How To Install Atom Text Editor on CentOS Stream 10

In this tutorial, we will show you how to install Atom Text Editor on your CentOS Stream 10. Atom Text Editor stands out as a versatile and highly customizable tool for developers. It’s a free, open-source text editor designed to cater to a wide array of coding needs. Atom is more than just a text editor; it’s a robust development environment that supports various programming languages, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced developers. Its hackable nature allows users to tweak its appearance and functionality to suit their specific workflows. This adaptability, coupled with its cross-platform compatibility, ensures that Atom can be seamlessly integrated into any development ecosystem.

Atom’s extensive package ecosystem and user-friendly interface make it a favorite among developers seeking a text editor that can adapt to their evolving needs. Whether you are working on web development, software engineering, or scripting, Atom provides the tools and flexibility required to enhance your productivity. The ability to install and customize packages allows you to extend Atom’s functionality, adding support for new languages, linters, and development tools.

CentOS Stream 10 offers a robust and reliable platform for running development tools. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on installing Atom Text Editor on CentOS Stream 10. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to set up Atom and start leveraging its powerful features for your development projects. This article aims to provide comprehensive instructions, ensuring a smooth installation process and empowering you to make the most of Atom on your CentOS Stream 10 system. Let’s dive in and get Atom up and running on your machine.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the installation of Atom Text Editor on CentOS Stream 10, several prerequisites must be met to ensure a smooth and successful setup. These prerequisites include verifying system requirements and updating your system to the latest packages.

System Requirements

Ensuring your system meets the minimum requirements is crucial for the optimal performance of Atom. While Atom is designed to be lightweight, having sufficient resources will prevent performance issues and ensure a smooth coding experience. Check that your CentOS Stream 10 system has at least 1 GB of RAM and a dual-core processor. A stable internet connection is required to download the necessary packages and dependencies. Meeting these system requirements will help you avoid common installation and runtime problems.

Ensuring Your CentOS Stream 10 System Is Up-to-Date

Keeping your CentOS Stream 10 system updated is a fundamental step in maintaining system stability and security. Outdated packages can lead to compatibility issues and potential vulnerabilities. Use the following command to update your system repositories and upgrade installed packages:

sudo dnf update

This command synchronizes your system with the latest package versions available in the CentOS Stream 10 repositories. It ensures that all installed software is up-to-date, reducing the risk of conflicts during the installation of Atom. Regularly updating your system is a best practice for overall system health and security.

Checking for and Installing wget and git

wget and git are essential tools for downloading files and managing source code, respectively. These tools may not be installed by default on your CentOS Stream 10 system, but they are necessary for some installation methods. Verify their presence by running the following commands:

which wget
which git

If either command returns nothing, it means the corresponding tool is not installed. Install them using the following command:

sudo dnf install wget git

wget is used to download the Atom RPM package, while git might be required if you choose to install Atom from source or use version control features. Installing these tools ensures you have the necessary utilities for a seamless installation process and future development tasks.

Installing Atom Text Editor on CentOS Stream 10

Installing Atom Text Editor on CentOS Stream 10 can be achieved through several methods, each with its own advantages. This section details three primary methods: using the official Atom repository, manual installation via RPM package, and installing from the archive for non-root users. Follow the instructions carefully to choose the method that best suits your needs and system configuration.

Method 1: Using the Official Atom Repository

Installing Atom from the official repository ensures that you receive automatic updates and the latest features. This method involves adding the Atom repository to your system’s package manager, allowing you to install and manage Atom like any other system package.

Adding the Atom Repository

To add the official Atom repository, you need to import the GPG key and create a repository file. These steps ensure that your system trusts the packages coming from the Atom repository.

Importing the GPG Key

The GPG key verifies the authenticity of the packages. Use the following command to import the GPG key:

sudo rpm --import https://packagecloud.io/AtomEditor/atom/gpgkey

This command adds the GPG key to your system’s RPM database, allowing it to verify the packages from the Atom repository. Without the GPG key, your system will not trust the packages, and the installation will fail.

