Textpad

- TextPad

While I still use the Windows Notepad when the quick import and export of information will suffice, TextPad is my tool of choice when I need to do any sort of text manipulation. Before I was strictly focused on network tasks, I used to dabble in web page editing via HTML and PHP. TextPad was priceless as a PHP IDE with it’s ability to import various syntax definitions and implement highly configurable macro capabilities.

And now I’ve found that it is just as valuable of a tool for my current line of work as it was for me then. I can easily pull the configuration files out of a Cisco router or switch and with some pre-recorded macros, create a CSV file with IP route and gateway information. This makes documenting your network such an easy task, it’s made me kick myself for the times I hadn’t created decent documentation. It can also be used as a rough instrument for change control though I prefer another utility for that which I will discuss later on.

In the meantime, if you have not had the pleasure to use this application, please take the time to download it and be amazed.

Thanks,

neteng