How to Install Atom IDE on Ubuntu

Atom is a free and open-source text editor created by GitHub. It is popular among developers because it’s flexible, easy to use, and supports many add-ons. Atom is a modern tool that can be customized to match your needs, which makes coding smoother. It works with many programming languages and has many extra features added by its community. 

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Atom on Ubuntu and explain its features along with usage tips.

Key Features of Atom IDE

Here are some key features that make Atom a popular choice among developers:

1. Atom works on Linux, Windows, and macOS, ensuring flexibility across different systems.
2. Easily install or create packages to extend functionality.
3. Offers a customizable interface that allows you to modify themes, key bindings, and toolbars.
4. Work effortlessly with Git and GitHub repositories.
5. Use the Teletype package to collaborate with others.
6. Offers intelligent code suggestions.
7. Manage and browse your project files directly without leaving the editor.

Installing Atom IDE on Ubuntu

Atom is a powerful, customizable text editor for coding. Installing it on Ubuntu is simple. Follow the steps below to quickly install Atom and start your development projects:

Before proceeding with the Atom installation, first, check the Ubuntu version to avoid compatibility issues.

Step 1: Update System Packages

Open a terminal and run this command to update your system and get the latest security patches and software versions:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 2: Download Atom Ubuntu

You can install apps on Ubuntu and other Debian-based systems using .deb files. This method is helpful because it lets you get the latest version. For example, to install Atom Text Editor, you can download its .deb file from GitHub:

You can download the Atom .deb file by running the following command:

wget https://github.com/atom/atom/releases/download/v1.60.0/atom-amd64.deb

Step 3: Install Atom Ubuntu

Now navigate to the folder where Atom is downloaded and double-click on it to open it:

Click the “Install” button to begin the installation process:

Alternatively, you can use the apt package manager to install Atom on Ubuntu from its .deb file:

sudo apt install ./atom-amd64.deb

Step 4: Verify Installation

After the installation process is completed, check the Atom version to ensure it is installed correctly:

atom --version

The output shows the installed version of Atom IDE and its related components, confirming a successful installation:

Step 5: Start Atom on Ubuntu

To start using Atom, you can either run the “atom” command from the terminal or search for “Atom” in your system’s application menu and click to launch:

That’s all about the Atom IDE installation on Ubuntu.

Conclusion

Atom is a highly customizable text editor that offers excellent features for developers across various platforms, including Ubuntu. Atom IDE is a great choice for coding projects because it has an easy-to-use interface, supports many programming languages, and offers powerful add-ons. In this article, we demonstrated the simple steps to install Atom on Ubuntu, from updating system packages to verifying the installation. 

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