Show HN: Miniword — a WYSIWYG word processor in Python

What it is

Miniword is a tiny WYSIWYG word processor written in Python and hosted on Codeberg. It’s minimal by design — not a full-blown office suite, but a focused editor that aims to get out of your way. It has been reported that development happens on Linux, though it should run on Windows and macOS as well. Why build a word processor in Python in 2026? Because sometimes you want simple, readable code and a tool that behaves like a friendly neighbor rather than a corporate behemoth.

Install, run, and license

It has been reported that the project includes straightforward instructions for Debian users to install dependencies via the system package manager, and it’s allegedly possible to run Miniword without a formal installation. If you want plugins — and you probably will — there are installer steps provided, and there are also instructions to register Miniword with your desktop environment. The code is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0, so it’s free to use, fork, and tinker with (contact the author for other license needs).

Why it matters

This is part of a quiet trend: small, single-purpose open-source apps that refuse to bloat. Not everyone needs cloud docs, collaboration layers, or endless feature creep. For hobbyists, educators, and privacy-minded users, a compact WYSIWYG editor in Python is a breath of fresh air. Want to poke under the hood and learn? Here’s your playground. See the project on Codeberg (https://codeberg.org/chrisecker/miniword) and decide if minimalism still has a place on your desktop.

Sources: codeberg.org/chrisecker, Hacker News