At the Build 2025 conference, Microsoft introduced several new initiatives, including the open-sourcing of various applications and tools. A notable highlight is a new command-line text editor for Windows dubbed “Edit.” Although open-source software does not generate direct revenue for Microsoft, it serves strategic purposes by acting as a market research tool and a pathway to promoting paid applications and services. By engaging with the open-source community, Microsoft gathers crucial insights, user feedback, and innovative ideas, helping shape its future product directions.
The “Edit” text editor is designed to streamline the workflow for developers, enabling them to edit files directly through the command line with a simple command. This feature will be included by default on Windows for users enrolled in the Windows Insider Program starting this summer, aiming to reduce disruption and improve developers’ efficiency.
In addition to “Edit,” Microsoft is also open-sourcing GitHub Copilot, its AI-driven coding assistant for Visual Studio Code (VS Code). Over the coming months, features from the GitHub Copilot extension will transition into the open-source VS Code repository. This move underscores Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing the developer experience by integrating powerful AI capabilities into accessible platforms.
Furthermore, Microsoft announced plans to open-source the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which enables users to run a Linux environment on Windows systems. This development grants developers not only access to the source code but also the flexibility to customise it according to specific needs, fostering a more adaptable environment for development.
Overall, Microsoft’s open-source strategy appears to strengthen its position in the tech landscape by facilitating community collaboration and innovation while simultaneously enhancing its software offerings for developers.
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