insider Program, starting this summer. Developers will be able to initiate the editor by simply typing “edit” in the command line.

Microsoft’s intention is to reduce disruptions caused by switching between applications, enabling developers to maintain focus within their existing workflows.

GitHub Copilot Moves to Open Source

Microsoft is also open sourcing GitHub Copilot within VS Code, its AI-powered coding assistance extension for Visual Studio Code.

Over the coming months, the AI features currently found in the GitHub Copilot extension will be integrated into the VS Code open source repository, according to Microsoft.

WSL to Become Open Source

Furthermore, the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which enables users to run a Linux environment natively on Windows, will also be open sourced.

This move will grant developers access to the underlying source code, allowing them to customize and modify the system to suit their specific requirements.

This provides flexibility and control for developers needing tailored Linux environments within Windows.