NotePad++, LilyPond and SumatraPDF

Notepad++ is a free (as in "free speech" and also as in "free beer") source code editor and Notepad replacement that supports several languages. Running in the MS Windows environment, its use is governed by GPL License.

A Lilypond Language Definition File can be found in http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/notepad-plus/index.php?title=User_Defined_Language_Files and be downloaded via http://notepad-plus.sourceforge.net/commun/userDefinedLang/userDefineLang_LilyPond.xml

Notepad++ is very expandable and is well suited as an IDE for LilyPond engraving, and with a simple click you can compile and (re)view LilyPond source files. In case of an error, the cursor will automatically be placed on the first offending spot.

Basically you need to put nppLilyPond.vbs and nppTextdit.vbs into your %APPDATA%\Notepad++ folder, invoke RegisterTextEdit.cmd to register the textedit:// protocol. As this is done for the current user only, you don't need any administrator rights for that. (BTW All these files have been renamed for your safety)

Do edit both script files; near the top there are command line constants to invoke Notepad++ and SumatraPDF. SumatraPDF is an excellent and fast PDF reader with small memory footprint, and it does not lock the pdf file currently viewed and will automatically refresh it when its content has changed.
In Windows Vista and newer 64bit Windows, you will have to replace %ProgramFiles% with %ProgramFiles(X86)% or hard-code the paths altogether.

In order to enable the textedit:// protocol in SumatraPDF, you need to add/edit sumatrapdfrestrict.ini in its application folder so that there is a line

in it. (See http://forums.fofou.org/sumatrapdf/topic?id=2353336 re locking down SumatraPDF. Well, in this case we're opening it up)

To invoke the compiler, open Notepad++, select "Run/Run..." and enter

(including all the quotes) into the dialog box. Select "Save" when happy.

Merry engraving...

Please take notice that these guys worked hard for a free product. Consider making a small donation when you find their software useful.

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