Continuing the series of searching for the ideal PHP editor for Ubuntu, this time is the turn of Scribes a minimalistic editor which has many interesting features. Rather than the normal multiple tabs has an interesting document switcher press F9 and your presented with the list of open documents. I idea behind this is simple let the window manager manage the documents rather than the application itself but if your like myself and are using beryl each time F9 is pressed you are unfortunately by default not given this.

The ability to add you own templates to an already long list is very good and simple to customize to your own tastes speeds productivity no end. To define a template simply enter the text and define it with a unique name you have the ability to include multiple insert points and place the cursor (see example below). To use type the key then tab easy to use and adds extra productivity to your work.

function ${name}(${params})
{
${cursor}
}

The search and replace widget docked at the bottom of the window enables the document you are searching is always visible. This minimalistic approach for the whole application gives a very clutter free and easy approach to an application of this type.

One of my frustrations with this editor is the omission of a save button each open document is automatically saved this along with PHP autocompletion leaves Scribes very close but at present not quite there for maximum productivity but this is definately one application to keep your eye on.