Creating the Repository File

The repository file tells your system where to find the Atom packages. Create the repository file using the following command:

sudo sh -c 'echo -e "[Atom]\nname=Atom Editor\nbaseurl=https://packagecloud.io/AtomEditor/atom/el/7/\$basearch\nenabled=1\ngpgcheck=0\nrepo_gpgcheck=1\ngpgkey=https://packagecloud.io/AtomEditor/atom/gpgkey" > /etc/yum.repos.d/atom.repo'

This command creates a file named atom.repo in the /etc/yum.repos.d/ directory. This file contains the necessary information for your system to locate and download Atom packages. The baseurl specifies the location of the Atom repository, and the gpgkey points to the GPG key used to verify the packages.

Installing Atom

Once the repository is added, you can install Atom using the dnf package manager:

sudo dnf install atom

This command downloads and installs Atom Text Editor along with any necessary dependencies. The dnf package manager automatically resolves dependencies, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation. After the installation is complete, you can launch Atom from the applications menu or by typing atom in the terminal.

Method 2: Manual Installation via RPM Package

Manual installation via RPM package is an alternative method that involves downloading the RPM package directly from the Atom website and installing it using the rpm command. This method is useful if you prefer to have more control over the installation process or if you encounter issues with the official repository.

Downloading the Atom RPM Package

Download the Atom RPM package using the following command:

wget https://atom.io/download/rpm

This command downloads the latest Atom RPM package to your current directory. Make sure you are in a directory where you have write permissions, such as your home directory. The downloaded file will have a name similar to atom.x86_64.rpm.

Installing the RPM Package

Install the RPM package using the following command:

sudo rpm -ivh atom.x86_64.rpm

This command installs the Atom Text Editor from the downloaded RPM package. The -i option specifies that you are installing a package, -v enables verbose output, and -h displays a hash mark progress bar. If you encounter dependency issues, proceed to the next step.

Resolving Potential Dependency Issues

Sometimes, the rpm command may fail to install the package due to missing dependencies. You can resolve these issues using the dnf package manager:

sudo dnf install -y atom.x86_64.rpm

The dnf command automatically resolves and installs any missing dependencies. The -y option automatically answers “yes” to any prompts, ensuring a non-interactive installation. After resolving the dependencies, Atom should be successfully installed on your system.

Method 3: Installing from the Archive (for non-root users)

Installing Atom from the archive is a convenient method for users who do not have root privileges or prefer a portable installation. This method involves downloading a compressed archive, extracting it, and running Atom directly from the extracted directory.

Downloading the Atom Archive

Go to the Atom releases page and download the atom-amd64.tar.gz archive. You can use wget to download the archive directly from the command line:

wget https://github.com/atom/atom/releases/download/v1.63.1/atom-amd64.tar.gz

Replace v1.63.1 with the latest version number available on the Atom releases page. This command downloads the compressed archive to your current directory.

Extracting the Archive

Extract the archive using the following command:

tar xf atom-amd64.tar.gz

This command extracts the contents of the archive into a new directory named atom-amd64. You can now navigate to this directory and run Atom.

Running Atom

Navigate to the extracted directory and run the atom command:

cd atom-amd64
./atom

This command launches Atom Text Editor. Since you are running Atom from the extracted directory, you do not need root privileges. This method is ideal for users who want to use Atom without installing it system-wide.

Installing Dependencies (if required)

In some cases, you may encounter issues due to missing dependencies. If Atom fails to start or reports missing libraries, you can install the necessary dependencies using the following command:

sudo apt install git libasound2 libcurl4 libgbm1 libgcrypt20 libgtk-3-0 libnotify4 libnss3 libglib2.0-bin xdg-utils libx11-xcb1 libxcb-dri3-0 libxss1 libxtst6 libxkbfile1

Note that this command is specific to Debian-based systems. On CentOS Stream 10, you should use the dnf package manager to install the dependencies. However, since you are running Atom from the archive, these dependencies are typically not required.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with detailed instructions, installation issues can arise. This section covers common problems and provides solutions to help you overcome these challenges.

Dependency Errors

Dependency errors occur when the system lacks required libraries or packages. When installing via RPM, use dnf to resolve these:

sudo dnf install -y atom.x86_64.rpm

This command automatically identifies and installs missing dependencies, ensuring Atom can run correctly.

GPG Key Errors

GPG key errors happen when the system cannot verify the authenticity of the packages. Ensure the GPG key is correctly imported:

sudo rpm --import https://packagecloud.io/AtomEditor/atom/gpgkey

After importing the key, retry the installation. This step verifies that the packages are indeed from the official Atom repository.

