# micro

> Terminal-based text editor with modern features, multiple cursors, and syntax highlighting for 130+ languages

Stars: 29.8k · Language: Go · License: MIT · Categories: Editor

- Repository: https://github.com/zyedidia/micro
- Website: https://micro-editor.github.io
- Page: https://www.trmn.sh/tools/micro

## Install

- Homebrew: `brew install micro`
- Quick install script: `curl https://getmic.ro | bash`
- Snap: `snap install micro --classic`

## Overview

Micro is a terminal-based text editor that positions itself as a successor to nano with enhanced capabilities. It provides common keybindings (Ctrl-s, Ctrl-c, Ctrl-v) familiar to GUI editor users, along with features like multiple cursors, splits and tabs, and extensive mouse support including drag selection and click-to-position.

The editor includes syntax highlighting for over 130 programming languages, built-in diff gutters, autocompletion, and automatic linting with error notifications. It supports plugins written in Lua with a built-in plugin manager for installation and updates. Configuration follows sane defaults while remaining highly customizable through configuration files.

Micro ships as a single static binary with no external dependencies, making deployment straightforward across platforms where Go runs. It handles system clipboard integration, supports true color themes, and includes persistent undo with macro recording. The editor targets developers who prefer terminal-based editing or frequently work over SSH connections.

### Installation

```bash
# via Homebrew
brew install micro
```

```bash
# via Quick install script
curl https://getmic.ro | bash
```

```bash
# via Snap
snap install micro --classic
```

![Micro editor interface](https://media.trmn.sh/cached/8cc66ff24cba8d17609a8f5c04eddd86b6f27bad762d986d6bbf595a6336c1c6.png)

## Alternatives

- [Vim](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/vim.md): Vi-compatible modal text editor with multi-level undo, syntax highlighting, spell checking, a scripting language (Vim9 script), and an optional GUI. (Vim Script, 41.2k stars)
- [Edit](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/edit.md): Terminal text editor written in Rust, modeled on the MS-DOS Editor with VS Code-style input controls. Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. (Rust, 14.7k stars)
- [Helix](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/helix.md): A terminal-based text editor written in Rust, inspired by Kakoune and Neovim with built-in language server support (Rust, 46.8k stars)
- [Kakoune](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/kakoune.md): Modal code editor inspired by Vim that uses multiple selections as its core editing model, with a client-server architecture and external tool integration. (C++, 11.1k stars)
- [Fresh](https://www.trmn.sh/tools/fresh.md): Terminal text editor with VS Code-style keybindings, mouse support, LSP, multi-cursor editing, and a command palette that requires no configuration. (Rust, 9.4k stars)

## Guides

- [Neovim Alternatives](https://www.trmn.sh/alternatives/neovim): Neovim alternatives compared: Helix, micro, Flow Control and amp. Modal and non-modal terminal editors with built-in LSP and tree-sitter.
- [Neovim vs micro](https://www.trmn.sh/compare/neovim-vs-micro): Neovim vs micro: a Vim-fork editor with Lua and Vimscript plugins against a single-binary Go editor with Ctrl-s/Ctrl-c keybindings.

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Canonical: https://www.trmn.sh/tools/micro