Most code editors are similar to notepad.exe in that they are "text editors", but unlike notepad.exe they have functionality built into them to send the code into the compiler.

Microsoft Word is perfect for writing code if you're not too keen on using Notepad. To learn how, please keep reading.

XML Notepad 2007 is themed around the same kind of just-the-text-ma'am simplicity of Windows' Notepad, but does add relevant features for markup language hacking.

For another notepad replacement that has recieved accolades from code-writing readers here, check out Notepad++. Programmer's Notepad is freeware, Windows only.