Permissions Issues

Permissions issues can prevent successful installation, especially when extracting archives or running executables. Ensure you have write permissions in the installation directory. For non-root installations, use your home directory:

cd ~
tar xf atom-amd64.tar.gz
cd atom-amd64
./atom

Running Atom from your home directory avoids most permission-related issues.

Configuring Atom Text Editor

After successfully installing Atom Text Editor, configuring it to suit your preferences and workflow is essential. This section covers launching Atom for the first time, initial setup, interface overview, installing useful packages, and customizing Atom with themes and settings.

Launching Atom for the First Time

Launching Atom is straightforward. You can start Atom from the terminal or the applications menu, depending on your installation method.

From the Terminal

Open the terminal and type:

atom

This command launches Atom. If Atom is not in your system’s PATH, you may need to navigate to the installation directory and run the executable directly.

From the Applications Menu

Search for “Atom” in the applications menu and click the icon to launch it. This method is convenient for users who prefer a graphical interface.

Initial Setup and Interface Overview

When you launch Atom for the first time, you’ll be greeted with a welcome screen that provides options to open a project, open a file, or explore Atom’s features. The interface consists of the following key components:

• Menu Bar: Provides access to file operations, settings, and package management.
• Editor Area: The main area where you write and edit code.
• Tree View: Displays the file and directory structure of your project.
• Status Bar: Shows information about the current file, such as line endings, encoding, and Git status.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the interface. The layout is designed to be intuitive, but understanding the different components will enhance your workflow.

Installing Useful Packages

Atom’s functionality can be greatly extended through packages. This section covers how to install packages using the Atom Package Manager (apm) and recommends some useful packages.

Using the Atom Package Manager (apm)

The Atom Package Manager (apm) is a command-line tool for managing Atom packages. You can use apm to install, uninstall, and update packages. To install a package, use the following command:

apm install <package-name>

Replace <package-name> with the name of the package you want to install. For example, to install the atom-beautify package, use the following command:

apm install atom-beautify

Recommended Packages

Here are some recommended packages that can enhance your development experience:

• atom-beautify: Formats your code to improve readability.
• emmet: Provides shortcuts for writing HTML and CSS.
• file-icons: Adds icons to the tree view for different file types.
• git-plus: Integrates Git commands directly into Atom.
• linter: Provides real-time linting for various programming languages.

Installing these packages can significantly improve your coding efficiency and productivity.

Customizing Atom

Atom is highly customizable, allowing you to change its appearance and behavior to suit your preferences. This section covers customizing Atom with themes and settings.

Themes

Themes change the look and feel of Atom. You can install themes through the settings menu or using apm. To install a theme through the settings menu, follow these steps:

1. Open the settings menu by clicking File > Settings.
2. Click Themes in the left sidebar.
3. Search for themes in the Install section.
4. Click Install on the theme you want to install.

Alternatively, you can use apm to install themes:

apm install <theme-name>

Replace <theme-name> with the name of the theme you want to install. Some popular themes include one-dark, one-light, and material-ui.

Settings

Settings allow you to adjust Atom’s behavior, keybindings, and other preferences. To access the settings menu, click File > Settings. The settings menu is divided into several sections:

• Core: Configures basic settings such as auto-saving, encoding, and line endings.
• Editor: Adjusts editor behavior such as font size, tab length, and soft wrap.
• Keybindings: Defines custom keyboard shortcuts.
• Packages: Configures installed packages.
• Themes: Selects and configures themes.

Take the time to explore these settings and adjust them to your liking. Customizing Atom to match your preferences can significantly improve your coding experience.

Opening a Project

Opening a project in Atom allows you to work with multiple files and directories as a single unit. To open a project, follow these steps:

1. Click File > Open Folder.
2. Select the directory containing your project files.
3. Click Select Folder.

Atom will display the file and directory structure in the tree view, allowing you to easily navigate and edit your project files.

Updating Atom Text Editor

Keeping Atom Text Editor up-to-date is crucial for maintaining security, accessing new features, and ensuring compatibility with the latest packages. This section covers automatic updates, manual updates, and the importance of keeping Atom updated.

Automatic Updates

Atom is designed to update automatically in the background. By default, automatic updates are enabled, ensuring you always have the latest version. To verify or change the automatic update settings, follow these steps:

1. Open the settings menu by clicking File > Settings.
2. Click Core in the left sidebar.
3. Check or uncheck the Automatically Update option.

