How to Install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

Sublime Merge is a git client software that comes with various features to help make working with git repositories easier. One of its most valuable features is the syntax highlighting engine, which makes it easier to read code. The custom high-performance Git reading library is also helpful, allowing you to stage changes line-by-line.

Additionally, the build-in git search function lets you quickly find commits, and the themes allow you to customize the look of the software to match your preferences. The Command Palette and Commit Editing functions are also helpful, letting you quickly execute git commands and edit commits. Finally, the Submodule Management and Git Flow Integration functions make it easy to work with submodules and manage branches. Overall, Sublime Merge is a powerful git client that can significantly improve your workflow.

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to install Sublime Merge on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS using the official Sublime APT repository using the command line terminal, along with how to launch the software and remove it in the future if required.

Update Ubuntu

First, update your system to ensure all existing packages are up to date to avoid conflicts.

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Install Required Packages

The following dependencies will need to be installed. Most of these packages are already on your system, but running the command can help ensure they’re installed.

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https wget ca-certificates gnupg2 ubuntu-keyring -y

Install Sublime Merge – APT Method

The first installation option is the APT manager, the easiest and quickest installation method, though you will need to import a third-party repository.

First, import the GPG key using the following command.

sudo wget -qO - https://download.sublimetext.com/sublimehq-pub.gpg | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/sublime.gpg

Next, import the repository using the following command.

echo 'deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/sublime.gpg] https://download.sublimetext.com/ apt/stable/' | sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/sublime-text.list

Now run an APT update to reflect the newly added repository from Sublime.

sudo apt update

Next, install Sublime Merge.

sudo apt install sublime-merge -y

Install Sublime Merge – Flatpak Method

The second option is to use the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is not installed natively on Ubuntu 22.04, given Canonical is behind both Ubuntu and Snaps, but it is available to install if you so wish. Installing Sublime Merge with Flatpak is often the best method for users who want the latest version without importing many APT repositories.

First, install the Flatpak manager if it was removed previously.

sudo apt install flatpak -y

For users installing Flatpak for the first time, it is often recommended to reboot your system. Failure to do this can occur with odd issues, such as paths not being generated for icons.

sudo reboot

SKIP THE REBOOT IF FLATPAK IS INSTALLED.

Next, you need to enable Flatpack using the following command in your terminal.

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

Now install Sublime Merge using the following flatpak command.

flatpak install flathub com.sublimemerge.App -y

How to Launch Sublime Merge

Launching the software for desktop users is as simple as following the path below.

Show Applications > Show Applications> Sublime Merge.

Example:

Once you have launched Sublime Merge, you can begin creating or opening repositories. The interface is simple and easy to navigate for any users familiar with other Git clients.

Example:

How to Update/Upgrade Sublime Merge

Depending on the method of installation used, the following commands can be used to update.

APT Update Method

sudo apt upgrade && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Update Method

flatpak update

How to Remove (Uninstall) Sublime Merge

Use one of the following commands to suit the original installation method for users who no longer require the application.

APT Remove Method

sudo apt autoremove sublime-merge -y

Flatpak Remove Method

flatpak uninstall --delete-data com.sublimemerge.App

Next, run the following command for any leftover clean-up.

flatpak remove --unused

Comments and Conclusion

If you are looking for a fantastic git client with many features, Sublime Merge is the perfect software for you. The developers have put a lot of work into this product, and it shows. Not only does it have all the features you would expect from a git client, but it also has some great extras that make using merge much easier.