A text editor is a software application used for creating and editing plain text files. Unlike word processors, which offer advanced formatting options, text editors focus on simplicity and efficiency. They are commonly used by programmers and developers to write code, as they provide features like syntax highlighting and line numbering. Text editors can be categorized into two types: basic and advanced. Basic text editors, such as Notepad or TextEdit, offer minimal features, while advanced editors, like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text, include tools for debugging and version control. These applications are essential for anyone working with text-based content.