Unofficial vibe-coded “Notepad++ for Mac” draws objections from original author

The renowned Notepad++ text editor, known for enhancing the classic Windows Notepad experience, has recently found itself at the center of controversy. Created in 2003 by Don Ho, who remains its principal author, Notepad++ has always been a Windows-exclusive application with advanced features like line numbering and syntax highlighting. Last week, buzz emerged regarding a purported 'Notepad++ for Mac' adaptation, sparking confusion among users and tech enthusiasts alike. This version, attributed to Andrey Letov, was perceived by many as an official port, which prompted a sharp response from Ho. He expressed his dismay, stating that Letov's use of the Notepad++ name and trademark was unauthorized and misleading. Ho articulated his concerns clearly, emphasizing that this development misrepresents Notepad++ and could deceive users—especially those within the tech media, who might believe they are accessing an authentic macOS version. "To be crystal clear: Notepad++ has never released a macOS version, and any claims suggesting otherwise are inaccurate," Ho asserted. In a GitHub discussion, Ho detailed his prior communications with Letov, noting that he had not been able to respond before the launch of the Mac version. He cautioned that the use of the Notepad++ name and logo could create significant confusion and lead to potential trademark disputes. Ho’s message aimed to clarify the situation and protect the integrity of the Notepad++ brand, ensuring users are aware of the official status of the software.