How To Install Notepad++ on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Notepad++ is a powerful, open-source text and source code editor that has gained immense popularity among developers and programmers worldwide. Originally designed for Windows, many users transitioning to Linux environments seek to replicate its functionality on their systems. This guide will walk you through the process of installing Notepad++ on Ubuntu 24.04 using two primary methods: Snap and Wine. Whether you are a seasoned developer or a newcomer to coding, this article aims to provide clear, step-by-step instructions to help you get Notepad++ up and running smoothly on your Ubuntu system.

What is Notepad++?

Notepad++ is a versatile text editor known for its user-friendly interface and rich feature set. It supports various programming languages, making it an excellent choice for developers who require syntax highlighting, code folding, and a multi-document interface. Additionally, Notepad++ offers extensive plugin support, allowing users to extend its functionality with a variety of tools tailored to their specific needs.

While there are many text editors available for Linux, such as Gedit, Atom, and Sublime Text, Notepad++ remains a favorite due to its lightweight nature and robust features. However, it is essential to note that since Notepad++ is primarily a Windows application, running it on Ubuntu requires additional steps.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before installing Notepad++, ensure that your system meets the following prerequisites:

• System Requirements: A compatible version of Ubuntu (24.04 or later).
• Tools Required:
  • Snap Package Manager: Pre-installed on Ubuntu 24.04.
  • Wine: Required if you choose the Wine installation method.
• User Permissions: Ensure you have a non-root user account with sudo privileges.
• Internet Connectivity: Required for downloading packages and dependencies.

Method 1: Install Notepad++ using Snap

What is Snap?

Snap is a modern package management system developed by Canonical that allows users to install applications in an isolated environment. This approach ensures that applications do not interfere with each other or the underlying system, providing enhanced stability and security. Installing applications via Snap is straightforward and often requires minimal configuration.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

The following steps outline how to install Notepad++ using Snap:

1. Update Your System:Start by updating your package list to ensure all your repositories are up-to-date. Open the terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and run the following command:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

2. Install Snapd (if not already installed):If Snapd is not installed on your system, you can install it with the following command:

   sudo apt install snapd

3. Install Notepad++:Now that Snapd is ready, you can proceed to install Notepad++. Execute the following command in the terminal:

   sudo snap install notepad-plus-plus

4. Launching Notepad++:Once the installation is complete, you can launch Notepad++ either from the application menu or by typing the following command in the terminal:

   notepad-plus-plus

Method 2: Install Notepad++ using Wine

What is Wine?

Wine is a compatibility layer that allows Linux users to run Windows applications seamlessly. By translating Windows API calls into POSIX calls on-the-fly, Wine enables users to enjoy their favorite Windows software without needing a full Windows operating system. This method is particularly useful for applications like Notepad++, which do not have native Linux versions.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

If you prefer to use Wine for installing Notepad++, follow these steps:

1. Install Wine:You need to install Wine before running any Windows applications. Execute the following commands in your terminal:

   sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install wine64 wine32

2. Download Notepad++ Installer:Navigating to the official Notepad++ website allows you to download the latest installer. Use your web browser or run this command in your terminal (replace “ with the actual version number):

   wget https://github.com/notepad-plus-plus/notepad-plus-plus/releases/download/v8.7.2/npp.8.7.2.Installer.exe

3. Run the Installer with Wine:Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the installer and run it using Wine by executing this command:

   wine npp.8.7.2.Installer.exe

   This will launch the installation wizard. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.

4. Launching Notepad++:You can launch Notepad++ from your application menu or by typing this command in your terminal:

   wine ~/.wine/drive_c/Program\ Files/Notepad++/notepad++.exe

Using Notepad++: First Steps

After successfully installing Notepad++, it’s time to familiarize yourself with its interface and features. When you first launch Notepad++, you’ll notice a clean layout with several essential components:

• Main Menu: Access file operations, editing options, view settings, and plugins.
• Edit Area: The central space where you create or edit text files.
• Status Bar: Displays information about the current document such as line number and column position.

You can create new files by clicking on “File” > “New” or open existing files using “File” > “Open.” To save your work, use “File” > “Save” or “Save As.” Explore various settings under “Settings” > “Preferences” to customize your editing experience according to your preferences.

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

If you encounter any issues during installation or while running Notepad++, consider these common problems and their solutions:

• Error: ‘snap’ command not found:
  • This indicates that Snapd may not be installed correctly. Revisit Step 1 of Method 1 and ensure Snapd installation was successful.
• Error: Wine configuration issues:
  • If Wine fails to run applications properly, ensure that it is fully updated by running:

    winecfg

• No sound or graphics issues in Wine applications:
  • This could be due to missing libraries or incorrect configurations. Verify that all required dependencies for Wine are installed.
• No access permissions when launching applications:
  • If you face permission errors when running commands, ensure you’re using `sudo` where necessary or check file permissions.
• If all else fails:
  • You can seek help from online forums such as Ask Ubuntu or Stack Overflow where many experienced users share their solutions.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Notepad++. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing the Notepad++ free text editor on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official Notepad++ website.