wtf is ep_hide_line_numbers?

Etherpad is a collaborative, browser-based text editor (similar to Google Docs) that numbers each line of a document by default. The ep_hide_line_numbers plugin does exactly what its name suggests: it hides those line numbers so they don't appear when someone opens a new pad. This gives the editing space a cleaner, more traditional word-processor feel instead of looking like a code editor. The plugin is installed through Etherpad's built-in plugin manager. An administrator can find it by searching for it in the Etherpad admin settings panel, or by running a single install command from the server's root directory. After installation, a server restart is all that's needed to take effect. The README includes a specific warning for anyone managing the server: don't try to install it manually using standard Node.js package commands. Etherpad has its own way of tracking plugins, and bypassing it can break the entire server. This tool is designed for administrators running an Etherpad instance who want a simpler, less technical presentation for their users. For example, if a school or writing group uses Etherpad for creative writing or collaborative brainstorming, line numbers might be an unnecessary distraction. Hiding them makes the tool feel more like a blank page and less like a developer's workspace. The project itself is straightforward and does one small thing well. The README doesn't go into detail on how the hiding mechanism works under the hood, but the scope is intentionally minimal: it removes a default interface element to create a cleaner editing experience.