https://sourceforge.net/projects/frhed/
On a similar note I also use Notepad2 which hasn't been updated in years, but is a no-BS upgrade from Notepad that also will open just about anything very quickly. I use it more than Notepad++ because of the balance between simplicity and function, and it never gives me popups to update.
VMs - Specifically with Parallels Desktop. I'm a bit fed up with MacOS packagers. I prefer having a small VM, where things are at least consistent. And no risks of NPM contaminations.