This is the first beta version of the next release of WinEdt. It is intended for users that are reasonably familiar with WinEdt 5.5 and are willing to spend some time reading about the new features, experimenting with the new settings and carefully import parts of their old settings. First-time users or users making a fresh install (eg. on a new machine) are encouraged to try this version since they do not have any baggage pertaining to their old settings and preferences. In any case, read this section all the way to the bottom before downloading and installing the new beta version!
UPGRADING: Before you download the new version and attempt to upgrade from 5.5 please follow the link below and read the important instructions (unless you are already familiar with them from the previous upgrading experience to WinEdt 5.5):
Neglecting to do so might result in problems and compatibility issues that could be easily avoided if you follow the proper procedure and make the right decisions...
Only MiKTeX and TeX Live configurations have been updated for the new Execution Modes inside WinEdt's Console. If you are using WinEdt for anything else you should probably not install this beta version unless you are competent enough to upgrade such configurations yourself. Otherwise the best case scenario is that everything will be just as before (plus any "lurking" problems that are yet to be discovered, reported, and fixed in the new version). You can, however, provide feedback on the Mailing List regarding configurations that you are currently missing or you would like to see updated...
Furthermore, this being a beta version the following (safe) installation procedure is recommended:
log-in with an administrator account Start WinEdt and from Options -> Configuration Wizard start two instances of Windows Explorer (one in Install Folder and the other in Installation Folder). Close WinEdt and rename both instances of WinEdt folder to WinEdt55 (this will allow you to roll back WinEdt exactly as it was before the upgrade in case you encounter any serious problems with the new version)... Make a fresh install of WinEdt 5.6... Check the new default appearance, Accessories Menu, Help Menu and try a few things (eg. set some obvious preferences in the Wizard). Now you can start importing your old settings from WinEdt55 folder inside Application Data. Close WinEdt and copy over any .prj or .dic files. You can also copy Config\Backup folder to the new location (and anything in your old Local Folder). Now restart WinEdt and through Options -> Maintenance -> Restore import some of your old settings. Be selective with the new Accessories Menu and Toolbar but there should be no problem restoring your dictionaries, custom colors, custom menus, settings, etc... If you import too much use the Default command to restore a default configuration component or an individual menu or else make manual corrections to your problematic custom setting(s). If you are using custom (or customized) components and macros import them one by one so that in case of a problem or a conflict you know what triggered it and you can do some investigating or else send a precise description of what is wrong... If everything goes smoothly you should have WinEdt 5.6 up and running configured to your standards quickly. If, on the other hand, you encounter serious problems you can restore the old version exactly as it was by renaming the two WinEdt folders to WinEdt56 and rename the old WinEdt55 folders back to WinEdt (while WinEdt is closed!).
Major new features in WinEdt 5.6:
Read the link on What's New in WinEdt 5.6 for the list of all new features, bug fixes and changes. The most noticeable new feature is WinEdt's ability to execute Console Applications in its own Window and the changes related to this feature.
Before installing the new version read carefully what is new in this build. Some default settings (most notably the ones pertaining to execution of TeX accessories) have been changed. It is only a matter of seconds to overwrite them through the Execution Modes Interface and the Configuration Wizard (but remember the default preferences cannot please everyone):
What's New in WinEdt 5.6?
Now you are ready to install the new version. Have fun:-)
WinEdt 5.6 [Build: 20080429] is currently only available from two local servers with limited download capabilities:
WinEdt 5.6: [Build: 20080429] (winedt56.exe 8.61 MB) Server 1 WinEdt 5.6: [Build: 20080429] (winedt56.exe 8.61 MB) Server 2
What would I like to hear at this stage?
Any bugs and problems with the new version... Comments on new default settings and appearance... Any problems with installation or upgrade... Confirmed fixes...
Problems or confirmations of fixes can be reported directly to alex@winedt.com or else they can be communicated on WinEdt's Mailing List.
Avoid sending major feature requests: they will have to wait for version 5.7 (folding and all)! At this stage updating the documentation and fixing any remaining problems or rounding up the existing functionality is a priority since the official release is (once again) overdue.