Enabling automatic updates ensures that Atom stays current without requiring manual intervention.

Manual Updates

If automatic updates are disabled or you want to check for updates manually, you can do so through the built-in update mechanism or via the package manager.

Using the Built-In Update Mechanism

To check for updates using the built-in update mechanism, follow these steps:

1. Click Atom > Check for Update in the menu bar.
2. If an update is available, follow the prompts to download and install it.

This method is straightforward and ensures you get the latest version directly from the Atom developers.

Updating via Package Manager

If you installed Atom via the official repository, you can update it using the dnf package manager:

sudo dnf update atom

This command updates Atom to the latest version available in the repository. This method ensures that all dependencies are also updated, maintaining system stability.

Why Keeping Atom Updated Is Important

Keeping Atom updated is essential for several reasons:

• Security: Updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities.
• New Features: Updates introduce new features and improvements that enhance your coding experience.
• Compatibility: Updates ensure compatibility with the latest packages and development tools.

Regularly updating Atom ensures that you benefit from the latest improvements and maintain a secure and stable development environment.

Using Atom Text Editor

With Atom installed and configured, it’s time to explore its features and start coding. This section covers basic text editing, advanced features, integrating Atom with Git, and useful shortcuts.

Basic Text Editing

Atom provides a user-friendly interface for basic text editing tasks such as creating, opening, and saving files.

Creating, Opening, and Saving Files

To create a new file, click File > New File or press Ctrl+N. To open an existing file, click File > Open File or press Ctrl+O. To save a file, click File > Save or press Ctrl+S. Atom supports various file formats, including text files, source code files, and configuration files.

Advanced Features

Atom offers several advanced features that enhance your coding experience and improve your productivity.

Syntax Highlighting

Syntax highlighting automatically colors code elements based on the programming language, making code easier to read and understand. Atom supports syntax highlighting for a wide range of languages. The editor can automatically detect the language or you can specify it manually. For instance, the Atom editor provides syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and more.

Autocompletion

Autocompletion suggests code snippets and function names as you type, saving you time and reducing errors. Atom’s autocompletion feature is powered by packages and can be customized to support different languages and frameworks. By leveraging this feature, you can significantly accelerate your coding process.

Code Folding

Code folding allows you to collapse and expand sections of code, making it easier to navigate large files. This feature is particularly useful for managing complex code structures and focusing on specific parts of your code. You can fold and unfold code blocks using the markers in the editor’s gutter.

Multiple Panes

Multiple panes allow you to split the editor area into multiple views, enabling you to work on multiple files simultaneously. To create a new pane, right-click in the editor area and select Split Right, Split Left, Split Up, or Split Down. This feature is invaluable for comparing code, editing related files, and multitasking efficiently.

Integrating Atom with Git

Git integration is essential for version control and collaboration. Atom provides built-in Git integration and supports the git-plus package for advanced Git commands.

Using the Built-In Git Integration

Atom’s built-in Git integration displays the Git status of files in the tree view and editor area. You can stage, commit, and push changes directly from Atom. These features simplify the process of managing your code and collaborating with others.

Committing, Pushing, and Pulling Changes

To commit changes, open the Git panel by clicking the Git icon in the status bar. Stage the changes you want to commit, enter a commit message, and click Commit. To push changes to a remote repository, click Push. To pull changes from a remote repository, click Pull. These commands streamline the process of managing your code and keeping it synchronized with remote repositories.

Useful Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your coding speed and efficiency. Here are some useful Atom shortcuts:

• Ctrl+N: New File
• Ctrl+O: Open File
• Ctrl+S: Save File
• Ctrl+Shift+S: Save As
• Ctrl+C: Copy
• Ctrl+V: Paste
• Ctrl+X: Cut
• Ctrl+Z: Undo
• Ctrl+Y: Redo
• Ctrl+F: Find
• Ctrl+H: Replace
• Ctrl+Shift+F: Find in Project
• Ctrl+P: Fuzzy Finder (quickly open files)
• Ctrl+Shift+P: Command Palette

Learning and using these shortcuts can significantly enhance your workflow and reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks. Mastering these shortcuts will make your coding experience more efficient and enjoyable.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Atom. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing Atom Text Editor in CentOS Stream 10 systems. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Atom Text Editor website.