Using Textpad as a PHP IDE

Using Textpad as a PHP IDE
First off, download the latest version of textpad here and install. And since we will be using it as a PHP IDE, let's download Textpad's php syntax definition which can be found here (or you can choose other php syntax definitions here). Now extract the syntax file (*.syn) in the "samples" folder of your Textpad directory.

Now, open up Textpad, click on the "Configure" menu and select "New Document Class". A pop-up will prompt to input a Document Class Name. Type in "php" then click on "next". Now type in "*.php" for the class members field and click "next". Then, check the box saying "Enable syntax highlighting". Then, click the drop down menu and choose the syntax file we have extracted a while ago. Then, click on "next" until done.

Next step is to add a tool so we could really make Textpad act as a PHP IDE. Click the "Configure" menu on Textpad and select "Preferences". Select "Tools" in the preferences dialog box, click on the "Add" drop down menu and select "Program". Now, browse for your "php.exe" file, click "Open", and click "Apply". Now that your back on the preferences dialog box, you can expand the "Tools" menu found on the left side, select the tool we just created, and change the options necessary.

If everything is done, click "Ok". In order to use the tool, click on the "Tools" menu, select "External Tools" from the menu, then click on the tool we have created.

Success!!