Hello Dev.to community! 👋
I want to share a story about challenging assumptions, embracing the GPLv3 philosophy, and building LudvigEditor – a performant code editor from an unexpected tech stack.
🤔 The Problem I Refused to Accept
Why must modern code editors be so heavy? Why does opening a text file require launching what feels like a web browser (looking at you, Electron)?
I asked a simple question: What's the fastest possible experience we can create for developers?
The answer became LudvigEditor.
⚡ By The Numbers: The Performance Promise
- 0.5 seconds: Cold start to fully loaded editor window.
- ~150 MB: Total footprint (vs. 500MB+ for Electron-based editors).
- 1 Process: Not 10+ background services.
This isn't just optimization; it's a different architectural philosophy.
🛡️ The Foundation: Why GPLv3 Matters
Before a single line of code, I chose the license: GNU GPLv3. This isn't a legal footnote; it's the project's core principle.
In an era of open-core, telemetry, and vendor lock-in, GPLv3 guarantees:
- True Freedom: The code stays open, forever. No "open-source" to "proprietary" bait-and-switch.
- User & Developer Rights: Protection against anti-features like tivoization.
- A Philosophical Stand: This software is a commons, not a commodity.
LudvigEditor isn't just fast software; it's enduringly free software.
🐍 The Tech Stack People Said Wouldn't Work
"Use C++ for performance." "Use Electron for the UI." Conventional wisdom had clear prescriptions. I ignored them.
LudvigEditor is built with:
- Python 3: For core application logic and extensibility.
- PyQt6 / QtWebEngine: For a native, performant UI that hosts...
- Monaco Editor: The same best-in-class editor core that powers VS Code, but without the Electron shell.
The result? Proof that a high-level language can drive a responsive desktop GUI when paired with the right native frameworks.
✨ What It Does Today
This is a working, daily-driver editor, not a proof-of-concept.
- Smart Editing: Monaco Editor provides fantastic language support for 20+ languages.
- Integrated Git: A full GUI for staging, committing, and browsing history. No external terminal needed.
- Extension System: Support for both Python and JavaScript plugins.
- Built-in Terminal: A full terminal pane for running commands.
- Themes & Customization: A dark gradient theme that's easy on the eyes.
🎯 Who Is This Project For?
For New Contributors:
This is a fantastic first open-source project. The codebase is approachable, and there are curated good first issue tasks. You'll learn about desktop app architecture, Python, and modern web views in a native context.
For Experienced Developers:
This is an architectural challenge. How do you design a fast, modular editor? How do you integrate a web-based editor component into a native app seamlessly? There are deep problems to solve in performance, API design, and plugin systems.
For Everyone Who Cares About Software Freedom:
This is a practical project with a strong ethos. You're not just optimizing code; you're building a tool that respects its users' freedom by design.
🤝 How You Can Contribute & Why You Should
We're building this in the open under the Ludvig2457Ultra organization. The goal is a community-driven editor.
We especially need help with:
- Cross-Platform Testing: Ensuring a flawless experience on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- UI/UX Polish: Making complex features intuitive.
- Documentation: Helping new users and contributors get started.
- Core Features & Bugs: Diving into the editor's core functionality.
Getting started is straightforward:
- Browse our Good First Issues on GitHub.
- Read the Contributing Guide.
- Join the conversation on Discord to ask questions or share ideas.
🌐 More Than Just an Editor
LudvigEditor is part of a small family of projects under Ludvig2457Ultra, all sharing the commitment to GPLv3 and focused utility (like SuperLauncherMC for Minecraft). It represents a model for building sustainable, community-owned tools.
💬 Let's Build Something Enduring
This project asks a question: Can we have nice things that are both high-performance and unequivocally free?
I believe the answer is yes. If you're tired of bloated software, opaque licenses, or just want to work on a unique Python project with a clear purpose—your skills and perspective are welcome.
Let's build an editor that's not just fast, but built to last—on principles.
GitHub Organization: Ludvig2457Ultra
Main Project: LudvigEditor
Community Discord: Join Here
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