Script editor:

You can use Maya's own script editor or a simple text editor to write your scripts, but they lack useful features such as syntax highlighting. A dedicated script editor is recommended, specially for beginners.

Below are some good script editors which you can download and install for free:

• Crimson Editor (PC)
• jEdit (PC+Mac)
• conTEXT (PC)
• BBEdit (Mac)

If you don't like any of those, feel free to chose any other you desire.