Plain-text files are at risk
Plain-text files, with their diverse encodings and layered formats, have been the universal data interface we have known so far. These files, including notes.txt, md, ini, and json, are found on nearly every operating system by default. This includes Microsoft's Notepad on Windows and TextEdit on macOS. However, interest in plain-text editing has been declining for some time now.
Twenty years ago, using such editors was common for non-experts. The rise of smartphones replacing desktop computers has likely been the most significant factor in the decline of plain-text files. The average computer user has largely forgotten about plain-text files. Even the concept of "just files" is becoming obsolete. The only group keeping plain-text files relevant is software engineers, who have driven innovation in plain-text editing.
However, with the advent of language model (LLM) replacements, software developers are now inputting text in these LLM interfaces. The question arises: what will happen if this final audience for plain-text files also abandons them?
Written by urgent.news from Lobsters's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
