Nova 13

Product Introduction

1. Nova 13 is a native macOS code editor developed by Panic, designed to provide a fast, flexible, and visually polished environment for software development. It integrates advanced text-editing capabilities, Git source control, customizable build/run tasks, and an in-app extension marketplace to streamline developer workflows. The editor supports over 30 programming languages natively and is extensible via JavaScript-based plugins for additional functionality.
2. The core value of Nova 13 lies in its ability to combine performance with usability, offering a native macOS experience optimized for modern development needs. It prioritizes speed through a custom text layout engine and provides tools like debugging, terminal integration, and remote file editing to reduce context switching. Its extensibility ensures adaptability to diverse project requirements, from web development to systems programming.

Main Features

1. Nova 13 includes a hyper-fast text editor with smart autocomplete, multiple cursors, bracket matching, and a Minimap for code navigation. The editor supports fuzzy matching for autocomplete, tag pair highlighting, and advanced text actions like case-preserving replace, all powered by a custom text rendering engine built to bypass macOS layout limitations.
2. Integrated Git tools enable cloning, staging, committing, and diffing files directly within the editor, with real-time status indicators and line-specific commit history. The sidebar includes a Git comparison view for analyzing changes between commits, branches, or files, alongside project-wide issue tracking and symbol navigation.
3. Customizable build/run tasks allow developers to automate workflows using scripts in languages like Bash, Python, or Node.js, triggered via keyboard shortcuts or toolbar buttons. Tasks can launch local servers, open browsers, or parse output into issues, with support for environment variables and output reports.

Problems Solved

1. Nova 13 addresses inefficiencies in developer workflows by unifying code editing, debugging, and project management within a single native application. It eliminates the need for external terminals or file browsers through built-in tools like Transmit-based file navigation and Prompt terminals.
2. The product targets macOS-based developers, including web developers, systems engineers, and extension creators, who prioritize performance and macOS integration. It is particularly suited for teams requiring consistent environments across local and remote projects.
3. Typical use cases include debugging PHP/Python/Node.js applications, managing Git repositories with granular commit tracking, and automating deployment tasks via custom scripts. Remote development is supported through SFTP/WebDAV integration and cloud provider extensions.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike many cross-platform editors, Nova 13 is optimized exclusively for macOS, leveraging native APIs for performance and UI consistency. Its custom text engine resolves rendering bugs present in Apple’s frameworks while improving scroll speed and cursor responsiveness.
2. The in-app extension marketplace and JavaScript-based API enable rapid customization without restarting the IDE, with templates for language grammars, linters, and themes. Extensions can add language server protocol (LSP) support or integrate external tools like Prettier.
3. Competitive advantages include Panic’s legacy of macOS-focused tools (e.g., Transmit), seamless project migration from Coda 2, and features like dual-pane file browsing, rainbow indentation guides, and automatic theme switching based on system preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What languages does Nova 13 support natively? Nova 13 includes built-in syntax highlighting and autocomplete for CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, TypeScript, and 20+ other languages, with expandable support via extensions. Tree-sitter grammars enable precise parsing for languages like Liquid or JSX.
2. Is there a free trial available? Nova 13 offers a full-featured 30-day trial with no restrictions, after which a perpetual license must be purchased. Projects created during the trial remain accessible post-expiration.
3. Does Nova 13 support macOS versions below 13.5? No, Nova 13 requires macOS 13.5 or later due to dependencies on Metal rendering and SwiftUI frameworks. Users on older macOS versions must upgrade or use legacy Panic editors.
4. Can I develop custom extensions without JavaScript? Extensions must be written in JavaScript, but Nova’s API provides access to filesystem, network, and subprocess operations, enabling integration with binaries or scripts in other languages. Debugging is facilitated through a built-in console.
5. How does Nova 13 handle remote development? Remote files can be edited via SFTP, WebDAV, or cloud storage extensions, with optional staged publishing and transfer transcripts. The integrated terminal supports SSH connections, and workspace layouts can be bound to specific servers.