How To Install Atom Text Editor on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Atom the versatile and open-source text editor developed by GitHub, has become a go-to choice for developers and writers alike. Its cross-platform capabilities and extensive customization options make it an attractive tool for users across various operating systems, including Ubuntu. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the process of installing Atom Text Editor on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the latest long-term support release of the popular Linux distribution.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, codenamed “Noble Numbat,” offers a stable and reliable platform for developers and content creators. By integrating Atom into this environment, users can leverage its powerful features to enhance their coding and writing workflows. Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or a novice writer, Atom’s intuitive interface and extensible architecture provide a solid foundation for your projects.

Prerequisites

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure that your system meets the necessary requirements and is properly prepared. Let’s cover the essential prerequisites for a smooth Atom installation on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

System Requirements

To run Atom efficiently on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, your system should meet or exceed the following specifications:

• Processor: 1.8 GHz or faster x64-bit processor
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
• Storage: At least 500 MB of free disk space
• Display: 1280×800 resolution or higher
• Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with 512MB or more memory

These requirements ensure that Atom runs smoothly, especially when working with larger projects or multiple plugins.

Pre-installation Steps

Before installing Atom, it’s essential to update and upgrade your Ubuntu system to ensure compatibility and security. Open a terminal window and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

These commands will refresh your system’s package lists and install any available updates, preparing your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for the Atom installation.

Installation Methods

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS offers multiple ways to install Atom, each with its own advantages. We’ll explore three popular methods: using Snap, installing via DEB package, and utilizing Flatpak. Choose the method that best suits your preferences and system configuration.

1. Installing Atom via Snap Package

Snap packages provide a convenient and secure way to install applications on Ubuntu. They offer automatic updates and sandboxing, ensuring that your Atom installation remains current and isolated from other system components.

Step-by-Step Guide

To install Atom using Snap, follow these simple steps:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Execute the following command:

sudo snap install atom --classic

3. Wait for the installation to complete. The terminal will display progress information.

Advantages of Using Snap

Installing Atom via Snap offers several benefits:

• Automatic updates: Snap packages receive updates automatically, ensuring you always have the latest version.
• Sandboxing: Snap applications run in isolated environments, enhancing security.
• Easy installation and removal: Snap simplifies the process of adding and removing software.
• Consistency across distributions: Snap packages work the same way on different Linux distributions.

2. Installing Atom via DEB Package

For users who prefer traditional package management or need more control over the installation process, installing Atom using a DEB package is an excellent option.

Downloading the DEB File

To begin, you’ll need to download the latest Atom DEB package:

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Atom GitHub releases page.
2. Locate the latest release for Ubuntu/Debian.
3. Download the file ending with `amd64.deb`.

Installation Process

Once you’ve downloaded the DEB file, follow these steps to install Atom:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Navigate to the directory containing the downloaded DEB file.
3. Run the following command to install Atom:

sudo apt install ./atom-amd64.deb

4. Enter your password when prompted.
5. Wait for the installation to complete.

Benefits of DEB Installation

Installing Atom via DEB package offers several advantages:

• Version control: You can choose specific versions of Atom to install.
• System integration: DEB packages integrate well with Ubuntu’s package management system.
• Offline installation: Once downloaded, you can install Atom without an internet connection.
• Customization: DEB installations allow for more granular control over the installation process.

3. Installing Atom via Flatpak

Flatpak is another popular method for installing applications on Linux systems, offering benefits similar to Snap but with some unique features.

Setting Up Flatpak

If Flatpak is not already installed on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system, you’ll need to set it up first:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Run the following commands:

sudo apt install flatpak
sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

3. Restart your system to ensure Flatpak is properly integrated.

Installing Atom with Flatpak

Once Flatpak is set up, you can install Atom using these steps:

1. Open a terminal window.
2. Execute the following command:

flatpak install flathub io.atom.Atom

3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Pros and Cons of Flatpak Installation

Flatpak installation offers several benefits and considerations:

Pros:

• Cross-distribution compatibility: Flatpak packages work across different Linux distributions.
• Sandboxing: Applications run in isolated environments for enhanced security.
• Runtime management: Flatpak manages dependencies and runtimes efficiently.

Cons:

• Larger installation size: Flatpak packages may require more disk space due to included dependencies.
• Potential performance overhead: The sandboxing feature may introduce slight performance impacts.

Post-installation Configuration

After successfully installing Atom on your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system, it’s time to launch the application and perform some basic configuration to tailor it to your needs.

Launching Atom for the First Time

To open Atom, you have two options:

1. Applications Menu: Click on the Ubuntu Applications menu, search for “Atom,” and click on the Atom icon.
2. Terminal: Open a terminal window and type `atom` followed by Enter.

When Atom launches for the first time, you may see a welcome screen introducing its features.

Basic Configuration Settings

Atom offers extensive customization options. Here are some initial settings you might want to adjust:

1. Themes: Go to Edit > Preferences > Themes to choose your preferred UI and syntax themes.
2. Packages: Navigate to Edit > Preferences > Packages to manage installed packages or browse for new ones.
3. Editor Settings: Under Edit > Preferences > Editor, you can adjust settings like font size, line height, and tab length.
4. Keybindings: Customize keyboard shortcuts in Edit > Preferences > Keybindings.

Take time to explore these settings and tailor Atom to your workflow preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While installing and using Atom on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

Atom Fails to Launch

If Atom doesn’t start after installation:

1. Check for missing dependencies:

sudo apt install --fix-broken

2. Verify Atom’s installation:

which atom

If it returns no result, try reinstalling Atom.

Atom Crashes Unexpectedly

For frequent crashes:

1. Clear Atom’s cache:

rm -rf ~/.atom/.apm
rm -rf ~/.atom/.node-gyp
rm -rf ~/.atom/.storage
rm -rf ~/.config/Atom
rm -rf ~/.config/atom

2. Restart Atom and check if the issue persists.

Package Installation Fails

If you’re having trouble installing packages:

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Ensure you have the necessary permissions:

sudo chown -R $(whoami) ~/.atom

3. Try installing the package from the command line:

apm install package-name

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Atom. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Atom open-source text and source code editor on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Atom website.