I write code everyday...Html, VBScript, Javascript, and so on.  Everyone has used notepad or their favorite code editor.  When I arrived at Mission Research, I was introduced to Parachute.  Parachute is a code editor that is easy to use, powerful, and free.  It won't replace an IDE any time soon, but for freehand coding outside the IDE, it can't be beat.  You can get a free copy at Dave's site daveweaver.net/parachute.  (Be sure to install the schemes also).