I use vim on Solaris, OS X and Linux and UltraEdit on Windows.

I think the important thing is to try several, and use what works for you. The things you mention are handled by pretty much every modern editor. Everyone's needs are different, and don't let anyone tell you there is only one answer. In colledge, I used ed and thought it was sophisticated. vedit was a wonder. Brief was fantastic. Anyone remember Microsoft's m editor? How far they have come now.

It is also useful to have some familiarity to the editors that are found bundled with every operating system - you will frequently find yourself working on a machine that doesn't have your choice of editor on it. Flexibility will help you.

Don/t believe anyone who says edlin.