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How to Install Packages in Atom Editor

Edited 2 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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How to Install Packages in Atom Editor

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Atom is a free and open-source text and source code editor developed by GitHub. It is known for its ease of customization and flexibility, driven by its support for third-party packages. These packages extend the core features of Atom, add new functionalities or modify existing ones. In this detailed guide, you will learn step-by-step how to install packages in Atom editor, manage them efficiently, and explore some useful packages to enhance your coding environment.

Before getting into package installation, it is good to have some basic understanding of what a package is. In simple terms, a package in Atom is a collection of scripts, stylesheets, and resources that add specific functionality to the editor. You can find packages that support programming languages, modify UI themes, include add-ons, and more.

Step-by-step guide to installing packages

Atom makes it relatively easy to install, uninstall, and manage packages thanks to its built-in package management system. Below, we'll explore the two primary ways to install packages: searching through Atom's graphical user interface and using the command line.

Method 1: Installing packages through Atom's GUI

This method is straightforward, as it requires minimal command-line interaction. Here are the steps:

  1. Open Atom: Start by launching the Atom editor on your computer. If you haven't already installed Atom, visit the official Atom website and download the latest version for your operating system. Run the setup file to install it.
  2. Access the Settings view: Once Atom is open, go to the top menu and click File → Settings on Windows/Linux or Atom → Preferences on macOS. This action opens the Settings view.
  3. Go to the Install section: In the Settings view, you'll see a list of options on the left sidebar. Click Install - this will open an interface where you can search for new packages and themes.
  4. Search for a package: In the search bar under the Install Packages section, type the name of the package you want to install. Atom will show a list of matching packages. You can also search for featured or trending packages there.
  5. Install the package: When you find a package you're interested in, click the Install button next to its name. Atom will automatically download and install the package for you. After installation, the package will be ready to use.

Method 2: Installing the package via command line

If you prefer to use the command line, Atom provides a command-line tool apm (Atom Package Manager) to handle packages. Here's how to use it:

  1. Open the Terminal or Command Prompt. Depending on your operating system, open the Terminal (macOS/Linux) or Command Prompt (Windows).
  2. Check the APM installation: To make sure apm is installed and accessible, type apm --version and press Enter. If it is not recognized, make sure Atom is installed correctly. However, apm usually comes bundled with Atom.
  3. Search for a package: Use apm search package-name command to find the package you want. Replace package-name with your specific search term. For example, if you want to install a package named emmet, you would type apm search emmet.
  4. Install the package: Once you find the desired package, install it using apm install package-name. For example, apm install emmet will install the Emmet package.

Package management

After you install packages, you may want to manage and configure them. Here's how you can do so effectively, both through the GUI and the command line.

Enabling and disabling packages

Sometimes you may need to enable or disable a package without uninstalling it. This can be beneficial when you suspect a package is causing problems, but you don't want to lose its settings or remove it entirely.

Updating packages

Keeping your packages updated ensures you have the latest features and security solutions.

Uninstalling a package

If you no longer need a package, or it's causing conflicts, uninstalling it can reallocate resources and tidy up your environment.

Popular Atom packages to install

With thousands of packages available, trying some of the popular ones can significantly increase your productivity:

Troubleshooting common problems

When installing or managing packages, you may encounter some common problems. Here's how you can resolve them:

Atom's flexibility and its vibrant community contribute to a rich ecosystem of packages. By learning how to effectively install and manage these packages, you can tailor the editor to your coding style and preferences. As you continue exploring Atom, remember to regularly check for new packages that can enhance your workflow. Thank you for choosing this guide to understand package installation in the Atom editor!

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