Micro review
A free, open-source terminal editor with plugins, linting, and broad platform support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Micro is a free, open-source terminal-based text editor for people who prefer working in a terminal or regularly edit files over SSH. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a standalone binary with no dependencies. The editor combines multiple cursors, splits and tabs, configurable keybindings, mouse support, persistent undo, and syntax highlighting for more than 130 languages. Its terminal emulator can run an interactive shell without leaving the editor, making Micro a focused option for terminal-oriented workflows.
Extension support comes through a Lua-based plugin system and built-in plugin manager. Automatic linting and error notifications add feedback while editing, while the built-in diff gutter helps show changes within files. Language-server functionality is available through an official installable plugin rather than as a built-in core feature. That gives Micro a practical path to extend its editing capabilities, while keeping the main product centered on a lightweight terminal interface. Users who want configurable behavior and editor options without moving to a desktop application should find the overall design well aligned with that preference.
Micro is strongest for developers and technical users who value a compact, keyboard-friendly editor that works across three major desktop operating systems. It should appeal to people editing files over SSH, working in shells, or looking for an open-source alternative with plugin support and core code-editing features. The trade-off is its narrow terminal focus: users seeking a desktop-first workspace or a broader integration ecosystem should consider a different code editor. Teams that require language-server workflows will also need to treat that capability as a plugin-based addition rather than a built-in feature.
Micro pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source under the MIT License
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux as a standalone binary
- Plugins, linting, diff indicators, and syntax highlighting for 130+ languages
- Where it doesn't
- Language-server functionality is provided through an installable plugin
- Its terminal-based design is not aimed at desktop-first editing
- The editor centers on text editing rather than a broad integration ecosystem
Micro fact sheet, pricing and score →
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